(a) Narrate the story of the conversion of Saul and show with two examples the effect of this conversion on the growth of the Church.

The conversion of Saul (Acts 9:1-31)

• Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples, obtained letters from the high priest to the synagogues at Damascus, so that he might arrest any believers, men or women, and bring them bound to Jerusalem.
• As he neared Damascus, a light from heaven suddenly flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying, Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?
• He asked, Who are you, Lord? and the voice replied, I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. Rise and enter the city, and you will be told what to do.
• Saul rose from the ground, but though his eyes were open he could see nothing; his companions led him by the hand into Damascus, and for three days he was blind and neither ate nor drank.
• The Lord sent a disciple named Ananias, who, though afraid, laid hands on Saul. Something like scales fell from his eyes, he regained his sight, was baptised, and received strength.
• Saul at once began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, saying, He is the Son of God, confounding the Jews by proving that Jesus was the Christ.

Two examples of the effect of this conversion on the growth of the Church:

1. Bold preaching and expansion to the Gentiles. Saul (Paul) became the leading missionary who carried the gospel across Asia Minor and Europe, planting churches in cities such as Antioch, Corinth, Philippi and Ephesus, greatly enlarging the Church beyond Judaism.
2. Strengthening and encouragement of believers. The fierce persecutor turned defender; after his conversion the churches throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria had peace and were built up, and his epistles gave lasting teaching that nurtured Christians everywhere.