Paul's testimony

“They only heard the report: ‘The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.’” Galatians 1:23
Perhaps the greatest testimony of all is that of someone who once violently opposed Christianity, comes to faith. There is no logical reason why they should do so – but there is a spiritual reason: the conviction of the Holy Spirit. Some people respond peaceably towards the prompting of the Holy Spirit, others ‘kick against the goads’ (Acts 26:14).
Paul had been raised in a very religious household, and in the natural had a very bright future: born a Roman citizen in Tarsus, one of the most desirable cities, to a devout Jewish family, educated both in Greek philosophy and under the eminent rabbi Gamaliel, he was a Pharisee and possibly even a member of the Sanhedrin (see Acts 26:10). He thought he was doing God’s will by stamping out the church, because after all, these people were worshipping a man, Jesus, as God.
Paul had everything going for him. But then Jesus Himself appeared to him on the road to Damascus, and his life was never the same. Instead, Paul found true fulfilment and purpose in his life. Now it was he himself who was persecuted by the Jews – and his story is possibly why he was able to show grace to them in their ignorance.
We all know people at our school, workplace, sports teams, etc. who are quite vocal about their opposition to Christianity. But we should never give up on them – they may be, like Paul, very close to coming to faith in Christ.