FROM PERSECUTOR TO APOSTLE

Saul's name was changed to Paul. (Acts 13:9). Paul was baptized by Ananias in the river of Damascus. He was then strengthened by food. Immediately Paul began to preach Jesus to the believers in Damascus. These believers were the very people Paul had come to destroy.SRme 1.1255

Paul also taught in the Jewish meeting places. He proved from prophecy that Jesus, who had died on the cross, was the Son of God. Paul's education and experience as a teacher and as a Pharisee were now very useful to him in preaching the gospel and strengthening the cause he once tried to destroy. The power of God was with Paul's work. Paul's preaching from the prophecies was so strong that his enemies were confused and not able to answer him.SRme 1.1256

The Jews were completely surprised by Paul's change of faith. The Jews knew about Paul's high position at Jerusalem. The Jews also knew that Paul had authority from the high priest to seize the believers of Jesus and send them to Jerusalem. Now Paul was in Damascus preaching the gospel of Jesus. Paul was strengthening the believers and bringing new people into the faith that he had fought against. Paul let everyone know that his change of belief was based on powerful facts. Paul's change was not a sudden, unreasonable change of feeling.SRme 1.1257

As Paul preached to the people, his own faith grew stronger. Paul's eagerness for everyone to know that Jesus was the Son of God increased. The Jewish priests began to hate Paul the same way they hated Jesus. Paul's life was in danger so he could not stay long in Damascus.SRme 1.1258