SAUL OF TARSUS CONVERTED.
By J. O. Corliss
THE first intimation we have of the existence of Saul of Tarsus is in connection with the martyrdom of Stephen, as recorded in Acts 7 : 58. In this account, altho but a young man he is made conspicuous as the one in whose charge were given the outer garments of those who stoned Stephen to death. As his name (sought for) implies, he seems even then to have been a favorite among those of his class. Indeed, he says of himself that so constant was his devotion to Judaism that in intense eagerness to uphold the traditions of his ancestors he surpassed many who were older than himself. Gal. 1 : 13, 14. It was this intensity of purpose, upheld by most sincere motives, which evidently gave him his high standing among his fellow-men, as it was that which commended him to the mercy of God. 1 Tim. 1 : 13. After the death of Stephen, Saul continued to rend the church at Jerusalem with his persecutions until it was scattered to various parts, where the persecuted fugitives continued to preach the Word. Acts 8 : 3, 4. So hotly did his zeal burn within him, that, having driven before him the great central church of the faith, he desired to continue the same work of devastation for the churches of other and smaller centers. He therefore went to the high priest and asked for letters recommending him and his work to the authorities of Damascus, and requesting that they grant him the privilege of arresting, and bringing to Jerusalem in bonds, all whom he found living the faith of the Gospel. Acts 9 : 1, 2. Receiving the permission he asked, he associated with himself several other zealots, and together they set out for the northern city, one hundred and fifty miles distant. A good week's journey brought the company in sight of their destination, when suddenly, at noon-day, there streamed down from heaven a light so brilliant that, as it rested on the noted leader, he fell to the ground, unable to withstand the dazzling brightness. This was doubtless the Lord's glory, tempered to the occasion and need of the time. Had this light shone in all its splendor, Saul, in his wicked state, could not have continued in life, but would have been brought to nothing by the splendor of the Lord's appearance. 2 Thess. 2 : 8. That this appearance to Saul was a visit from the Lord Jesus, not for his destruction, but for his conversion, is quite evident from the beseeching words which came through the great light, “Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou Me?” The unwonted occurrence of such a question proceeding from the midst of a light which could be seen to reach from heaven to earth, humbled the rabid persecutor. With subdued voice he asked, “Who art thou, Lord?” Immediately the voice from glory responded, “I am Jesus whom thou persecutest.” Astonishment beyond measure now took hold on Saul. Could it be possible that the Jesus whose followers he had so zealously persecuted, was really speaking to him from the midst of that heavenly light? As this conviction was forced upon him, he was not only humbled, but heartily ashamed of his past course. As a man of deep sincerity, he could now do nothing less than yield himself to the direction of the One speaking, who, he was sure, was the Christ for whom his nation had so long hoped. Under such conviction, Saul again speaks, but this time with the clearest evidence of genuine repentance. He is no longer defiant in voice or attitude; his former greatness has shrunken, and he sees himself no longer one to be desired, sought for. He does not even attempt a dignified reserve before his companions. He is now so thoroughly humbled that in trembling tone he asks, “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?” The answer was quickly returned, “Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.” The men accompanying Saul on this occasion heard the sound of all these words, but did not understand. No sooner were these directions given to Saul than he proceeded to follow them. Arising on the spot where he had fallen, he opened his eyelids; but to his astonishment, his eyes no longer served their former purpose. Not being able to see any one about him, he was feeling about for his bearings, when his companions came to his rescue, and led him into the city, to the house of one Judas, in Straight Street. Here he remained for three days, deprived of sight and without partaking of nourishment. Altho Saul's coming into Damascus was so different from what he had expected, his presence there was not to be kept secret. That which God does is for a purpose, and can not be hidden, for He reveals to His people all His doings. Ps. 25 : 14. In order that the stricken one might be comforted by the revelation of Jesus Christ, He was permitted to have a divine vision of the future. In this he saw a man named Ananias coming into his presence, and laying a hand on him to free him from his blindness. But while Saul was having this view, the Lord was preparing Ananias to fulfil Saul's vision by giving him another, in3which he was instructed to go and do just what Saul saw that he would do. When God thus instructed Ananias to go on a mission to Saul, He quieted any fear that might arise in his mind regarding the probable attitude of Saul toward him by the statement, “For, behold, he prayeth.” This was a great incentive to urge Ananias on his heaven-appointed mission, and it is still one of the strongest evidences of a man's change from ferocity to gentleness. The man who prays regularly and earnestly can ever be led in the right way. Had Saul been earnest in prayer under his former religious life, he probably would not have been the persistent persecutor that he was. Prayer that is real, earnest, heartfelt petition, by which one pleads for the necessities of the Christ-life, is the true remedy against worldliness and wickedness. Why, then, should it not be more prevalent among professing Christians? J. O. CORLISS.