The inspiration for this devotional came from what God started revealing to me as I was reading through the book of Acts. The reality hit me that Saul, also referred to as Paul the Apostle, was transformed from a persecutor into someone who truly followed, taught, and imitated Jesus' example. In this devotional, we'll see how Paul's ministry reflected some of the same words and actions of Jesus.

Let's start with a bit of background to lay the foundation. Saul/Paul was originally a Pharisee, known for persecuting early Christians. This continued until he had an encounter on his way to Damascus that left him blind after a flash of light. Saul heard the voice of Jesus saying, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" Acts 9:4 (NIV). In Acts 13:9, we see Saul begin to be referred to as Paul. For the remainder of this devotional, I'll refer to him as Paul. The name change is not meant to confuse us, the readers, nor was it the case that Saul was renamed Paul. The reason is that he would have been known by both names based on his Jewish and Roman heritage.

Now we can explore how Paul was transformed into someone who followed Jesus and even ministered under Jesus' influence. This comparison is not meant to equate Paul with Jesus. The comparison is meant to show how Paul earnestly followed the example of Jesus.

Doubted by People

Scripture tells us that Jesus' own community, relatives, and those around Him doubted. Knowing that makes it easy to realize that the same doubts may happen with people in our lives. In Matthew 11:2-3 and Luke 7:18-20, John sent his disciples to ask Jesus, "Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?"

In other Scriptures, we can also find examples of people doubting Jesus: "'Where did this man get these things?' they asked. 'What's this wisdom that has been given him? What are these remarkable miracles he is performing? Isn't this the carpenter? Isn't this Mary's son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon? Aren't his sisters here with us?'" Mark 6:2-3. Jesus' own brothers also doubted Him, as seen in John 7:1-5.

Paul faced the same doubts, but rightfully so, because he was known for persecuting early Christians. When his transformation came, it was hard for people to accept Paul's new mission. This is captured in Acts 9:13, where we see Ananias doubt Paul: "'Lord,' Ananias answered, 'I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem. And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.'"

It took the Lord speaking to Ananias for him to believe Paul had changed. We also see this in Acts 9:26: "When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple."

In all of our lives, we may encounter situations where people doubt us, who we are, or even who we will become.

Threats Against Their Lives

Jesus faced threats and persecution from the very people He became human to save. Why? Because He spoke the truth from God, and it didn't align with their traditions. In John 8:40, Jesus specifically points out that they were looking for a way to kill Him even though He had told them the truth He heard from God.

Threats against Jesus' life began when He was still a child. Herod sought to kill Him, causing Joseph to take Jesus and Mary to Egypt. Matthew 2:13 specifically says that Herod was searching for the child to kill Him. Later in Jesus' ministry, the religious leaders continued looking for ways to kill Him. John 7:1 says the Jewish leaders in Judea were seeking a way to take His life, and John 11:53 says they plotted to kill Him.

Jesus:
"Then the chief priests and the elders of the people assembled in the palace of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas, and they plotted to arrest Jesus in some sly way and kill him." Matthew 26:3-4 (NIV)

Paul also faced persecution because some people rejected the message he preached about Jesus. In Acts 23:12-14, a conspiracy was formed to kill him. Later, more than forty men took an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul.

Paul:
"The next morning the Jews formed a conspiracy and bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul." Acts 23:12 (NIV)

However, Jesus had already taught that those who are persecuted for doing what is right are blessed. He told His followers that persecution, insults, and false accusations would come because of their faith in Him, but He also reminded them that their reward is in heaven.

"Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you." Matthew 5:10-12 (ESV)

Saving Lives

While the last section focused on threats against their lives, this makes a great transition into how Jesus seeks to save our lives. Jesus teaches us through his conversation with Thomas, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." John 14:6 (NIV). Jesus' desire is for not a single one of us to be lost, Matthew 18:14. Jesus tells us clearly in scripture how we must be saved spiritually and eternally.

In different circumstances, Paul wanted to save the lives of those on the ship with him physically from harm. Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, "Unless these men stay with the ship, you cannot be saved." Acts 27:31 (NIV). The similar wording and concept between Jesus' parable of the sheep and Paul wanting to keep everyone safe resonated with me in these verses. This verse is part of Paul's journey to Rome, where he was being taken to stand trial. Paul listened to God, obeyed His direction, and helped protect the very people who were holding him in custody.

Paul, in his letter Timothy said, "He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace.

