Faith In Transforming Grace

May 22nd, 2025

Acts 9:23-31

God’s “chosen instrument” to proclaim Christ to the Gentiles had narrowly escaped a death plot in Damascus (v. 15). Saul came to Jerusalem but the believers there were afraid of him. His reputation as a persecutor of the church far outweighed stories of his conversion on the road. “We just can’t trust him,” they probably thought. “What if it’s a trick?” Saul was just too dangerous.

One leader of impeccable reputation, Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus known as “Barnabas,” came to Paul’s side. This “son of encouragement” put aside any personal concern and learned Saul’s story. With confidence, he took the risk to present Saul to the apostles, speaking in his defense. Based on Barnabas’s recommendation, Saul was admitted into their fellowship. Later, it was Barnabas who travelled to Tarsus to bring Saul back to help teach the community of believers in Antioch (11:25-26).

The church still needs leaders who believe God can transform lives, that He can take once-fierce opponents of the faith and turn them into effective apostles of Christ.

Author: Duane Brush