Paul traveled to Damascus with chains and orders from the high priest to arrest Christians and anyone calling themselves part of “the way.”

He came to wreak the same havoc he’d brought to Jerusalem, equipped with helpers and handcuffs, ready to eradicate this movement that had everyone so riled up.

But something unexpected happened. Jesus knocked Paul off his feet on the Damascus road, transforming him from attacker to preacher.

The man who had sought to destroy the gospel became its staunch supporter.

The Jews in Damascus expected Paul’s help eliminating Christians. Instead, he arrived as a Christian himself, a believer in Jesus.

What to do with this ally-turned-enemy?

Rather than depend on authorities, they decided to kill him themselves under cover of darkness, making a vow to eradicate Paul.

But it wasn’t his time.

Protected by the Holy Spirit and through the church’s work, Paul was saved. He was lowered in a basket through a window to freedom.

This preservation served a purpose: that he might continue preaching and proclaiming, so more people would know that Jesus came to save not just Jews, but the whole gentile world from their sins.

This is the gospel’s work, which is preached to you and to the whole world.

Preaching saves. Baptism saves. The Lord’s Supper saves.

 It’s the work of the Holy Spirit among us to proclaim and to make faith, and so he has.

Contributor Steven Cholak is the pastor at Our Savior Lutheran Church, Houston, TX.

#higherthings #lcms #lutheran #stpaul

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