Week 15: The apostle to the Gentiles

The conversion of Saul

MEMORY VERSE
He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?"

"Who are you, Lord?" Saul asked.

"I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting," he replied. "Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do." (Acts 9: 4-6)

INTRODUCTION
You can't talk about the New Testament without talking about Paul. In fact, Christianity wouldn't be the same without the life, writings, and influence of the apostle of the Gentiles. Something happened in the life of this one man that served as a turning point in history. Acts 9:1-19 records the amazing conversion of this great man - the transformation of "Saul the zealous Pharisee" to "Paul the crusader for Christ."

Paul's influence cannot be measured. Fulfilling God's will from the beginning. Paul got to be God's vessel to take the message of salvation to all people - not just the Jews. Paul was the first missionary to the rest of us. Part average Joe, part fierce debater , and part loving pastor. Paul's unique character and background made him the perfect choice as the apostle to everyone. Furthermore, god inspired Paul in his writings. He ultimately left behind 13 letters in our Scriptures.

As you read the book of Acts, you see the depth of conviction of this persecutor-turned-true-believer. And he's everywhere: in the marketplace,talking to ordinary folks, in the synagogue debating religious leaders, and on the road spreading the gospel from Asia to Europe.

This week we're going to look at the conversion of the Church's first and greatest theologian, and find out why God is still using Paul in our lives today.