Conversion of Paul

By

Shelby G. Floyd

Saul of Tarsus, the foremost persecutor of Christ and the church, became the greatest salesman for Christ in the world. But before this took place he underwent a great change in his convictions and was converted to Christ.

As he neared the ancient city of Damascus, Syria, a great light brighter than the noonday sun appeared unto him and a voice from heaven asked him why he was persecuting him. He asked, “Who are you Lord?” And the voice spoke again and said, “I am Jesus of Nazareth whom you are persecuting.” Saul wanted to know what he must do. Jesus instructed him to go into the city and it would be told him what he must do.

He went to a house on Straight Street and was in deep penitence for three days, neither eating nor drinking. The Lord sent the gospel preacher Ananias to speak to Saul, informing him that Saul was a chosen vessel to speak before Kings, Gentiles and the house of Israel. The persecutor was to become the persecuted: “I must show how many things he must suffer for my namesake.”

When Ananias arrived, he at once stated that his mission was to bring him sight and salvation. Immediately, Saul arose and was baptized (Acts 9:18). Jesus said in the great commission, “He that believes and is baptized shall be saved” (Mark 16:15-16). Later, when Paul (formerly Saul) related his own account of his conversion he quoted Ananias like this: “And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name” (Acts 22:16, NIV). If Saul was saved before he was baptized he was saved before his sins were washed away! Obviously, baptism preceded by faith, repentance and the good confession of faith is a condition of salvation from past sins. * Copyright © 2010 Shelby Floyd, All Rights Reserved

Shelby G. Floyd