Read Acts 8:1-17
The first glimpse we have of Saul is in the martyrdom of Stephen. The record is that he was consenting unto Stephen’s death. He was present, not merely as a spectator, but as one who approved of what was done and was instrumental in it. Yet this is the man who afterwards became a glorious apostle, the most influential of all, who wrought in the founding and extension of Christianity. An artist has painted him as walking by Stephen’s side with melancholy calmness. He consents to the martyr’s death from a stern sense of duty, his countenance contrasting strangely with that of the Jewish rulers and the merciless mob surrounding him on all sides. We know it was St. Paul’s conscience that made him a participator in this martyrdom. In another place he tells us that he verily thought within himself that he ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus. We learn that one may be very conscientious and yet very wrong. Conscience needs a guide — the Word of God.
Evidently Saul’s zeal as a persecutor was terrific. It is probable that Stephen’s speech made him more bitter for the time. He was driven by it to the fiercest frenzy in his determination to crush out Christianity by destroying every follower of Christ. He spread desolation everywhere. His activity as a persecutor is indicated in the words, “Saul laid waste the church, entering into every house, and dragging men and women committed them to prison.” His name became a terror to Christians everywhere it was heard. This terrible bitterness magnifies the grace of God, which saved such an enemy and made him afterwards such an apostle of Christianity. St. Paul during his ministry continually referred to his own salvation as assurance that no one can be so far away from Christ that upon repentance and faith he would not be saved.
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