There has been as great a change in the spirit of the apostle, as in his outward appearance. Then he was “breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples;” he “made havoc of the church;” he “haled men and women to prison;” he “compelled them to blaspheme;” he was “exceedingly mad” against all who revered the name of Jesus. His heart was filled with bitterness, malice, and hatred; yet he was so deluded as to imagine himself serving God, while in reality doing the work of Satan. Now the proud, passionate nature of Saul has been transformed by the grace of Christ. His heart yearns over his most bitter opponents. The thought of causing them pain, fills him with sorrow. He wrote to his brethren, “If I cause you grief, who is there to cause me joy?” He entreated them to spare him the necessity of dealing severely with them. All that was good and noble in the character of Saul remains, the same zeal burns upon the altar of his heart; but it has been purified, and sacredly consecrated to the service of Christ. {LP 185.2}

Der har sket en stor forandring i apostlens ånd, såvel som i det ydre udseende. Så "fnyste han stadig med trussel og mord imod Herrens disciple," han "søgte at udrydde menigheden;" han "slæbte både mænd og kvinder ud og fik dem sat i fængsel;" han "forsøgte at tvinge dem til at tale bespotteligt," han var i "raseri mod" alle der ærede Jesu navn. Hans hjerte var fyldt af vitterhed, skinsyge og had; alligevel var han så bedraget at han bildte sig selv ind at han tjente Gud, medens han i virkeligheden gjorde Satans værk. Nu er Saulus lidenskabelige natur blevet forvandlet af Kristi nåde. Hans hjerte længtes efter hans mest bitre modstandere. De tanker der skaber smerte i dem fylder ham med sorg. Han skrev sådan til sine brødre: "Hvis jeg forvolder jer sorg, hvem er der så til at skabe mig glæde?" Han beder dem instændig at blive sparet for at behandle dem strengt. Alt det som var godt og ædelt i Saulus’ karakter forblev der, og den samme iver brænder i hans hjertes alter, men den er blevet renset, og helliget indviet til Kristi tjeneste.