Around the time of 34 AD a Jewish zealot that went by the name of Saul of Tarsus was on his way to Damascus with letters from the high priest of Jerusalem authorizing him to bring members of a new religious movement called "the Way" back to face charges. Saul was convinced that these followers of "the Way" were a pervision of the true religion of Judaism.
What happened to him on that road to Damascus is recorded for us in Acts 9:3-8:
3 As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him.
4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” 5 “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked.
“I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. 6 “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”
7 The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone. 8 Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus.
This passage of scripture details for us the miraculous conversion of Saul. Now let's jump forward in the historal narrative of church - which is the Book of Acts - to Chapter 13. Here we find the church in Antioch in a time of prayer and fasting seeking the will of God. God speaks to the church regarding the man known as Saul of Tarsus (who would later be known as Paul). This is recorded in Acts 13:2:
2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”
Most Bible scholars believe it had been thirteen (13) years between the conversion of Saul on the road to Damascus and release by the Holy Spirit of Barnabus and Saul to the work to which God had called them - what we refer to Paul's first missionary journey. Paul (Saul) would go on to be a leading apostle of the emerging New Testament church as well as the author of half of the New Testament books. It took 13 years of prepartion before he was ready for that missionary assignment. We often overlook the amount of time that elapsed between the two events. In our culture today everything must be on a fast track - even within the Christian community we often fail to take the time to allow God to prepare us for "the work which He has called us to". Let God speak to you about your preparation - He will certainly guide you and speak to you about it.
If learning more about the Bible or formal a Bible college education is part of your preparation - find out more about CFM Bible College (www.cfmbiblecollege.org). May God bless you has you prepare and accomplish His will on the earth. Pastor Pete
