Paul, an apostle — not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead — and all the brothers who are with me.

Galatians 1:1-2

In Acts 9 the one-time persecutor of Christians, Saul, is chosen by the resurrected Christ to be the most effective missionary the church has ever known. Saul established Christian congregations throughout the Roman Empire with energetic, faith-filled people. The Lord’s selection of church leaders is amazing in the early church. It shows us the power his gift of grace can bring upon any of us, as we, too, are blessed with talented leaders. Saul, later called Paul, experienced the power of the Holy Spirit, sent to him through the commissioning of the resurrected Jesus Christ. It was an amazing gift, and faith-filled Christians still have that power from the Holy Spirit, rooted in the merciful life, crucified death, and mighty resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Gordon Beck
Williamsburg, VA

Dear Resurrected Jesus, empower us with your Spirit to reach out in your name to the people we encounter today. Amen.

Reflection: What would it be like to encounter people who are different than you?

Read: Acts 17 and 2 Corinthians 10:14-18