Three Men

      One of the most unlikely conversions of all time must surely be that of Saul. Here was a persecutor on his way to Damascus to seek and condemn those who were saved (Acts 9:1-31). But he was confronted by Jesus on the road and realized his error, turning to embrace Jesus as the Christ he began proclaiming salvation in His name.

      No doubt, Jesus played the most important role in Saul’s salvation. Jesus is the Savior who died for Saul. He is the Savior who died for us all. Without His work and grace, none would be saved. However, while Jesus provided the shock that caused Saul to listen, Jesus left the teaching up to men.

      We, God’s children, are the tools Jesus uses to bring people to Him and help them grow. In fact, we find three men that fill a great role in Saul’s life. Men whose roles we need to fill today

      We begin in Acts 7. Stephen, an evangelist in Jerusalem who boldly proclaimed the truth about Jesus, preached to the Council and was stoned for it. What conviction Stephen demonstrated.

      Stephen’s role is not as apparent in Saul’s life. But we must take note that even before becoming a Christian, Saul saw the great example of Christian faith in someone.

      Then in Acts 9:10-19, Ananias was specifically chosen by God to teach Saul how to receive forgiveness and become a Christian.

      Though Saul had seen Jesus on the road to Damascus, he was still steeped in his sins. He needed to hear and obey the gospel message. But how could he hear unless someone preached? Ananias, despite his fears, stepped into the gap and filled that role for Saul.

      Finally, in Acts 9:26-30; 11:25-26, we find Barnabas, the Son of Encouragement, stepping up to the plate to help Saul work. No doubt, Saul was a go-getter and worked on his own. But when he came to Jerusalem, he hit a brick wall. The disciples there only knew him as a persecutor and did not trust him.

      Barnabas stepped up and spoke in Saul’s favor, helping him to unite and grow with the disciples. When he got to Antioch, he knew the man for the job and more than encouraged him, pushed him into the work.

      Why take note of these three men? Because we need to be these men in the lives of people today. Each of us must be a Stephen, boldly setting the example of faith among the lost. We each must be an Ananias, teaching others how to be forgiven. And each of us must be a Barnabas, encouraging and helping others become united with the brethren and grow in work for the Lord and His church.

Edwin L. Crozier