The missionary to the nations called: Saul

Acts 9:15–31 — Saul Called to Be a Missionary to the Nations

In Acts 9:15–31, we see God’s sovereign calling and preparation of Saul of Tarsus—later known as the Apostle Paul—as a chosen instrument to carry the name of Jesus Christ to the nations.

A Chosen Instrument

“Go, for he is a chosen instrument of Mine to carry My name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of My name.” (Acts 9:15–16)

Paul’s ministry began with a dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus. After encountering the risen Lord, he was sent to a house where he spent time praying, awaiting further instruction. God revealed from the very beginning that Saul’s calling would involve both divine assignment and suffering.

Paul was chosen to proclaim timeless spiritual truths—truths that had been hidden and were now revealed in Christ.

“But we impart a secret and hidden wisdom of God, which God decreed before the ages for our glory.” (1 Corinthians 2:7)

Suffering and Faithfulness

We reviewed Paul’s testimony of suffering in 2 Corinthians 11:22–28, 32–33. His life was marked by:

• Beatings and imprisonments

• Opposition from both Jews and Gentiles

• Danger, hardship, and sacrifice

Yet through all of this, Paul remained steadfast. His perseverance flowed from a deep conviction of God’s calling and an unwavering belief in the transforming power of the Gospel.

Throughout Scripture, God has often chosen unlikely individuals to be His special instruments—from Noah to Daniel—and Paul stands firmly in that lineage.

God Building His Church

As we read through Acts, it becomes clear that God is building His church from the ground up. We, too, are part of this ongoing history of Christendom. Each believer is called to be a disciple and an instrument in God’s vineyard while we remain on earth.

We reflected on several passages that call us to grow in faith and labor faithfully for the truth:

• John 15:16 — God’s sovereign appointment, our call to go, and the expectation of lasting fruit

• 1 Peter 4:10–11 — Using our gifts as faithful stewards of God’s grace

• Ephesians 6:7–8 — Serving wholeheartedly as unto the Lord

Christian service involves:

• Being appointed by God

• Going where He sends us

• Bearing fruit with eternal significance

• Serving with obedience, zeal, and effective prayer

A Call to Self-Examination

We discussed the importance of self-examination—learning to distinguish between tasks that are urgent and those that are truly important. Our Lord calls us to sustained faithfulness, not distracted busyness.

Jesus’ teaching in Luke 12 reminds us of our responsibility as entrusted servants:

“From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.” (Luke 12:48)

Paul Begins His Ministry

Paul wasted no time after his conversion.

“But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus was the Christ.” (Acts 9:22)

Facing increasing opposition, Paul fled and spent time in Arabia before returning to Damascus and later traveling to Jerusalem. There, Barnabas stepped in as a true encourager, taking Paul under his wing—a pattern of mentorship and partnership that would continue throughout Acts.

Opposition from Hellenistic (Greek-speaking) Jews led to a plot against Paul’s life, and he was sent to Tarsus. We will encounter Paul again alongside Barnabas in Acts 11, as God continues unfolding His redemptive plan.

Closing Reflection

Acts 9 reminds us that:

• God sovereignly chooses and equips His servants

• Calling often includes suffering

• Faithfulness matters more than comfort

• The church grows through obedient, Spirit-led disciples