Can God Use Me? Yes!:

A message to Believers.

Have you ever wondered if God can truly use someone like you—flawed, imperfect, and burdened by your past? The story of Saul, who later became the apostle Paul, offers a profound answer. Once a fierce persecutor of Christians, Saul was transformed by an encounter with Jesus Christ on the road to Damascus. Through grace and redemption, Saul’s life became a powerful testament to God’s ability to use even the most unlikely individuals for His divine purpose. This blog explores the miraculous ways God can turn our weaknesses and failures into tools for His glory. If He could use Saul, imagine what He can do in your life.

There is evidence in the Bible and historical accounts that some Christians persecuted by Saul (later known as Paul) faced death, though the details are limited.

Biblical Evidence, Stephen’s Martyrdom:

The Bible explicitly mentions that Saul was present at the stoning of Stephen, the first Christian martyr. Acts 7:58–8:1 describes Saul as giving approval to Stephen’s execution. While Saul did not directly participate in the stoning, his involvement highlights his role in the persecution of Christians.

Saul’s Persecution Campaign:

Acts 8:3 states that Saul “began ravaging the church, entering house after house; and he would drag away men and women and put them in prison.” In Acts 22:4, Paul himself later admits, “I persecuted this way to the death, binding and putting both men and women into prisons.” This suggests that some of those imprisoned may have faced execution, though the Bible does not provide specific examples beyond Stephen.

Threats of Death:

Acts 9:1 describes Saul as “breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord,” indicating his intent to eradicate the Christian movement, potentially through lethal means.

Historical and Academic Evidence:

While the Bible provides the primary account of Saul’s persecution, historical evidence from the early Christian era supports the notion of widespread persecution.

Roman Context:

During this period, Christians were often viewed as a threat to Jewish religious traditions and Roman societal norms. Persecution, including imprisonment and execution, was a common response to those who defied established religious or political authorities.

Early Church Writings:

Later Christian writings, such as those by early church fathers, reference the persecution of Christians, though they focus more on the broader Roman persecution than Saul’s specific actions.

Saul’s transformation from a persecutor to a devoted apostle of Christ is one of the most remarkable stories in Christian history. His later writings reflect deep remorse for his actions and a profound understanding of God’s grace.

The story of Saul’s transformation into Paul is one of the most extraordinary accounts of God’s redemptive power in the Bible. Saul’s journey from being a zealous persecutor of Christians to one of the greatest apostles demonstrates how God’s grace can utterly transform a life, no matter how broken or misguided it may seem.

As Saul traveled to Damascus with the intent to imprison followers of Christ, he was confronted by a blinding light and the voice of Jesus Himself. In Acts 9:15 (NASB), the Lord declared to Ananias, who’s name literally means the Grace of God, (Yahweh has been gracious, or graciously given by Yahweh) was sent to restore Saul’s sight, ‘Go, for he is a chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles, kings, and the sons of Israel.’ This moment signified that God had a divine purpose for Saul despite his past.

Through God’s grace and forgiveness, Saul became Paul—a new man with a new mission. He went on to write much of the New Testament, spreading the gospel and encouraging believers to remain steadfast in their faith. Paul himself reflected on his transformation in 1 Timothy 1:13-14 (NASB), stating, ‘even though I was previously a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent aggressor. Yet I was shown mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief; and the grace of our Lord was more than abundant, with the faith and love which are found in Christ Jesus.’

Paul’s story reminds us that no one is beyond God’s reach. His transformation illustrates that God does not call the qualified; He qualifies the called. It is not about who we were, but about who we become through Him. Just as God used Paul’s passion and determination for His glory, He can use each of us, no matter our past mistakes or shortcomings.

In Romans 8:28 (NASB), Paul himself wrote, ‘And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.’ This assurance should inspire us to embrace God’s calling, trusting that He can work through us to fulfill His divine purposes. The story of Saul to Paul challenges us to trust in God’s transformative power and to allow His grace to work in and through us, no matter where we come from.