Here, in the solitude of the desert, Paul had ample opportunity for quiet study and meditation. He calmly reviewed his past experience and made sure work of repentance. He sought God with all his heart, resting not until he knew for a certainty that his repentance was accepted and his sin pardoned. He longed for the assurance that Jesus would be with him in his coming ministry. He emptied his soul of 126 the prejudices and traditions that had hitherto shaped his life, and received instruction from the Source of truth. Jesus communed with him and established him in the faith, bestowing upon him a rich measure of wisdom and grace.

Her i ørkenens ensomhed havde Paulus rig lejlighed til roligt studium og meditation. I stilhed genoplevede han sine tidligere oplevelser, og hans anger var dyb. Af hele sit hjerte søgte han Gud og fandt ikke fred, før han med sikkerhed vidste, at hans anger var godkendt af Gud og hans synder tilgivet. Han higede efter vished om, at Jesus ville være med ham i hans kommende tjeneste. Han rensede sin sjæl for alle de fordomme og overleveringer, som hidtil havde været rammen om hans liv, og han modtog belæring fra sandhedens kilde. Jesus var hos ham og stadfæstede hans tro, mens han skænkede ham visdom og nåde i rigeste mål.