第36章

Days of Preparation.

After his baptism, Paul broke his fast and remained "certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God." Boldly he declared Jesus of Nazareth to be the long-looked-for Messiah, who "died for our sins according to the Scriptures;...was buried, and...rose again the third day," after which He was seen by the Twelve and by others."And last of all," Paul added, "He was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time." ICorinthians 15:3, 4, 8.His arguments from prophecy were so conclusive, and his efforts were so manifestly attended by the power of God, that the Jews were confounded and unable to answer him.

The news of Paul's conversion had come to the Jews as a great surprise.He who had journeyed to Damascus "with authority and commission from the chief priests" (Acts 26:12) to apprehend and persecute the believers was now preaching the gospel of a crucified and risen Saviour, strengthening the hands of those who were already its disciples, and continually bringing in new converts to the faith he had once so bitterly opposed.

Paul had formerly been known as a zealous defender of the Jewish religion and an untiring persecutor of the followers of Jesus.Courageous, independent, persevering, his talents and training would have enabled him to serve in almost any capacity.He could reason with extraordinary clearness, and by his withering sarcasm could place an opponent in no enviable light.

And now the Jews saw this young man of unusual promise united with those whom he formerly persecuted, and fearlessly preaching in the name of Jesus.

A general slain in battle is lost to his army, but his death gives no additional strength to the enemy.But when a man of prominence joins the opposing force, not only are his services lost, but those to whom he joins himself gain a decided advantage.Saul of Tarsus, on his way to Damascus, might easily have been struck dead by the Lord, and much strength would have been withdrawn from the persecuting power.But God in His providence not only spared Saul's life, but converted him, thus transferring a champion from the side of the enemy to the side of Christ.An eloquent speaker and a severe critic, Paul, with his stern purpose and undaunted courage, possessed the very qualifications needed in the early church.

As Paul preached Christ in Damascus, all who heard him were amazed and said, "Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests?" Paul declared that his change of faith had not been prompted by impulse or fanaticism, but had been brought about by overwhelming evidence.In his presentation of the gospel he sought to make plain the prophecies relating to the first advent of Christ.He showed conclusively that these prophecies had been literally fulfilled in Jesus of Nazareth.The foundation of his faith was the sure word of prophecy.

As Paul continued to appeal to his astonished hearers to "repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance" (Acts 26:20), he "increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ." But many hardened their hearts, refusing to respond to his message, and soon their astonishment at his conversion was changed into intense hatred like that which they had shown toward Jesus.

The opposition grew so fierce that Paul was not allowed to continue his labors at Damascus.A messenger from heaven bade him leave for a time, and he "went into Arabia" (Galatians 1:17), where he found a safe retreat.

Here, in the solitude of the desert, Paul had ample opportunity for quiet study and meditation.He calmly reviewed his past experience and made sure work of repentance.He sought God with all his heart, resting not until he knew for a certainty that his repentance was accepted and his sin pardoned.

He longed for the assurance that Jesus would be with him in his coming ministry.He emptied his soul of the prejudices and traditions that had hitherto shaped his life, and received instruction from the Source of truth.Jesus communed with him and established him in the faith, bestowing upon him a rich measure of wisdom and grace.

When the mind of man is brought into communion with the mind of God, the finite with the Infinite, the effect on body and mind and soul is beyond estimate.In such communion is found the highest education.It is God's own method of development."Acquaint now thyself with Him" (Job 22:21), is His message to mankind.

The solemn charge that had been given Paul on the occasion of his interview with Ananias, rested with increasing weight upon his heart.When, in response to the word, "Brother Saul, receive thy sight," Paul had for the first time looked upon the face of this devout man, Ananias under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit said to him: "The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know His will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of His mouth.For thou shalt be His witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard.And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord."Acts 22:13-16.