The Launch: Acts 9:19-22
“19) … Now for several days he was with the disciples who were at Damascus, 20) and immediately he began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is the Son of God.” 21) All those hearing him continued to be amazed, and were saying, “Is this not he who in Jerusalem destroyed those who called on this name, and who had come here for the purpose of bringing them bound before the chief priests?” 22) But Saul kept increasing in strength and confounding the Jews who lived at Damascus by proving that this Jesus is the Christ.” Acts 9:19-22
This text begs the question; “How long does someone need to be a Christian before becoming fruitful in Christian witness and service?” In the case of Saul, he began proclaiming Jesus Christ and the gospel almost immediately.
Granted, Saul had the advantage of being a Jewish scholar. He knew the Old Testament very well. At the same time, he carried much baggage into his Christian life. He had been a Pharisee. Yet he became fruitful and effective very quickly.
The text says; “and immediately he began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is the Son of God.” Even the newest Christian has a story to tell.
But the text also indicates that Saul kept increasing in strength, insight and effectiveness. His understanding and effectiveness was growing quickly.
How long after coming out of the cocoon does it take for a butterfly to start flying? It’s amazing. As soon as its wings dry off it soars into the sky. As a caterpillar it spent its entire life crawling. But after being born again, it spreads its wings and starts flying. Its crawling days are over.
Saul spread his wings and started flying immediately. He was a new man and was filled with the Holy Spirit. He couldn’t help but testify for Jesus. He launched quickly.
I believe God wants every new Christian to speak up quickly, study the Word deeply and grow rapidly. We have no biblical explanation or pattern for spiritual impotency. New life and new mission begins the moment someone becomes a believer.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