Trust God

Jesus:
"Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows." Luke 12:7 (NIV)
Paul:
"Now I urge you to take some food. You need it to survive. Not one of you will lose a single hair from his head." Acts 27:34 (NIV)

Both Jesus and Paul used similar phrases concerning the hairs on our heads. This demonstrates that nothing happens outside of God's view or control. Jesus said it in Luke 12:7, and Paul echoed a similar thought in Acts 27:34.

Yes, the world may be in disarray all around us, and our lives may feel out of control, but our Father has it all under control. Our job is to trust God and His process. If God knows every hair on our heads, He certainly knows what we are going through and can handle everything we submit to Him in prayer. Paul was once the man causing havoc and persecuting those who called on the name of Jesus. Yet God transformed his life and used him to spread the gospel throughout many regions. The same man who once tried to stop the message of Jesus became one of its boldest messengers, and we are still reading his words today.

Breaking Bread

Jesus:
"While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, 'Take and eat; this is my body.' Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, 'Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom.'" Matthew 26:26-29 (NIV)

Paul:
"For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, 'This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.' In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.' For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes." 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 (NIV)

Jesus broke bread with His disciples at the Last Supper. The wording in this Scripture may remind us of the Last Supper because Paul gave thanks to God and broke bread, just as Jesus did. However, this was during the storm at sea, shortly before the ship was wrecked. The people had gone many days without eating, so Paul encouraged them to take food and assured them of God's protection.

If you continue reading Acts 27, you will see that everyone ate as much as they wanted. This may also remind us of Jesus feeding the multitudes, although the circumstances were different. Paul trusted God, gave thanks in front of others, shared what God had told him, and followed the example of Jesus.

Later, we see Paul, in 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, teach those in Corinth about Holy Communion. His purpose was to instill in them the importance of Jesus' sacrifice and remind them of the reason for Communion.

Repentance and Faith

Jesus:
Mark 1:14-15: Jesus proclaimed the good news, calling people to repent and believe.
Luke 24:46-47: Jesus said repentance for the forgiveness of sins would be preached in His name to all nations.

Paul:
Acts 20:20-21: Paul preached repentance toward God and faith in Jesus Christ.
Acts 26:19-20: Paul taught people to repent, turn to God, and demonstrate their repentance through their actions.

Jesus teaches us throughout Scripture to preach the good news, repent, and believe in Him, as seen in Mark 1:14-15. In John 14:12, Jesus says that those who believe will do the works that He did. Jesus goes on to say they will do even greater works. How? Because His Spirit lives in us, enabling us to continue doing His work.

Paul understood the call from Jesus to repent, teach, and spread the good news about Jesus. In Acts 20, Paul was talking to the elders, and he explained how he followed Jesus' example in preaching, going from house to house and publicly proclaiming Jesus' name. He was willing to fulfill his calling even if it cost him his life.

Jesus and Paul Taught from Scripture in Synagogues

Jesus:
Luke 4:16-21: Jesus read from Isaiah in the synagogue and explained that the Scripture was fulfilled in Him.
Luke 4:31-32: Jesus taught in the synagogue at Capernaum, and the people were amazed at His authority.

Paul:
Acts 17:1-3: Paul reasoned from the Scriptures in the synagogue, explaining that the Messiah had to suffer and rise from the dead.
Acts 18:4-5: Paul reasoned in the synagogue and testified that Jesus was the Messiah.

Jesus entered the synagogue, read from Isaiah, and explained how the passage pointed to Him. Paul also entered synagogues and reasoned with people from the Scriptures, showing that the Messiah had to suffer and rise from the dead.

Healing Was Connected with Clothing That Had Touched Them

Jesus:
Mark 5:25-34: A woman touched Jesus' clothing in faith and was healed.
Matthew 14:35-36: People begged to touch the edge of Jesus' cloak, and those who touched it were healed.

Paul:
Acts 19:11-12: Handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched Paul were taken to the sick, and illnesses and evil spirits left them.

A woman believed she would be healed by touching Jesus' clothing, and she was healed. Later, God performed extraordinary miracles through Paul, even using handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him. The important distinction is that Acts says God performed the miracles through Paul.

Jesus and Paul Taught People to Love Their Enemies

Jesus:
Matthew 5:43-44: Jesus taught His followers to love their enemies and pray for those who persecuted them.
Luke 6:27-28: Jesus commanded people to do good to those who hated them and bless those who cursed them.

Paul:
Romans 12:14: Paul instructed believers to bless those who persecuted them.
Romans 12:17-21: Paul taught believers not to repay evil for evil, but to overcome evil with good.

