Overview:
Scripture describes Saul of Tarsus as a pious, zealous Pharisee and a violent aggressor against Christians. He even delighted in the stoning of Stephen, a faithful follower of Jesus. In this message on Acts 5 and 7, Pastor Chuck Swindoll introduces you to Saul, the chief of all sinners. His dark past is full of shocking surprises. His radical life transformation magnifies the amazing grace of our God! When you encounter Paul’s past, you’ll remember that no one is beyond hope because anyone can find a new beginning with our Savior.
Message Summary:
In “May I Introduce to You, Saul of Tarsus,” Chuck Swindoll introduces us to the man who would become the greatest apostle, but who began as the church’s most violent enemy. Swindoll paints a chilling portrait of Saul—not as a misunderstood seeker, but as a pious, zealous, and “ticked off” Pharisee who delighted in the execution of Stephen. This message explores the “dark side” of Saul’s past, highlighting his pedigree of legalism and his aggressive campaign to breathe “threats and murder” against followers of the Way. By focusing on Saul’s role as the chief of sinners, Swindoll magnifies the staggering nature of God’s grace, reminding us that if God can reach a man as hardened and hateful as Saul, no one is truly beyond the reach of a new beginning.
Message Key Facts:
- The Pious Persecutor: Saul was not a common criminal but a highly educated Pharisee who believed his violence was a service to God.
- The Stoning of Stephen: Saul’s formal introduction in Scripture occurs at the scene of the first Christian martyr, where he stood in “hearty agreement” with the execution.
- The “Wild Boar” of the Church: Swindoll uses historical and biblical context to describe Saul as a “ravager” of the church, entering houses and dragging off men and women to prison.
- A Hopeful Warning: The message emphasizes that Saul’s transformation is the ultimate proof that grace can penetrate even the most religious and self-righteous forms of rebellion.
Message References:
- The Introduction of a Villain
- Why the Bible introduces its greatest hero by showing him at his absolute worst.
- Scripture: Acts 7:54–58 (Stephen’s death and the coats laid at Saul’s feet).
- Saul’s Religious Pedigree and Zeal
- Analysis of Saul’s background in Tarsus and his education under Gamaliel.
- Scripture: Philippians 3:4–6 (Saul’s “confidence in the flesh”).
- The Ravaging of the Early Church
- A look at the “havoc” Saul created in Jerusalem and his obsession with extinguishing the name of Jesus.
- Scripture: Acts 8:1–3 (Saul began ravaging the church).
- The Chief of Sinners and the Reach of Grace
- Swindoll’s application: Understanding that no one’s past is so dark that God’s light cannot overcome it.
- Scripture: 1 Timothy 1:12–16 (Paul’s own reflection on his life as a “blasphemer and a persecutor”).
