The conversion of Saul of Tarsus into the great missionary to the Gentiles is a celebrated event. Saul changing his name to Paul is often celebrated. Yet, what’s often overlooked is that the conversion of Saul on his way to Damascus is a picture of the doctrine of grace. It’s easy to talk about Saul’s total depravity before conversion or the perseverance of the saints to talk about why he fought the good fight. However, it’s often forgotten to talk about two more points–unconditional election and irresistible grace. We forget that Saul of Tarsus had no free will to choose God–only to persecute the followers of Jesus way before they were called Christians in Acts 11:26.
The conversion of Saul in Acts 9 tells us of his journey to Damascus. A closer view of the events will tell you one truth–Saul didn’t choose Jesus. Instead, we see Jesus choosing Saul instead while the latter was on his way to persecute Christians.
Acts 9:1-19
9 But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. 3 Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. 4 And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” 5 And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. 6 But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.” 7 The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one. 8 Saul rose from the ground, and although his eyes were opened, he saw nothing. So they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. 9 And for three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank.
10 Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.” 11 And the Lord said to him, “Rise and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying, 12 and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight.” 13 But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem. 14 And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name.” 15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. 16 For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.” 17 So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized; 19 and taking food, he was strengthened.
-Taken from the ESV
Notice that Saul of Tarsus saw the risen Lord. Saul was first convicted of the risen Lord. Saul couldn’t resist the calling of Jesus. Notice that Saul is given an order to rise and be told on what to do. Saul had no power anymore but to obey the command of the risen Lord. We’re told that Ananias of Damascus (not to be confused with the Ananias that got killed with his wife Sapphira for trying to cheat Peter) to go to Saul. Jesus told Ananias that He had chosen Saul of Tarsus to become the missionary before the Gentiles and Kings and the children of Israel. Also, we’re told that how it’s God’s will that Saul of Tarsus would suffer for the name of Jesus.
This is the mercy of God at work. Remember Saul of Tarsus is the least likely candidate to become among the saved. We need to remember that some people were also not qualified. Matthew (also called Levi) was a tax collector (Matthew 9:9-13). The tax collectors were rejects in society yet Jesus called Matthew to become an apostle. If Jesus could choose a tax collector to leave a sinful profession and follow Him then it shouldn’t be a surprise to choose a Pharisee (Philippians 3:5).
After Saul became Paul, we can read the following in Galatians 1:11-17:
11 For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not man’s gospel.12 For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ. 13 For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it. 14 And I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people, so extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers. 15 But when He who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by His grace, 16 was pleased to reveal His Son to me, in order that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone;17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia, and returned again to Damascus. (ESV)
It’s interesting that the ESV translates the KJV’s “Jewish faith” to “Judaism”. Apparently, the Judaizers in Colossians were mixing Christian ideology with Judaism. I think Judaism probably sprang out as a cult during the 400 years of silence. No such formal name was given to the Jewish faith–they were just called Jews. The Pharisees was an extra addition that came during the 400 years of silence after Malachi. By then, the Levitical priesthood got so corrupted. The Pharisees were separatists who tried to live the best they could in hopes God would accept them. Judaism also rejects Jesus as the Son of God. In fact, Judaism also has perverted books like the Jewish Talmud and other literature that did’t agree with the Word of God. In short, we might as well view Judaism as a perverted version of the Old Testament faith and not the Old Testament faith that Abraham started. Judaism is no better in regards to Islam (which came centuries after Christianity) that they both want the Father but reject Jesus as the Son of God. Judaism still continues to reject Jesus as the Messiah. Fortunately, there are Jewish born-again Christians out there and they will definitely miss out judgment and will inherit Israel along with every other believer.
Back on topic, so we see that Paul himself admits that God the Father set him apart. Paul clearly is referring to John 6:44 and 55 in that statement. Jesus said that no man can come unto the Him except it be willed by God the Father. Paul is stating that he didn’t make the choice. Instead, it was Jesus and God the Father who chose him for the special purpose–to be the missionary to the Gentiles. Jeremiah also had that special revelation. Paul had that special revelation. Paul couldn’t choose Jesus if Jesus didn’t choose Paul first!
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