Acts 7:58

New Living Translation (NLT)

His accusers took off their coats and laid them at the feet of a young man named Saul.

For Meditation

What an introduction that is! Paul, the greatest apostle to the gentiles, is introduced to the world for the first time as Saul, a murderer (Acts 7:58). No wonder Ananias protested God’s call to welcome the reputed persecutor of saints in Jerusalem (9:13-14). But thankfully, there is another introduction to remember.

This time Saul is in Jerusalem and tries to join the disciples, but every prayer hurdle breaks at his approach. So, I can imagine Barnabas before the apostles with the notorious murderer (Acts 9:27).

A quick hush runs through the room. James shifts in his seat and turns to the man they all revered, whose name means “son of encouragement” (4:36). This is not a “Good-to-have-you-here” welcome. The leader of the Jerusalem church has a question, and it shows in his face – straight and cloudy on the edges. With all eyes peering through him, Barnabas stumbles through his line.

“I know how you all feel. This is the last man I ever dreamed of introducing to you, but for the grace of God through our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ. I have nothing to say about him you don’t know already, apart from his experience with Jesus on Damascus road. Brother Ananias of Damascus shared your aversion and fear when the Lord chose him to go and minister to him in the house of Judas on Straight Street. But the Lord said to him, “Go, for Saul is, my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel. And I will show him how much he must suffer for my name’s sake” (Acts 9:15-16). The brethren in Damascus testify to his incredible transformation, the work of the Holy Spirit we all share in Christ. So, with divine confidence, I introduce to you our former persecutor, but now our brother in Christ, Paul of Tarsus.”

1. Isn’t that wonderful?
2. Isn’t God good?
3. Can it get any better than the grace of God through Jesus, and the power of His cross?
4. Can you be introduced any other way than the two introductions of Saul if, indeed, you share in the death and resurrection of Jesus?
5. Is there any higher motivation to praise the Lord all the days of your life and into eternity?

I pray you don’t look at any notorious criminal with a condescending sneer and walk away without a plea for God’s mercy and grace to embrace them. The man God used to write most of the New Testament scripture, gave the church her trusted handbook, and the best expositor of God’s salvation plan was once that criminal. And guess what? You share the same pedigree – a sinner saved by grace!

So, give somebody a break today by ministering Christ to them. You may be giving the world another Paul.

Shalom