While Ellen White’s early writings revealed the phenomenon of “unconscious plagiarism,” a more serious charge of plagiarism was made in the 1980s against the books she wrote as an adult. She was not the most skillful writer, and it’s easy to recognize the long quotes in her historical and medical studies, because they were written by people with better ears for language. After she became an established author, Mrs. White hired secretaries. A critic easily gained access to her manuscripts and found notes directing the secretaries to insert whole pages from other authors’ books.

Copyright laws were different in the 1890s than they were in the 1980s. Quoting from earlier books without identifying the author, title, or publisher was not only legal, but considered flattering to readers, since it implied that the readers had already read the earlier books. Now that most nineteenth-century books have crumbled away, the critic’s ability to find the sources of quotations Ellen White wrote out for herself shows an impressive knowledge of Victorian literature; it also shows what must be a deliberate ignorance of Victorian copyright laws.

The critic who went to the trouble of digging up books that would have been available to Ellen Harmon between 1840 and 1843 was Walter T. Rea. He poured out the disillusionment that drove him to this feat in a book called The White Lie, which is out of print.Reactions from loyal Adventists, in Review & Herald magazine and elsewhere, were too numerous to list. Mr. Rea’s research efforts were greatly admired, even by Adventists, but his hostile insistence on denouncing rather than understanding the phenomenon of “unconscious plagiarism” aroused hostility even from non-Adventists.

Ellen G. White and women

It is possible that feminist historians have neglected Mrs. White because some of her public statements were not as compatible with feminist movement goals as they might have been. I personally don’t have such a problem with these remarks. After raising several children, travelling and lecturing around the world, organizing churches, schools, hospitals, printing houses, even planning whole towns, and writing more than fifty books nearly all of which are still in print, Ellen White insisted that James White (whose one full-length book never sold well) was the ordained minister in the family, and women should not compete with men in seeking ordination as ministers. She had to leave the poor fellow something of his own.

Ellen White generally advised that, instead of competing with men for jobs, women should make themselves full partners in their husbands’ businesses. At that time family-owned small businesses were the norm, so this advice was more practical than it may seem today.

And, when asked whether she endorsed the idea of votes for women, or for poor or non-White men for that matter, Ellen White spoke for her generation — the least politically active generation in American history. She said that everybody would be better off to concentrate on carrying out “the Great Commission” of preaching Christianity all over the world, and not waste their time on politics.

Nevertheless, in the same articles where she advised women not to seek ordination as ministers, Ellen White advised ministers to choose wives who were qualified to pray and counsel with women in the congregation. She also stipulated that the Adventist church consider prospective pastors as couples, and pay them accordingly. She also required Adventist medical colleges to train and employ women doctors…at a time when most medical schools weren’t even willing to teach women to be competent nurses. And she wrote and lectured extensively on the need for women to ignore fashions and customs that compromised their health, wearing more comfortable clothes, walking and working outdoors, and bathing more often than some of her contemporaries considered decent.

Does Ellen G. White promote naturopathy and natural healing

It was as a poster child for natural healing that Ellen first became famous, and it was as an advocate of natural healing that she had most influence on the world. Again, her influence has been indirect. Ellen White never went back to school and never became a doctor. She attracted doctors who were interested in her case, organized them to build what were initially called “sanitariums” for people with any of the respiratory complaints that were lumped together as “consumption,” and encouraged them to study the benefits of what became known as the naturopathic or holistic approach to medicine.

The attraction and purpose of these “sanitariums” was to find out whether others could receive the same benefits Ellen Harmon had received by following, as closely as possible, her advice on health. Little Ellen’s ideas on health might have lacked credibility, being influenced by early advocates of a temperate diet like Sylvester Graham and Amos Bronson Alcott, but, again to her credit, Ellen White refused to lay down the law as some other religious “prophets” had done. She encouraged experimentation to find out what kind of diet and exercise regimen really did improve people’s immunity.

The doctors who worked with her, including the Kellogg brothers (who would probably disapprove of most Kellogg cereals sold today) and Jethro Kloss, knew what helped patients breathe deeply without coughing, a hundred years before anybody knew why. Subsequent research discovered a few minor errors in Jethro Kloss’s masterwork, Back to Eden, as well as Ellen White’s own Ministry of Healing, but these errors were in the explanations, not in the recommendations. Most people who went to the sanitariums almost certainly had diseases less fatal than tuberculosis…but most of them came back from the sanitariums healthy.

What made the sanitarium experience so helpful? The Ministry of Healing gave ten basic rules for natural health. Those rules will be explained in another article. Of the ten rules, one was so completely adopted by Americans of all belief groups that nobody needs to preach it today, at least not in its original form. One was poorly understood and has been played down even by Adventists, but recent research is showing its value. The other eight rules are things any respectable doctor will recommend today…after about a hundred years of debate between Adventists and other “health nuts” and the once completely allopathic American Medical Association.

Ellen White’s “health reform” worked for her and her family. Apart from one son who died very young (by drowning), the Whites lived long, healthy lives. After James White had died and the grandchildren had grown up, in fact, Ellen White became rather difficult for fellow Adventists to work with. The problem was not that she was weak, whiny, or forgetful (she wasn’t) or demanded special attention as a “prophet” (she didn’t), but that her energy put younger people, who still had family responsibilities, to shame. The church suggested that Mrs. White go out to organize Adventist church groups in Australia. The climate must have agreed with her. In her mid-nineties, she finally slowed down enough to be considered semi-retired for the last two years of her life.

If you have any Questions or commentaries about Ellen G. White please write to l.sorensen@post4.tele.dk

NKJ Ephesians 3:1 For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for you Gentiles –  2 if indeed you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which was given to me for you,  3 how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I have briefly written already,  4 by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ),  5 which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets:  6 that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel,  7 of which I became a minister according to the gift of the grace of God given to me by the effective working of His power.  8 To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,  9 and to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ;  10 to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places,  11 according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord,  12 in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him.  13 Therefore I ask that you do not lose heart at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.

Lydda

Peter healed Aeneas

Visual imagination 1 In the course of his ministry the apostle Peter visited the believers at Lydda.

Biblical evidence

Acts 9:32   32 Now it came to pass, as Peter went through all parts of the country, that he also came down to the saints who dwelt in Lydda.

In imagination behold the scene

Location of Lydda and Joppe

{AA 131.1} In the course of his ministry the apostle Peter visited the believers at Lydda. Here he healed Aeneas, who for eight years had been confined to his bed with palsy.The apostle said…

• “Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole,arise, and make thy bed.”
• “He arose immediately. And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord.”

Joppa

A woman, greatly beloved

Visual imagination 2 At Joppa, which was near Lydda, there lived a woman named Dorcas, whose good deeds had made her greatly beloved.

Biblical evidence

Acts 9:36-38  36 At Joppa there was a certain disciple named Tabitha, which is translated Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and charitable deeds which she did.  37 But it happened in those days that she became sick and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room.  38 And since Lydda was near Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent two men to him, imploring him not to delay in coming to them.

In imagination behold the scene

{AA 131.2} At Joppa, which was near Lydda, there lived a woman named Dorcas, whose good deeds had made her greatly beloved. She was a worthy disciple of Jesus, and…

• Her life was filled with acts of kindness.
• She knew who needed comfortable clothing
• She knew who needed sympathy
• she freely ministered to the poor and the sorrowful.

Her skillful fingers were more active than her tongue.

{AA 131.3} “And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died.” The church in Joppa realized their loss, and hearing that Peter was at Lydda, the believers sent messengers to him,

• “desiring him that he would not delay to come to them. Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and showing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them.”

In view of the life of service that Dorcas had lived, it is little wonder that they mourned, that warm teardrops fell upon the inanimate clay.

Peter at Joppa

The apostle’s heart touched with sympathy

Visual imagination 3 The apostle’s heart was touched with sympathy as he beheld their sorrow.

Biblical evidence

Acts 9:39-41  39 Then Peter arose and went with them. When he had come, they brought him to the upper room. And all the widows stood by him weeping, showing the tunics and garments which Dorcas had made while she was with them.  40 But Peter put them all out, and knelt down and prayed. And turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up.  41 Then he gave her his hand and lifted her up; and when he had called the saints and widows, he presented her alive.

In imagination behold the scene

{AA 132.1} (1) The apostle’s heart was touched with sympathy as he beheld their sorrow. (2) Then, directing that the weeping friends be sent from the room, (3) he kneeled down and prayed fervently to God to restore Dorcas to life and health. (4) Turning to the body, he said,

• “Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up.”

Dorcas had been of great service to the church, and God saw fit to bring her back from the land of the enemy,

• That her skill and energy might still be a blessing to others,
• That by this manifestation of His power the cause of Christ might be strengthened.

{AA 132.2} It was while Peter was still at Joppa that he was called by God to take the gospel to Cornelius, in Caesarea.

Caesarea

Cornelius a Roman Centurion

Visual imagination 4 Cornelius was a Roman centurion.

Biblical evidence

Acts 10:1-2  NKJ Acts 10:1 There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of what was called the Italian Regiment,  2 a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, who gave alms generously to the people, and prayed to God always.

In imagination behold the scene

{AA 132.3} Cornelius was a Roman centurion.He was a man of wealth and noble birth, and his position was one of trust and honor.A heathen by birth, training, and education, through contact with the Jews he had gained a knowledge of God, and he worshiped Him with a true heart, showing the sincerity of his faith by compassion to the poor.

• He was known far and near for his beneficence
• His righteous life made him of good repute among both Jews and Gentiles.

His influence was a blessing to all with whom he came in contact. The inspired record describes him as

• “a devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.”

{AA 133.1} Believing in God as the Creator of heaven and earth, Cornelius…

• revered Him,
• acknowledged His authority
• sought His counsel in all the affairs of life.

He was faithful to Jehovah in his home life and in his official duties.

• He had erected the altar of God in his home, for he dared not attempt to carry out his plans or to bear his responsibilities without the help of God.

Knowledge of the Gospel

Visual imagination 5 Though Cornelius believed the prophecies and was looking for the Messiah to come, he had not a knowledge of the gospel as revealed in the life and death of Christ.

Biblical evidence

Acts 10:34-43   34 Then Peter opened his mouth and said: “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality.  35 “But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him.  36 “The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ — He is Lord of all –  37 “that word you know, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, and began from Galilee after the baptism which John preached:  38 “how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.  39 “And we are witnesses of all things which He did both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem, whom they killed by hanging on a tree.  40 “Him God raised up on the third day, and showed Him openly,  41 “not to all the people, but to witnesses chosen before by God, even to us who ate and drank with Him after He arose from the dead.  42 “And He commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify that it is He who was ordained by God to be Judge of the living and the dead.  43 “To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins.”

In imagination behold the scene

{AA 133.2} Though Cornelius believed the prophecies and was looking for the Messiah to come, he had not a knowledge of the gospel as revealed in the life and death of Christ.

