Scripture tells us that after Saul of Tarsus was converted to Christ that he “confounded the Jews” (Acts 9:22). Think about that — he confounded the people. How did he do that?
Saul was the one who guarded “the clothes of those who were killing” Stephen (Acts 7:48; 22:20), for Saul was “in hearty agreement with putting him to death” (Acts 8:1, NASB). He was the one who “made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison” (8:3). The Jews knew well the character and reputation of this Saul of Tarsus, for he breathed “threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord” (9:1) and received authorized letters, “so that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem” (9:2).
When Saul “was baptized” (Acts 9:18; 22:16) and became a Christian, what an enormous change in his life! And everyone knew it! He was widely known as the one “who destroyed all those who called on” the name of the Lord (9:21); therefore, “all who heard were amazed.” It must have been a difficult reality to believe and accept that this great persecutor of the Way was now proclaiming the Way!
Have you ever “confounded” anyone? When you were converted to Christ, was there anyone who knew you who was confounded by the change in your life? Is there anyone who knew the “before” picture (before you became a Christian) and knows the “after” picture (now that you are a Christian) who has a hard time believing that “it is really you”? Such was the case when Saul became a Christian. Maybe some of the questions you’ve heard were also asked of Saul, “Are you sure we’re talking about the same person?”
“Confounded” responses come as a result of true repentance bearing fruit. When certain Pharisees and Sadducees came to John to be baptized, he was not confounded by any change in their lives, for there was none! They were still the same persons they always had been, therefore, John instructed them to “bear fruits worthy of repentance” (Matt. 3:8). When someone truly repents and then is baptized, they are not (and therefore cannot live as if they continue to be) the same person they were.
A tremendously unflattering way for people to be “confounded” by you is for them to “find out” that you are a Christian and to respond, “Wow! I never would have guessed that he/she was a Christian!” Not a good way to “confound.”
Are you confounding anyone with the gospel truth?