SAUL OF TARSUS GOT BAPTIZED

  Consider the example of Saul of Tarsus. He was progressing well in Judaism and had an impressive Jewish background. (Galatians 1:13, 14; Philippians 3:5) At time when many Jews viewed Christians as apostates, Saul furiously persecuted them. He wrongly thought that he was doing God's will. (Acts 8:3; 9:1, 2; 26:9-11) In order to accept Jess and get baptized as Christian, Saul himself would have to be willing to become a target of persecution. 

What helped Saul get baptized? When the glorified Jesus appeared to him, Saul was blinded. (Acts 9:3-9) For three days, he fasted and no doubt meditated on what he had just experienced. Yes, Saul became convince that Jesus was the Messiah and that his followers practiced true religion. Saul must have been struck with remorse for his share in Steven's death! (Acts 22:20) At the end of three days, a disciple named Ananias kindly approached Saul, healed his blindness, and encouraged him to get baptized without delay. (Read Acts 22:12-16.) Saul humbly accepted the help and embraced a new way of life. - ACTS 9:17, 18.

Next time: SAUL OF TARSUS GOT BAPTIZED - Conclusion

From the jw.org publications