In his opening statement, Paul establishes his credentials to Agrippa, and everyone else listening. Agrippa was a convert to Judaism, and who therefor knew better than most other Roman authorities the Jewish laws and customs. Paul explains that not only is he a Jew, but that he is a highly educated Jew from a sect that is known as being very strict, or conservative as we might say today. And not only was he from such a sect, he adhered to its teachings.

Then he explains that he used to persecute Christians, and even encouraged and participated in the execution of Christians, believing that this was a right and proper thing.

And then Jesus stepped into his life in a way that Paul could not deny. He literally “saw the light”, and thenceforth his life was forever changed. God chose this man among all others to take the message of the Good News to the Gentiles.

What I learn from this is that it doesn’t matter what your background is. God can reach down and save you, He can use you no matter what! Paul was the least likely candidate (from man’s perspective) to be the one to carry the message to the Gentiles, let along the Jews. But God had other plans.

What are his plans for you? They’re probably completely different than you ever imagined!