SAUL OF TARSUS, LEARNED, BUT MISINFORMED

Newsletter 300 June 17, 2012
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Acts 9:1-9

King James Version

DRIVEN BY MISINFORMED ZEAL

If you want to know what is wrong with the world, ask a student. That is, if you want to join the mis-informed. The really informed, know that only the Lord can understand, let alone straighten it out.

Saul of Tarsus, if he were living today, would have the best education possible. His Doctorate of Divinity degree would have come from a famous university. The library in Tarsus ranked only third in fame, in the Roman empire, and he had sat at the feet of the most famous teacher in Jerusalem. He was a Pharisee, a leader. But he was misinformed about Jesus Christ, so his zeal was misdirected. This young man could go to the very highest power, and he did. He went to the high priest for a permit to destroy Christianity, called The Way at that time. He had assisted in the death of Stephen and now he wanted more.

1 And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,

(Acts 8:3, Acts 9:13-21)

2 And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.

(Acts 9:14, Acts 9:21, Acts 22:5, Acts 26:10, Matthew 10:17, Genesis 14:15, 2 Corinthians 11:32, Galatians 1:17, John 14:6, Acts 18:25, Acts 19:9, Acts 19:23, Acts 22:4, Acts 24:14, Acts 24:22)

Clearly the high priest had no regard for the command of God, “Thou shalt not kill.” He had already, also been involved in the death of Jesus Christ, so the letters were quickly written and Saul was on his way to Damascus.

The journey appeared to be blessed of God until they neared Damascus.

A SELF-RIGHTEOUS ZEALOT

Ask nearly any Christian and you will get the answer that Saul was converted, became a Christian, on the road to Damascus. That simply is not confirmed by scripture.

3 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:

Yes, he was blinded by the brilliant light which shone upon him, and he heard the voice of Jesus. This is where he first realized that what he had been doing, and was about to continue doing, was in rebellion against God almighty. Jesus was about to take control, and redirect him, but first he must be converted. That would take place in Damascus. Jesus points out his error.

(1 Corinthians 15:8)

4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?

(Acts 22:7, Acts 26:14)

ANTI-GOD

This Doctor of Divinity, needed to repent and confess the Lordship of Jesus Christ, the very one he had given himself without reservation to destroy. Yes, absolutely, it is possible to be very religious, without being a Christian.

5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.

6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

(Acts 9:16)

Here is the all important question. “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?” He had to do more than call Jesus Lord. Matthew says the same in Matthew 7:22-23, “Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? And in thy name done many wonderful works? And then I will profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” Then he had three days to ponder these words before his question was answered. He was stopped in his tracts.

STOPPED IN HIS TRACKS

7 And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man.

(Acts 26:14, John 12:29, Acts 22:9)

8 And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus.

(Acts 9:18, Acts 22:11, Genesis 14:15, 2 Corinthians 11:32, Galatians 1:17)

9 And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.

ONLY THEN WAS HIS QUESTION ANSWERED.

Next week we will continue from here.
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READ THE BIBLE THROUGH AGAIN IN 2012

JUNE

17th. Sunday – 1 Kings 3, 4, Acts 12, Proverbs 15:1-8
18th. Monday – 1 Kings 5, 6, Acts 13:1-25, Psalm 74:18-24
19th. Tuesday - 1 Kings 7, Acts 13:26-52, Psalm 75
20th. Wednesday - 1 Kings 8, Acts 14, Psalm 76
21st. Thursday - 1 Kings 9, 10, Acts 15:1-22, Proverbs 15:9-18
22nd. Friday – 1 Kings 11, Acts 15:23-41, Psalm 77:1-9
23rd. Saturday - 1 Kings 12, Acts 16:1-18, Psalm 77:10-20

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THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE

“Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and the kings, and the children of Israel. For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake.” - Acts 9:15,16
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