After Saul's conversion, there was great doubt among the first-century believers as to whether he had really become a Christian. They thought it was some kind of a trick to infiltrate their ranks. It is hard for us to understand how notorious Saul of Tarsus was. He was the Christian killer. He hunted down followers of Jesus, tortured them, and even put some to death.
It would be like hearing that one of the most renowned atheists of our day had put his or her faith in Christ. It wouldn't make sense. Is it possible? Sure it is. With God, all things are possible. So when Christians heard that Saul was a believer, many of them were essentially saying, We are not buying this, it's a trick!
But God led a man named Ananias to go to Saul, pray for him, and help him in that very critical, transitional moment after his commitment to Christ. And then later, God brought a man named Barnabas to introduce Saul around to other believers and help him get on his feet. This all resulted in Saul's changing his name and becoming the beloved apostle Paul.
New believers need fellowship. You see, some things are taught, and some things are caught.
New believers need to see a living example of what a Christian is. What do Christians do in their free time? How do Christians treat each another? New believers need to be out there in the real world with you, seeing how this all plays out.
Have a great week,
Jody
