PAUL’S PERSONAL TESTIMONY- "A sudden burst of praise splashes across the page," as if Paul recalls the peculiar circumstances of his own calling in verse 11: the glorious Good News entrusted to me by our blessed God. [1] Though he has hounded Christ-followers and hauled them to prison and tried to thwart their every attempt to proclaim their faith, yet God’s enabling grace finally conquers him. Thus we have this wonderful litany: thanksgiving, a personal testimony of his past posture toward and actions against Christians, and doxology.

AMPLIFYING THE TESTIMONY - Paul’s was no mild-mannered, quiet resistance to Christians or the gospel. Paul was going everywhere to devastate the church. He went from house to house, dragging out both men and women to throw them into jail (Acts 8:3). If anyone could have been a prisoner to their past, certainly Paul would be on the short list. Yet, the story of Paul’s conversion reminds us that what we’ve done in the past has no impact on our being employed by God when once we have encountered God’s grace.

ST. AUGUSTINE [354-430 ace] - God alone is the medicine that cures the soul. The soul was well able to injure itself but quite unable to cure itself . . . When they’ve so fallen, though, they don’t get better. In order to fall sick they apply themselves to self-indulgence. But in order to get better, they must apply the doctor’s services to their health . . . And so it goes with the soul. . . God alone is the medicine that cures the soul. [2]

connections

Who holds the record in your family for the most speeding tickets? Most times "grounded?"

How do you feel about talking about your past life when you share your faith?

Where do you need Christ’s mercy and unlimited patience in your life right now?

gambits

Begin with a story of conversion-find an historical figure who, like Paul, experienced a deep work of grace in a very un-grace-filled life.

Not all conversions are so dramatic - again reach into history to find some wonderful examples of conversions that are "quiet" yet no less thorough and transformative. [3]

Perhaps tell your listeners of your own conversion story; tell it plainly and carefully think through how you position the events so that God receives the honor and hope is apparent for others to take just such a step.

Invite others to write their own stories of conversion. Suggest several guidelines: the basic context, what led up to their trust in God, and any unexpected occurrences that led to their conversion. As a storyteller describe the events in ways that ascribe honor to God and inspires hope to listeners.

Invite others to tell their story at specially arranged times throughout the year.

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[1] Thomas Oden’s colorful phrase; Thomas Oden, Interpretation: 1 & 2 Timothy (Atlanta: John Knox Press, 1989), page 40.
[2] Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture IX (InterVarsity, 2000), page 142.
[3] To help in finding such historical conversions you might want to check out Hugh Kerr’s fine book, Conversions, from the library.  That’s all the information I have; it is out of print, but most libraries I’ve visited have a copy.