Paul’s Fresh Start
There are few “new beginnings” or “fresh starts” as memorable as Saul of Tarsus’ conversion to a follower of Jesus. Saul had been a zealous Pharisee, who believed his terroristic acts against Christians were helping defend the Jewish faith and way of life. When Jesus appeared to him on the road to Damascus and he was soon baptized, his life began anew in many ways. But though the man who came up from the water was forgiven, he still carried his memories, experiences, and knowledge. In many ways, his baptism was simply the next step in his journey and there would be many more steps afterwards until he finished his race.