Sometimes God decides to change the course of human history in remarkable and immediate ways. Other times he uses a long series of smaller events that culminate in a large change. The former is the testimony of the apostle Paul with his vision of Jesus on the road to Damascus. Perhaps one of the most famous conversion stories in the Bible, it serves as the beginning of Christianities most important missionary. This Sunday we will see how Paul’s testimony was used throughout the book of Acts and demonstrates to us the beauty of Gods grace.

Fast forward to the early 300’s, and we hear of another young man who had claimed to have a vision from God. Constantius, who worshiped a single god of the sun, had a talented and brave warrior for a son named Constantine. Around this time period most scholars believe the Roman citizenry, despite the persecution of Dioclecian, was around 10-15% Christian. This did not include all those who are not Roman citizens which leads many scholars to believe the Empire was more than 25% Christian. Constantine was a local magistrate under the Dioclecian and did not enforce the persecution of Christians, in fact many did not, because even in government it was common to find followers of Jesus. Dioclecian’s empire was failing due to infighting, one of the reasons he vilified Christians, and Constantine saw an opportunity to restore the Peace of Rome. (Pax Romana)

According to early church historian Eusebius, Constantine had a series of visions in which the Son of God told him to conquer in His name. Constantine converted from the sun god (Apollo) to the Son of God, or so the story goes. Regardless, Constantine won the decisive battle of Milvian Bridge against his rivals, marched in to Rome and declared the Edict of Milan. (313) This new ruling ensured Christians safety to worship and restoration of that which might have been taken away during their persecution. Thus began the Peace of the Church. (Pax Deo) Church historians have debated on the veracity of Constantine’s conversion, (with good reason), although many Bishops around that time confirmed his testimony. In the end, God used this monumental turn of events in the story of His Church. We do not know how or when God will direct events in these considerable historic ways, but we do know that God is working in the hearts of people everyday through His Spirit. I am sure Paul had no idea what was in store for him while on that road. In my experience, it is little moments, conversations, whispers of the heart to seek after meaning and love, which more often draw people to Jesus. What are the events which led you to Jesus? What might be drawing you now? “O soul, are you weary and troubled, no light in the darkness you see? There’s light for a look at the Savior, and life more abundant and free. Turn your eyes upon Jesus…”

Rev. Ben Melli