Jesus Chooses Saul

Saul was a Roman citizen who was born in Tarsus.  He was a Pharisee who was an expert in Jewish Law and he hated Christians.  He dragged men and women out of their business and threw them into jail.  He even stood by ad watched as an angry mob stoned the disciple Stephen to death.

But Saul was not satisfied with arresting Christians in Jerusalem only.  He asked the high priest to sent him to the city of Damascus so that he could hunt down Christians there. As Saul got near the city, a bright light suddenly flashed all around him, and he fell to the ground. He heard a voice say:  ' Saul, why are you persecuting me?'  Saul asked:  'Who are you?'  The answer: 'I am Jesus. Go into Damascus, and you will learn what you must do.'    In an instant, Saul had become blind, and he had to be led by the hand in the city.

In Damascus, the was a faithful Christian named Ananias. Jesus told him in a vision:  'Go to the house of Judas on the street called Straight, and look for Saul.' 'Lord,  I know all about that man!  He is throwing your disciples into prison!' But Jesus said:  'Go to him. I have chosen Saul to preach the good news to many nations.'

Next time: Conclusion of Jesus Chooses Saul

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