Saul the Convert
When he [Saul] came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus. So Saul stayed with them and moved about freely in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord. He talked and debated with the Hellenistic Jews, but they tried to kill him. When the believers learned of this, they took him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus.
Acts 9: 26-30 [NIV]
You can understand the reluctance of the Apostles to embrace Saul, he had spent the best part of two years seeking out and violently persecuting Christians. But three years later he turns up in Jerusalem claiming to be a convert, and perhaps there have been rumours of Saul's 'unbelievable conversion' and reports of what he has been doing in Damascus, but can they be sure – can they trust him? Is there anyone who will take a risk on Saul? One man came forward when everyone else was afraid; he listened to Saul's story and discerned that it was of God. Barnabas becomes his advocate; he risks his life and reputation and Saul becomes an accepted member of the Church.
Who do we stand up for, who do we act as advocates for? – Who's stories do we listen to and discern that 'yes this is from God'?
Continue to look for, encourage and pray for those people.
Guy Mowbray
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