Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, got permission to arrest Christians in Damascus. He was on the road, a light shone, and he heard a voice, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?…I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. Go to the city and you will be told what to do.” Paul arose blind. Those with him led him to Damascus. The Lord told Ananias in a vision to find Saul. Saul saw in a vision that Ananias would come, and lay hands on him to regain sight. Ananias didn’t want to, because he knew who Saul was. The Lord said, “he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel.” Ananias did this, Paul regained his sight, arose, and was baptized. Immediately he proclaimed Jesus in synagogues saying He was the Son of God, and He proved to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ [Messiah]. The Jews plotted to kill him. He was let down by night in a basket through a window. When he came to Jerusalem he tried to join the disciples. They were afraid of him. Barnabas took him to the apostles and described what happened. The church throughout all Judea and Samaria had peace and was blessed. Peter healed Aeneas’ paralysis in Jesus name. Tabitha (a disciple in Joppa) died, Peter came, prayed, and said, “Tabitha, arise.” She did. Many believed in the Lord.
God saves Saul the terrorist. Christ so identifies with His people that persecution of His people is persecution of Him. No one is beyond the power of God’s grace through the gospel. God’s people are His chosen instruments of His grace.