(a) Narrate the story of the conversion of Saul and show with two examples the effect of this conversion on the growth of the Church.
After the death of Stephen, many Christians ran to Damascus for their dear lives. Saul was happy at the death of Stephen. He went from house to house persecuting those who belonged to the faith. Saul went to the high priest in Jerusalem to demand for a written permission to travel to Damascus and bring down to Jerusalem in chains those who proclaimed the resurrection of Jesus Christ. On his way, near Damascus. he met with Jesus Christ in a transforming vision. A light from heaven shone on him and he fell down as he heard a voice saying: " Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" When he asked whom he was persecuting, the voice said: "I am Jesus whom you are persecuting, but rise and enter the city, and you would be told what to do". In the city, there was a disciple by name Ananias who lived in a street named Straight, whom God had commissioned to restore Saul's sight. (Before this time, Saul had lived for three days without food). But Ananias told God that he had heard of Saul how he had caused havoc to those who belonged to the way and that the man, Saul was a dangerous person.
God assured him that He had made him a chosen instrument to preach and propagate the gospel, death and the resurrection of Jesus to the Jews and Gentiles and that since he had persecuted the church of God, he too would not go without being persecuted by Jesus. Ananias went as commanded by God and laid his hands on Saul. Something like scale fell from his eyes and he regained his sight and was baptised immediately. He was then given food to eat.
The effect of this conversion on the growth of the church can be seen as
(i) Saul who persecuted the Christians (disciples) now became a major soul winner for the church.
(ii) It led to the expansion of the church.
(iii) Many people were converted to Christianity.
(iv) It led to the universality of the church.
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