Those of the way
Before the church was called church it was known as those of the way. It was known as those of the way because they followed Jesus. Jesus said I am the way the truth and the life (Jh14:6). Jesus claimed this because there is no other way to get to God except through him. Throughout history, many claimed to have found the way to God and eternity, but time proved them wrong. The Bible states that there is a way that seems right to man but its end leads to destruction (Pro14:12). Jesus’ claim of absolute was a problem for the Jews and everyone. It became an obstacle, the claim of the way, for the religious. Jesus said blessed is everyone who does not stumble because of me (Mt11:6). The people became blind resisting Jesus’ claim of the way. Christ died for his claim. His death created a resistance force of men and women willing to die for the cause. The only way to see the way is by being born again Jesus told Nicodemus (Jh3:3).
Acts 9:1-5
And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, 2 And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. 3 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: 4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? 5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
Saul was blinded with rage and jealousy. He was a young man, a pharisee of pharisee he called himself taught by one of the most prestigious teachers in those times Gamaliel. He breathed destruction on those of the way going to their houses and dragging them to their death. He made some of them recant their faith in Christ. His persecution of those of the way came before God’s throne. On his way to Damascus the most infamous city for persecuting the Christians, God visited him. Saul’s victorious moments of killing those of the way were over. Light shone around him and the Lord spoke with him. He became blind, and scales formed over his eyes. The perspective of seeing those of the way as harmful, and blasphemous stopped. With his interaction with the Lord, a new perspective arose within him. His transition lasted three days during which time he fasted and communed with Christ. Ananias was sent to heal him. After Ananias prayed for Saul the scales over his eyes fell and he could see.
The scriptures say that once he could see he was baptized and after a couple of days began preaching that Jesus Christ did indeed rise from the dead and is God (Acts 9:19-20)
John 14:6
6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Proverbs 14:12
12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
Matthew 11:6
6 And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.
John 3:3
3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
Acts 9:19-20
19 And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus. 20 And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.