PAUL MEETS JESUS

INTRODUCTION

• As we continue our journey through Acts, we have seen unimaginable beauty in the account of Pentecost and witnessed the unbelievable tragedy of martyrdom.

• Stephen’s death served as a significant tipping point in the story of the early Church.

• After this, every believer had a death wish. Jewish leaders were searching for them like hunters. Rome was not just imprisoning them; it was killing them. Stephen’s riot-turned-execution served as the tipping point of the Church’s story.

• Look back on that terrible scene. While the crowd gathered and prepared to throw the stones, they didn’t want to get their cloaks dirty. So, what did they do?

• They gave them to a young leader who was overseeing the stoning of Stephen. His name was Saul. Luke points out, “The witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul” (Acts 7:58).

• He wasn’t just present. We have reason to believe he was a participant. Saul was a murderer, but he was about to become a crucial figure in the movement called the Church.

• However, those small moments ultimately culminate in revival—a fancy word for when a bunch of people turn to Jesus at once, as we saw at Pentecost. Simply put, revivals are made up of many individuals.

ILLUSTRATION: The Teamwork of Ants

• It’s important to recognize that movements often begin with the actions of a lone individual, not massive crowds. Think about ants.

• Yep, the little bugs that ruin picnics. However annoying, ants are intriguing little insects. It’s estimated that five ants can carry up to 250 times their body weight as a group.

• To put this into perspective, that’s like a basketball team lifting a tank or Boeing 737 Max.

• In the same way, the early Church showed off its collective strength to spread the message of Jesus. Talk about a heavy weight to carry! No single person could do it alone.

• They needed multitudes.

• They needed masses.

• They needed a colony.

• Just as ants demonstrate their collective strength by working together, the Book of Acts reminds us that big moves take place in small moments.

TENSION

• The Apostle Luke wants to introduce you to these individuals because he is studying the growth of the Church, after all.

• Since expansion takes place through conversation, proclamation, and declaration, Luke intentionally wants you to know all the people who were giving their lives to Jesus and proclaiming his name.

• Actually, Luke mentions over 180 individual names in his two books recounting our history as the Church.

• Why would he mention so many names?

• Shouldn’t it just be God, Jesus, Stephen, and maybe Peter?

• He understands that Spirit-empowered individuals create a universe shifting impact.

• In the passage we are about to study, you will see three steps designed to help you move into your greatest potential impact.

• Paul was on the road to Damascus, but it may as well have been the road to the death of the masses. The orders in his pocket served like a hit list, ready to hunt Christians like it was a twisted sport.

• His journey was interrupted, though. Struck by a blinding light, he heard a voice asking, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?”

• Suddenly, the lights went out. Saul had been blinded by a brilliant light that wrapped around Jesus, the man he hated. After that, he gave his life to Jesus.

• In that moment, everything changed. With a newfound purpose pumping through his veins and the Spirit’s presence within his heart, Saul arose from his life-altering encounter and embarked on a difficult and dark walk that would forever alter the course of the Church.

• While his eyes remained blinded, his future was never brighter.

• He was no longer walking that journey alone.

• The Son of God met him there.

• The power of God transformed him there.

• The Spirit of God empowered him there.

• Then, he took that power and presence with him throughout the known world.

• So, how can we step into our individual impact? Let’s draw from the story of Paul and identify three key steps towards personal and communal revival.

Step 1: Experience

• In the same way that Paul encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus, we must also seek a personal experience with Him.

• When he started that trip, his name was Saul.

• Now, it’s Paul. He was so radically changed by his experience with Jesus that he had to change all his usernames.

• We, too, will be radically changed when we have a genuine encounter with Jesus.

• It probably won’t look like Paul’s.

• There might not be a bright light, a tumble off a horse, or blindness, but we can have real and meaningful encounters with Jesus through prayer, reading the Bible, and seeking His presence in our lives.

• When you experienced Jesus for the first time, I assume it wasn’t as theatrical, but that doesn’t make it any less powerful.

