Kingdom Expansion: God Can Use Anyone

In this short series of blogs we will be focusing on different people in the book of Acts and how God used them to expand his kingdom.

1. Paul: Proof that God can use anyone, Acts 9:1-22

The account of the dramatic conversion of Saul aka Paul is one of the most well known New Testament narratives outside the gospels. Luke, the author of Acts of the Apostles, notes briefly later that he is also known as Paul (Acts 13.9). Each of his twelve epistles recorded in scripture begins with the greeting “Paul.…”

We meet Saul for the first time in Acts 8 where Luke tells us that he approved of Stephen’s martyrdom, an event which triggered massive persecution and caused the Jesus followers to be scattered throughout the known world. Initially, Saul was violently opposing followers of The Way: But Saul was ravaging the church by entering house after house; dragging off both men and women he committed them to prison, Acts 8.3. Today’s passage begins, Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord…Acts 9.1.

The total transformation of his life and purpose is an astonishing event - and one which gives us faith to pray for what seems impossible! Can someone turn from vehement opposition to passionate support? YES, by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Not surprisingly, the early followers of Jesus were wary of Saul at first. Who could dare to trust this man whom they had witnessed dragging people from their homes to be imprisoned? “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints in Jerusalem; and here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who invoke your name.” Acts 9.13

God chose a devout disciple in Damascus called Ananias to step out in faith and welcome Saul into fellowship. I hope that in later years Ananias discovered the far reaching effect of his courageous obedience that day. Imagine his shock on hearing the Holy Spirit direct him to Saul was staying. “What? Saul? - are you sure Lord?!” God then gives him a glimpse into Paul’s calling, ‘Go, for he is an instrument whom I have chosen to bring my name before Gentiles and kings and before the people of Israel…’ Acts 9.13-15.

I so admire the faith and kindness in Ananias’ greeting, ‘Brother Saul’. A vital stepping stone towards Saul’s world-scale ministry of Kingdom expansion. Paul’s legacy to every subsequent generation of Jesus followers, through his story and his letters, should provoke us all to prayer, faith, courage and action.

Let’s follow Ananias example of obedience and trust.

Pray, Lord Jesus,

Fill us with your Holy Spirit so we become fruitful in making disciples. To whom are you leading me now?

Holy Spirit pray through us as we pray for others. What doors do you want to be opened through their lives?

Amen.

Catherine Horton