A Chosen Vessel To Bear My Name Before the Gentiles - Part 1036

"If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God ..." (Ephesians 3:2)

This message delivered by the apostle Paul so that we would understand the difference between the old covenant consisting of the law and ten commandments, and this current dispensation of grace that was paid for through the precious blood of Jesus. But as we know, Paul was not always a believer in Jesus Christ. In fact, when Ananias answered the Lord saying, "Lord, I have heard by many of this man" it was because of "how much evil he hath done to the saints at Jerusalem ... and [that] he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on Thy name." (Acts 9:13)

In reality, this learned highly placed man (originally known as Saul) was responsible for destroying them which called on this name in Jerusalem. Indeed, by his own words, he admitted imprisoning believers and beating "in every synagogue them that believed on Thee." (Acts 22:19-20)

"Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord" did so in everything he did. (Acts 9:1)

To be specific, Saul persecuted anyone that called on "Thy name" -- the name of Jesus. (Acts 9:13) Just like an earlier instance in Acts 6 when false witnesses accused Stephen (a table servant full of faith and power) for changing the customs which Moses had delivered unto them. (Acts 6:8-15; 7:1-60) For changing the religious customs and traditions that were established under the Law.

But what did the Lord Jesus say to Ananias? He said, "Go thy way; for he [Saul] is a chosen vessel unto Me, to bear My name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel -- for I will show him how great things he must suffer for My name's sake." (Acts 9:13-16)

In other words, the same Paul who persecuted those who believed in Jesus, was about to receive his sight "and be filled with the Holy Ghost." (Acts 9:17) The scriptures tell us that immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales, and he received sight forthwith and arose, and was baptized. And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. (Acts 9:18-19)

Throughout this passage, note that the persecution came from believing in Jesus by faith, and then sharing your journey of faith with others.

Interestingly, when Paul was later sharing his own testimony with others, Paul spoke of Ananias, telling of a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt [there]. He told how he had said, "Brother Saul, receive thy sight."

"And the same hour, I looked up upon him, and he said, "The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know His will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of His mouth. For thou shalt be His witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard. And now, why tarriest thou? Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord." (Acts 22:12-16)

What was Paul's message?

"The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers hath glorified His Son Jesus, whom ye delivered up, and denied Him in the presence of Pilate when he was determined to let [him go.] But ye denied the Holy One and the Just and desired a murderer to be granted unto you, and killed the Prince of Life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses." (Acts 3:13-15)

They killed the King of kings and Lord of lords. His name above every name. The first and the last, the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. His name through faith in His name -- Jesus --gives us his life so that we might have life more abundantly. You and I receiving Jesus in this moment of faith, as a chosen vessel that bears the name of Jesus as their witness.  Stand in His offering plate.