From Persecutor to Preacher: The Story of Saul Becoming Paul
Opening Scripture:
“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.’”
— Acts 9:15 (ESV)
Good Morning
There are few stories in Scripture as dramatic and as hope-filled as the story of Saul of Tarsus.
He was a man feared by the early church—an enemy of Jesus and a destroyer of Christians. Yet one encounter with the risen Christ changed everything.
Saul became Paul. The persecutor became the preacher. The destroyer of the church became its greatest apostle.
And if God can transform Saul, He can transform you.
Saul’s Zeal Without Truth
“But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord…”
— Acts 9:1 (ESV)
Saul wasn’t indifferent—he was passionate. He believed he was doing God’s will by hunting down Christians.
But zeal without truth is dangerous. He had religion—but he didn’t have relationship. He knew the law—but he didn’t know the Lord.
Modern application:
Many people today are sincere—but sincerely lost. Passion doesn’t save us. Only Jesus does.
“There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.”
— Proverbs 14:12 (ESV)
Jesus Meets Saul on the Road to Damascus
“Now as he went on his way… suddenly a light from heaven shone around him.”
— Acts 9:3 (ESV)
Saul wasn’t looking for Jesus—but Jesus was looking for him.
The light knocked Saul to the ground. He heard a voice saying:
“Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?”
— Acts 9:4
Jesus identified with His people. To persecute the church is to persecute Christ Himself.
“I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.”
— Acts 9:5
That moment shattered Saul’s pride, silenced his arguments, and broke his rebellion.
Modern application:
Jesus still interrupts lives. He still shines light into darkness. He still calls people by name. And He’s still saying, “I am Jesus.”
From Blindness to Sight
“And although his eyes were open, he saw nothing… For three days he was without sight.”
— Acts 9:8–9
God struck Saul blind—not to harm him, but to humble him.
Saul had to be led by the hand. The proud man was now broken and dependent. This was not punishment—it was preparation.
Modern application:
Sometimes God has to strip away our strength so we can see clearly. We may need a “Damascus moment”—a divine interruption that gets our attention.
God Sends Ananias – Grace and Community
“Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus… has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”
— Acts 9:17
Imagine the courage it took for Ananias to call Saul “brother.”
This man had killed Christians—but now he was one of them.
Grace is risky. Grace is radical. And grace invites former enemies into family.
Modern application:
No one is too far gone. Not your child, your spouse, your friend, or even yourself. When Jesus saves, the church must welcome.
Saul Becomes Paul – A Chosen Instrument
“He is a chosen instrument of mine…”
— Acts 9:15
God didn’t just forgive Saul—He called him. He didn’t just restore him—He reassigned him.
Saul would become Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles, the author of much of the New Testament, a missionary, and a martyr.
“He who used to persecute us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.”
— Galatians 1:23
Modern application:
God doesn’t just save you from something—He saves you for something.
You are His instrument. He has a mission for you.
Your Past Does Not Disqualify You—It Glorifies God
Paul would later say:
“Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.”
— 1 Timothy 1:15
But then he says:
“I received mercy for this reason, that in me… Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience.”
— 1 Timothy 1:16
God uses broken people to tell a beautiful story of grace.
Your past becomes your platform. Your weakness becomes your witness.
Closing Scripture:
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”
— 2 Corinthians 5:17
You may not be Saul, but we’ve all sinned.
You may not have persecuted the church, but you’ve lived for self.
But here is the promise:
In Christ, your past is not your future. Your name can change. Your heart can change. Your mission can begin today.
Closing Prayer
Lord Jesus,
Thank You for the power of transformation. Thank You that no one is beyond Your reach—that even the worst sinner can become a mighty servant in Your hands.
We bring You our pride, our past, our shame, and our sin.
Interrupt our journey. Knock us off our path if You must. But bring us face to face with You.
Change our name. Change our direction. Use us, Lord, as Your chosen instruments to reach a broken world.
In Jesus’ name we pray,
Amen.