There are three stories that retold a number of times in the book of Acts. 

The story of how God led Peter to share the gospel with the Roman centurion Cornelius is told twice.  The story of how God claimed the zealous Jewish terrorist Saul is told three times.  And, of course, that story that is retold over and over again is the incredible story of how Jesus, the loving Creator of the universe, came to this earth to live amongst us, to die a cruel death to pay for our sins and to be raised back to life to give us the hope of eternity.

 Three powerful stories.  Three stories with the message that God loves everyone and will pay the price, no matter how great, to reach out and save the lost.  What an absolutely amazing God!

 Your story has power too.  It is something that God wants you to share.  We can tell this because Paul used his story so frequently, and in particularly tough circumstances, like in this situation when he is facing an enraged Jewish mob that were halfway through the process of killing him.

 It is fascinating to note how Paul carefully adapts the story to connect with the Jewish people  listening to him at the bottom of the steps.  Paul tells them that he was brought up in Jerusalem, that he was educated by the renown Rabbi Gamaliel, that he was just as zealous as they were for God’s law.  He goes on to tell them that it was no fickle change of heart, but a direct confrontation with Jesus on the road to Damascus that changed his life.  How it was the law-abiding Ananias who baptised him and commissioned him for his ministry.  How it was in Jerusalem, in the temple in fact, that Jesus instructed him to leave Jerusalem and gave him the mission to the Gentiles.

 Gentiles.  Pagan, swine-eating Gentiles!  It was this word that ignited the fury of the Jews again.  Paul only got to this point in his story before he was interrupted by the mob.

 In spite of the outcome, Paul had still shared his story.  It still had an impact.  You and I still read it today.  It is still changing lives all round the world.

 What about your story of how Jesus has changed your life?  Do you have your story ready to share at a moment’s notice?  Do you share it even when you suspect the reception may be a little cold or even hostile.

 There is power in your story—never forget that fact!  Be bold and share your story.

 Acts 22 MSG
Acts of the Apostles “Paul a Prisoner”

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