Why Are Some So Enthusiastic?

“If the disciples were totally disappointed and on the verge of desperate flight because of the very real reason of the crucifixion,it took another real reason to transform them from a band of disheartened and dejected Jews into the most self-confident missionary society in world history.”

Pinchas Lapide, Israel's Bar-Island University

Fundamental to the Christian faith is the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead

1 Cor 15:14,17 – if Christ was not raised

1 Cor 15:15 – if not raised, the apostles were liars.

What was one of the most amazing transformations in history?

Saul of Tarsus Acts 8:1-3 – Jerusalem, a great persecution Acts 9:1-2 – Elsewhere, a great persecution Acts 26: 9-11 – Did this in great conscience Acts 22:3 – Advanced in Judaism Acts 26:12 – Held religious power Phil 3: 4-5 – a proud Hebrew Acts 23:6 - a proud Pharisee; Mt 12:14 –

persecutors of Jesus.

Saul was prejudiced – Acts 26: 9

Did he convert because of wealth? 1 Cor 4: 11-12

Acts 20: 33-34 Fame? 1 Cor 4: 10,13 Power? 2 Cor 11: 24-28 Deception?

Friends? Why? He was their champion against Christians

Christians? Acts 8:3; 9: 1-2; 9:26

His testimony precludes deception

Gal 1: 11-12; 1 Cor 15: 8 – He saw Jesus

Mental Illness?

Festus thought that – Acts 24:26

Guilt-ridden for persecuting Christians?

Acts 23:1; 26:9; 1 Tim 1:13 Did Paul see Jesus more than once?

Acts 18:9-10; 22:17-21; 23:11; 2 Cor 12:8-9

Why? Saul of Tarsus saw Jesus? The apostle Paul saw Him.

Acts 22: 1-16 – his explanation to the mob at Jerusalem

Acts 26: 12-23 – before Agrippa and Festus Acts 26:19 – “I was not disobedient to the

heavenly vision”

What Is the Significance Today? No matter what someone's background is they

can “see” Jesus today. Either young or old, they can be saved!

When the unbeliever “sees” the resurrection it verifies the fact of His deity – Romans 1:4; they believe in a final judgment – Acts 17:30-31

To the believer it shows the adequacy of our justification – Rom 4:25; the hope of the resurrection – 1 Cor 15: 20-22

Conclusion One may see the emptiness of their own life

and want to make a change. We may think we know what one wants to do, but we can be surprised.

“I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase” - 1 Cor 3:5-9

We cannot make the judgment. We “spread the seed”

Some will, some won't

Jesus didn't say “Saul of Tarsus, you've persecuted Christians, therefore I'll make sure you're lost!”

Don't try to decide for someone else