I Appeal To Caesar!

Finally, the challenging project is finished. Esther holds the bronze mirror in front of Saul’s face. The man gasps, tears come to his eyes and he grasps Esther’s hands, blurting out his thanks! Quickly he releases her hands as he realizes how forward his actions are!

Esther looks at him wistfully . . . smiling as she turns to

pick up her tools.

* * * * * The greatest marvel of these new relationships is the weekly time of Scripture examination when Samuel, Esther, and Saul get together and discuss the meaning of a text. Sometimes Hannah sits in on the discussions, but the technical matter is usually over her head. Saul is overwhelmed by the biblical knowledge of Esther and her ability with languages, even her partial understanding of Arabic! Saul, of course, is very proficient in Greek and Hebrew. He finds that this woman can match him in discussing any text! * * * * * These new friends, Saul decides, must know his complete story, starting with his upbringing in the Cilician city of Tarsus and his citizenship. Two whole evenings are devoted to this ambitious project, and Samuel, Hannah his wife, and Esther listen, at times holding their breath, as the story of conversion from Pharisee to a servant of Jesus is told. The unflappable Esther is not easily impressed, but now she leaves their get-togethers in wonderment with a new appreciation for God, His marvelous ways . . . and Saul!

The mysterious calling “to the Gentiles” as yet has no definitive answer, and so it often is a matter of serious