Jesus instructed His followers to love their enemies and pray for those who persecuted them. Jesus laid the groundwork for how we should love and treat others. Paul taught from the same principles that Jesus commanded us to live by in the Gospels. Jesus gave us the difficult assignment of loving and praying for more than just our close friends and family. We are to do the same for the very people persecuting and cursing us.

Jesus and Paul Were Both Abandoned by Those Closest to Them

Jesus:
Matthew 26:56: "But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled." Then all the disciples deserted Him and fled.
Luke 23:34: While being crucified, Jesus asked the Father to forgive those responsible.

Paul:
2 Timothy 4:16: After everyone deserted him during his defense, Paul prayed that it would not be held against them.

When Jesus was arrested by the soldiers who led Him away, His disciples fled. While being crucified, Jesus prayed for the forgiveness of those responsible for His crucifixion. When Paul was abandoned during his defense, he said, "May it not be held against them." Paul's response when he was deserted reflected the forgiving heart of Jesus.

Jesus and Paul Willingly Faced Suffering to Complete Their Missions

Jesus:
Luke 9:51: Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem, knowing what awaited Him.
John 10:17-18: Jesus explained that He willingly laid down His life.
Matthew 20:18-19: Jesus told His disciples that He would be condemned, mocked, flogged, crucified, and raised again.

Paul:
Acts 20:22-24: Paul said he considered his life worth nothing compared with finishing the task Jesus had given him.
Acts 21:10-13: Paul said he was ready not only to be imprisoned, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of Jesus.

Jesus willingly laid down His life for the sins of the world so that He could be our true Savior. Paul wasn't given this same mission, but he was willing to risk his life to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. Paul later said that his own life was worth nothing compared with completing the task Jesus had given him. Paul was even willing to be imprisoned or die in Jerusalem for the name of Jesus.

Jesus' suffering was unique because He gave His life as the sacrifice for sin. Paul's suffering reflected his commitment to follow and serve Jesus.

Jesus Mentions the Flock, and So Does Paul

Jesus:
John 10:11-13: Jesus describes Himself as the good shepherd who protects the sheep, unlike the hired hand who abandons them when the wolf comes.

Paul:
Acts 20:29: Paul said, "I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock."

Jesus referred to His followers as His sheep, or flock. Paul also used the same language in Acts 20. The common theme here is how both used the analogy of a shepherd and a flock.

Jesus Modeled Serving Rather Than Seeking Personal Gain

Jesus:
Mark 10:42-45: Jesus said He came not to be served, but to serve and give His life as a ransom for many.
John 13:12-17: After washing the disciples' feet, Jesus instructed them to follow His example of service.

Paul:
Acts 20:33-35: Paul worked with his own hands, helped the weak, and reminded believers that it is more blessed to give than to receive.
1 Corinthians 9:19: Paul made himself a servant to everyone so that he might win more people.

Jesus said He came not to be served, but to serve. Paul worked with his own hands, helped the weak, and reminded believers of Jesus' words: "It is more blessed to give than to receive." Jesus highlighted the blessing in giving and serving. Paul, knowing the words Jesus spoke, repeated the same sentiment.

Seeking the Lost and Reaching People Where They Are

Jesus:
Luke 19:10: "For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost."

Paul:
1 Corinthians 9:20-22: "To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some."

Jesus came to save those who were lost. To be honest, all of mankind was lost because no one except Jesus was, is, or ever will be perfect. Likewise, Paul said he would become what he needed to be in an attempt to draw people to Christ.

Jesus Taught Love, and Paul Continued Teaching It

Jesus:
John 13:34-35: Jesus commanded His disciples to love one another as He had loved them.
John 15:12-13: Jesus said the greatest love is to lay down one's life for one's friends.

Paul:
Romans 13:8-10: Paul taught that love fulfills the law.
Ephesians 5:1-2: Paul instructed believers to walk in love, following Christ's example.

Jesus commanded His disciples to love one another as He had loved them. Jesus taught that the greatest commandments are to love God and to love others. Paul taught the same principle Jesus spoke about, that love fulfills the law and that believers have a continuing responsibility to love one another.

Conclusion

The purpose of this devotional was not to compare or elevate Paul to the same level as Jesus. The comparison is meant to show how Paul truly followed Jesus in word and action, but not perfectly, because no one is perfect. The hope is that these examples will help us see how Paul was transformed from persecutor to follower, believer, teacher, and brother in Christ.

This is what we should all strive to do: live our lives surrendered to Christ and follow the example Christ provided for us.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, praise and honor to Your Holy name. Lord thank You for the example You provided us of how to live a Godly life through Christ. Help me to align my life to follow Christ, and teach just as He did. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen

Author: Travis White |