Paul finishes his testimony today. He tells of how Jesus has changed him. Jesus changes lives, y’all. We see that Paul told all the folks all that he did, and after he was saved, folks didn’t want to believe him. They knew all that he had done, and it was hard to let go of his actions. We should learn to forgive ourselves for our past mistakes and, in the same way, learn to forgive others of their past mistakes. I’ll forgive you, and you forgive me. And we’ll live in God’s goodness. Let’s remember today that Jesus changes lives.

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Good morning! It’s wonderful to continue exploring the Book of Acts with you. Today, we’re diving deeper into Paul’s testimony and how Jesus transformed his life. We’ll be reading Acts 22:6-21. In this passage, Paul shares his conversion story with the people in Jerusalem.

“Well, as I was on my way and approaching Damascus, about noon a great light from heaven suddenly shone about me. I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’ I answered, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ Then he said to me, ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting.’ Now those who were with me saw the light but did not hear the voice of the one who was speaking to me. I asked, ‘What am I to do, Lord?’ The Lord said, ‘Get up and go to Damascus, and there you will be told everything that has been assigned to you to do.’ Since I could not see because of the brightness of that light, those who were with me took my hand and led me to Damascus. A certain Ananias, who was a devout man according to the law and well spoken of by all the Jews living there, came to me and standing beside me he said, ‘Brother Saul, regain your sight.’ That very hour I regained my sight and saw him. He said, ‘The God of our ancestors has chosen you to know his will, to see the righteous one, and to hear his own voice. For you will be his witness to all the world of what you have seen and heard. And now, why do you delay? Get up, be baptized, and have your sins washed away, calling on his name.’ After I returned to Jerusalem, while I was praying in the temple, I fell into a trance and saw Jesus standing, saying to me, ‘Hurry up and get out of Jerusalem quickly, because they will not accept your testimony about me.’ I said, ‘Lord, let themselves know that in every synagogue I imprisoned you and beat those who believe in you.’ While the blood of your witness, Stephen, was shed, I myself was standing there approving and keeping the coat of those who killed him. Then he said, ‘Go, for I will send you far away to the Gentiles.'”

Paul’s conversion is nothing short of radical. He acknowledges that he was once the chief persecutor of the church. The Lord’s message to him, telling him to leave Jerusalem because they wouldn’t accept his testimony, highlights the skepticism surrounding his conversion.

This passage serves as a powerful reminder that God’s grace can transform even the most unlikely individuals. Paul’s honesty about who he used to be and his journey to becoming Paul rather than Saul shows the depth of God’s transforming power. It’s not always easy for those who knew the “old you” to accept the “new you.” And it’s equally challenging for you to embrace the change in others. But as followers of Christ, we’re called to extend grace to ourselves and others, recognizing that God forgives our sins and sees us as new in Christ.

A quote from C.S. Lewis beautifully captures this: “If God is forgiving you of your sins, you can’t forgive yourself. You’ve made yourself a higher moral judge than God.” Let go of your past mistakes and extend that same grace to others.

Paul’s story emphasizes the importance of sharing our testimony, showing that Jesus saves, redeems, and calls us to new purposes. In Paul’s case, the Lord had a mission for him. The same goes for us—God has a plan and a purpose for each one of us. As you continue on your journey today, remember the power of change, forgiveness, and redemption through Jesus Christ.

In tomorrow’s discussion, we’ll see how people respond to Paul’s testimony. As you may know from Paul’s story, it may not have been a warm reception. I look forward to exploring this with you. Have a great day!