“And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads, and saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross. Likewise also the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders, said, He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him. He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God. The thieves also, which were crucified with him, cast the same in his teeth.”
Matthew 27:39-44 KJV
https://bible.com/bible/1/mat.27.39-44.KJV
Who Are You Living For?
Saul had it all. He knew the right people, had the right job, and came from the right place. Only one problem—He was a violent opponent to the followers of Jesus. He’d specifically seek them out to imprison or kill them.
One day, Saul was traveling to the city of Damascus to arrest followers of Jesus and bring them to Jerusalem. Suddenly, a bright light appeared before Saul. Falling to the ground, he heard Jesus ask, “Why do you persecute me?” After this encounter, Saul was blind for three days. God instructed Ananias to restore Saul’s sight.
Saul’s encounter with Jesus began a radical transformation in His life. No longer was he interested in making life difficult for followers of Jesus, but he was eager to join them! Eventually, Saul became known as the Apostle Paul—who traveled great distances to share the Gospel. He also wrote a large portion of the New Testament.
Paul’s new life was very different from the one he left behind. Instead of holding ...