At times we could be guilty of wishing an enemy harm or even death, especially for those aggressors who cause the death of innocent people. I’m sure there were many early Christians who wished harm on Saul. In Acts 9 we read of the changed life of Saul. Later he was referred to by his Latin name, Paul in Acts 13:9. What a contrast from the opening verses of Acts 9 describing Saul’s desire to capture and harm the People of the Way” to the radical change described in Acts 9:20.
“…But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. Acts 9:1-5, ESV.
In a most miraculous way Saul was humbled and converted. He had been proud of his endeavours to stamp out Christians but he was blinded by the bright light on the road to Damascus and had to rely on a believer to help him. The message to Ananias was to go to Saul.
Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized; and taking food, he was strengthened. For some days he was with the disciples at Damascus. And immediately he proclaimed Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is the Son of God.” Acts 9:17-20, ESV.
Paul found his way, God’s Way. Never underestimate what God can do through His Holy Spirit to change people’s lives.