Luke moves from Philip back to Saul, the persecutor of the early church, and his conversion to Jesus. Saul is so intent on destroying this "new sect" that he travels 135 miles north to Damascus, with letters from the chief priests which authorize him to take any men or woman who are part of "The Way" and bring them back to Jerusalem. As he approaches Damascus, a light as bright as the sun appears, knocking him to the ground and from that light a voice calls out to him. The voice identifies himself as Jesus, whom Saul is persecuting. This experience was jarring for Saul and brought about his repentance and turning to Jesus for salvation from his sins.

This conversion leads Saul to preaching the truth about Jesus - he is the Son of God and the promised Messiah. God has fulfilled his word in sending Jesus. Saul so effectively argues in both Damascus and Jerusalem that people are converted to Jesus and his opponents plot to kill him. Conversion truly produces a new creation in Jesus, as Saul himself states in 2 Corinthians. Transformation will mark genuine conversion. Have you been converted to Jesus? If not, you can be today. If you have been, are you living your daily life in a way that exemplifies the transformation of Jesus at work in you.

Acts is a unique book in our New Testament, because it is the only book of history that we are given. As Luke writes, a second edition to his gospel, he continues with two vital themes – first, that Jesus offers salvation to men and second, that this work – the mission is accomplished – in the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus had already instructed his disciples about the Holy Spirit and his ongoing ministry to them and all who would come to believe in Jesus. Despite the obvious focus on the ministry of the Holy Spirit in Acts, this book is about Jesus. Throughout Acts, Jesus is described as Lord (the most common title for Jesus in Acts), Jesus (67x), Christ (25x), Servant, Holy One, Just One, a Prophet like Moses, Savior, Son of God, Son of Man, Author of Life, Judge, Man and God. There is absolutely no question that Acts is the continuing account of all that Jesus began to do and to teach as presented in the gospel of Luke. The outline of Acts is very straightforward: Witnesses in Jerusalem (1-7), Witnesses in Judaea & Samaria (8-12), and Witnesses to the ends of the earth (13-28). Luke focuses throughout on this truth: You will receive power from the Holy Spirit and be my witnesses to the ends of the earth. May God strengthen us to be effective witnesses for Jesus.

Graceway Church of Michiana exists in South Bend, IN for the purpose of Exalting our great God and Savior, Edifying and Encouraging believers and Engaging our Community. 

Graceway Church is committed to being a God Exalting, Christ Centered, Spirit Motivated, Word Focused local body of Believers!