• He was not a member of the Jewish church and would have been looked upon by the rabbis as a heathen and unclean.

But the same Holy Watcher who said of Abraham, “I know him,” knew Cornelius also, and sent a message direct from heaven to him.

An Angel gives Directions

Visual imagination 6 The angel appeared to Cornelius while he was at prayer.

Biblical evidence

Acts 10:3-6   3 About the ninth hour of the day he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God coming in and saying to him, “Cornelius!”  4 And when he observed him, he was afraid, and said, “What is it, lord?” So he said to him, “Your prayers and your alms have come up for a memorial before God.  5 “Now send men to Joppa, and send for Simon whose surname is Peter.  6 “He is lodging with Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea. He will tell you what you must do.”

In imagination behold the scene

{AA 133.3} The angel appeared to Cornelius while he was at prayer. As the centurion heard himself addressed by name, he was afraid, yet he knew that the messenger had come from God, and he said,

• “What is it, Lord?”

The angel answered,

• “Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God. And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter: he lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the seaside.”

Practical applications for today

God is acquainted wtih…

Lesson 1 Heaven is acquainted with the history and business of men in every station of life

Biblical evidence

“he lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the seaside”

Practical application

{AA 133.4} The explicitness of these directions, in which was named even the occupation of the man with whom Peter was staying, shows that God is…

• that Heaven is acquainted with the history and business of men in every station of life.
• that God is familiar with the experience and work of the humble laborer
• that God is familiar with the experience and work of the king upon his throne.

God chooses human beings…

Lessen 2 God gave evidence of His regard for the gospel ministry and for His organized church.

Biblical evidence

Acts 10:5  5 “Now send men to Joppa, and send for Simon whose surname is Peter.

Practical application for today

{AA 134.1} “Send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon.” Thus God gave evidence of His regard for the gospel ministry and for His organized church. The angel was not commissioned to tell Cornelius the story of the cross.

• A man subject, even as the centurion himself, to human frailties and temptations, was to be the one to tell him of the crucified and risen Saviour.

{AA 134.2} As His representatives among men, God does not choose angels who have never fallen, but human beings, men of like passions with those they seek to save.

• Christ took humanity that He might reach humanity.A divine-human Saviour was needed to bring salvation to the world.
• And to men and women has been committed the sacred trust of making known “the unsearchable riches of Christ.” Ephesians 3:8.

{AA 134.3} In His wisdom the Lord brings those who are seeking for truth into touch with fellow beings who know the truth.

• It is the plan of Heaven that those who have received light shall impart it to those in darkness.

Humanity, drawing its efficiency from the great Source of wisdom, is made the instrumentality, the working agency, through which the gospel exercises its transforming power on mind and heart.

Danish translation / Dansk oversættelse

Peter besøger de troende i Lydda

Under sin tjenestegerning besøgte apostlen Peter de troende i Lydda. Her helbredte han Æneas, som i otte år havde været lam og lænket til sin seng. “Æneas! Jesus Kristus helbreder dig,” sagde apostlen, “stå op og red selv din seng.” “Da stod han straks op. Og alle beboerne i Lydda og på Saronsletten så ham, og de omvendte sig til Herren. ”

En højt elsket kvinde

I Joppe, som ligger i nærheden af Lydda, boede der en kvinde ved navn Tabita, som var højt elsket på grund af sine gode gerninger. Hun var en værdig Kristi discipel, hendes tilværelse bestod af barmhjertighedsgerninger. Hun vidste, hvem der trængte til gode klæder, og hvem der trængte til venlighed, og hun gav gavmildt til de fattige og bedrøvede. Hendes flinke fingre havde mere travlt end hendes tunge.

“Hun blev syg og døde”

“Men det skete i de dage, at hun blev syg og døde.” Menigheden i Joppe forstod, hvor meget de havde mistet; og da de hørte, at Peter var i Lydda, sendte de troende bud til ham “og bad ham: “Kom uden tøven over til os.” Peter brød så op og fulgte med dem. Og da han kom derhen, førte de ham op i salen ovenpå, og alle enkerne stod grædende omkring ham og viste ham alle de kjortler og kapper, som Tabita havde syet, mens hun endnu var hos dem.” Når man tænker på det tjenende liv, som Tabita havde ført, kan man ikke undres over, at der faldt hede tårer.

Apostlens hjerte bevæget af sympati

Apostlens hjerte blev dybt bevæget af medlidenhed, da han så deres sorg. Så bød han, at de grædende venner skulle forlade stuen, knælede ned og bad inderligt til Gud om at give Tabita livet og sundheden tilbage. “Så vendte han sig til det døde legeme og sagde: “Tabita, stå op!” Og hun slog øjnene op, og da hun så Peter, satte hun sig op.” Tabita havde været en stor hjælp for menigheden, og Gud fandt det rigtigt at hente hende hjem fra fjendens land, for at hendes flid og dygtighed stadig kunne være til velsignelse for andre, og også for at han ved denne åbenbaring af sin magt kunne styrke Kristi sag.

I Joppe fik Peter et kald

Det var, mens Peter stadig var i Joppe, at han fik kald fra Gud til at bringe evangeliet til Kornelius i Kæsarea.

Kornelius var en romersk høvedsmand

Kornelius var en romersk høvedsmand. Han var en rig og fornem mand, og han var både agtet og æret. Skønt han var hedning af fødsel, opdragelse og uddannelse, havde han ved at komme i kontakt med jøderne erhvervet sig kundskab om Gud, og han tilbad ham af et oprigtigt hjerte og viste, hvor ærlig hans tro var, ved at have medynk med de fattige. Han var vidt og bredt kendt for sin velgørenhed, og hans retfærdige liv skaffede ham et godt rygte både blandt jøder og hedninger. Hans indflydelse var en velsignelse for alle, som han kom i berøring med. Beretningen beskriver ham som “en from mand, som frygtede Gud tillige med hele sit hus og gav folket mange almisser og stadig bad til Gud.”

Kornelius troede på Gud som skaberen

Kornelius troede på Gud som himmelens og jordens skaber, han ærede ham, erkendte hans magt og søgte råd hos ham under alle livets forhold. I sit hjemliv og under sine offentlige pligter var han tro mod Jehova. I sit hjem havde han rejst et alter for Gud, for han vovede ikke at forsøge at udføre sine planer eller bære sit ansvar uden Guds hjælp.

Han kendte ikke til evangeliet om Jesu liv og død

Skønt Kornelius troede på profetierne og ventede Messias komme, kendte han ikke noget til evangeliet, sådan som det er åbenbaret ved Kristi liv og død. Han var ikke medlem af den jødiske menighed og ville af rabbinerne være blevet betragtet som hedning og uren. Men den samme hellige vægter, der om Abraham sagde: “Jeg kender ham!” kendte også Kornelius og sendte ham et direkte budskab fra Himmelen.

En engel viser sig for Kornelius

Engelen viste sig for Kornelius, mens han bad. Da høvedsmanden hørte sit navn blive nævnet, blev han bange, skønt han vidste, at sendebudet var kommet fra Gud, og han sagde: “Hvad er det, Herre?” Engelen svarede: “Dine bønner og dine almisser er steget op til Gud som et ihukommelsesoffer. Send nu nogle mænd til Joppe og lad dem hente en mand, som hedder Simon med tilnavn Peter. Han er gæst hos en garver ved navn Simon, der har sit hus ved havet.”

Himlen kender til menneskets beskæftigelse

Disse nøjagtige forklaringer, hvori der endog nævnes den mands livsstilling, hos hvem Peter boede, viser os, at Himmelen har kendskab til menneskers historie og beskæftigelse indenfor alle livsstillinger. Gud kender nøje den bekendende arbejders liv og gerning såvel som kongen på sin trone.

Gud viser agtelse for evangeliets tjeneste

“Send nu nogle mænd til Joppe og lad dem hente en mand, der hedder Peter.” Således bevidnede Gud sin agtelse for evangeliets tjenere og for sin oprettede menighed. Det var ikke engelens opgave at fortælle Kornelius korsets historie. Et menneske, der på samme måde som høvedsmanden selv var offer for menneskelige skrøbeligheder og fristelser, skulle være den, der fortalte ham om den korsfæstede og opstandne Frelser.

Gud vælger mennesker som Hans repræsentanter

Gud vælger ikke engle, der aldrig har syndet, til at være hans repræsentanter blandt mennesker, men mennesker, mænd med samme slags lidenskaber som dem, de søger at frelse. Kristus blev menneske, for at han kunne nå ind til mennesker. Der behøvedes en guddommelig-menneskelig Frelser for at bringe frelsen til verden. Og mænd og kvinder har fået betroet den hellige tjeneste at lade andre få del i “Kristi uransagelige rigdom.” Ef. 3,8.

Himlens plan

I sin visdom bringer Herren dem, der søger sandheden, i berøring med medmennesker, der kender sandheden. Det er Himmelens vilje, at de, som har modtaget lyset, skal give det videre til dem i mørket. Menneskeslægten, der får sin kraft fra den store visdommens kilde, bliver det redskab, den virksomhed, hvorigennem evangeliet udøver sin forvandlende magt over sjæl og sind.

]]> http://egwhite.eftertanke.dk/2010/07/30/a-seeker-for-truth/feed/ 0 http://egwhite.eftertanke.dk/2010/07/18/days-of-preparation-iii/ http://egwhite.eftertanke.dk/2010/07/18/days-of-preparation-iii/#comments Sun, 18 Jul 2010 05:44:04 +0000 egwhite http://egwhite.eftertanke.dk/?p=1373 Source: Acts of the Apostle by Ellen G. White p. 128-130

From Arabia to Damascus

Visual imagination 1 From Arabia Paul “returned again unto Damascus” (Galatians 1:17), and “preached boldly . . . in the name of Jesus.”

Biblical evidence

Galatians 1:17  17 …and returned again to Damascus.

Acts 9:24-25   24 But their plot became known to Saul. And they watched the gates day and night, to kill him.  25 Then the disciples took him by night and let him down through the wall in a large basket.

In imagination behold the scene

{AA 128.2} From Arabia Paul “returned again unto Damascus” (Galatians 1:17), and “preached boldly . . . in the name of Jesus.” Unable to withstand the wisdom of his arguments,

• “the Jews took counsel to kill him.”

The gates of the city were diligently guarded day and night to cut off his escape. This crisis led the disciples to seek God earnestly, and finally they

• “took him by night, and let him down through the wall, lowering him in a basket.” Acts 9:25, R.V.

From Damascus to Jerusalem

Visual imagination 2 After his escape from Damascus, Paul went to Jerusalem, about three years having passed since his conversion.

Biblical evidence

Galatians 1:18   18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and remained with him fifteen days.

In imagination behold the scene

{AA 128.3} After his escape from Damascus, Paul went to Jerusalem, about three years having passed since his conversion. His chief object in making this visit, as he himself declared afterward, was…

“to see Peter.” Galatians 1:18.

Upon arriving in the city where he had once been well known as

• “Saul the persecutor,”

• “he (Paul) assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple.”

It was difficult for them (the disciples) to believe that so bigoted a Pharisee, and one who had done so much to destroy the church, could  become a sincere follower of Jesus.

• “But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that He had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.”

Visual imagination 3 Upon hearing this, the disciples received him as one of their number.

Biblical evidence

Acts 9:26-29   26 And when Saul had come to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, and did not believe that he was a disciple.  27 But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. And he declared to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.  28 So he was with them at Jerusalem, coming in and going out.  29 And he spoke boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus and disputed against the Hellenists, but they attempted to kill him.

In imagination behold the scene

Upon hearing this, the disciples received him as one of their number.

• Soon they had abundant evidence as to the genuineness of his Christian experience.

The future apostle to the Gentiles was now in the city where many of his former associates lived, and to these Jewish leaders he longed to make plain the prophecies concerning the Messiah, which had been fulfilled by the advent of the Saviour.

• Paul felt sure that these teachers in Israel, with whom he had once been so well acquainted, were as sincere and honest as he had been.

But he had miscalculated the spirit of his Jewish brethren, and in the hope of their speedy conversion he was doomed to bitter disappointment. Although he…

• “he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians,”

Those who stood at the head of the Jewish church refused to believe, but…

• “went about to slay him.”

Sorrow filled his heart.

• He would willingly have yielded up his life if by that means he might bring some to a knowledge of the truth.

With shame he thought of the active part he had taken in the martyrdom of Stephen, and now in his anxiety to wipe out the stain resting upon one so falsely accused, he sought to vindicate the truth for which Stephen had given his life.

Escape from Jerusalem

Visual imagination 4 Burdened in behalf of those who refused to believe, Paul was praying in the temple, as he himself afterward testified, when he fell into a trance; whereupon a heavenly messenger appeared before him.

Biblical evidence

Acts 22:17-21  17 “Now it happened, when I returned to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple, that I was in a trance  18 “and saw Him saying to me, ‘Make haste and get out of Jerusalem quickly, for they will not receive your testimony concerning Me.’  19 “So I said, ‘Lord, they know that in every synagogue I imprisoned and beat those who believe on You.  20 ‘And when the blood of Your martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by consenting to his death, and guarding the clothes of those who were killing him.’  21 “Then He said to me, ‘Depart, for I will send you far from here to the Gentiles.’ ”

In imagination behold the scene

{AA 130.1} Burdened in behalf of those who refused to believe, Paul was praying in the temple, as he himself afterward testified (evidence), when he fell into a trance; whereupon a heavenly messenger appeared before him and said,

• “Make haste, and get thee quickly out of Jerusalem: for they will not receive thy testimony concerning Me.” Acts 22:18.

{AA 130.2} Paul was inclined to remain at Jerusalem, where he could face the opposition.

(1) To him it seemed an act of cowardice to flee, if by remaining he might be able to convince some of the obstinate Jews of the truth of the gospel message, even if to remain should cost him his life. And so he answered,

• “Lord, they know that I imprisoned and beat in every synagogue them that believed on Thee: and when the blood of Thy martyr Stephen was shed, I was also standing by, and consenting unto his death, and kept the raiment of them that slew him.”

But it was not in harmony with the purpose of God that His servant should needlessly expose his life; and the heavenly messenger replied,

• “Depart: for I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles.” Acts 22:19-21.

Visual imagination 5 Upon learning of this vision, the brethren hastened Paul’s secret escape from Jerusalem, for fear of his assassination.

Biblical evidence

Acts 9:30-31  30 When the brethren found out, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him out to Tarsus.  31 Then (Editor note: The church had peace after they sent Paul to Tarsus) the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied.

In imagination behold the scene

"sent him (Paul) to Tarsus"

{AA 130.3} Upon learning of this vision, the brethren hastened Paul’s secret escape from Jerusalem, for fear of his assassination.

• “They brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus.”

The departure of Paul suspended for a time the violent opposition of the Jews, and the church had a period of rest, in which many were added to the number of believers.

Danish translation / Dansk oversættelse

Fra Arabien til Damaskus

Fra Arabien vendte Paulus “siden tilbage til Damaskus igen”, Gal. 1,17, og “vidnede frimodigt i Jesu navn.” Da jøderne ikke var i stand til at gendrive hans beviser, “holdt de rådslagning om at slå ham ihjel.” Byens porte var velbevogtede både nat og dag for at hindre ham i at undkomme. Denne farlige tilstand førte disciplene til indtrængende bøn til Gud, og til sidst “tog hans disciple ham ved nattetid og fik ham ud gennem muren ved at fire ham ned i en kurv.” Apg 9,25.

Fra Damaskus til Jerusalem

Efter at være flygtet fra Damaskus drog Paulus til Jerusalem cirka tre år efter sin omvendelse. Som han selv senere erklærede, var hovedformålet med dette besøg at “lære Kefas at kende.” Gal. 1,18. Da han var kommet til byen, hvor han tidligere havde været så velkendt som “forfølgeren Saulus,” “gjorde han forsøg på at slutte sig til disciplene, men de frygtede alle for ham, da de ikke troede på, at han, som havde været en så blind tilhænger af farisæerne, og som havde gjort så meget for at tilintetgøre menigheden, nu kunne være blevet en sand Jesu discipel. “Men Barnabas tog sig af ham og førte ham til apostlene og fortalte dem, hvordan han på vejen havde set Herren, som havde talt til ham, og hvordan han i Damaskus havde vidnet frimodigt i Jesu navn.”

Beviser for en Ægte Kristendom

Da disciplene havde hørt dette, modtog de ham som en af deres egne. Snart fik de til overmål beviser for, hvor ægte hans kristendom var. Fremtidens hedningeapostel var nu i den by, hvor mange af hans tidligere fæller boede, og han længtes efter tydeligt at forklare disse jødiske ledere de profetier, som angik Messias, og som var blevet opfyldt ved Frelserens komme. Paulus følte sig overbevist om, at disse Israels lærere, som han engang havde kendt så godt, var lige så oprigtige og ærlige, som han selv havde været. Men han havde gjort forkert regning på sine jødiske embedsbrødres sind, og i sit håb om deres hastige omvendelse måtte han lide bitre skuffelser. Skønt han “vidnede frimodigt i Herrens navn og talte og stredes med de græsktalende jøder,” nægtede de, som stod i spidsen for det jødiske samfund at tro, men “de forsøgte at slå ham ihjel.” Hans hjerte fyldtes med sorg. Han havde gerne givet sit liv, hvis han på den måde havde kunnet bibringe nogle af dem en viden om sandheden. Skamfuldt tænkte han på sin egen andel i Stefanus martyrdød, og i sin iver for at udslette den plet, der hvilede på ham, som var blevet så uretfærdigt anklaget, søgte han at forsvare den sandhed, Stefanus havde ofret livet for.

Paulus i Henrykkelse

Mens han var tynget ved tanken om dem, der nægtede at tro, bad Paulus i templet som han selv senere bevidnede, og kom dér i henrykkelse. Et himmelsk sendebud viste sig for ham og sagde: “Skynd dig, og gå hurtigt ud af Jerusalem, thi de tager ikke mod dit vidnesbyrd om mig.” Apg 22,18.

Paulus viser mangel på tro

Paulus ville helst være blevet i Jerusalem, hvor han kunne imødegå modstanden. For ham så det ud som fejhed at flygte, hvis han ved at blive måske kunne være i stand til at overbevise nogle af de genstridige jøder om sandheden i evangeliets budskab, selv om det skulle koste ham livet at blive der. Derfor svarede han: “Herre; de ved selv, at det var mig, som fængslede dem, der troede på dig, og at jeg lod dem piske rundt om i synagogerne. Og da dit vidne Stefanus blod blev udgydt, stod jeg selv ved siden af og bifaldt det og passede på hans morderes klæder.” Men det var ikke et led i Guds plan, at hans tjener skulle vove sit liv unødvendigt; og det himmelske sendebud svarede: “Gå, jeg vil sende dig til hedningefolk langt borte.” Apg 22,19-21.

Brødrene sender Paulus væk fra Jerusalem

Skræk for at Paulus bliver snigmyrdet

Da brødrene hørte om dette syn, skyndte de sig med hurtigt at få Paulus bort fra Jerusalem, af skræk for at han skulle blive snigmyrdet. “De førte ham ned til Kæsarea og sendte ham derfra videre til Tarsus.” Paulus afrejse afbrød for en tid jødernes voldsomme modstand, og menigheden fik en hviletid, hvorunder de troendes antal forøgedes stærkt

When the mind of man is brought into communion with the mind of God, the finite with the Infinite, the effect on body and mind and soul is beyond estimate. In such communion is found the highest education. It is God’s own method of development. “Acquaint now thyself with Him” (Job 22:21), is His message to mankind.

In the Arabia Desert

Visual imagination The opposition grew so fierce that Paul was not allowed to continue his labors at Damascus. Then Paul went to Arabia to study the Scriptures and pray.

Biblical evidence

Acts 9:23-25  23 Now after many days were past, the Jews plotted to kill him (Editor note: Paul first went to the Arabia and then later to Jeruslem, see Galatians 1:17) 24 But their plot became known to Saul. And they watched the gates day and night, to kill him.  25 Then the disciples took him by night and let him down through the wall in a large basket.

Galatians 1:15-17   15 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb and called me through His grace,  16 to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately confer with flesh and blood,  17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me; but I went to Arabia…

In imagination behold the scene

Midian in Arabia

Editor note. After Moses fled from the face of Pharaoh, he dwelt in the land of Midian, which is located in northwest Arabia. Here he lived as a shepherd. In the land of Midian we also find the true Mount of Sinai where Moses received the Ten Commandment written by God’s own finger. Like Moses, Paul went to Arabia “to acquaint himself with God” and pray …

{AA 125.2} The opposition grew so fierce that Paul was not allowed to continue his labors at Damascus. A messenger from heaven bade him leave for a time, and he “went into Arabia” (Galatians 1:17), where he found a safe retreat.

{AA 125.3} Here, in the solitude of the desert, Paul had ample opportunity for quiet study and meditation.

He calmly reviewed his past experience and made sure work of repentance.

• He sought God with all his heart, resting not until he knew for a certainty that his repentance was accepted and his sin pardoned.
• He longed for the assurance that Jesus would be with him in his coming ministry.
• He emptied his soul of the prejudices and traditions that had hitherto shaped his life, and received instruction from the Source of truth.

Jesus communed with him and established him in the faith, bestowing upon him a rich measure of wisdom and grace.

An important Lesson for mankind today!

{AA 126.1} When the mind of man is brought into communion with the mind of God, the finite with the Infinite, the effect on body and mind and soul is beyond estimate. In such communion is found the highest education. It is God’s own method of development. “Acquaint now thyself with Him” (Job 22:21), is His message to mankind.

