What other biblical figures experienced unexpected transformations similar to Saul's in 1 Samuel 10:11? Setting the Scene: Saul’s Surprise in 1 Samuel 10:11 “Everyone who had known him previously saw him prophesying with the prophets and asked one another, ‘What has happened to the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?’ ” Spirit-Empowered Leaders in the Old Testament • The Seventy Elders – Numbers 11:25: “When the Spirit rested on them, they prophesied—but they did not do so again.” Ordinary tribal officials suddenly spoke God’s word, astounding Israel. • Gideon – Judges 6:34: “So the Spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon, and he blew the trumpet, summoning the Abiezrites to follow him.” A timid thresher becomes a bold commander. • Samson – Judges 14:6: “The Spirit of the LORD came powerfully upon him, and he tore the lion apart with his bare hands…” A man of otherwise ordinary strength displays supernatural might. • Jephthah – Judges 11:29: “Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon Jephthah, and he passed through Gilead…” The outcast son of a prostitute turns deliverer of Israel. • David – 1 Samuel 16:13: “From that day on the Spirit of the LORD came powerfully upon David.” The unnoticed shepherd receives an anointing that shocks even his own family. Prophets Suddenly Commissioned • Elisha – 2 Kings 2:15: “The sons of the prophets… said, ‘The spirit of Elijah rests on Elisha.’ ” Observers instantly recognize the transfer of prophetic authority. • Ezekiel – Ezekiel 2:2: “As He spoke to me, the Spirit entered me and set me on my feet, and I heard Him speaking to me.” A priest in exile becomes a visionary prophet. • The Valley of Dry Bones Vision – Ezekiel 37:10: “Breath entered them; they came to life and stood on their feet—a vast army.” Even dead bones experience a startling transformation by God’s Spirit. New Testament Lives Turned Upside Down • Peter and the Apostles – Acts 2:4: “They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.” Frightened disciples become fearless preachers, and onlookers marvel (Acts 2:7). • Saul of Tarsus (Paul) – Acts 9:18–20: “Immediately, something like scales fell from his eyes… and at once he began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God.” The persecutor turns preacher within days. • Cornelius’s Household – Acts 10:44–46: “The Holy Spirit came upon all who heard the message… they were speaking in tongues and exalting God.” Gentiles receive the Spirit, stunning the Jewish believers. • The Thessalonian Believers – 1 Thessalonians 1:9–10: “You turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God and to wait for His Son from heaven.” Idol-worshipers become model Christians, their reputation spreading widely. Why These Accounts Matter God repeatedly takes ordinary—even unlikely—people and, by His Spirit, equips them for extraordinary purposes. From Israel’s judges to New-Covenant believers, the pattern is consistent: when the Lord moves, astonishment follows, underscoring His power to transform any life for His glory. |
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