Wednesday prior to Easter 3

 

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Acts 9:1–22—During Eastertide, the first reading is taken from the book of the Acts of the Apostles, St Luke’s history of the Church during the Apostolic Age. Here, we have the account of the conversion of Saul, a learned Jew who zealously persecuted Christians. But, after being commissioned to be an apostle by the risen Christ, Paul, as he would henceforth be known, became an even more zealous ambassador for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. His encounter gave him the joy of a new life in the risen Lord.

Under the theme, “The Joy of the Resurrection,” we find the joy of a new life in the risen Lord as we hear of the conversion of Paul.

 The man known both as “Paul,” his Roman name; as well as “Saul,” his Hebrew given name,[2] describes in his letter to the Philippians (3:4b-6) that he was taught by Gamaliel. (A prominent Jewish Rabbi)  He describes himself as a genuine, pious and zealous member of Judaism. In fact, from the Pharisaic viewpoint, he was “blameless.”

According Galatians 1:14 he notes that he was ahead of many of his own age in his zealousness for the traditions of his faith. In this zeal he became the leading agent of those seeking to stamp out the blasphemous section of believers in Christ. For Saul there was no other alternative.

According to his letter to the Philippians (3:7-11) Saul notes that as a Pharisee so highly treasured he now is a grateful he is to be considered a servant of Christ. Several times in his letters he expressed his ongoing amazement that God would choose him to be His called missionary to the Mediterranean world. From the time of his conversion to the time of his execution, he faithfully strove day and night to share the Gospel of salvation through faith in Christ as persuasively as possible, but, always without compromise.

Vv. 1-3 sets the tone for the story. Saul received from the high priest letters of extradition to permit him to bring Jewish Christians from Damascus to Jerusalem for trial.  This right was given to the high priest by Julius Caesar in 47 BC with respect to religious matters. As with the trial of Jesus; the Jewish court could find Jesus guilty of death however only the Roman Governor could grant an execution. To which, Pilate declared Jesus innocent, washed his hands of the entire affair and said to the crowd and the religious establishment in particular, “see to it yourselves.”  

From references to the wringing of the Jewish historian Josephus, it is evident that the ancient emporium of Damascus had a large Jewish population. Note also that Luke uses the term, “The Way,” as the official designation of what we now refer to as “the Christians.”  

Collect for the Third Sunday of Easter: O God, through the humiliation of Your Son You raised up the fallen world. Grant to Your faithful people, rescued from the peril of everlasting death, perpetual gladness and eternal joys; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen [3] – 27 April 2022

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[1] The Resurrected Christ, copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things

[2] Remember this apostle was Jewish by birth and heritage but also a recognized Roman citizen; in which case he used his citizenship as an opportunity to make his appeal for the gospel to the Emperor in Rome.

[3] Collect for Easter 3, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis,