Sermon Notes; a Daily Devotional

1 Corinthians 7:24 "Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God." This verse serves as the concluding summary of Paul’s teaching on social status. The Holy Bible often repeats key truths for emphasis. This is the third time in the chapter Paul stresses that external circumstances do not determine spiritual standing. Believers are called to remain in their current social, marital, or economic situation while cultivating a deep, ongoing relationship with God. The focus shifts from changing one’s status to communing with God within it. The command to “remain” is not a ban on all change, but a warning against spiritual restlessness. Many early converts mistakenly thought becoming a Christian required an immediate overhaul of their external lives, slaves seeking instant freedom, Jews trying to erase their Jewish identity, or couples separating for religious reasons. Paul corrects this error with three key principles: •Calling is internal, not external: Go...

1 Corinthians 7:23 "Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men." It all comes down to this: believers have been purchased by God through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ. The “price” refers to His blood, which marks us as God’s exclusive property. Because we belong to Him, we must not surrender our ultimate allegiance or conscience to any human authority. (Read that again. Let it sink in.) The phrase “bought with a price” draws from the slave market. A price was paid to transfer ownership from one master to another. In our case, God is the Buyer. The price paid was the blood of Christ. We are no longer our own; we belong entirely to God. This gives every believer inestimable worth, regardless of social status. This transaction liberates us from the slave market of sin and brings us into the family of God. Since He paid such a high cost, our obligation is to Him alone. Hallelujah!

1 Corinthians 7:22 "For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ's servant." This week’s study shows that earthly social status becomes irrelevant after conversion. Christ radically reverses spiritual standing: external conditions like slavery or freedom do not define a believer’s true identity, only their relationship with Christ does. When an enslaved person becomes a Christian, they gain spiritual freedom. Though still physically bound to an earthly master, they are now the “Lord’s freedman.” This is not political liberty but freedom from sin, Satan, and the law’s condemnation. Their spirit is emancipated by God, making them truly free in the deepest sense. Conversely, a socially free person who receives the gospel becomes “Christ’s servant,” a bond-servant who belongs entirely to Him. This is not oppressive but a voluntary, joyful submission. True independence is an illusion; ever...

1 Corinthians 7:21 "Art thou called being a servant? care not for it: but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather." In this week's study, the Apostle Paul teaches believers to remain in the life circumstances and social roles they had when God called them to faith. Rather than feeling pressured to radically change their external situation, the priority is obedience to God’s commandments and a heart surrendered to Christ. Key Aspects: •Definition of “Calling”: Not modern career choice, but one’s station in life at conversion; slave or free, married or single, circumcised or uncircumcised. •Call to Contentment: Paul urges believers to avoid anxiety or restlessness about changing status to seem more spiritual. God accepts us by grace, not social position. •Faithful Stewardship: Staying where you are becomes an act of faithful service. Honor God right where He has placed you. •Exceptions: This principle is not absolute. If your current situation involves sin, you must leav...

1 Corinthians 7:20 "Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called." This week we began with verse 17, where Paul teaches believers to remain in the life circumstances and social roles they had when God first called them to faith, rather than feeling pressured to radically change their external situation. In yesterday’s verses, Paul applied this principle to circumcision, a major point of division between Jewish and Gentile Christians. His instruction was clear: Do not change your physical condition. External religious markers and cultural identities do not determine your standing with God. What matters is obedience to His commandments and a heart surrendered to Christ. Today’s verse continues this teaching: Remain in the social, economic, or religious condition you were in when you first accepted the Christian faith. Key Aspects: •Definition of “Calling”: This refers not to modern careers, but to one’s station in life—such as slave or free, married or single, ...

1 Corinthians 7:18&19 "18 Is any man called being circumcised? let him not become uncircumcised. Is any called in uncircumcision? let him not be circumcised. 19 Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God." In these verses, Paul addresses new believers regarding circumcision; a major point of division between Jewish and Gentile Christians in the early church. His instruction is straightforward: Don’t change your physical condition. If you were circumcised when God called you, stay that way. If you were uncircumcised, don’t get circumcised. The heart of the passage is verse 19: “Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the KEEPING of the commandments of God.”  Meaning for Believers Today: Paul is teaching a powerful, timeless truth: External religious markers and cultural identities do not determine your standing with God. What matters is obedience to God’s commandments and a heart surrendered to Chr...

1 Corinthians 7:17 "But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches." Last week we studied Jesus calling His first four disciples; Peter, Andrew, James, and John. Their time with Him culminated in the Great Commission, which includes Christ’s authority, the command to make disciples of all nations, and His promise of presence. That mission now belongs to us. This week we examine how Jesus is calling you today. In 1 Corinthians 7:17, Paul gives foundational instruction: Christians should remain faithful to the life circumstances and social roles they had when God first called them to faith. The phrase “as God hath distributed” refers to the various providential conditions of life; marital status, social standing (slave or free), or cultural background (circumcised or uncircumcised). Paul teaches that becoming a Christian does not require abandoning earthly duties or radically changing one’s social po...

Matthew 28:18-20 "18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen." This week we studied Jesus calling His first four disciples, Peter, Andrew, James, and John, while they were fishing on the Sea of Galilee. They responded with immediate obedience, leaving their trade and families behind to follow Him. Their response highlights the radical priority Jesus demands: loyalty to Christ above all else. The call was not just to believe, but to become “fishers of men.” A lifelong commitment to learn from Jesus and travel with Him. Today’s passage, known as the Great Commission, is Jesus’ final directive to His disciples after the resurrection. After spending years learning fro...

Matthew 4:22 "And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed Him." Today’s verse records the immediate response of James and John, sons of Zebedee, to Jesus’ call. While mending their nets in a boat with their father, they instantly left the boat, their father, and their livelihood to follow Him. This event highlights several key themes in Matthew: •Immediate Obedience: The word "immediately" stresses urgency and decisiveness. It parallels the calling of Peter and Andrew (Matthew 4:20) and echoes the prompt obedience seen in Joseph (Matthew 2), presenting quick response to God’s call as a virtue. •Renunciation of Family and Livelihood: They abandoned not only their trade but also their father. This act underscores the radical priority Jesus demands, showing that loyalty to Christ surpasses traditional family obligations and patriarchal structures. (Note: This was not necessarily a permanent break, as they are still identified as Zebedee’s sons els...

Matthew 4:21 "And going on from thence, He saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and He called them." This verse records Jesus calling James and John, the sons of Zebedee, to become His disciples while they were working in a boat with their father, Zebedee. The verse specifically notes that the brothers were mending their nets at the time, an act of preparation or repair that some commentators interpret as symbolically representing the restoration and perfection required for their new mission.  Unlike the first pair of disciples (Peter and Andrew), Matthew explicitly mentions Zebedee was present in the boat, highlighting the family dynamic and the significant sacrifice of leaving both their trade and parental ties. The act of mending nets is often viewed as a metaphor for spiritual preparation, while the call itself underscores the inclusive nature of Jesus’ ministry, selecting fisherme...

Matthew 4:20 "And they straightway left their nets, and followed Him." This verse records the immediate response of Simon Peter and Andrew to Jesus’ call to become "fishers of men." The spotlight is on the urgency and total commitment required for discipleship.  The disciples abandoned their livelihood and property instantly upon hearing Jesus’ invitation, demonstrating that following Christ requires prioritizing His call above all else. They displayed immediate obedience. Leaving their nets symbolized leaving behind their former identity, security, and social status to embrace a new life centered on Jesus. Would you or I be capable of such radical step? Their swift response is attributed to the compelling nature of Jesus’ presence and authority, which convinced the fishermen to forsake their profitable but demanding trade. Their actions confirm the divine authority of Jesus.  Peter and Andrew are models for us. This passage serves as a timeless example of sacrifici...

