The Hardened Disbeliever, Acts 9:1-2

This post concerns the conversion of a hardened disbeliever, Saul.

The Hardened Disbeliever discusses the background of Saul and what it means.

Saul approved of killing Stephen, Acts 7:58; 8:1. “Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul…

…And Saul approved of his execution.”

Consider what Saul later said of himself, Philippians 3:5-6. “… circumcised on the eighth day of the people of Israel… of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless.”

The Jews, especially the Pharisees, rejected the resurrection of Jesus and executed those who confessed Jesus. Later, Saul, also known as Paul, stated he cast His vote against the Christians put to death, Acts 26:9-10. “I myself was convinced that I ought to do many things in opposing the name of Jesus of Nazareth. And I did so in Jerusalem. I not only locked up many of the saints in prison after receiving authority from the chief priests, but when they …put to death, I cast my vote against them.”

Saul was a hardened disbeliever who clung tenaciously to the religion of his fathers.

Many today mimic the attitude of Saul. They stay with the parent’s religion and ignore the Bible teachings on salvation.

But on the road to Damascus, Saul saw Jesus and heard him speak. This caused him to immediately become a believer, Acts 9:5-6. “…And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you… persecuting. But rise and enter the city, and you…told what you are to do.”

Saul was obedient and became baptized, Acts 9:18. “Then he rose… baptized…”

Saul, later called Paul, recognized baptism as removing sin, Acts 22:16. “… Rise… baptized and wash away your sin…”

Hardened sinners, all sinners, today need to read the Bible and obey like Saul.

So, what did we learn?

1.Saul believed and was baptized for forgiveness of sins.

2.Hardened sinners, all sinners, need to do the same today.

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