{AA 126.2} The solemn charge that had been given Paul on the occasion of his interview with Ananias, rested with increasing weight upon his heart.

(1) When, in response to the word, “Brother Saul, receive thy sight,” Paul had for the first time looked upon the face of this devout man, Ananias under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit said to him:

• “The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know His will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of His mouth. For thou shalt be His witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard. And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.” Acts 22:13-16.

{AA 126.3} These words were in harmony with the words of Jesus Himself, who, when He arrested Saul on the journey to Damascus, declared:

• “I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, to open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in Me.” Acts 26:16-18.

{AA 127.1} As he pondered these things in his heart, Paul understood more and more clearly the meaning of his call

• “to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God.” 1 Corinthians 1:1.

His call had come,

• “not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father.” Galatians 1:1.

The greatness of the work before him led him to give much study to the Holy Scriptures, in order that he might preach the gospel…

• “not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect,”1 Corinthians 1:17

• “but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power,” that the faith of all who heard “should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 2:4, 5.

{AA 127.2} As Paul searched the Scriptures, he learned that throughout the ages

• “not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: but God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; and base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: that no flesh should glory in His presence.” 1 Corinthians 1:26-29.

And so, viewing the wisdom of the world in the light of the cross, Paul…

• “determined not to know anything, . . . save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.” 1 Corinthians 2:2.

{AA 128.1} Throughout his later ministry, Paul never lost sight of the Source of his wisdom and strength. Hear him, years afterward, still declaring,

• “For to me to live is Christ.” Philippians 1:21.

And again:

• “I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, . . . that I may win Christ, and be found in Him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: that I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings.” Philippians 3:8-10.

Danish translation / Dansk oversættelse

Paulus drog bort til Arabia

Modstanden blev så stærk, at Paulus ikke kunne få lov til at fortsætte sit arbejde i Damaskus. Et himmelsk sendebud bød ham drage bort for en tid, og han “drog bort til Arabien,” Gal. 1,17. hvor han fandt et sikkert tilflugtssted.

Her i ørkenens ensomhed havde Paulus rig lejlighed til roligt studium og meditation. I stilhed genoplevede han sine tidligere oplevelser, og hans anger var dyb. Af hele sit hjerte søgte han Gud og fandt ikke fred, før han med sikkerhed vidste, at hans anger var godkendt af Gud og hans synder tilgivet. Han higede efter vished om, at Jesus ville være med ham i hans kommende tjeneste. Han rensede sin sjæl for alle de fordomme og overleveringer, som hidtil havde været rammen om hans liv, og han modtog belæring fra sandhedens kilde. Jesus var hos ham og stadfæstede hans tro, mens han skænkede ham visdom og nåde i rigeste mål.

Når et menneskes sind bringes i samfund med Guds sind, det endelige med det evige, er virkningen på både legeme og tanker og sjæl overvældende. I et sådant samfund møder man den højeste belæring. Det er Guds egen måde til udvikling for mennesker! “Bliv ven med ham,” lyder hans budskab til memeskeslægten. Job 22,21.

Ananias og Jesu ord er i harmoni

Den højtidelige befaling, som Paulus havde fået, dengang han mødte Ananias, hvilede stadig tungere på hans sind. Da Paulus som følge af ordet: “Broder Saul, bliv seende ” for første gang så denne fromme mand ind i ansigtet, sagde Ananias efter Helligåndens vejledning: “Vore fædres Gud har udkåret dig til at kende hans vilje og se den retfærdige og høre røsten af hans mund. Thi du skal for alle mennesker være hans vidne om det, som du har set og hørt. Og nu, hvorfor tøver du? Stå op, lad dig døbe og dine synder aftvætte, idet du påkalder hans navn.” Apg 22,14?16.

Disse ord stemte overens med Jesu egne ord, som han forkyndte, dengang han standsede Saulus på rejsen til Damaskus: “Netop derfor har jeg vist mig for dig, for at udkåre dig til tjener og vidne, både om, hvordan du nu har set mig, og om, hvordan jeg siden vil vise mig for dig. Jeg vil udfri dig fra dit eget folk og fra hedningerne; til dem udsender jeg dig for at åbne deres øjne, så de må omvende sig fra mørke til lys, fra Satans magt til Gud, for at de kan få syndernes forladelse og arvelod sammen med dem, som er helligede ved troen på mig.” Apg 26,16?18.

Ved Guds vilje er Paulus kaldet til tjeneste

Mens Paulus overvejede disse ting i sit hjerte, forstod han mere og mere klart betydningen af at være “ved Guds vilje kaldet til at være Kristi Jesu apostel.” 1Kor. 1,1. Han var “ikke udsendt af mennesker, ej heller ved noget menneske, men ved Jesus Kristus og Gud Fader.” Gal. 1,1. Det vældige arbejde, som lå foran ham, førte ham til meget studium af den hellige skrift, for at han måtte kunne prædike evangeliet “ikke med visdom i tale, for at Kristi kors ikke skulle tabe sin kraft,” “men ved Ånds og krafts bevis,” “for at jeres tro ikke skulle bygge på menneskers visdom, men på Guds kraft.” 1Kor. 1,17; 2,4?5.

Gud er den eneste kilde til Visdom og Styrke,

Mens Paulus ransagede skrifterne, lærte han, at gennem tiderne var der ikke blevet kaldet “mange verdsligt vise, ikke mange mægtige, ikke mange fornemme; men det, der var dårskab for verden udvalgte Gud for at gøre de vise til skamme, og det, der var svagt for verden, udvalgte Gud for at gøre det stærke til skamme; og det for verden ringe og det foragtede, det, der ikke var noget, udvalgte Gud for at gøre det, der var noget, til intet, for at intet menneske skal rose sig for Gud.” 1Kor. 1,26?29. Og når Paulus således så verdens visdom i korsets lys, fattede han det forsæt “ikke at ville vide af noget andet ….. end Jesus Kristus og det som korsfæstet.” 1Kor. 2,2.

Under sin senere gerning mistede Paulus aldrig kilden til sin visdom og styrke af syne. Hør, hvorledes han årevis efter stadig erklærede: “Thi for mig er det at leve Kristus.” Fil. 1,21. Og atter: “Ja, Jeg regner i sandhed alt for tab i sammenligning med det langt højere at kende Kristus Jesus, min Herre. For hans skyld har jeg lidt tab på alt, ….. for at jeg kan få Kristus i eje og findes i ham, ikke med min egen retfærdighed, der fås gennem loven, men ved den, der fås ved tro på Kristus, retfærdigheden fra Gud, grundet på troen, og for at jeg må kende ham og kraften i hans opstandelse og fællesskabet med ham i hans lidelser.” Fil. 3,8?10.

NKJ 1 Corinthians 15:1 Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand,  2 by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you — unless you believed in vain.  3 For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures,  4 and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures,  5 and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve.  6 After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep.  7 After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles.  8 Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time.

Editors note: Jesus is the long-looking for Messiah according to Scripture, says Paul.

Preaching in Damascus

Visual imagination 1 After his baptism, Paul broke his fast and remained “certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.

Biblical evidence

Acts 9:19  Then Saul spent some days with the disciples at Damascus.

In imagination behold the scene

{AA 123.1} After his baptism, Paul broke his fast and remained…

• “certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus. And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God.”

Boldly he declared Jesus of Nazareth to be the long-looked-for Messiah, who…

• “died for our sins according to the Scriptures; . . . was buried, and . . . rose again the third day,” after which He was seen by the Twelve and by others. “And last of all,” Paul added, “He was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.” 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4, 8.

His arguments from prophecy were so conclusive, and his efforts were so manifestly attended by the power of God, that the Jews were confounded and unable to answer him.

A Great Surprise

Visual imagination 2 The news of Paul’s conversion had come to the Jews as a great surprise.

Biblical evidence

Acts 26:8-12   8 “Why should it be thought incredible by you that God raises the dead?  9 “Indeed, I myself thought I must do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.  10 “This I also did in Jerusalem, and many of the saints I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them.  11 “And I punished them often in every synagogue and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly enraged against them, I persecuted them even to foreign cities.  12 ” While thus occupied, as I journeyed to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests,

In imagination behold the scene

{AA 123.2} The news of Paul’s conversion had come to the Jews as a great surprise for three reasons:

• He who had journeyed to Damascus “with authority and commission from the chief priests” (Acts 26:12) to apprehend and persecute the believers was now preaching the gospel of a crucified and risen Saviour,
• He was now strengthening the hands of those who were already its disciples.
• He was now continually bringing in new converts to the faith he had once so bitterly opposed.

{AA 124.1} Paul had formerly been known as a zealous defender of the Jewish religion and an untiring persecutor of the followers of Jesus.

• Courageous, independent, persevering, his talents and training would have enabled him to serve in almost any capacity.
• He could reason with extraordinary clearness, and by his withering sarcasm could place an opponent in no enviable light.

And now the Jews saw this young man of unusual promise united with those whom he formerly persecuted, and fearlessly preaching in the name of Jesus.

{AA 124.2} A general slain in battle is lost to his army, but his death gives no additional strength to the enemy. But when a man of prominence joins the opposing force, not only are his services lost, but those to whom he joins himself gain a decided advantage.

Imagine this!

Saul of Tarsus, on his way to Damascus, might easily have been struck dead by the Lord, and much strength would have been withdrawn from the persecuting power.

But God in His providence not only spared Saul’s life, but converted him, thus transferring a champion from the side of the enemy to the side of Christ.

• An eloquent speaker and a severe critic, Paul, with his stern purpose and undaunted courage, possessed the very qualifications needed in the early church.

Listeners were Amazed

Visual imagination 3 As Paul preached Christ in Damascus, all who heard him were amazed

Biblical evidence

Acts 9:21-22   21 Then all who heard were amazed, and said, “Is this not he who destroyed those who called on this name in Jerusalem, and has come here for that purpose, so that he might bring them bound to the chief priests?”  22 But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who dwelt in Damascus, proving that this Jesus is the Christ.

In imagination behold the scene

{AA 124.3} As Paul preached Christ in Damascus, all who heard him were amazed and said,

• “Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests?”

Paul declared that his change of faith had not been prompted by impulse or fanaticism, but had been brought about by overwhelming evidence.

• In his presentation of the gospel he sought to make plain the prophecies relating to the first advent of Christ.
• He showed conclusively that these prophecies had been literally fulfilled in Jesus of Nazareth.

The foundation of his faith was the sure word of prophecy.

{AA 125.1} As Paul continued to appeal to his astonished hearers to…

• “repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance” (Acts 26:20),

Paul…

• “increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.”

But many hardened their hearts, refusing to respond to his message, and soon their astonishment at his conversion was changed into intense hatred like that which they had shown toward Jesus.