Matthew 4:19 "And He saith unto them, Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men." This is Jesus’ first spoken call in Matthew’s Gospel; to Simon (later Peter) and his brother Andrew. He invites ordinary fishermen to become His disciples, reordering their entire lives around Him. “Follow Me” means active discipleship. Jesus doesn’t wait to be sought; He recruits directly and demands immediate surrender of job, home, family, and social status. “Fishers of men” is a vivid metaphor for evangelism. Using their familiar skills of patience and hard labor, the disciples are now called to draw people out of the sea of the world and into God’s kingdom. Have you heard Jesus’ voice? “Follow Me.”

Matthew 4:18 "And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers." We are studying God’s call to His faithful followers. Their example teaches us how to follow Christ more closely. These verses mark the official beginning of Jesus’ public ministry in Galilee, after His baptism, wilderness temptation, and John the Baptist’s arrest. Yesterday’s verse highlighted two key themes; repentance and the imminent Kingdom. Distinguishing Jesus from John. John prepared the way; Jesus is the King who makes the Kingdom accessible to all who repent and follow Him. Today’s verse records Jesus calling His first disciples, Simon (later called Peter) and his brother Andrew, while they fished the Sea of Galilee. As Jesus walked along the shore, He saw them casting their nets, calling these ordinary working men to become the foundation of His ministry. The Sea of Galilee (also called the Lake of...

Matthew 4:17 "From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." We are studying God’s call to His faithful followers. Last week we examined Mary, the mother of Jesus. She humbly accepted her role as the Lord’s servant, embracing both honor and hardship with complete trust. Mary models Christian discipleship: trusting God’s word even when the path is uncertain. This week we turn to Jesus calling His first disciples with the words, “I will make you fishers of men.” Their example shows us how to become better followers of Christ. Today’s verse marks the official start of Jesus’ public ministry in Galilee, following His baptism, temptation, and John the Baptist’s arrest. This pivotal declaration does two key things: • Call to Repentance: The Greek word metanoeo means a fundamental change of mind and direction. Jesus urges people to turn from sin and realign their lives with God’s will, echoing John the Baptist but now proclaimed by t...

Luke 1:38 "And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her." This verse captures Mary’s faithful surrender to God’s will. After the angel told her she would conceive Jesus by the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:35), Mary offered no resistance or demand for proof. Instead, she humbly declared herself the Lord’s servant, embracing a role of both honor and hardship with complete trust: “Let it be to me according to your word.” Unlike Zechariah, who doubted and asked for a sign (Luke 1:18), Mary believed immediately. Her response models true faith and willing obedience, the kind of partnership through which God accomplishes His purposes. It also foreshadows Jesus’ own prayer in Gethsemane: “Not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42). Mary stands as a cornerstone of Christian discipleship: trusting God’s word even when the path is uncertain. She is a model of faithfulness for all of us. One day is never enough to celebrate...

Luke 1:36&37 "36 And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. 37 For with God nothing shall be impossible." In these verses, the angel Gabriel gives Mary a confirming sign: her elderly, once-barren relative Elizabeth is now six months pregnant with John the Baptist. This miracle, echoing Sarah (Genesis 21:1-2) and Hannah (1 Samuel 1:19-20), shows God fulfills His promises even in impossible circumstances. It links Mary’s virgin conception to Elizabeth’s pregnancy as two displays of divine power. The climax is the declaration: “For nothing will be impossible with God.” This foundational truth echoes Genesis 18:14 (“Is anything too hard for the Lord?”) and affirms God’s omnipotence. It does not mean God can do logically contradictory things (e.g., create a square circle), but that no promise or purpose of His is beyond His power, however impossible it may seem to us. God keeps H...

