Exploring the Scripture
Saul of Tarsus tried to destroy the new Christian church by persecuting followers of Jesus Christ. After his conversion, he left his old life and Hebrew name behind and became Paul. The testimony of Paul’s conversion in verses 12–17 shows God’s grace to Saul, the persecutor. The story presented here is consistent with Paul’s accounts in Galatians 1:13 and 1 Corinthians 15:9.
In other letters, Paul recognized his error in persecuting Christians. However, he presents himself (with a certain pride) as a strict Pharisee “blameless” under the law (Philippians 3:6). In today’s lection, the author characterizes his previous life as “a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a man of violence” (v. 13). He justifies his behavior as ignorance and unbelief. But he says full justification comes through grace because of one’s transformed faith in Christ.
God’s grace is not a response to right living or spiritual service. God freely gives forgiveness and mercy. Paul points out that he deserved condemnation for persecuting Christians. Instead, meeting the Risen Christ transformed him. His new life of serving Christ was not a ticket to salvation. Salvation is by grace alone, not a matter of works.
How does “Jesus save?” One way is to consider Jesus a lens through which God views human beings. Because of our faith in Jesus, God accepts us as he would accept Jesus. The gift of grace motivates us to become more fully the disciples God already sees us to be through the filter of Jesus Christ.
Another way to understand salvation is to view it as God’s gift of wholeness. Christ lived connected, fully empowered. He rejected disunity, divisiveness, individual and systemic pride, negation, and control. Faith allows us to adopt Christ’s wholeness as our own—not because we earned it, but because God willingly makes us whole through mercy. Grace transforms how we understand ourselves and how we relate to others.
The testimony of conversion became a spontaneous act of worship, followed by an affirming “Amen.” The testimony ends with a declaration of praise addressed to “the King of the ages” (v. 17), which could mean Christ. Paul never refers to God as “king,” but the object of adoration is characterized in terms usually reserved for the Creator God: “immortal, invisible…be honor and glory forever and ever” (v. 17).
Like Paul, our lack of faith can find expression in violence toward others. For the oppressed, it can find expression in violence toward themselves. We can extend mercy toward ourselves and others when we accept God’s mercy. Forgiveness can transform us into faithful disciples who serve others, leading us into moments of worship and praise.
Paul’s story captured people, stirred their emotions, and assured them God’s grace was real. His conversion was so well-known that later disciples could share it easily on his behalf. How well do others know your testimony of Christ? Seekers and followers are hungry to hear the good news again. If God could forgive and commission Saul to become Paul the Apostle to the Gentiles, then God can forgive each of us and call us into service.
Faith Unfiltered Podcast
Hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith consider how this week's scripture connects to our lives today.
Central Ideas
- Paul’s conversion was an important testimony of God’s grace.
- God’s forgiveness and mercy are given freely, not a response to right living or spiritual service.
- Salvation could be seen as a Christ-lens through which God views humanity or as a gift of undeserved wholeness that heals divisions.
- Forgiveness can transform us into faithful disciples who serve others, leading us into moments of worship and praise.
Questions to Consider
- Who are the “Timothys” in your congregation in need of mentors? How can that need be met without patronizing or falling into outdated platitudes?
- How well does salvation in this lection fit with the more modern perspectives of the Christ-lens and restoring wholeness?
- When have you tried to “earn” salvation? When have you tried to ensure your salvation by being the perfect disciple? What was the result?
- When has God’s grace and forgiveness led you into an attitude of worship?