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In Acts 9:19-31 the author shows us the integrity of Saul's conversion. Luke records for us the arch persecutor of the Christian church arriving in Damascus. Saul plans to go to the synagogue—not to arrest every Christian whom he found, but to preach that Jesus is the Son of God.
Luke describes Paul's ministry in Damascus (vv.19-25) and then in Jerusalem (vv.26-30). Both descriptions of his ministry follow a similar pattern—both involve preaching (v.20), speaking (v.28), and debating (vv. 22, 29). Paul's subject was Jesus' kingship, divinity and messiahship (vv.20, 22), and that he had ministered in his name (vv. 27,28). On both occasions, there is a divided response. In Damascus they are astonished (v.21), yet the Jews are baffled and plan to kill him (v.22). In Jerusalem, the Jews attempt to kill him (v.29) but there are others who befriend Paul.
This is what apostolic ministry is all about: a preaching, speaking, teaching focus on Jesus. Some believe and follow, while others are baffled and oppose him.
However, the messenger continues to minister, and is sometimes relocated to minister elsewhere, as Paul is here, or is delivered by God to heaven as was Stephen (Acts 7) and James (Acts12).
God's messengers may pass into obscurity, but his message always prevails. God will see his purposes fulfilled. He has made a promise to his Son that the kingdoms of the earth are his for the asking. The book of Acts is the record of how he began to deliver on that promise.
Today, God continues working to actively fulfil that promise. His purposes are unstoppable.
David Cook
Principal
'From the Principal's archive
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