Luke 1:34&35 "34 Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? 35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshdow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God." Mary’s question is not one of doubt but of humble inquiry. She accepts the message but seeks to understand the how, given her virginity. Her response reflects faith seeking understanding, not unbelief.  Gabriel reveals the divine plan; "The Holy Spirit will come upon you." This signifies the active role of the Holy Spirit in the miraculous conception. It echoes the Spirit’s creative role in Genesis 1:2 and affirms the supernatural origin of Jesus’ humanity. "The power of the Most High will overshadow you" “Overshadow” (Greek: episkiasei) evokes God’s presence in the Tabernacle (Exodus 40:34) and the Transfiguration (Luke 9:34). It conveys di...

Luke 1:32&33 "32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto Him the throne of His father David: 33 And He shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of His kingdom there shall be no end." What an overwhelming announcement for a young woman. It would have been deeply unsettling. Yet Mary did not flee. Instead, she pondered the words of God spoken through the archangel Gabriel. Remarkable. She was God’s sovereign choice, not because of any supposed sinlessness or personal merit. The angel then told her she would conceive a son by the Holy Spirit and name Him Jesus (“Yahweh is salvation”). This announcement came before Jesus’ birth, underscoring that His identity and mission were set from eternity. Unlike earthly kings born into palaces, Jesus’ kingship was divinely declared before He was even born in a manger. Gabriel’s message includes five key declarations about Jesus: 1. “He will be great” Not in political or mi...

Luke 1:29-31 "29 And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. 30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. 31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call His name JESUS." Wow! Imagine being a young woman in the small, insignificant village of Nazareth in Galilee. Your world limited to family, friends, and perhaps a trip to Jerusalem, providing a glimpse of the larger world. Suddenly, from heaven the archangel Gabriel stands before you, declaring that you have received extraordinary, unmerited favor from God. This would have been deeply unsettling. Yet Mary didn’t flee. Instead, she pondered his words. Remarkable. The favor was pure grace, God’s sovereign choice, not based on any supposed sinlessness or merit in Mary. The angel then announced she would conceive a son by the Holy Spirit and name Him Jesus (“Yahweh is salvation”)...

Luke 1:27&28 "27 To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. 28 And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women." This week we are studying God’s call to Mary, the mother of Jesus; His most important and consequential call in Scripture. God sends the archangel Gabriel, His special messenger for major announcements. In the Old Testament, Gabriel interpreted visions for Daniel (Daniel 8–9). In the New Testament, he announced John the Baptist’s birth to Zechariah (Luke 1:11–20). He stands in God’s presence (Luke 1:19) and often begins with the words, “Do not be afraid.” We are reading these verses from the Annunciation. Rather than a palace or the temple in Jerusalem, God sends Gabriel to the small, insignificant village of Nazareth in Galilee. Once again we see God’s pattern: He chooses the humble and overlooked, a young woma...

Luke 1:26 "And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth," We are studying God’s call to His faithful followers. So far we have looked at Moses, Paul, Ruth, and Jonah. Each with powerful stories of how God accomplished His plans through ordinary people. Last week we focused on Jonah and saw how God used his stubbornness and flaws. We were reminded that God still works through imperfect people like us. This week we turn to God’s most important and consequential call. We open the Gospel of Luke and meet the angel Gabriel, a prominent archangel whose name means “God is my strength” or “hero of God.” Gabriel is God’s special messenger for major announcements. In the Old Testament he explained visions and future events to Daniel (Daniel 8–9). In the New Testament he announced the coming birth of John the Baptist to Zechariah (Luke 1:11-20). He stands in God’s presence (Luke 1:19) and often begins with the words, “Do not be afraid...

Matthew 12:40&41 "40 For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. 41 The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here." We’ve been studying God’s call to Jonah to preach repentance to the violent Assyrians. What an amazing story and how perfectly God’s plan succeeded. In Matthew 12, the scribes and Pharisees demanded a miraculous sign from Jesus. He answered that the only sign they would receive was “the sign of Jonah.” A direct prophecy of His death, burial, and resurrection. Just as Jonah spent three days and nights in the great fish, Jesus would be in “the heart of the earth.” Though not a literal 72 hours, Jewish reckoning counted any part of a day as a full day. Jesus was buried Friday evening and rose Sunday morning, fulfilling the pr...

