CONVERSION OF THE HARSH INQUISITOR

Gal 1:23-24 but they only heard say, He that once persecuted us now preacheth the faith of which he once made havoc; 24 and they glorified God in me.

The conversion of Saul is one of two conversions in the Bible that God recorded three times (Acts 9, 22, 26). “Conversion” means change. Saul changed from the persecutor to the preacher. Before we hear Paul describe his own conversion, how much do you know about Saul of Tarsus?

I.     SAUL’S CRIME AGAINST MAN–AND GOD

        A.    The first time we see Saul, he is wreaking havoc on the church (Acts 7:57-60; 8:1-4).

        B.    We again hear about Saul, “... yet breathing threatening and slaughter” (Acts 9:1-2)

        C.    Paul describes himself (Act 22:4; 1Tim. 1:13-16).

II.    DESCRIBE THE INQUISITIONS

        A.    Call to mind the outrage of the events of Abu Ghraib.

        B.    The [Spanish] Inquisitions (The Rack, The Tongue Remover, The Boots).

III.  SAUL’S CONVERSION–IN HIS OWN WORDS

        A.    Introduction (Act 22:1-5).

        B.    The conversion described (Acts 22:6-16).

        C.    Paul gives us more details (Romans 6:3-4, 16-18). This passage tells us in certain, clear terms when Saul was saved: When he became a servant of righteousness, after complete compliance to the Lord. (Complete obedience is not synonymous with perfect obedience. God does not demand that we be perfect.)

CONCLUSION:

1.     You cannot be a greater sinner than Saul? Since God forgave him, God will forgive you–no matter how horrible you think your sin might be against man, or against God (Acts 9; Rom. 10:9-10; Acts 17:30; 26:20; Rom. 6:3-4; Gal. 3:26-27).

2.     You cannot be more sincere than Paul–but he was sincerely wrong and lost.

        a.     Saul had a clear conscience–not a safe guide (Act 23:1).

        b.     Saul was sincere–not the only qualification unto salvation (Act 26:9).