Be a Rope Holder

But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is the very Christ (Acts 9:22).

After Saul's conversion, he stayed in Damascus, regained his sight, and preached about Jesus. It confused the Jews there. They knew of Saul, the man who had persecuted the newly formed sect that followed Jesus, but they didn't understand this new version who had joined the very group he'd once sought to irradicate.

And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him: But their lay in await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him (Acts 9:23-24).

The Jewish leaders in Damascus got together and decided their best course of action was to kill Saul. No doubt, they rationalized this would keep him from misleading the people. Apparently, they planned to kill him outside the gates as he left the city. The city of Damascus had seven gates at this time, but they watched them day and night.

Then the disciples took him by night and let him down by the wall in a basket (Acts 9:25).

Saul knew of the plot, so some believers let him down outside the wall by lowering him in a basket, and he escaped. We know almost nothing about these men who helped Saul, just that they are called disciples. We don't know their names or even how many they were. They have remained anonymous throughout history, but what a great impact they had. Because Saul, who later became known as Paul, survived, churches were planted among the Gentiles, countless people came to know Christ as their Savior, and Christianity flourished and spread. His influence is still reaching people today through the books of the Bible he wrote.

These men who held the ropes to let Saul down outside the Damascus wall never knew what a great influence they would have for Christ. They just did the simple task God called them to do. But because of them, perhaps the greatest missionary of all survived to spread the Good News. The same is true for us. We may never know in this lifetime how much influence we will have on others, but if we follow God in obedience, we will have it. Everything is important when we're serving in God's kingdom building.

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