PERSECUTOR BECAME A PREACHER ACTS 9, 22, 26 One of, if not the greatest conversions in human history is unlikely prospect named Saul. We are introduced to this man in Acts 7 but in Acts 9 Saul becomes major character in church history. His ambitious trip to Damascus had an: I. UNEXPECTED CONFRONTATION 9:3-6. Walls of Damascus in sight, his world was turned right side up by what he saw, heard, and did. He expected to sweep into the city with show of strength, but led into it a sorrowing sinner. II. UNCOMMON CHALLENGE 9:6-9; 26:16-18 No greater challenge has ever been given. Purpose is given to “WHY” Lord appeared: 1. To qualify him as a witness of Resurrection 26:16. 2. To qualify him as a witness to Gentiles 26:17. 3. To qualify him as witness to open their eyes 26:18 III. UNHESITATING CONVERT 9:20-31. Immediately after his conversion, Saul began preaching about Jesus (9:20). NOTE: for the 1st time in book of Acts, Jesus was preached as ‘the Son of God.’ The very man who attempted to prove the falsehood of Christianity now possessed the faith of Christianity What an abrupt change! The man who once pursued Christians was now pursued by his former supporters who became his adversaries (9:23-25). Saul did not find Christian life easy but did NOT find it impossible.