Saul’s life was transformed after He encountered Jesus. The persecutor became the

persecuted. The man who stood by as Stephen was martyred would soon teach others how to

stand in the face of martyrdom. The man who was greatly feared by Christians became greatly

loved by his brothers and sisters.

And how was he transformed? Paul shared with King Agrippa what happened after he

encountered Jesus:

“Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision. Instead, I

preached to those in Damascus first, and to those in Jerusalem and in all the region of

Judea, and to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works worthy

of repentance. For this reason the Jews seized me in the temple complex and were trying

to kill me. To this very day, I have obtained help that comes from God, and I stand and

testify to both small and great, saying nothing else than what the prophets and Moses

said would take place— that the Messiah must suffer, and that as the first to rise from the

dead, He would proclaim light to our people and to the Gentiles.” (Acts 26:19-23 HCSB)

Paul’s life was transformed because he was obedient to God. He preached in Damascus,

Jerusalem, Judea and to the Gentiles. The Jews were not happy with him, but he continued in

obedience. He was obedient to the calling and obtained the help that comes only from God.

We who have encountered Jesus should follow Paul’s example of how to live out our new life in

Christ. We should be obedient to do what God tells us to do and ask for God’s help.



Today, ask God to direct your path, walk in obedience and rely on His help.

By LaRaine Rice