Soon after the return of the apostles to Jerusalem, an event occurred,
which had a more mighty influence on the progress of the Christian
religion than any other that had occurred since the ascension of Jesus.
The members of the church who still withstood the storm of persecution
in the city, were struck with no small amazement by the sudden
appearance, before them, of Saul of Tarsus, the most bloody persecutor
of their Hellenist brethren, who, having exhausted the opportunities
for the gratification of his spite against them in Jerusalem, had
gone to Damascus, to seize such as there supposed themselves safe in
following the new faith. This man, yet stained, as it were, with the
blood of Stephen, now presented himself to them as a convert to the
gospel, prepared to join them as a brother. The whole affair seemed
to bear so decidedly the aspect of a palpable imposition, that they
altogether refused to have any thing to do with him, and suspected
the whole to be a deep-laid snare, on the part of this bloody foe of
the gospel, who now appeared to be seeking, by false professions, to
get into their confidence, that he might have the means of betraying
them to utter ruin. But Barnabas, who was better acquainted with Saul,
detailed to the church all the wonderful circumstances so fully, that
they no longer hesitated to receive him as a brother and fellow-laborer.
This remarkable conversion was of vast benefit to the cause of the
gospel, not only by bringing to its aid the services of a laborer so
competent, but also by removing from among its adversaries one who had
been a leader and a contriver of every plot of mischief. As soon as
he left the ranks of the foe, the vindictive persecution, which had
raged ever since the death of Stephen, ceased, as though it had lost
its great author and main support, by the defection of Saul of Tarsus.
Indeed, the last act of this persecution, which is recorded, was
directed against this very man, who had once been a leader in it, and
drove him out of the city which had been the scene of his cruelties.
Therefore, the churches had rest throughout all Judea, and Galilee,
and Samaria, strengthening and advancing in piety, and filled with
the impulses of the Holy Spirit. This opportunity of quiet seemed
peculiarly favorable for a minute survey of the condition of these
scattered churches, most of which had grown up without any direct
agency of the apostles, and therefore needed their attention at this
critical period.