Before the Apostle Paul was converted, the Scriptures record that he was “a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious [to the church]” (I Timothy 1:13). He sought and received authority from the high priest in Jerusalem “that if he found any that were of the Way [Christians], whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem” (Acts 9:2). His reputation was very well known in this matter for even Ananias resisted at first the Lord’s command to restore Paul’s blindness answering “I have heard from any of this man, how much evil he did to thy saints at Jerusalem” (Acts 9:13). In fact, even after Paul was converted and preached that Jesus was the Christ, many would reluctant to believe him. “And when he was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: and they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple” (Acts 9:26).
Paul’s past reputation clouded his present testimony. Solomon wrote that “even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right” (Proverbs 20:11). Paul’s previous “doings” were well known not to be pure or right! Those who knew of Paul in his past had not yet come to know Paul in the present. Many believers find themselves in the same situation. Their past is colored by many sinful practices and those who know them well, particularly family members, have difficulty believing the testimony of their newly found faith. What can we do if this is our lot? We do the only thing we can do. We follow Christ!
No one can argue with a changed life. Barnabas related to the disciples in Jerusalem how Paul “had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus” (Acts 9:27). Instead of persecuting Christ, Paul’s life was characterized by preaching Christ. We, too, show others by our lives how the Lord has called us “out of darkness into his marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9).
Paul wrote to the believers at Philippi “only let your conversation [manner of life] be as it becometh the gospel of Christ” (Philippians 1:27). The gospel of Christ is a life transforming gospel in that it delivers us from the power of sin and conforms us to the image of Christ. A life that “becomes” the gospel of Christ is a life that shows itself delivered from past sins and now reflects truth and light in its choices and pursuits.
Believers have this testimony, that they follow God “as dear children” (Ephesians 5:1). Furthermore, the Apostle John reminds us “God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth” (I John 1:5-6). A life in Christ is a new life, a changed life, a life marked by truth and light. No one can argue with a changed life. To reconsider thoughtfully Solomon’s proverb, for what is your life known? In other words, how are your “doings”?
From the Chaplain 