(story told in Acts 7:58-28:31)
Paul, first known as Saul, began as an enemy of the early church. He was a devout Pharisee who believed he was serving God by persecuting followers of Jesus. He was present when Stephen, the first Christian martyr, was stoned, approving of his death. Saul then went from city to city, arresting believers and trying to destroy the growing movement of faith in Christ.
Everything changed on the road to Damascus. As Saul traveled to arrest more Christians, a bright light from heaven flashed around him, and he fell to the ground. He heard a voice saying, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” It was Jesus. Blinded by the light, Saul was led into Damascus, where a disciple named Ananias, sent by God, restored his sight and baptized him. From that moment, Saul became Paul—the man who once attacked the church now preached the very message he tried to silence.
Paul began traveling across the Roman world, telling people about Jesus. He preached in synagogues, marketplaces, and homes, facing beatings, imprisonment, and shipwrecks along the way. Yet his passion never faded. He founded churches in many cities and encouraged believers to stay strong in faith.
Even when arrested for his beliefs, Paul continued to preach boldly. He stood before governors, kings, and even the emperor’s court in Rome, always declaring that Jesus was the risen Lord.
Paul’s story shows the transforming power of God’s grace. From a persecutor to a preacher, his life proves that no one is beyond redemption. Through his faith and perseverance, the message of Jesus spread far and wide, changing the world forever.