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Conversion of Saul
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from the overwhelming evidence thus brought to bear in favor of the
doctrine of Christ. Their astonishment at the conversion of Paul was
changed into an intense hatred of him like unto that which they had
manifested against Jesus.
Preparation for Service
Paul’s life was in peril, and he received a commission from God
to leave Damascus for a time. He went into Arabia; and there, in
comparative solitude, he had ample opportunity for communion
with God and for contemplation. He wished to be alone with God,
to search his own heart, to deepen his repentance, and to prepare
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himself by prayer and study to engage in a work which appeared to
him too great and too important for him to undertake. He was an
apostle, not chosen of men, but chosen of God, and his work was
plainly stated to be among the Gentiles.
While in Arabia he did not communicate with the apostles; he
sought God earnestly with all his heart, determining not to rest till he
knew for a certainty that his repentance was accepted and his great
sin pardoned. He would not give up the conflict until he had the
assurance that Jesus would be with him in his coming ministry. He
was ever to carry about with him in the body the marks of Christ’s
glory, in his eyes, which had been blinded by the heavenly light, and
he desired also to bear with him constantly the assurance of Christ’s
sustaining grace. Paul came into close connection with Heaven,
and Jesus communed with him, and established him in his faith,
bestowing upon him His wisdom and grace.
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