Acts 22:1-21

 A real turn around

Paul gives testimony to the people who know his previous life intimately. Persecuting the way, zealous for God without knowledge (Rom 10:2) A pharisee of pharisees (Phil 3:5). It would seem he always knew what to do, and who to do it to. But when he meets the risen Jesus, he doesn't know who he is or what he (saul) should do. 

Previously one who says they can see but is blind (John 9, Isaiah 43), full of independence and resolve, but is now undone, blind, dependent, and helpless before Christ Jesus. How beautiful to receive his sight by the word spoken by Ananias and to receive his commissioning. Formerly an instrument of darkness, Saul is baptised, and his sins are washed away, calling on the name of the Righteous One. 

If you've ever known someone to be fixated, resolute, goal oriented or really focused, it's a total shock if they give it up. I know that from how people reacted to me giving up cycling after 20 or so years of being obsessed with cycle commuting. But this is worse, he's turned to the opposition. I think the story is about to get spicy!

But what is at the root of it? Paul recognises Christ Jesus. He repents and is baptised. Same story for you and I. There may be different sins. There may be different consequences. But you and I who call on the name of the Lord will be saved. 

Paul writes:

the message concerning faith that we proclaim: If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.” For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”