Conversion of Saint Paul the Apostle

Today we celebrate the conversion of Saint Paul the Apostle. Paul, formerly known as Saul of Tarsus, was a self-appointed enemy of Christians soon after the death and resurrection of Jesus. According to the Acts of the Apostles, Paul was present at and consenting to the execution of Stephen, the Christian martyr. Paul was guarding the coats of those who were stoning Stephen to death.

The Ninth chapter of Acts goes on with this story:

Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synaogues at Damascus, so that if he found any who belonged to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.

You probably know how this part of the story goes: At about mid-day Jesus appeared to Paul in a flash of light and Paul fell off his horse right there on the Damascus Road. Paul had the original "Damascus Road experience." That was the beginning of a new life for Paul as he became a Christian on the spot. He was baptized in Damascus and then, before becoming a missionary, Paul went off on a lengthy retreat to listen for the voice of God.

Paul's life was never the same, once he heard Jesus call his name.


In peace,
Linda+
The Rev. Linda McCloud
Vicar, Holy Cross Church Episcopal
Billings, Montana
http://www.holycrosschurchbillings.org/
406-208-7314