Acts 9. “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Saul’s conversion is so dramatic. He was still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord (9:1) and seeking to capture Jesus followers and put them in prison (9:2). He is ‘blinded by the light’ on the road to Damascus and encounters Jesus. He is humbled, struck blind, led by the hand, and sits for three days in darkness – fasting and waiting. God sends a faithful disciple, Ananais, to pray for Saul. Saul is healed and receives the Holy Spirit. And immediately he proclaimed Jesus in the synagogues saying, ‘He is the Son of God’ (9:20).

Reactions to Saul’s conversion were varied. Some were amazed, others were skeptical and afraid. Most people had no idea what to make of the whole turn of events. Here is what stands out to me:

First, conversions to Jesus come from personal encounters with Jesus. God knows Saul and calls him by name. No one is anonymous with God. God has a plan for Saul’s life, and He intervenes dramatically. I think if we had known Saul, we might have said that was the only way God was going to get his attention.

Second, all conversions are different. People come to a relationship with Jesus in different ways. Saul had a dramatic encounter and was instantly changed – this does happen to people. Yet many others come to Jesus, pray a simple prayer, and walk away wondering if anything happened at all. Only in time will they begin to see how God is changing them and how a simple prayer did, in fact, transfer them from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of light (Colossians 1:13).

Third, with conversion comes calling. God has a plan for each of us, something we are uniquely gifted to do in assisting with the spread of the kingdom of God. In Saul’s case, it was very specific (and daunting!) – he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings… (9:15).

Fourth, other people have important roles to play in leading people to Jesus and supporting their growth and discipleship after conversion. Ananais is a hero in this chapter. He is given a vision and responds in obedience. It was a very odd and scary task he got from God, and Ananias asks for clarification (9:13-14) because he could easily lose his life if God was wrong. Later, some disciples save Saul’s life (9:25) and Barnabas defends Saul before the others (9:27).

What is your conversion story? What is your calling in the kingdom? And what role do you play right now in supporting and encouraging others who have met Jesus?

What stood out to you in Acts 9?