From Saul to Paul: How God Uses the Renegades for His Glory

Good morning Warriors! Today, we’re going to dive into one of the most powerful transformations in the Bible: how Saul, a man who persecuted Christians, became Paul, one of the greatest apostles and contributors to the New Testament. This story reminds us that God can use anyone—no matter their past—for His glory.

If you’ve ever felt unworthy, too far gone, or like God can’t use you because of your mistakes, this message is for you.

The Story of Saul

Let’s start with who Saul was before his transformation. Saul was a Pharisee, a religious leader, and he was zealous about protecting Jewish traditions. He saw the early Christian movement as a threat to Judaism, and he made it his mission to destroy it.

Acts 8:3 says:

“But Saul was going everywhere to destroy the church. He went from house to house, dragging out both men and women to throw them into prison.”

Saul wasn’t just indifferent to Christians—he was an enemy of the church. In Acts 9:1-2, it says he was “breathing out murderous threats” against the Lord’s disciples. He even got permission to hunt down Christians in Damascus. Saul was the last person anyone would expect God to use.

The Damascus Road Encounter

But God had a different plan for Saul. While Saul was traveling to Damascus, something incredible happened. Acts 9:3-6 tells the story:

“As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?’ ‘Who are you, Lord?’ Saul asked. ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,’ he replied. ‘Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.’”

In that moment, everything changed. Saul, blinded by the light of Jesus, was led into Damascus, where he spent three days fasting and praying. God then sent a disciple named Ananias to pray for Saul. Despite his fear—after all, Saul was known for persecuting Christians—Ananias obeyed. He laid hands on Saul, and something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes. Saul was baptized and filled with the Holy Spirit.

The Transformation to Paul

From that moment on, Saul was no longer the same person. He began preaching about Jesus, the very One he had been persecuting. His name was changed to Paul, symbolizing his new identity in Christ.

Paul didn’t just become a follower of Jesus—he became one of the most influential apostles. He planted churches, wrote letters that make up much of the New Testament, and spread the Gospel far and wide.

Paul’s Contributions to the Bible

Paul’s writings are foundational to our faith. Here are a few of his key contributions:

1. The Letters to the Churches

Paul wrote 13 books of the New Testament, including Romans, Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, and more. These letters were written to guide, encourage, and correct early Christian communities.

2. Teaching on Grace

Paul emphasized that salvation is by grace through faith, not by works (Ephesians 2:8-9). He made it clear that no one is too far from God’s mercy.

3. Unity in Christ

Paul preached that in Christ, there is neither Jew nor Gentile, slave nor free, male nor female (Galatians 3:28). His message broke down barriers and showed that the Gospel is for everyone.

4. The Power of Perseverance

Paul endured incredible hardships—beatings, imprisonment, shipwrecks—but he never stopped preaching. His life shows us what it means to stay faithful in the face of trials.

God Uses the Unlikely

What’s so amazing about Paul’s story is that God took someone who was completely opposed to Him and turned him into one of His greatest servants. This shows us that:

1. Your Past Doesn’t Disqualify You

Saul’s past was filled with violence and hatred, yet God used him to spread love and truth. If God can use Saul, He can use you.

2. God Sees Potential, Not Problems

While others saw Saul as a threat, God saw his potential. He knew that Saul’s passion, when redirected, could change the world.

3. God Can Use Your Mistakes for His Glory

Paul’s past made his testimony even more powerful. He could preach about grace because he had experienced it firsthand.

Renegades for Christ

Paul’s story reminds us that God often uses the renegades—the unlikely, the outcasts, and even the enemies of the church—for His glory. Think about others in the Bible:

• Moses was a murderer, but God used him to deliver Israel.

• David committed adultery, but God called him a man after His own heart.

• Peter denied Jesus, but God used him to build the church.

God doesn’t call the qualified—He qualifies the called.

How Does This Apply to Us?

You might be sitting here thinking, “That’s a great story, but what does it have to do with me?” Let me tell you:

1. God Wants to Transform You

Just like Saul, God wants to transform your life. Maybe you feel stuck in sin or weighed down by your past, but Jesus is calling you to come to Him. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”

2. God Has a Purpose for You

You have a role to play in God’s kingdom. It doesn’t matter where you’ve been or what you’ve done—God can use you to make a difference.

3. Your Story Can Help Others

Paul’s story is a reminder that no one is too far from God’s grace. Your story, too, can inspire others to turn to Jesus.

Closing Thought

Saul’s transformation into Paul is a reminder that God specializes in redeeming the broken, the lost, and the unlikely. He takes what the world sees as worthless and uses it for His glory.

No matter where you’ve been, God has a plan for your life. He’s not looking for perfect people—He’s looking for willing hearts. Just like Saul said “yes” to Jesus, we have the opportunity to say “yes” to Him today.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the story of Saul and for showing us that no one is beyond Your grace. Thank You for taking our brokenness and turning it into something beautiful for Your glory. Help us to surrender our lives to You, trusting that You have a purpose for us. Use us, Lord, just as You used Paul, to bring Your light into the world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

This week, remember: God can use anyone for His glory—even you. Say “yes” to Him and watch what He can do!