Paul’s conversion highlights the heart of Christ and the riches of his grace. Paul—also known by his Hebrew name, Saul—is a violent persecutor of Christians. Yet Jesus loves him, brings him to faith, forgives him, and transforms him. Paul’s life displays the power and grace of Christ—if there is grace for a rebel like him, then there is grace for anyone.

Jesus also commissions Paul to spread the gospel to the Gentiles. Yet Jesus also warns that Paul’s ministry will include suffering. As Paul preaches the gospel of a suffering Savior, his own life and ministry will begin to look like that Savior.

The rest of Acts shows Paul’s three main journeys. On his first journey he spreads the gospel, makes disciples, and plants churches across Asia Minor. On his second journey he strengthens those churches and then makes disciples and plants churches in Europe. His third journey leads him back to Jerusalem, where he is attacked, arrested, and then sent to Rome. Through it all, he fulfills Jesus’ commission to bear witness to Christ’s grace and to suffer for his name.

The first of these three journeys begins here.