A New Calling Emerges
God sent a disciple named Ananias to Saul. Though understandably afraid, Ananias obeyed.
The Lord told him:
“He is a chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel” (Acts 9:15).
What a remarkable statement.
The persecutor would become a preacher.
The destroyer would become a builder.
The enemy of the Church would become one of its greatest servants.
Immediately Saul began proclaiming Jesus as the Son of God (Acts 9:20). Those who knew his former reputation were astonished. The change was undeniable.
From Ambition to Formation
Our Strand 1 Leadership Formation textbook highlights an important reality often overlooked in Paul’s story. After his conversion, Paul did not immediately become the missionary we meet later in Acts.
According to Galatians 1:17–18, he spent time in Arabia before emerging into public ministry.
These were hidden years.
Years of learning.
Years of recalibration.
Years in which God transformed his understanding and refined his character.
The lesson is clear: calling may be immediate, but formation is usually gradual.
God was preparing Paul internally before expanding his influence externally.