Danish translation / Dansk oversættelse

I Damaskus

Efter sin dåb afbrød Paulus sin faste og “blev nogle dage hos disciplene i Damaskus. Og straks begyndte han i synagogerne at prædike om Jesus, at han er Guds Søn.” Frimodigt forkyndte han, at Jesus af Nazaret var den længselsfuldt ventede Messias, som “døde for vore synder, efter skrifterne, og at han blev begravet, og at han er opstået på den tredie dag,” hvorefter han blev set af de tolv og også af andre. “Men sidst af alle blev han set også af mig som det ufuldbårne foster.” 1Kor. 12,3?4. og 8. Hans bevisførelse ud fra profeterne var så afgørende, og hans bestræbelser så øjensynligt bistået af Guds kraft, at jøderne blev forvirrede og ikke var i stand til at give ham svar.

En Stor Overraskelse for Jøderne

Rygtet om Paulus omvendelse var kommet som en stor overraskelse for jøderne. Han, der var draget til Damaskus “med fuldmagt og myndighed fra ypperstepræsterne” for at pågribe og forfølge de troende, prædikede nu evangeliet om en korsfæstet og opstanden Frelser, støttede dem, der allerede var disciple og bragte stadig nye omvendte til den tro, han engang havde bekæmpet så hårdt.

En Usædvanlig Lovende Ung Mand

Paulus havde tidligere været kendt som en nidkær forkæmper for den jødiske religion og en utrættelig forfølger af Jesu disciple. Modig, uafhængig og udholdende, som han var, ville hans evner og opdragelse have gjort det muligt for ham at gøre fyldest i næsten enhver stilling. Han kunne diskutere med sjælden klarhed og kunne med sin bidende sarkasme stille sin modstander i et langtfra misundelsesværdigt lys. Og nu så jøderne denne unge og usædvanlig lovende mand slutte sig til dem, han tidligere havde forfulgt, og dristigt prædike i Jesu navn.

Gud skånede Paulus og Omvendte ham

Når en general falder i slaget, har hans hær mistet ham, men hans død giver ikke fjendens hær større styrke. Men når en fremragende mand går over på fjendens parti, mister man ikke blot hans hjælp, men de, han slutter sig til, får en afgjort fordel. Saulus fra Tarsus kunne på vejen til Damaskus let være blevet dræbt af Herren, og forfølgerne ville derved være gået glip af en stor kraft. Men efter sit forsyn skånede Gud ikke blot Saulus liv, men omvendte ham og førte således en af fjendens forkæmpere over på Kristi side. Paulus, der var en veltalende mand og en streng kritiker, var netop i besiddelse af de egenskaber, den første menighed trængte til.

Alle Undrede sig Over Paulus

Da Paulus prædikede Kristus i Damaskus, undredes alle, som hørte ham og sagde: “Er det ikke ham, som i Jerusalem søgte at udrydde dem, der påkalder dette navn? Og var han ikke kommen hertil for at føre dem bundne til ypperstepræsterne?” Paulus erklærede, at hans ændrede tro ikke skyldtes pludselig indskydelse eller fanatisme, men hidrørte fra overvældende store beviser. I sin fremstilling af evangeliet søgte han tydeligt at forklare de profetier, der tog sigte på Kristi komme. Slutteligt påviste han, at disse profetier var blevet bogstaveligt opfyldt i Jesus fra Nazaret. Profetiernes sikre ord var grundlaget for hans tro.

Overvældende Store Beviser Fra Skriften

Mens Paulus vedblev med at opfordre sine forbavsede tilhørere til “at fatte et andet sind og omvende sig til Gud, og gøre gode gerninger, som er omvendelsen værdige,” Apg 26,30. “voksede han i kraft og gendrev jøderne, som boede i Damaskus, idet han beviste, at Jesus er Kristus.” Men mange forhærdede deres hjerter og nægtede at tage imod hans budskab; og snart forvandledes deres forbavselse til voldsomt had, der lignede det, de havde udvist mod Jesus.

Lesson 1 In the record of the conversion of Saul important  principles are given us, which we should ever bear in mind.

Biblical evidence

Acts 9:6-16   6 So he, trembling and astonished, said, “Lord, what do You want me to do?” Then the Lord said to him, “Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”  7 And the men who journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice but seeing no one.  8 Then Saul arose from the ground, and when his eyes were opened he saw no one. But they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus.  9 And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank.  10 Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and to him the Lord said in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.”  11 So the Lord said to him, “Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying.  12 “And in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him, so that he might receive his sight.”  13 Then Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem.  14 “And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name.”  15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel.  16 “For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake.”

Practical application

In the record of the conversion of Saul important  principles are given us, which we should ever bear in mind. Saul was brought directly into the presence of Christ. He was one whom Christ intended for a most important work…

• One who was to be a “chosen vessel” unto Him

Yet the Lord did not at once tell Saulus of the work that had been assigned him.

Discussion

Pro:

(It is true that …) He arrested him in his course and convicted him of sin;

Con:

But when Saul asked, “What wilt Thou have me to do?” the Saviour placed the inquiring Jew in connection with His church, there to obtain a knowledge of God’s will concerning him.

{AA 121.1} The marvelous light that illumined the darkness of Saul was the work of the Lord; but there was also a work that was to be done for him by the disciples.

Discussion:

Pro:

(It is true that…) Christ had performed the work of revelation and conviction

Con:

And now the penitent was in a condition to learn from those whom God had ordained to teach His truth.

A Disciple, Named Ananias

Lesson 2 While Saul in solitude at the house of Judas continued in prayer and supplication, the Lord appeared in vision to “a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias,” telling him that Saul of Tarsus was praying and in need of help

Biblical evidence

Acts 9:10-12  10 Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and to him the Lord said in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.”  11 So the Lord said to him, “Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying.  12 “And in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him, so that he might receive his sight.”

Practical application

{AA 121.2} While Saul in solitude at the house of Judas continued in prayer and supplication, the Lord appeared in vision to

• “a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias,”

The Lord appeared in vision, telling him (the disciple Ananias) that Saul of Tarsus was praying and in need of help. The heavenly messenger said:

• “Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight,and inquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, and hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.”

Expostulate the Command

Lesson 3 Ananias could scarcely credit the words of the angel

Biblical evidence

Acts 9:13-14   13 Then Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem.  14 “And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name.”

Practical application

{AA 121.3} Ananias could scarcely credit the words of the angel for (because)…

• for the reports of Saul’s bitter persecution of the saints at Jerusalem had spread far and wide.

Ananias presumed to expostulate:

• “Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to Thy saints at Jerusalem: and here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on Thy name.”

But the command was imperative:

• “Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto Me, to bear My name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel.”.

Obedient to the Command

Lesson 4 Obedient to the direction of the angel, Ananias sought out the man who had but recently breathed out threatenings against all who believed on the name of Jesus.

Biblical evidence

Acts 9:17-18  17 And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”  18 Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized.

Practical application

{AA 121.4} Obedient to the direction of the angel, Ananias sought out the man who had but recently breathed out threatenings against all who believed on the name of Jesus; and putting his hands on the head of the penitent sufferer, he (Ananias) said,

• “Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee  in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.
  “And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.”

Thus Jesus gave sanction to the authority of His organized church and placed Saul in connection with His appointed agencies on earth. Christ had now a church on earth…

• A Church as His representative on earth
• And to a Church belonged the work of directing the repentant sinner in the way of life.

Christ and the Church

The Church is a Channel of Communication

Lesson 5 Christ is the fountain; the church is the channel of communication.

Biblical evidence

Acts 9:6   6 So he, trembling and astonished, said, “Lord, what do You want me to do?” Then the Lord said to him, “Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”

Acts 9:15-16   15 But the Lord said to him (the disciple Ananias), “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel.  16 “For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake.”

Practical application

{AA 122.3} Many have an idea that they are responsible to Christ alone for their light and experience, independent of His recognized followers on earth.

Discussion

Pro:

(It is true that…) Jesus is the friend of sinners, and His heart is touched with their woe. He has all power, both in heaven and on earth;

Con:

But Christ respects…

• He respects the means that He has ordained for the enlightenment and salvation of men.
• He directs sinners to the church, which He has made a channel of light to the world.

{AA 1}22.4 When, in the midst of his blind error and prejudice, Saul was given a revelation of the Christ whom he was persecuting, he was placed in direct communication with the church, which is the light of the world. In this case Ananias represents Christ, and also represents Christ’s ministers upon the earth, who are appointed to act in His stead.

• In Christ’s stead Ananias touches the eyes of Saul, that they may receive sight.
• In Christ’s stead he places his hands upon him, and, as he prays in Christ’s name, Saul receives the Holy Ghost.

All is done in the name and by the authority of Christ. Christ is the fountain; the church is the channel of communication.

Danish translation / Dansk oversættelse

Vigtige principper for us

I beretningen om Saulus omvendelse findes der vigtige grundsætninger, som vi altid burde erindre. Saulus blev ført ind til Kristi nærhed. Han var den, som Kristus havde tiltænkt en meget betydningsfuld gerning, den, som skulle være “et udvalgt redskab” for ham; men alligevel fortalte Herren ham ikke lige straks om den tjeneste, der ventede ham. Han standsede ham på hans vej og overbeviste ham om hans synd, men da Saulus spurgte: “Hvad vil du, at jeg skal gøre?” bragte Gud den spørgende jøde i forbindelse med sin menighed for der at opnå viden om Guds vilje med ham.

Herrens Værk og Kirkens Værk

Det vidunderlige lys, som skinnede i Saulus mørke, var Herrens værk; men der var også et arbejde, disciplene skulle gøre for ham. Kristus havde gjort åbenbaringens og overbevisningens gerning; og nu var den angrende synder i en tilstand, hvor han kunne lære af dem, som Gud havde beskikket til at lære ham sandheden.

Mens Saulus i sin ensomhed i Judas hus vedblev med at trygle og bede, viste Herren sig i et syn for “en discipel ved navn Ananias” og sagde til ham, at Saulus fra Tarsus bad og trængte til hjælp. “Stå op, og gå hen i den gade, som kaldes “Den Lige”, sagde det hinmelske sendebud, “og spørg i Judas hus efter en mand ved navn Saulus fra Tarsus; thi se, han beder. Og han har i et syn set en mand ved navn Ananias komme ind og lægge hænderne på ham, for at han skulle få sit syn igen.”

Ananias kunne næppe tro engelens ord

Ananias kunne næppe tro på engelens ord, for Saulus hårde forfølgelse af de hellige i Jerusalem var rygtedes vidt og bredt. Han dristede sig til at gøre forestillinger: “Herre! jeg har hørt af mange om den mand, hvor meget ondt han har gjort dine hellige i Jerusalem. Og her har han fuldmagt fra ypperstepræsterne til at fængsle alle dem, som påkalder dit navn.” Men befalingen lod sig ikke rokke: “Gå! thi denne mand er mit redskab, som jeg har udvalgt mig til at bære mit navn frem for hedninger og konger og Israels børn. ”

I lydighed mod engelens befaling

I lydighed mod engelens befaling opsøgte Ananias den mand, der så nyligt havde udstødt trusler mod alle, som troede på Jesu navn; han lagde hænderne på den angrende, forpinte mand og sagde: Broder Saul! det er Herren, som har sendt mig, Jesus, der viste sig for dig på vejen, du kom ad, for at du skal få dit syn igen og blive fyldt med Helligånden.”

