There was no doubt about it, by most any standard Saul was good. In his letter to the Philippians, Paul describes himself likes this: if anyone else thinks he has reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for legalistic righteousness, faultless. In short, Saul had all the credentials that you could ever ask for in a religious person. And he made sure that these principles by which he lived were enforced. His preaching was a preaching that was unambiguous as to its expectations. Moreover, these expectations had “teeth” in them. They were enforced and held accountable by laws and rules strictly enforced. That’s what Saul was doing one day as he made his way to a town called Damascus. Armed with letters from the high priest giving him authority to arrest any who opposed him, Saul made his way to Damascus with the intent of taking prisoner as many Christians as he could. These people were going to know the rules. And they would obey...or else. You’ve got to admit, there is a certain appeal to that line of thought. It really simplifies things. All you have to do is say, “these are the laws...these are the rules, and if you don’t follow them, then we will impose this or that sanction on you.” It’s so simple; and all the while one can readily assume and heartily believe that he is engaged in doing what God wants him to do. That’s what Saul thought too. But then, Saul suddenly found himself surrounded by a bright light that literally knocked him to the ground. And a voice cried out to him, Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? The voice was none other than that of Jesus. So far from doing God’s will, Saul haply found himself in direct opposition to God. Now it is