- Chapters: - [[Acts 9]]:19b-31 # Get Ready for the Gentiles [[Charlie Skrine]] preached on [[Acts 9]]:19b-31 in the [[To the ends of the earth]] series. The sermon looked at [[Saul]] as the Lord's chosen instrument and prepared the ground for the gospel going to the [[Gentiles]]. The striking background is how novel it is, in Bible terms, for [[Gentiles]] to know [[God]]. Unless the blood of [[Abraham]] flows through your veins, you seem to be a far-off nobody. Can such people know [[God]]? In this section the answer begins to be shown as yes. # Saul the chosen instrument Just before this section, [[Saul]] is chosen by [[God]] to spread his word. The passage immediately begins to show what that calling will involve. ## 1. Carry my name [[Saul]]'s first task is to carry the name of [[Jesus]]. At once he begins preaching in the synagogues that [[Jesus]] is the [[Son of God]]. Before this, [[Saul]] had been sure that [[Jesus]] was not the [[Messiah]], and he would have had plenty of Scripture in mind for that conviction. But after meeting the risen [[Jesus]], he is converted and begins proclaiming the opposite: [[Jesus]] is the [[Son of God]], the [[Messiah]], and [[Lord]]. The name of [[Jesus]] is the most precious name in the world. ## 2. Suffer [[Saul]]'s calling also includes suffering. Beforehand, he was the next up-and-coming figure in Jewish society. Now, because he belongs to [[Jesus]], he is fleeing for his life. The pattern of the passage bears this out: after preaching [[Jesus]], [[Saul]] faces a conspiracy to kill him and has to escape by being lowered in a basket through an opening in the city wall. ## 3. Unstoppable [[Saul]]'s ministry is nevertheless unstoppable. Opposition, fear, and threats do not end the work of [[God]]. The one who once opposed the name of [[Jesus]] is now carrying that name, suffering for that name, and being used by [[God]] as the gospel moves outward. # Final takeaway The conversion and calling of [[Saul]] show that [[God]]'s plan to bring the gospel to the [[Gentiles]] will not be stopped. [[Jesus]] turns his enemy into his chosen instrument, sends him to carry his name, and prepares him to suffer for it.