“Og straks faldt der ligesom skæl fra hans øjne, og han fik sit syn igen, og han stod op og blev døbt.”

Jesus bekræftede menighedens myndighed

Således bekræftede Jesus den indstiftede menighedsmyndighed og bragte Saulus i forbindelse med sine udvalgte hjælpere på jorden. Nu havde Kristus en menighed som sin stedfortræder på jorden, og tjenesten med at lede den angrende synder ind på livets vej tilkom den.

Mange har den tanke at…

Mange har den tanke, at det kun er Kristus, de skal stå til regnskab for deres lys og erfaringer uafhængigt af hans bekendende efterfølgere på jorden. Jesus er synderes ven, og hans hjerte røres ved deres elendighed. Hans er al magt, både i Himmelen og på jorden; men han ærer de hjælpere, han har udvalgt til menneskers oplysning og frelse. Han leder syndere hen til menigheden, som han har gjort til en lysets vej for verden.

Da Saulus midt i sin blinde vildfarelse og fordom fik en åbenbaring af Kristus, som han forfulgte, blev han bragt i direkte forbindelse med den menighed, som er verdens lys. I dette tilfælde er Ananias Kristi stedfortræder og repræsenterer også Kristi præster på jorden, som er indsat til at handle på hans vegne. I Kristi sted berører Ananias Saulus øjne, for at de kan modtage synet. I Kristi sted lægger han hænderne på ham, og mens han beder i Jesu navn, modtager Saulus Helligånden. Alt gøres i Jesu navn og ved hans kraft. Kristus er selve kilden, menigheden er forbindelsesledet.

The conversion of Saul is a striking evidence of the miraculous power of the Holy Spirit to convict men of sin. He had verily believed that Jesus of Nazareth had disregarded the law of God and had taught His disciples that it was of no effect. But after his conversion, Saul recognized Jesus as the one who had come into the world for the express purpose of vindicating His Father’s law. He was convinced that Jesus was the originator of the entire Jewish system of sacrifices. He saw that at the crucifixion type had met antitype, that Jesus had fulfilled the Old Testament prophecies concerning the Redeemer of Israel.  {AA 120.2}

Three Days of Soul Agony

Visual imagination 1  For three days Saul was “without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.”

Biblical evidence

Acts 9:9   9 And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank.

In imagination behold the scene

{AA 118.2} For three days Saul was “without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.” These days of soul agony were to him as years.

• Again and again he recalled, with anguish of spirit, the part he had taken in the martyrdom of Stephen.
• With horror he thought of his guilt in allowing himself to be controlled by the malice and prejudice of the priests and rulers, even when the face of Stephen had been lighted up with the radiance of heaven.
• In sadness and brokenness of spirit he recounted the many times he had closed his eyes and ears against the most striking evidences and had  relentlessly urged on the persecution of the believers in Jesus of Nazareth.

{AA 118.3} These days of close self-examination and of heart humiliation  were spent in lonely seclusion.

• The believers, having been given warning of the purpose of Saul in coming to Damascus, feared that he might be acting a part, in order the more readily to deceive them; and they held themselves aloof, refusing him their sympathy.
• He had no desire to appeal to the unconverted Jews, with whom he had planned to unite in persecuting the believers; for he knew that they would not even listen to his story.

Thus he seemed to be shut away from all human sympathy.His only hope of help was in a merciful God, and to Him he appealed in brokenness of heart.

{AA 119.1} During the long hours when Saul was shut in with God alone, he…

• He recalled many of the passages of Scripture  referring to the first advent of Christ.
• He carefully traced down the prophecies, with a memory sharpened by the conviction that had taken possession of his mind.

As he reflected on the meaning of these prophecies he was astonished…

• at his former blindness of understanding
• at the blindness of the Jews in general, which had led to the rejection of Jesus as the promised Messiah.

To his enlightened vision all now seemed plain. He knew that his former prejudice and unbelief had…

• had clouded his spiritual perception
• had prevented him from discerning in Jesus of Nazareth the Messiah of prophecy.

{AA 119.2} As Saul yielded himself fully to the convicting power of the Holy Spirit, he saw…

• He saw the mistakes of his life
• He recognized the far-reaching claims of the law of God.

He who had been a proud Pharisee, confident that he was justified by his good works, now bowed before God with the humility and simplicity of a little child, confessing his own unworthiness and pleading the merits of a crucified and risen Saviour.

• Saul longed to come into full harmony and communion with the Father and the Son; and in the intensity of his desire for pardon and acceptance he offered up fervent supplications to the throne of grace.

Editor note: What is true repentance? Many people do not understand the true nature of repentance. True repentance is when the heart yields to the influence of the Spirit of God, the conscience will be quickened, and the sinner will discern something of the depth and sacredness of God’s holy law, the foundation of His government in heaven and on earth. The “Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world,” illumines the secret chambers of the soul, and the hidden things of darkness are made manifest. John 1:9. Conviction takes hold upon the mind and heart. The sinner has a sense of the righteousness of Jehovah and feels the terror of appearing, in his own guilt and uncleanness, before the Searcher of hearts. He sees the love of God, the beauty of holiness, the joy of purity; he longs to be cleansed and to be restored to communion with Heaven.  {SC 24.2}

{AA 120.1} The prayers of the penitent Pharisee were not in vain for two reasons:

• The inmost thoughts and emotions of his heart were transformed by divine grace
• His nobler faculties were brought into harmony with the eternal purposes of God.

Christ and His righteousness became to Saul more than the whole world.

Danish translation / Dansk oversættelse

Tre dage med sjælekval

Dage med  selvransagelse og sindets ydmygelse

I tre dage kunne Saulus ikke se, “og han hverken spiste eller drak.” Disse dage i sjæleangst var for ham så lange som år. Atter og atter mindedes han med fortvivlelse i hjertet den rolle, han havde spillet ved Stefanus martyrdød. Med rædsel tænkte han på sin skyld ved at lade sig beherske af præsternes og de skriftkloges ondskab og fordomme, selv da han havde set Stefanus ansigt lyse med himmelsk stråleglans. Sorgfuld og sønderknust genkaldte han sig de mange gange, hvor han havde lukket øjnene for de mest slående beviser og ubarmhjertigt havde tilskyndet til forfølgelse af dem, som troede på Jesus fra Nazaret.

Tre dage alene med Gud

Disse dage med grundig selvransagelse og sindets ydmygelse tilbragte han i fuldstændig afsondrethed. De troende, som var blevet advaret om Saulus hensigt med at komme til Damaskus, var bange for, at han måske forstillede sig for nemmere at kunne narre dem; og de holdt sig borte fra ham uden at vise ham nogen medfølelse. Han nærede intet ønske om at henvende sig til de uomvendte jøder, sammen med hvem han havde planlagt at forfølge de troende, for han vidste, at de ikke engang ville høre på, hvad han fortalte. Han syntes således at være afskåret fra al menneskelig deltagelse. Hans eneste håb om hjælp var en barmhjertig Gud, og med sønderknust hjerte vendte han sig til ham.

Saulus mindedes skriftsteder om Jesu komme

I de lange timer, hvor Saulus var ene med Gud, mindedes han mange af de skriftsteder, som viste hen til Kristi komme. Omhyggeligt genkaldte han sig profetierne med en hukommelse, der var skærpet ved den overbevisning, der havde bemægtiget sig hans sind. Når han tænkte på betydningen af disse profetier, undredes han over sin tidligere blindhed til at forstå, og over den blindhed, jødefolket som helhed havde udvist, og som havde ført til forkastelse af Jesus som den forjættede Messias. Nu syntes pludselig alt så langt lettere at forstå. Han vidste, at hans tidligere fordom og vantro havde formørket hans åndelige fatteevne og havde hindret ham i at erkende Jesus fra Nazaret som profetiernes Messias.

Helligåndens overbevisende kraft

Saulus så sine egne fejl og Lovens vide krav

Efterhånden som Saulus fuldstændig overgav sig til Helligåndens overbevisende kraft, så han fejlgrebene i sit liv og erkendte Guds lovs vidtrækkende krav. Han, som havde været en hovmodig farisæer, der stolede på, at han var retfærdiggjort ved sine gode gerninger, bøjede sig nu for Gud så ydmygt og enfoldigt som et lille barn og bekendte sin egen uværdighed, mens han bønfaldt om en korsfæstet og opstanden Frelsers nåde. Saulus længtes efter at komme helt i samfund og samklang med Faderen og Sønnen, og i sit inderlige ønske om tilgivelse og godkendelse opsendte han brændende bønner til nådens trone.

Hans bøn var ikke forgæves

Den angrende farisæers bønner var ikke forgæves! Ved Guds nåde forvandledes hans hjertes inderste tanker og følelser, og hans ædlere egenskaber blev bragt i samklang med Guds evige formål. For Saulus blev Kristus og hans retfærdighed mere end hele den øvrige verden.

Saulus omvendelse er et vidnesbyrd om Helligånden magt til at overbevise Syndige mennesker

Saulus omvendelse er et slående vidnesbyrd om Helligåndens underfulde magt til at overbevise syndige mennesker. Han havde sandelig troet, at Jesus fra Nazaret havde ringeagtet Guds lov og lært sine disciple, at den var uden betydning. Men efter sin omvendelse erkendte Saulus, at Jesus var den eneste, der var kommet til verden for at hævde sin Faders lov. Han var sikker på, at det var Jesus, som havde skabt hele det jødiske ofringssystem. Han forstod, at ved korsfæstelsen havde forbilledet mødt virkeligheden; at Jesus havde opfyldt de gammeltestamentlige profetier om Israels Frelser.

The conversion of Saul is a striking evidence of the miraculous power of the Holy Spirit to convict men of sin. He had verily believed that Jesus of Nazareth had disregarded the law of God and had taught His disciples that it was of no effect. But after his conversion, Saul recognized Jesus as the one who had come into the world for the express purpose of vindicating His Father’s law.

“Who art Thou, Lord?”

Visual imagination 1 The question, “Who art Thou, Lord?” was answered by the same voice, “I am Jesus whom thou persecutest.”

Biblical evidence

Acts 9:4-5   4 Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?”  5 And he said, “Who are You, Lord?” Then the Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.”

In imagination behold the scene

{AA 117.1} Now Christ had spoken to Saul with His own voice, saying, “Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou Me?” And the question, “Who art Thou, Lord?” was answered by the same voice,

“I am Jesus whom thou persecutest.”

Christ here identifies Himself with His people.

