The books of Acts is loaded with powerful true stories of conversion (Acts 2:1-42; 8:26-39; 16:22-34; 18:5-11. But of all the conversion accounts in Acts, the one of Saul of Tarsus has to be the most radical. In this case, the most unlikely person not only converts but becomes one of the strongest advocates of the gospel in the history of the world!

The Convert

  • Before becoming a Christian, Saul was a very bad man (Acts 9:1-2; 26:9-1). He was someone who literally tried to destroy the Lord’s church.
    • Because of Saul’s reputation, Ananias saw no potential in him (Acts 9:13-14).
    • But Ananias was wrong! Saul did change his life (Acts 9:19-22).
  • It is easy to view people like Ananias initially viewed Saul.
    • It is easy to look at someone who is a homosexual, or in an adulterous marriage, or well-educated, or part of a denominational church and conclude the person will never be interested in obeying the truth of the gospel.
    • We must always remember that we can’t read hearts and the power to save souls is in the gospel, not us (Romans 1:16; 1 Corinthians 3:6-7).

The Mission

  • How would you have liked to have the job of Ananias?
    • Jesus told him to go and preach to a man who was well-known for persecuting Christians (Acts 9:15). Ananias was certainly afraid to do this! See Acts 9:13-14.
    • And yet, despite his fears, Ananias still obeyed Jesus (Acts 9:17).
  • Like Ananias…
    • We have been given the mission to go and preach the gospel to lost souls (Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:19).
    • We have to trust the Lord (Matthew 28:20).
    • We must have courage (Acts 18:9-10).

The Plan

  • Unfortunately, the majority of people do not know the truth about salvation.
    • Many believe that we are saved by faith alone.
    • Many believe that we are saved by saying a prayer.
    • Many believe that we cannot know if we are saved until we have some kind of emotional experience.
  • What about Saul?
    • He believed in Jesus as Lord (Acts 9:5).
    • He was remorseful and mourned over his sins (Acts 9:9-12).
    • He was baptized in order to have his sins washed away (Acts 9:18; 22:16).

Conclusion: Saul’s sinful behavior at the beginning of Acts 9 was not the end of his story. He was changed and saved by the blood of Jesus! What about your story?