Saul was first introduced at the stoning of Stephen by the Jewish religious leaders at the end of Acts 7. According to Acts 8:1-3, he was among the most zealous of those who sought the imprisonment and even death of the followers of Jesus. Chapter 9 opens with “Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord.” He was on his way to Damascus with authorization from the high priest to arrest any Christ-followers and bring them back with him to Jerusalem. Saul was almost to Damascus when a bright light from heaven flashed, sending him to the ground; followed by a voice: “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” (v. 4). Somehow between the light and the voice, Saul believed it was his Lord or Master speaking to him, for he immediately asked (v. 5):
“Who art Thou, Lord?” And He said, “I am Jesus whom you are persecuting.
Suddenly, this well taught Pharisee was able to put together that the Jesus whom he had so vigorously opposed was the very Lord God of heaven! Saul also realized that to persecute Jesus’ followers (vv. 1-2) was equivalent to persecuting Jesus Himself (vv. 4-5) – a concept he would later understand and teach that the church is the body of Christ. I believe there is a warning here for us; namely, be careful who we consider as our“enemy.” There are too many believers, even entire ministries, that seem bent on spending much time and energy opposing other members of Christ’s body. While there is a Scriptural basis and need for exposing doctrinal error and practice within the church, if attacking other believers becomes the focus of ministry, we would do well to heed the warning of a Jewish leader named Gamaliel back in Acts Chapter 5 to his colleagues in the Sanhedrin: “else you may even be found fighting against God,” as was Saul. The irony is that Saul, who was mentored by Gamaliel, was convinced he was pleasing the Lord by his actions against the believers, when in fact he was opposing his Lord.