• In persecuting the followers of Jesus, Saul had struck directly against the Lord of heaven.
• In falsely accusing and testifying against them, he had falsely accused and testified against the Saviour of the world.

No Doubt in His Mind

“Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?”

Visual imagination 2 No doubt entered the mind of Saul that the One who spoke to him was Jesus of Nazareth, the long-looked-for Messiah, the Consolation and Redeemer of Israel.

Biblical evidence

NKJ Acts 9:1 Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest  2 and asked letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.  3 As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven.  4 Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?”  5 And he said, “Who are You, Lord?” Then the Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.”  6 So he, trembling and astonished, said, “Lord, what do You want me to do?” Then the Lord said to him, “Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”  7 And the men who journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice but seeing no one.  8 Then Saul arose from the ground, and when his eyes were opened he saw no one. But they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus.

In imagination behold the scene

{AA 117.2} No doubt entered the mind of Saul that the One who spoke to him was Jesus of Nazareth, the long-looked-for Messiah, the Consolation and Redeemer of Israel. He inquired…

• “Trembling and astonished,Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.”

{AA 117.3} When the glory was withdrawn, and Saul arose from the ground, he found himself totally deprived of sight.

• The brightness of Christ’s glory had been too intense for his mortal eyes; and when it was removed, the blackness of night settled upon his vision.

He believed that this blindness was a punishment from God for his cruel persecution of the followers of Jesus.

• In terrible darkness he groped about
• And his companions, in fear and amazement, “led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus.”

Consider and compare this!

{AA 117.4} On the morning of that eventful day, Saul had neared Damascus with feelings of self-satisfaction because of the confidence that had been placed in him by the chief priest.

• To him had been entrusted grave responsibilities.
• He was commissioned to further the interests of the Jewish religion by checking, if possible, the spread of the new faith in Damascus.

He had determined that his mission should be crowned with success and had looked forward with eager anticipation to the experiences that he expected were before him.

{AA 118.1} But how unlike his anticipations was his entrance into the city!

• Stricken with blindness, helpless, tortured by remorse, knowing not what further judgment might be in store for him, he sought out the home of the disciple Judas, where, in solitude, he had ample opportunity for reflection and prayer.

Danish translation / Dansk oversættelse

“Hvem er du Herre?”

Nu havde Kristus talt til Saulus med sin egen røst og sagt: “Saul, Saul, hvorfor forfølger du mig?” Og spørgsmålet: “Hvem er du, Herre?” blev besvaret med samme røst: “Jeg er Jesus, som du forfølger!” Kristus gør sig her til et med sit folk. Ved at forfølge Jesu efterfølgere havde Saulus rettet slaget lige mod Himmelens Herre. Ved falske beskyldninger og vidnesbyrd imod dem havde han falskelig anklaget og vidnet mod verdens Frelser.

Ingen tvivl

Den talende var Jesus, den længe ventede Messias

Der var i Saulus sjæl ingen tvivl om, at den talende var Jesus fra Nazaret, den længe ventede Messias, Israels trøst og Frelser. Skælvende og forfærdet spurgte han: “Herre, hvad vil du, at jeg skal gøre?” Og Herren sagde til ham: “Stå op og gå ind i byen, så skal det blive sagt dig, hvad du bør gøre.”

Saulus havde helt mistet sin syn

Da lysglansen var forsvunden, og Saulus rejste sig fra jorden, opdagede han, at han helt havde mistet sit syn. Kristi herligheds stråleglans havde været for stærk for dødelige øjne, og da den veg bort, sænkede nattens mørke sig over hans syn. Han troede, at denne blindhed var en straf fra Gud, fordi han så grusomt havde forfulgt Jesu disciple. Han famlede sig frem i frygteligt mørke, og hans rejsefæller, som var angst og forfærdede, “ledede ham så ved hånden og førte ham ind i Damaskus.”

Tænk på denne kontrast!

Forskellige forventninger hos Saulus

Om morgenen på denne begivenhedsrige dag havde Saulus nærmet sig Damaskus med en følelse af selvtilfredshed på grund af den tillid, som ypperstepræsterne viste ham. De havde betroet ham et stort ansvar. Det var hans opgave at fremme den jødiske religions interesser ved om muligt at standse udbredelsen af den nye tro i Damaskus. Det var hans faste beslutning, at hans udsendelse skulle krones med held, og han havde med ivrig forventning set hen til de oplevelser, som han ventede, at fremtiden ville bringe.

Men hvor forskellig fra hans forventninger blev ikke hans ankomst til byen! Ramt af blindhed, hjælpeløs, plaget af samvittighedsnag og uden at vide, hvilken yderligere dom der ventede ham, opsøgte han disciplen Judas hjem, hvor han havde rig lejlighed til eftertanke og bøn.

The conversion of Saul is a striking evidence of the miraculous power of the Holy Spirit to convict men of sin.

“Why persecutest thou Me?”

Imagination 1  On the last day of the journey, “at midday,” as the weary travelers neared Damascus, they came within full view of broad stretches of fertile lands, beautiful gardens, and fruitful orchards, watered by cool streams from the surrounding mountains.

Biblica evidence

Acts 9:3-4   3 As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven.  4 Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?”

In imagination behold the scene

{AA 114.1} On the last day of the journey, “at midday,” as the weary travelers neared Damascus, they came within full view of broad stretches of fertile lands, beautiful gardens, and fruitful orchards, watered by cool streams from the surrounding mountains. After the long journey over desolate wastes such scenes were refreshing indeed. While Saul, with his companions, gazed with admiration on the fruitful plain and the fair city below, suddently…

“suddenly,” as he afterward declared, there shone “round about me and them which journeyed with me” “a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun” (Acts 26:13), too glorious for mortal eyes to bear.

Blinded and bewildered, Saul fell prostrate to the ground.

While the light continued to shine round about them, Saul heard, “a voice speaking . . . in the Hebrew tongue” (Acts 26:14), saying…

• “saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou Me? And he said, Who art Thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.”

{AA 115.1} Filled with fear, and almost blinded by the intensity of the light, the companions of Saul heard a voice, but saw no man. But Saul understood the words that were spoken, and to him was clearly revealed the One who spoke–even the Son of God.

• In the glorious Being who stood before him he saw the Crucified One.
• Upon the soul of the stricken Jew the image of the Saviour’s countenance was imprinted forever.
• The words spoken struck home to his heart with appalling force.

Into the darkened chambers of his mind there poured a flood of light, revealing the ignorance and error of his former life and his present need of the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit.

{AA 115.2} Saul now saw…

• He saw that in persecuting the followers of Jesus he had in reality been doing the work of Satan.
• He saw that his convictions of right and of his own duty had been based largely on his implicit confidence in the priests and rulers.
• He saw that he had believed the priests and rulers when they told him that the story of the resurrection was an artful fabrication of the disciples.

Now that Jesus Himself stood revealed, Saul was convinced of the truthfulness of the claims made by the disciples.

{AA 115.3} In that hour of heavenly illumination Saul’s mind acted with remarkable rapidity.

1) The prophetic records of Holy Writ were opened to his understanding. He saw that the rejection of Jesus by the Jews, His crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension, had been foretold by the prophets and proved Him to be the promised Messiah.

2) Stephen’s sermon at the time of his martyrdom was brought forcibly to Saul’s mind, and he realized that the martyr had indeed beheld “the glory of God” when he said,

• “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.” Acts 7:55, 56.

The priests had pronounced these words blasphemy, but Saul now knew them to be truth.

{AA 116.1} What a revelation was all this to the persecutor! Now Saul knew…

• Saul knew for a certainty that the promised Messiah had come to this earth as Jesus of Nazareth
• Saul knew that the promised Messiah had been rejected and crucified by those whom He came to save.
• Saul knew that the Saviour had risen in triumph from the tomb and had ascended into the heavens.

In that moment of divine revelation Saul remembered with terror…

• that Stephen, who had borne witness of a crucified and risen Saviour, had been sacrificed by his consent
• that later, through his instrumentality, many other worthy followers of Jesus had met their death by cruel persecution.

{AA 116.2} The Saviour had spoken to Saul through Stephen, whose clear reasoning could not be controverted.The learned Jew had witnessed…

• The learned Jew had seen the face of the martyr reflecting the light of Christ’s glory–appearing as if “it had been the face of an angel.” Acts 6:15.
• He had witnessed Stephen’s forbearance toward his enemies and his forgiveness of them.
• He had witnessed the fortitude and cheerful resignation of many whom he had caused to be tormented and afflicted.
• He had seen some yield up even their lives with rejoicing for the sake of their faith.

{AA 116.3} All these things (the fortitude and cheerful resignation of the martyrs that he had caused to be tormented and afflicted) had appealed loudly to Saul and at times had thrust upon his mind an almost overwhelming conviction that…

Jesus was the promised Messiah.

At such times he had struggled for entire nights against this conviction, and always he had ended the matter by avowing his belief

• that Jesus was not the Messiah
• that His followers were deluded fanatics.

Now Christ had spoken to Saul with His own voice, saying…,

“Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou Me?”

Danish translation/ Dansk oversættelse

Et lys fra Himlen

På rejsens sidste dag, “ved middagstid,” da de trætte rejsende nærmede sig Damaskus, havde de fuld udsigt til store strækninger af frugtbart land, skønne haver og rige frugthaver, der fik vand fra kølige bække fra de omliggende bjerge. Efter den lange rejse gennem øde ørkener var et sådant syn i sandhed forfriskende. Mens Saulus sammen med sine rejsefæller beundrende betragtede den frugtbare slette og den smukke by dernede, “så jeg undervejs,” som han senere fortalte, “et lys fra Himmelen klarere end solens glans omstråle mig og mine rejsefæller,” et lys, som dødeliges øjne ikke kunne tåle. Blændet og forvildet faldt Saulus til jorden.

En Røst

Mens lyset vedblev at skinne om dem, hørte Saulus “en røst, som sagde til ham på hebraisk: “Saul, Saul! hvorfor forfølger du mig?” Og han sagde: “Hvem er du, Herre?” Og Herren svarede: “Jeg er Jesus, som du forfølger! Det bliver strengt for dig at stampe mod brodden.” Apg. 26,13?14.

Lyset strømmede ind i hans formørkede sind

Opfyldte af skræk og næsten blindede på grund af det voldsomme lys hørte Sauls rejsefæller røsten, men så ingen. Men Saulus forstod de ord, som var talt, og for ham åbenbaredes tydeligt, hvem det var, som talte: Guds egen Søn. I den strålende skikkelse, som stod for ham, genkendte han den korsfæstede. Billedet af Frelserens ansigt stod for evigt prentet i den skrækslagne jødes sjæl. De ord, som blev talt, ramte hans hjerte med forfærdende kraft. Lyset strømmede ind i hans formørkede sind og åbenbarede dér hans tidligere livs uvidenhed og vildfarelser og hans nuværende behov for Helligåndens oplysning.