Step 2: Education

• Following his encounter with Jesus, Paul was instructed to go and find disciples at once, not just to regain his sight but to be trained.

• Education and training are vital aspects of impact. In our individual lives, we should actively seek to learn more about Jesus, deepen our understanding of the Bible, and engage in discipleship every moment we can.

• Through education, we don’t just increase our knowledge; we increase our impact.

• Do you know what I find mind-blowing? Saul knew a lot about Jesus and the Bible. The guy was a scholar who likely had much of the Old Testament memorized.

• Not to mention, he spent much of his adult life studying the rebellious rabbi from Galilee.

• This goes to show a powerful point: there is a major difference between knowing about Jesus and having a real experience with him.

• When Paul was saved, the switch flipped. His knowledge became an allegiance.

• Paul certainly knew everything Christ claimed, but until his encounter with Jesus, his life wasn’t any different because of it.

• Some of you may feel the same way.

• You may know all the facts, details, and storylines, but you don’t feel any different.

• Everyone talks about their “radical change” and their “testimony,” but all you can do is recite some facts you learned in Sunday School and maybe recite the books of the Bible in order.

• If that’s the case, you may need to go back to

• Step 1. Sadly, so many people actually start their journey on Step 2. Receiving an education about Jesus without having a real experience with Him will be exhausting because you’re just learning facts.

• After you’ve had an experience with Him, it’s exhilarating because you’re learning about your perfect friend and your heavenly Father.

Step 3: Expansion

• Paul went from murderer to missionary. The fire that burned on the road to Damascus engulfed his heart.

• From that day forward, he carried it like a torch around the known world.

• He went to synagogues, preached in public places, and had personal conversations with anyone who would listen.

• Paul understood the significance of making an impact one person at a time.

• In our own lives, we should recognize that expanding God’s Kingdom is not solely achieved in big, over-the-top places.

• It often takes place one conversation at a time. Just as Paul focused on personal interactions, we should make a difference in the lives of those we encounter daily—sharing our faith, offering encouragement, and demonstrating true love.

Landing

Just like the early Church was shaped by individual encounters, personal growth, and the influence of dedicated followers, we, too, can play a significant role in the ongoing Christian movement.

• By seeking a personal experience with Jesus, prioritizing education and discipleship, and sharing the gospel, your impact will be unimaginable.

• The Book of Acts reminds us that God worked in individuals before He ever worked in temples, so let Him do His work within you today.

• God starts movements in single moments. Your moment is right here and right now.

TALK IT OUT

Go through these questions with your circle. Be honest. Be open. Talk through the tough stuff.

Ice Breaker: Go around your circle and share this week’s highs and lows. What was the best part of your week and the lowest part of your week?

Why do you think Luke talks about so many different people in his book about the Church? What does this mean for us today?

What’s one thing that stood out to you from today’s message?

Have you had a personal encounter that significantly impacted your life? Now, compare that to the way Jesus has impacted your life. In what ways is He changing you?

How do you learn more about Jesus in your daily life? Are there specific practices or resources you find helpful in your spiritual education?

Are there examples from your life where a personal interaction significantly impacted your personal faith?

Application: God starts movements in single moments. How can you actively participate in God’s movement in your community? Are there specific ways you can be more open to those opportunities?

READING PLAN READ THESE PASSAGES IN ORDER EVERY DAY

Acts 15

Acts 16

Acts 17

Acts 18

Acts 19

Acts 20

Acts 21

Do the following with each passage:

ASK– God to connect with you here. In prayer, start by slowing down and inviting God to be present. Begin with focus and openness to see what God has for you today.

READ– the selected section of Scripture slowly. Take note of the words and phrases that intrigue you, reading them a second time if necessary.

REFLECT– on what grabs you. How does this passage personally relate to your own life and experiences?

RESPOND– to the Scripture. Speak directly to God about what’s on your mind and heart. Look for ways to live out what you’ve uncovered.