Paul's Zeal by William Nelson Glenn

Seventh-day Adventist Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Jun 21, 1883

Paul's Zeal.

By William Nelson Glenn

The character of Saul was such as eminently fitted him for Christian work. God knew him, and the conscientiousness of his character. Why, of all that band of persecutors, was Saul chosen as a gospel leader? It was not that the Lord might show what he could do with a very bad man; it was because he knew that Saul's heart was honest. While the Sanhedrim were solicitous for the honor of the temple and the customs of their fathers, they were specially concerned for their own influence and authority. Saul was also zealous for the customs of the fathers, but it was because he thought it would be for the glory of God that he desired to uphold these. When, therefore, he became convinced of his error, he did not say, I have been so wicked the Lord will not accept anything I can do—it becomes me to be very quiet and show humility. No, his first inquiry was, "Lord, what wilt thou have me to do." And having been shown his duty, he went to work to uphold the gospel with even more fervor than he had previously manifested in opposition to the truth. Here was the true evidence of his honest zeal, that characteristic which made him a trustworthy leader. What his hand found to do, he did with his might.

W. N. G.