Thoughts for the Day

Saul Preaches in Damascus

For several days he was with the disciples in Damascus, and immediately he began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, saying, ‘He is the Son of God.’ All who heard him were amazed and said, ‘Is not this the man who made havoc in Jerusalem among those who invoked this name? And has he not come here for the purpose of bringing them bound before the chief priests?’ Saul became increasingly more powerful and confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus was the Messiah.

Saul Escapes from the Jews

After some time had passed, the Jews plotted to kill him, but their plot became known to Saul. They were watching the gates day and night so that they might kill him; but his disciples took him by night and let him down through an opening in the wall, lowering him in a basket.

Saul in Jerusalem

When he had come to Jerusalem, he attempted to join the disciples; and they were all afraid of him, for they did not believe that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took him, brought him to the apostles, and described for them how on the road he had seen the Lord, who had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had spoken boldly in the name of Jesus. So he went in and out among them in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord. He spoke and argued with the Hellenists; but they were attempting to kill him. When the believers learned of it, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus.

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

The story of Saul (later called Paul), is so well known by Christians that we may feel there is little to teach us today in our technological crazy world. But I have been surprised how much I have learnt from looking at his conversion from opposer to ardent supporter of Christianity.

When Saul hears the voice on the road to Damascus he addresses him as "Lord". This word means one who has authority and sovereignty over his life. Proverbs 3.5 advises "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding." This, along with the calling of Ananias to go to Saul should remind us that no one is beyond the reach of God’s love and remind us not to make biased judgements about others.

In today's passage we see how Saul’s deep knowledge of the Scriptures as a Pharisee, and his encounter with Christ, enable him to present a compelling case for Jesus as the Son of God to the people of Damascus. But the anger and disbelief at this conversion leads them to try to kill him. Forced to escape in a basket down the city wall highlights Saul's courage and the length which his new friends went to protect him.

Entering Jerusalem again he finds the disciples are afraid, not believing he is really a disciple. They had known him as a persecutor, and his sudden conversion seems unbelievable. Our tendency is to doubt miraculous transformations, but Barnabas (his name means "encouragement") takes Saul to the apostles, emphasising the power of a Christian community who accepts him and gives him a second chance.

Lord God,
we offer You our trust
and our total commitment this day.
Forgive us when we let You down
and make biased judgements.
Give us courage to make right decisions,
as we seek strengthen the Christian community,
and offer the hand of friendship to all.
Amen.