Acts 9:1-19 - "From Saul to Paul"

Wit & Wisdom revealed through prayerful study of Acts, Chapter 9, verses 1 through 19. Commentary by Joshua Hullender.

     Saul was asked to do something that was not only completely opposite to his former way, but asked to do something which was impossible without the aid of those around him. Can you imagine how vulnerable a situation it must have been to go blindly into a town in which your reputation precedes you while carrying "papers of persecution" against those of "the Way"? This three days of blindness would have been the most opportune time to end Saul's life...but God had a better plan.

     After 3 days of blindness, scales fell from his eyes. This word, "scales" is most appropriate and reveals two profound truths.

     In Matthew 12:34, Jesus refers to the Pharisees as a "brood of vipers". Snakes, having scales, shed these and "become new" at various stages of life. This was a visible, physical and parabolic evidence of a yet unseen spiritual transformation that had taken place.

     But, if I understand the "scales" as an instrument which measure and weigh the balance of things, then the falling away of the scales point to Christ having paid once-for-all. Saul's heart and eyes formally weighed his fellow man using the "Scales of the Pharisees". The ideal and balanced Pharisee followed the Law of God as well as an ever-growing set of "rules" about God's Law.

Jesus simplified everything with two words: "follow Me".

     If Jesus is "The Way", I hope to always be "in the Way", so to speak, without being "underfoot". :)
     Jesus mentions earlier in Matthew 5:20 that "... unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees...you will not enter the kingdom of heaven."

     All the energy Saul expended fiercely persecuting the followers of Jesus, Paul now called upon during some of the mightiest and most everlasting acts of servitude toward Christ's Church. To this day, I remember the goodness of God through Paul rather than the destruction caused through Saul.

     I feel that nothing can stop a plan from God. In fact, it's just the opposite...you might even find yourself fighting "for" what you were "against" just a few days prior. He not only changes our direction according to His will, He stirs a passion within us to see the journey through to the end.

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Here blinded I stand...

...as Your grace takes my hand.

I'll travel wherever You lead me.

With Love as my guide...

...and I right by His side;

A helper to all those who need me.

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     God sees the good potential in all of us. With as much strength as I ran from God, I now chase after Him. Where once I was filled with evil, I now thirst for truth. To the voice I tried to drown, I now pour out my heart! The more I learn of Him, the more I yearn for Him! I will blindly submit to Your great Vision. Amen.

Special thank you to John Holley's "Experiencing God" Sabbath School Class @ Apison SDA