Jonah 1:17 "Now the LORD had prepared a great fish to swallow up Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights." Jonah knew God’s mission to call wicked Assyria to repentance would succeed, so he rebelled. He fled west to Joppa and boarded a ship for Tarshish, the exact opposite direction of God’s will. Rebellion has consequences. God hurled a violent storm that terrified even seasoned sailors and threatened to break the ship apart. The storm stopped Jonah’s flight, led pagan sailors to acknowledge the true God, and prepared Jonah for repentance. Then the Lord appointed a great fish to swallow Jonah, preserving his life. This was no accident; God sovereignly prepared the fish as both judgment on Jonah’s disobedience and salvation from drowning. Jonah remained inside it for three days and three nights. This miracle halted his rebellion, sparked his repentance (Jonah 2), and positioned him to fulfill God’s mission in Nineveh. How about you? Where are...

Jonah 1:4 "But the LORD sent out a great wind into the sea, and there was a mighty tempest in the sea, so that the ship was like to be broken." Jonah was a successful prophet, yet when God called him to go east to Nineveh and save the Assyrians, he rebelled. Instead, he fled west to Joppa and boarded a ship for Tarshish, the exact opposite direction of God’s will. Rebellion has consequences. The storm in this verse was not random; it was a direct, divine intervention. The Hebrew text says God “hurled” the wind, showing His sovereign control over nature. The tempest was so violent that seasoned sailors feared the ship would break apart, clear evidence of supernatural judgment on Jonah’s disobedience. This storm accomplished several purposes: it stopped Jonah’s flight, led pagan sailors to acknowledge the true God, and prepared the way for Jonah’s repentance and eventual return to his mission in Nineveh.

Jonah 1:3 "But Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD, and went down to Joppa; and he found a ship going to Tarshish: so he paid the fare thereof, and went down into it, to go with them unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD." Today’s verse shows Jonah’s deliberate disobedience. Instead of heading east to Nineveh as God commanded, he travels west to Joppa, finds a ship bound for Tarshish (likely modern-day Spain), pays the fare, and sails away, exactly the opposite direction of God’s will. The text repeatedly stresses that Jonah fled “from the presence of the LORD.” Though he knew God is omnipresent, he tried to distance himself from Israel’s covenant center and avoid a mission he opposed. Jonah feared the Assyrians would actually repent and be spared, which would humiliate Israel (see Jonah 4:2). His actions highlight spiritual descent: he “rose up” in rebellion, then repeatedly “went down” to Joppa and into the ship. This contrasts sharply wi...

Jonah 1:2 "Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry against it; for their wickedness is come up before me." Jonah was an accomplished prophet of God. His first recorded prophecy (2 Kings 14:25) foretold that King Jeroboam II would restore Israel’s borders from Hamath to the Dead Sea. The prophecy was fulfilled, bringing prosperity to the northern kingdom. In yesterday’s verse, the phrase “the word of the LORD came to Jonah” signals direct, supernatural communication. In Hebrew, dāḇar YHWH carries divine authority, God’s command, not Jonah’s opinion, likely delivered as an audible voice, vision, or compelling inner conviction. In today’s verse, God orders Jonah to leave home and travel roughly 500 miles to Nineveh, the capital of the Assyrian Empire. Assyria was Israel’s powerful and brutal enemy. The command is urgent (“Arise”) and specific: Jonah must personally deliver a message of judgment to this pagan Gentile city. God declares that Nineveh’s extreme wickedness has...

