Monday: On the Damascus Road
Read Acts 9:3-9. What happened when Paul was approaching Damascus? What is the significance of Jesus’ words in Acts 9:5 (see also Acts 26:14)?
As Paul and his companions neared Damascus, the unexpected happened: about noon they experienced an intensely bright light from heaven and a voice speaking.
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This was not merely a vision in the prophetic sense but a divine manifestation, aimed somewhat exclusively at Paul. His companions saw the light; yet, only Paul was blinded; they heard the voice; yet, only Paul understood it. The light was the divine glory of the risen Jesus, who personally appeared to Paul at that moment (Acts 22:14). Elsewhere Paul insists that he had seen Jesus, which made him equal to the Twelve as a witness of His resurrection and apostolic authority (1 Cor. 9:1, 1 Cor. 15:8).
The ensuing dialogue with Jesus struck Paul infinitely more than the light itself. Paul was absolutely convinced that, by attacking the followers of Jesus of Nazareth, he was doing God’s work in purifying Judaism from that dangerous and dreadful heresy. To his dismay, however, he learned not only that Jesus was alive but also that by inflicting suffering on His believers he was attacking Jesus Himself.
When speaking to Saul, Jesus used a proverbial saying supposedly of Greek origin that Paul certainly was familiar with: ”It is hard for you to kick against the goads” (Acts 26:14, NKJV). The image is that of a yoke ox trying to move against the sharp stick used to guide it. When that happens, the animal only hurts itself even more.
This saying may point to a struggle in Paul’s mind—the Bible refers to this as the work of the Spirit (John 16:8-11)—that could go back to what happened with Stephen. “Saul had taken a prominent part in the trial and conviction of Stephen, and the striking evidences of God’s presence with the martyr had led Saul to doubt the righteousness of the cause he had espoused against the followers of Jesus. His mind was deeply stirred. In his perplexity he appealed to those in whose wisdom and judgment he had full confidence. The arguments of the priests and rulers finally convinced him that Stephen was a blasphemer, that the Christ whom the martyred disciple had preached was an impostor, and that those ministering in holy office must be right.”—Ellen G. White, The Acts of the Apostles, pages 112, 113.
| Why is it wise to pay heed to your conscience? |
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The Road to Emmaus
The death of Jesus prevented the disciples from accepting Jesus as the Messiah.
Jesus taught from the Old Testament scripture concerning himself.
When recognized it was Jesus, they returned to Jerusalem to share the good news of the resurrection.
The Damascus Road
I am a Jew, blinded Paul from recognizing Jesus as the Messiah.
Paul had to relearn the scriptures from the teachings of Christ.
His question what do you want me to do demonstrated his transformed life.
Paul who sat at the feet of Gamaliel now sat at the feet of Jesus and learnt the plan of redemption.
He understood the plan of redemption so well he writes about communion not the apostles.
AMEN
Are there bible verses that support EGW statement that Saul took prominent part in convicting Stephen, then doubted, then was convinced or do we understand it as a revelation from God?
Acts 7:57-60: At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, 58 dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul.59 While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60 Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep.
Acts 8:1 And Saul approved of their killing him.
Hi Mark, if Saul took a prominent part in convicting Stephen why didn't he take part in stoning him? "The witnesses against him were the leaders in the execution, according to the law (Deu_17:7), The hands of the witnesses shall be first upon him, to put him to death, and particularly in the case of blasphemy, Lev_24:14; Deu_13:9"
The people that heard Stephen's speech all ran at him and stoned him. "Act 7:57 And crying out with a loud voice, they stopped their ears and ran on him with one accord. Act 7:58 And throwing him outside the city, they stoned him."
Secondly where do we read that he doubted and then was convinced. It only shows that he approved Acts 8:1
It seems to me that we must take that section as a revelation to EGW
The answer is a revelaion from God. There are many revelations from God in Elen G. Whites writings. One that comes to mind is the heart warming story of Nicodemous conversion to the Gospel of which he remained faithful to Christ and His church to the end. Desire of Ages, page 176-177. We so often refer to her writings as illumination of the Bible. We can either accept them as revelation and illumination to help and encourage us in our relationship with Christ, and our journey to eternal life. Or we can say I don't need a prophet. In these times we need a prophet of God. Biblically God speaks, reveals, and illuminates, through His prophets. 2 Kings 17:13. Just one example.
This is an eye opener. Thanks
"Why is it wise to pay heed to your conscience?"
Conscience moves us to turn from our mistakes (Proverbs 28:13)
We can suppress our conscience (Jonah 1:5)
The Holy Spirit can speak through our conscience (Romans 9:1)
Keep your conscience clear (1 Timothy 1:18–19)
Church leaders must have clear consciences (1 Timothy 3:9)
Consciences can be destroyed (1 Timothy 4:2)
Jesus’ forgiveness clears our conscience (Hebrews 9:14)
A clear conscience helps us live a God-honoring life (1 Peter 3:16)
We need to be conscious in everything... Our lives may seem to be swept by the amount of responsibilities and things to do, but the consciousness of the presence of God must be real! Sometimes we may even forget who we are, our mission, our true goals... and because of this dying world we face suffering and pain, but let's not forget that "we are nothing like babies compared to the eternity that is ahead of us!"
May we pray for each other for clear conscience, so we can hear more of the Holy Spirit's voice!
There's an interesting statement written by the writer of the lesson that Paul absolutely was convinced that, by attacking the followers of Jesus of Nazareth, he was doing God's work in purifying Judaism from that dangerous and dreadful heresy. Now this has lead me to ask myself, how many things do we do under the belief that we are purifying the Adventism from dangerous heresies when in actual fact we are persecuting Christ all over again.
The murder of Stephen was the turning point of Christianity opening to the rest of the world. In other words Without Stephen's martyr there won't be any Paul
I am deeply convinced of the conversion of Saul now Paul. That eventhough you’re a murderer, persecuter or great sinner, in God’s eye there is no impossible for Him to change your heart to be pure and to be submissive to Him because of His great love.
I am greatly impressed of Saul’s story and truly believe in God’s word.
This is my first time to understand Saul the persecutor of early Christian and becomes my eye opener to read more the book of Acts and hopefully read the entire bible and Ellen White books to understand fully the word of God and share it to my friends, relatives and to the public people.