Acts 9:1 Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest…
The diction of verse 1 catches my attention this morning. Both meanwhile and still mean at the same time. Even though this is the first time in Acts 9, this is an action that had been occurring even during and at the same time as the events in Acts 8. Saul is described by one source as “a Pharisee of Pharisees.” He relished the ability to persecute Christians.
Acts 9:2 …and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem.
And while it definitely seems like he enjoyed persecuting Christians, it seems pretty clear to me that prior to his Damascus road experience, he truly believed that persecuting Christians was the right thing to do, and he did it with passion and gusto until the Lord got his attention and helped him to see the light.
Acts 9:3 As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him.
Precious Savior, How often am I inadvertently Saul, so convinced that what I am doing is the right thing to do even when it is clearly not. I don’t want to pray for a Damascus road experience, Lord, but if I am out of Your will, please help me to see it, to know it, to correct it immediately. Amen.
Acts 9:4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”
Have a blessed day.