Saul, What a Man!
- Baptist Daily Devotional
- May 4
- 2 min read
Rev. Enoch Thompson | May 4 2025 | Acts 8:1-3
KEY VERSE: “But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off men and women and put them in prison.” Acts 8:3 (NIV)
MESSAGE:
What are you mentioned for, or what comes to the mind of people when your name is mentioned, or thoughts of you flash through? Saul was mentioned at the opening of Acts 8 as being present at and giving approval for the murder of holy Stephen. In verse 3, we see Saul as the moving force in the efforts at the persecution and destruction of the Church. Saul provided a theological reflection and an argument why the Church was evil and needed to be destroyed. He provided physical commitment to the agenda and led the search from house to house to ensure the removal of the Church from the Jewish community.
Saul carried the backing of the religious and political authorities to warrant the arrest and detention of the Christians in Jerusalem. Saul, what a man.
That was Saul, but what about us today? Are we agents of the undoing of the Church? When our behaviour is inconsistent with the expectations of Christians, even unbelievers realise that we destroy the image of the Church in their minds. When our comportment at home and in the Church undermines Christian principles, we destroy the faith of our fellow believers who share the faith life with us.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
Are you building God’s Church, or are you destroying God’s Church? Do not be a Saul!
PRAYER:
Dear Lord, I ask for forgiveness for any attitude, behaviour or character that destroys your purposes in my life, in the lives of others and the unity and growth of your Church. Please help all believers to be agents of building your Church. For your dear Name’s sake, Amen.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING Day 124: Judges 9 - Abimelek’s Rise and Fall
DAILY word study: DESTROY The Greek word translated as “destroy” in Acts 8:3 is λυμαίνετο (lumaineto), from λυμαίνομαι (lumainomai).
The verb lumainomai means to injure, ruin, or cause severe harm. It’s used to describe brutal physical and moral damage. In ancient Greek texts, it often connoted ravaging or spoiling something sacred.
This is not passive hostility. Saul’s actions were intentional and aggressive — going house to house, arresting believers, and violently disrupting the early Church. The word paints a picture of someone driven by conviction but misled in purpose.
Reflection
Destruction isn’t always physical. A harsh word, a cold attitude, or a careless life can slowly dismantle what others are building. What are you known for — healing or harming?
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