When The Church Welcomes Enemies | Acts 9: 23–31 | ESV
How many of you are skeptical of people’s conversion stories? When famous people become Christians, I am often skeptical—until I see real change in their lives. Here, in Saul’s conversion story, the church in Jerusalem was also afraid and skeptical at first. Because Saul had a violent past! As Saul was on his way to persecute Christians he was dramatically changed by the light of Christ. And ever since Ananias had come to pray for him, Saul had been preaching to his own people (vv. 21–22). But very soon, Saul is going to face opposition. So, in this passage, we’ll see that: a) With new life comes new opposition. b) With new life comes a new family. c) With new life comes peace and awe.