Saulus var overbevist nu

Nu så Saulus, at han ved at forfølge Jesu disciple i virkeligheden var gået Satans ærinde. Han så, at hans overbevisning om, hvad der var ret, og hvad der var hans pligt, for en stor del havde været bygget på hans tillid til præsterne og rådsherrerne. Han havde troet dem, da de fortalte ham, at historien om opstandelsen kun var et snedigt påfund af disciplene. Nu hvor Jesus selv åbenbarede sig, var Saulus overbevist om sandheden i, hvad disciplene hævdede.

Saulus tanker reagerede hurtigt

I denne stund i det himmelske lys reagerede Saulus tanker med forunderlig hast. Den hellige skrifts profetiske beretninger blev forståelige for ham. Han så, at jødernes forkastelse af Jesus, hans korsfæstelse, opstandelse og himmelfart var blevet forudsagt af profeterne og beviste, at han var den forjættede Messias. Stefanus tale, dengang han led martyrdøden, lød for Saulus ører, og han forstod, at martyren virkelig havde set “Guds herlighed”, da han sagde: “Se, jeg skuer Himlene åbne og Menneskesønnen stående ved Guds højre hånd.” Apg. 7,55?56. Præsterne havde kaldt disse ord for gudsbespottelse, men nu vidste Saulus, at de var sandhed.

En Åbenbaring

Nu vidste Saulus med sikkerhed at Jesus var den lovede Messias

Hvilken åbenbaring var ikke alt dette for forfølgeren! Nu vidste Saulus med sikkerhed, at den lovede Messias var kommet til verden som Jesus fra Nazaret, og at han var blevet forkastet og korsfæstet af dem, han var kommet for at frelse. Han vidste også, at Frelseren med sejr var opstået fra graven og var steget op til Himmelen. Ved dette øjebliks himmelske åbenbaring erindrede Saulus med forfærdelse, at Stefanus, der havde vidnet om en korsfæstet og opstanden Frelser, var blevet ofret med hans samtykke, og at senere mange andre værdige efterfølgere af Jesus ved hans medvirken havde mødt døden under de frygtelige forfølgelser.

Frelseren havde talt gennem Stefanus

Frelseren havde talt til Saulus gennem Stefanus, hvis klare bevisførelse ikke kunne bestrides. Den lærde jøde havde på martyrens ansigt set genskinnet af Kristi herlighed, der viste sig ved, at “hans ansigt var som en engels ansigt.” Apg 6,15. Han havde været vidne til Stefanus overbærenhed mod sine fjender og til, at han tilgav dem. Han havde også været vidne til styrken og den glade hengivelse hos mange af dem, han havde overgivet til pinsler og lidelser. Nogle havde han endog set med fryd give livet hen for deres tros skyld.

Saulus kæmpede imod hans overbevisning

Alt dette havde gjort et stærkt indtryk på Saulus og havde til tider påtvunget ham en næsten overvældende overbevisning om, at Jesus var den forjættede Messias. I sådanne stunder havde han hele nætter igennem kæmpet imod denne overbevisning, og altid havde han endt sagen med at vedkende sig den tro, at Jesus ikke var Messias, og at hans disciple var fanatikere, der havde ladet sig narre.

Philippians 3:1-21  NKJ Philippians 3:1 Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. For me to write the same things to you is not tedious, but for you it is safe.

• Beware of dogs,
• beware of evil workers,
• beware of the mutilation!

For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh,  4 though I also might have confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so:

• circumcised the eighth day,
• of the stock of Israel,
• of the tribe of Benjamin,
• a Hebrew of the Hebrews
• concerning the law, a Pharisee;
• concerning zeal, persecuting the church
• concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.

7 But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ.  8 Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish,

• that I may gain Christ
• that I be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith
• that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death,  11 if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.

12 Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.

• 13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead,  14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

15 Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you.  16 Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind.  17 Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern.

• 18 For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:  19 whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame — who set their mind on earthly things.
• 20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,  21 who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.

Introduction

Prominent among the Jewish leaders who became thoroughly aroused by the success attending the proclamation of the gospel, was Saul of Tarsus. A Roman citizen by birth, Saul was nevertheless a Jew by descent and had been educated in Jerusalem by the most eminent of the rabbis. Saul was

“Of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.” Philippians 3:5, 6.

He was regarded by the rabbis as a young man of great promise, and high hopes were cherished concerning him as an able and zealous defender of the ancient faith. His elevation to membership in the Sanhedrin council placed him in a position of power.  {AA 112.1}

Doubt

Lesson 1 Saul had taken a prominent part in the trial and conviction of Stephen, and the striking evidences of God’s presence with the martyr had led Saul to doubt the righteousness  of the cause he had espoused against the followers of Jesus.

Biblical evidence

Acts 6:15 – 7:1  15 And all who sat in the council, looking steadfastly at him (Stephen), saw his face as the face of an angel.

In imagination behold the scene

{AA 112.2} Saul had taken a prominent part in the trial and conviction of Stephen, and the striking evidences of God’s presence with the martyr had led Saul to doubt the righteousness of the cause he had espoused against the followers of Jesus.

• His mind was deeply stirred.

In his perplexity he appealed to those in whose wisdom and judgment he had full confidence. The arguments of the priests and rulers finally convinced him

• that Stephen was a blasphemer
• that the Christ whom the martyred disciple had preached was an impostor
• that those ministering in holy office must be right

Severe Trial

Rebel against Voice of Conscience

Lesson 2 Not without severe trial did Saul come to the conclusion that Stephen was a blasphemer and Christ an impostor.

Biblical evidence

Acts 7:58-60  58 and they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul.  59 And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God and saying, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”  60 Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not charge them with this sin.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

Acts 8:1  NKJ Acts 8:1 Now Saul was consenting to his death. At that time a great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.

In imagination behold the scene

{AA 113.1} Not without severe trial did Saul come to this conclusion. But in the end three things braced him to rebel against the voice of conscience…

• his education and prejudices
• his respect for his former teachers
• his pride of popularity

These three things braced Saul to rebel against the voice of conscience and the grace of God. And having fully decided that the priests and scribes were right, Saul became very bitter in his opposition to the doctrines taught by the disciples of Jesus.

• His activity in causing holy men and women to be dragged before tribunals, where some were condemned to imprisonment and some even to death, solely because of their faith in Jesus, brought sadness and gloom to the newly organized church, and caused many to seek safety in flight.

{AA 113.2} Those who were driven from Jerusalem by this persecution…

• “went everywhere preaching the word.” Acts 8:4.

Among the cities to which they went was Damascus, where the new faith gained many converts.

Priests and Rulers

Saul offered his service for the special work

Lesson 3 The priests and rulers had hoped that by vigilant effort and stern persecution the heresy might be suppressed.

Biblical evidence

Acts 8:3   3 As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison.

In imagination behold the scene

{AA 113.3} The priests and rulers had hoped that by vigilant effort and stern persecution the heresy might be suppressed. Now they felt that they must carry forward in other places the decided measures taken in Jerusalem against the new teaching. For the special work that they desired to have done at Damascus, Saul offered his services. Saul went to the high priest…

• “Breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, “he ” went unto the high priest, and desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.”

Thus “with authority and commission from the chief priests” (Acts 26:12), Saul of Tarsus, in the strength and vigor of manhood, and fired with mistaken zeal, set out on that memorable journey, the strange occurrences of which were to change the whole current of his life.

Danish translation / Dansk oversættelse

Saulus fra Tarsus

En af de mest fremtrædende jødiske ledere

En af de mest fremtrædende blandt de jødiske ledere, som blev dybt rystet over den fremgang, der fulgte evangeliets forkyndelse, var Saulus fra Tarsus. Skønt Saulus af fødsel var romersk borger, var han dog af jødisk slægt og havde fået sin uddannelse i Jerusalem hos de betydeligste rabbinere. Saulus var “af Israels folk, af Benjamins stamme, hebræer af hebræere, lovtro farisæer, nidkær forfølger af kirken, ulastelig efter lovretfærdighedens krav.” Fil. 3,5?6. Af rabbinerne blev han anset for at være en meget lovende ung mand, og man nærede store forhåbninger om, at han skulle blive en nidkær forkæmper for den gamle tro. Hans ophøjelse til at være medlem af det jødiske råd gav ham en magtstilling.

Tvivl

Saulus havde spillet en fremtrædende rolle ved Stefanus forhør og domfældelse, og de slående beviser på Guds nærværelse hos martyren havde fået Saulus til at betvivle retfærdigheden i den sag, han havde sluttet sig til mod Jesu disciple. Han var blevet dybt rystet. I sin tvivlrådighed henvendte han sig til dem, hvis visdom og dom han fuldtud stolede på. Præsternes og rådsherrernes argumenter overbeviste ham til slut om, at Stefanus var en gudsbespotter, at den Kristus, som martyrdisciplen havde prædiket om, var en bedrager, og at de, som beklædte de hellige embeder, måtte have retten på deres side.

Oprør imod samvittighedesn røst

Det var ikke uden alvorlige overvejelser, at Saulus kom til denne slutning. Men til sidst blev han på grund af sin opdragelse og sine fordomme, sin agtelse for sine tidligere lærere og sin stolthed over at være velanskrevet, rustet til at gøre oprør mod samvittighedens røst og Guds nåde. Og da han var blevet helt sikker på, at præsterne og de skriftkloge havde ret, blev Saulus meget skarp i sin bekæmpelse af den lære, som Jesu disciple forkyndte. Hans virksomhed med at få kristne mænd og kvinder slæbt for retten, hvor nogle af dem blev dømt til fængsel og andre endog til døden, kun på grund af deres tro på Jesus, bragte sorg og mismod over den nylig oprettede menighed og fik mange til at redde sig ved flugt.

De, som var blevet fordrevet fra Jerusalem på grund af denne forfølgelse, “drog imidlertid omkring og forkyndte evangeliets ord. ” Apg 8,4. Damaskus var en af de byer, de kom til, og her vandt den nye tro mange tilhængere.

Præsterne og lederne

Præsterne og rådet havde håbet, at kætteriet måske kunne undertrykkes ved agtpågivenhed og hårde forfølgelser. Nu forstod de, at de også andre steder måtte tage de samme strenge forholdsregler, som man i Jerusalem havde taget mod den nye lære. Saulus tilbød sin tjeneste til det særlige arbejde, de ønskede gjort i Damaskus. Han “fnyste stadig med trussel og mord imod Herrens disciple og gik til ypperstepræsten og bad om breve til synagogerne i Damaskus, for at han, hvis han fandt nogen, mænd eller kvinder, som holdt sig til “vejen”, da kunne føre dem bundne til Jerusalem.” Således drog Saulus fra Tarsus “med fuldmagt og myndighed fra ypperstepræsterne” i sin manddoms kraft og styrke og glødende af misforstået nidkærhed ud på denne mindeværdige rejse, hvis forunderlige oplevelser skulle komme til at forandre hele hans liv. Apg 26,12.