And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues,
that he is the Son of God.
But all that heard him were amazed,
and said;
Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem,
and came hither for that intent,
that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests?
But Saul increased the more in strength,
and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus,
proving that this is very Christ.
Acts 9:20-22
"A general slain in battle is lost to his army, but his death gives no additional strength to the enemy.
But when a man of prominence joins the opposing force, not only are his services lost, but those to whom he joins himself gain a decided advantage. Saul of Tarsus, on his way to Damascus, might easily have been struck dead by the Lord, and much strength would have been withdrawn from the persecuting power. But God in His providence not only spared Saul's life, but converted him, thus transferring a champion from the side of the enemy to the side of Christ. An eloquent speaker and a severe critic, Paul, with his stern purpose and undaunted courage, possessed the very qualifications needed in the early church. In his presentation of the gospel he sought to make plain the prophecies relating to the first advent of Christ. He showed conclusively that these prophecies had been literally fulfilled in Jesus of Nazareth." Acts of the Apostles p.124,125 E.G.W.
