Transformed by Christ: The Remarkable Journey of Saul to Paul

When is the refining process of silver complete? When you can see your reflection in it. Similarly, how do we know when we are truly refined in Jesus Christ? When others can see a reflection of Christ in us.

Jesus meets us where we are, but He loves us too much to leave us where He found us. He loves us, forgive us, reshape us, and refines us into the men and women He has called us to be. He transforms us through His great love.

Who Was Saul Before His Transformation?

Saul was a Jewish Pharisee who hated Christians. He believed they were going against Jewish tradtion and faith. Scripture records in the Book of Acts that "Saul was there giving approval of Stephen's death." Stephen was one of the first Christian martyrs who refused to deny his faith in Jesus.

Saul mad it his mission to find Christians, bring them to trial, and even put them to death. He considered them traitors to the Jewish faith. He was "breathing out murderous threats against the Lord's disciples" and sought permission to take Christians as prisoners to Jerusalem.

The Dramatic Encounter That Changed Everything

As Saul neared Damascus on his journey to arrest Christians, something extraordinary happened:

"Suddenly a light from heaven flashed all around him, and he fell to the ground and heard a voice saying, 'Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?' 'Who are you, Lord?' Saul asked. 'I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,' he replied."

This encounter left Saul blind for three days. God then sent a disciple names Ananias to restore Saul's sight. Despite Ananias's intitial fear of Saul's reputation, God assured him: "This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name."

When Ananias place his hands on Saul, "immediately, something like scales fell off of Saul's eyes and he could see again." He was baptized and began to preach that Jesus is the Son of God, astonishing those who knew of his previous persecution of Christians.

How Did Saul Become the Apostle Paul?

This dramatic transformation changed Saul into Paul, one of the greatest apostles for Jesus Christ. Paul is credited with writing 13 of the 27 books of the New Testament. He traveled throughout the Mediterranean coastlines, preaching and planting churches across Asia Minor during four missionary journeys.

What Were the Key Teachings of Paul?

Paul's theology centered on several key themes:

Salvation Through Faith, Not Law

In Romans, Paul teaches that salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ rather than adherence to the law. The Jewish people had spent their lives trying to obey 613 Jewish laws, but Paul preached that mankind is sinful, and we are made right with God through faith in Jesus, not by following Mosaic laws.

Romans 12:1-2 captures this beautifully: "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God. This is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."

Freedom in Christ

In Galatians, Paul emphasizes that Christians are freed from the obligations of the law and called to live by the Spirit. This message was central to his ministry, advocating for grace over works.

Galatians 2:20 reveals Paul's devotion: "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the Body, I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave himself for me."

Joy Amid Suffering

In Philippians, written from prison, Paul expresses joy and encouragement, emphasizing unity, humility, and a Christ-centered life. He reminds believers that their true citizenship is in heaven, giving them hope even during persecution.

Philippians 3:13-14 shows his determination: "Forgetting what is behind and straining forward to what is ahead, I press on towards the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."

What Hardships Did Paul Face?

Paul suffered greatly for the Gospel. He was physically beaten, stoned, imprisoned, shipwrecked, and faced constant danger. He also dealt with internal struggles, including a "thorn in his flesh" that he prayed to be removed.

Despite these hardships, Paul found strength in God and continued his ministry, encouraging others to find joy in their suffering for Christ. His faithfulness amid trials serves as an inspiration for believers facing their own struggles.

How Does Paul's Transformation Apply to Us?

In 2 Corinthians 3:18, Paul writes: "And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit."

Like the refining process of silver, God works in our lives—heating, cooling, and removing impurities—until others can see a reflection of Christ in us. This transformation isn't a one-time event but a lifelong process of surrendering our will to God's will and seeking to live as He has called us to live.

One of the greatest miracles is a heart transformed for Jesus Christ. Through Paul's story, we see that no one is beyond God's reach or incapable of being used for His purposes.

Life Application

The story of Saul's transformation into Paul challenges us to examine our own lives and spiritual journeys. Are we allowing God to refine us? Can others see a reflection of Christ in us?

This week, consider these questions:

• What "scales" might need to fall from your eyes to see Jesus more clearly?

• Are there areas in your life where you're relying on your own efforts rather than God's grace?

• How might God be calling you to share His message with others, even if it means stepping out of your comfort zone?

• What impurities is God trying to remove from your life through current challenges?

Remember, transformation is a process. Just as Paul wrote, "Not that I have already obtained all of this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on." Let us also press on, allowing God to continually refine us until His reflection shines through our lives.