Jonah 1:1 "Now the word of the LORD came unto Jonah the son of Amittai, saying," In our study of God’s calls, a clear theme emerges: those He calls often begin with reluctance. This week we meet one of the most famous reluctant prophets; Jonah. Yet Jonah was not always reluctant. His first recorded prophecy, found in 2 Kings 14:25, foretold that King Jeroboam II would restore Israel’s borders from Hamath to the Dead Sea. The prophecy came true, bringing prosperity to the northern kingdom. Though Jeroboam II “did evil in the sight of the LORD” (2 Kings 14:24), God used both the wicked king and His prophet to show mercy to Israel. This same mercy stands at the heart of the Book of Jonah. Jonah knew God’s character well, “gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and relenting from disaster” (Jonah 4:2; cf. Exodus 34:6). He could even quote it. But he bitterly resisted the thought that this mercy might also extend to Israel’s hated enemy, Nineveh. Spe...

2 Kings 14:25 "He restored the coast of Israel from the entering of Hamath unto the sea of the plain, according to the word of the LORD God of Israel, which he spake by the hand of His servant Jonah, the son of Amittai, the prophet, which was of Gathhepher." We’re continuing our series on God’s calling of His people. Last week we saw how God transformed the Apostle Paul—from zealous enemy to greatest champion. A clear theme is emerging: those God calls often start with reluctance. This week we meet one of the most famous reluctant prophets, Jonah. Jonah’s first recorded prophecy appears in 2 Kings 14:25. He foretold that King Jeroboam II would restore Israel’s borders from Hamath to the Dead Sea. This prophecy came true, bringing a season of prosperity to the northern kingdom. This historical note is important. It confirms Jonah was a real prophet whose words carried divine authority. By naming him “Jonah son of Amittai, the prophet from Gath-hepher,” Scripture anchors the he...

Acts 22:15&16 "15 For thou shalt be His witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard. 16 And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord." This shows that Paul’s transformation was never meant to be private. God appointed him as a witness to testify about his encounter with the risen Christ, especially to the Gentiles. The phrase “to all people” underscores the universal reach of his mission, which many Jews found scandalous. “Wash away your sins” symbolizes spiritual cleansing and public identification with Christ. Baptism came after Saul’s conversion as an outward sign of the inward change already wrought by faith. The command to call on the Lord’s name emphasizes sincere faith and prayer (see Acts 2:21; Romans 10:13). Contrary to popular belief, Saul did not undergo a dramatic name change after conversion. He had carried both names from birth: Saul (his Hebrew name) and Paul (his Roman name, from Latin...

Acts 22:12-14 "12 And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt there, 13 Came unto me, and stood, and said unto me, Brother Saul, receive thy sight. And the same hour I looked up upon him. 14 And he said, The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know His will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of His mouth." These verses introduce Ananias, a devout and well-respected Jew. His credibility within the Jewish community validates Paul’s conversion as authentic, not the work of an outsider. Sent by God, Ananias stands before Paul and says, “Brother Saul, receive your sight.” At once Paul regains his vision, confirming the divine nature of his encounter with Jesus. Ananias then declares that the God of their fathers has chosen Paul to know His will, see the Righteous One, and hear His voice. This affirms Paul’s calling as an apostle, appointed by God, not by men, to witness to the risen Chr...

Acts 22:9-11 "9 And they that were with me saw indeed the light, and were afraid; but they heard not the voice of Him that spake to me. 10 And I said, What shall I do, Lord? And the Lord said unto me, Arise, and go into Damascus; and there it shall be told thee of all things which are appointed for thee to do. 11 And when I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of them that were with me, I came into Damascus." Saul was blinded by the light! A brilliant light from heaven, brighter than the sun, knocked him to the ground. Jesus’ voice called him by name, making the divine confrontation intensely personal and urgent. The man Saul had dismissed as a dead blasphemer was alive and glorified. In persecuting Jesus’ followers, Saul had actually been persecuting Jesus Himself. Paul’s companions saw the bright light but “did not hear the voice of the one who spoke to me.” Some translations render it “did not understand” the voice. The Greek verb akouō can mean...