the Apostle page 4

the Apostle page 4 by ric gustafson

Saul spent a lot of time at the Temple in Jerusalem. He sat on a stone bench along a wall. At a small platform, Saul listened to whomever read the Law and expanded on it.

One day, Saul listened to a young man who was around Saul's age. His name was Stephen. He could speak Greek and Aramaic. Stephen was a quick thinker and had a powerful mind.

Saul stood out in a crowd. He had beetling eyebrows and a black beard. Saul wore a blue fringed robe and a turban like headdress. Faithfully he did rituals of cleaning platters and cups. He kept the weekly fasts and the daily prayers. Saul's goal was a prominent seat in the synagogue.

Saul's days were consumed by his legal career. Saul groomed himself for heaven. He was a Pharisee. He had little time for the poor, the lame or the outcast.

In the 2 years since Jesus of Nazareth was executed, Saul knew the carpenter had followers who believed that he had risen from the dead. Saul began to study this Stephen carefully.

Saul's turn was coming.

research help: ' The Apostle' by John Pollock

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric