Love Transformed Saul to Paul

I love numbers and when I decided to find out how many times the word “love” was used, I was interested to find out that depending on the version, it is used from 311 (KJV) to 541 (NASB). When I chose to write about Saul to Paul, the first thing that came to mind was his Damascus road experience. But we know that God has known us since the beginning of time and loved us that long!

Paul’s conversion from Saul to Paul is well documented throughout the New Testament, he was called the pharisee of Pharisees. He was there when Stephen was stoned, he held the robes. He was given an open-ended letter to bring any believers to Jerusalem. Yet, God chose to use him to preach the Word to the Gentiles.

Because of Paul and the love God showed him, people received and accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior. It happened because of the transformation of Saul’s heart from one of hate to one of love.

As a sidebar to the transformation of Saul to Paul which people overlook, myself included, is the love that Ananias had for Jesus Christ. This man was told to go and find Saul and lay hands on him so that Saul would receive the Holy Spirit. To a man who had sent followers of Jesus to Jerusalem (to be killed). WOW!!! I ask myself, do I love Jesus enough to go to people who are enemies to help open their eyes to the love and redemption of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Jesus, today help me to have the love that helps people to go from being a Saul to Paul, for your kingdom’s glory!

Gary Elrod