From Saul to Paul

Sermon for 31 July, 2022

When we left Luke’s narrative last week, Peter had reported back to the council that he had baptized a Gentile. Not just any Gentile but a commander in the Roman Army in Caesarea, and his whole household. Peter got a lukewarm reception form the council but he didn’t get a reprimand so he was happy. He was so ecstatic, he forgot Jerusalem was a dangerous place for Christians.

Herod beheaded one of the apostles, James the Great. James was a common name among the followers of Christ. This one is the son of Zebedee, brother of John, and the first of the original disciples to be martyred. The threat to the High Priest and his regime didn’t end with the crucifixion of Christ. Remember the warning of Gamaliel. Acts 6:38-39 “I tell you: Stay away from these men, and leave them alone. If their plan comes from human authority, it will fail. But if it comes from God, you will not be able to stop them. You might even be fighting against God himself!” Although the High Priest and Jewish leaders nodded in agreement with Gamaliel, they were apparently not convinced because they continued to persecute the apostles. When Herod beheaded James, the Jewish authorities cheered. The execution was so well received, Herod decided to execute Peter. So, he has peter arrested, bound in chains, and under heavy guard awaiting trial and execution.

Can’t you just see God shaking his head and saying to Peter, “I told you to get out of town and spread the word, but no, you had to stick around. I’ll give you one more chance and that’s it.” So, God sends an angel who literally kicks Peter in the ribs and tells him to get up, get dressed, and get out of town. Peter goes to John Mark’s place to pack his bag and of course Mark’s mother is surprised to find him still alive. Peter then finally leaves town at least until Herod dies. Thus, Peter is out of the narrative for a while.

The Gospel of Jesus was being spread. As Gamaliel said, “…if it comes from God, you will not be able to stop them.” Some of those who heard Peter at Pentecost returned to their home towns as evangelists. Other believers left Jerusalem after Stephen was stoned and spread the Word. This unofficial movement reached the Hellenic city of Antioch and started churches there among non-Jews. When the Council heard about this, they dispatched Barnabas to check it out. Does anyone believe it was just lucky that Tarsus was on the road from Jerusalem to Antioch? God has a plan. You can find Him in the details. Barnabas remembered Saul, the zealous young man who was sent home to mature his faith. Barnabas picked up Saul on his way north and took him to Antioch. A team of prophets and teachers developed in Antioch to help the growth of the local church. There were enough ministers to begin an outreach program to Cyprus and maybe even beyond. Barnabas and Saul were chosen for this task. The local Governor was interested in the message of Jesus, but a well-placed, influential magician named Elymas was against it. If the Governor accepted Jesus, the influence of Elymas would have diminished. Saul decides to confront the magician and calls on the Lord to blind him. “You son of the Devil. You are an enemy of everything that is right.” At that instant, Saul the ex-enforcer for the Sanhedrin is reborn as Paul the Great Lion of God.

The book of John tells of the conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus. Nicodemus was a Jewish leader who believed Jesus to be a teacher sent from God. Jesus tells him,” …unless one is born again, he cannot be in God’s kingdom.” Nicodemus takes this literally but Jesus explains he is referring to a rebirth of spiritual life, and spiritual life comes from the Holy Spirit. At times I am sure I know what that means, and other times I am not so sure. Saul was baptized and accepted Jesus Christ in Damascus thirteen years before he is reborn as Paul. Why so long. Could it be that spiritual life must go through a period of gestation similar to physical life? I have always thought being born again as a Christian to be an “aha” moment, a sudden transformation. Maybe rebirth is more of a process than an event. It certainly was for Paul.

How about the rebirth of Peter? He was transformed from Simon the fisherman into Peter the rock, upon which Christ said he would build his church. But it took a few years to happen. He accepted Jesus when He called him from work. “I will make you a fisher of men.” And he left his nets and followed Jesus. It took a couple years before he recognized Jesus was the son of God, and even then, Peter denied him three times on the eve of the crucifixion. It was only after the Holy Spirit came to the upper room as tongues of flame that he was reborn as the corner stone of Christianity. Doubting Thomas had been a disciple of Jesus for three years when he demanded proof of the resurrection. Is it possible that some of us require longer gestation times than others? How about Nicodemus? He gave up his position and became an outlaw when he helped Joseph of Arimathea bury Jesus. We don’t know if he had an “Aha” moment or not.

I have been asked I was born again Christian and my honest answer has always been “I don’t know, I’m not sure.” I was baptized when I was 12 years old and have been a Christian since, but I don’t think I have had a transformation like Saul to Paul or like Simon to Peter. Could it be that the transformation is different for each of us? Those who were raised in the Church may have a much less spectacular rebirth. I just don’t know. I know I love Jesus and try my best to follow his teaching as most of us here do the same. Maybe our rebirth is yet to come. We are not in control no more than Saul was. God is in in control and He will decide when, if, and how we are reborn.

Pray with me. Lord, we know you are the controller of all things. We know that you are in charge and we are not. We accept your word and your love. We feel the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Amen