1 Samuel 10:10-12 — And when they came thither to the hill, behold, a company of prophets met him; and the Spirit of God came upon him, and he prophesied among them. And it came to pass, when all that knew him beforetime saw that, behold, he prophesied among the prophets, then the people said one to another, What is this that is come unto the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets? And one of the same place answered and said, But who is their father? Therefore it became a proverb, Is Saul also among the prophets?
Saul has just been with Samuel, who has broken the news to him that he is to be King of Israel and anointed him.
On the way back from his meeting with Samuel, Saul encounters a company of prophets — and the Holy Spirit falls on him and he, too, begins to prophesy. Nobody expected that from Saul. It was such a surprising development that it became the source of a proverb. In future whenever anyone broke out into unexpected behavior the question would be asked — “Is Saul also among the prophets?”
When Myra and I committed to our Christian lives we both were faced with the same reaction — surprise from those who knew us — family in Myra’s case and friends in mine. It’s nearly always that way — new Christians, or those who start to walk the Christian walk as well as talking the talk will always provoke surprised commentary. Why is that?
Did you notice that odd little question in verse 12? “But who is their father?” It is an odd question and commentators have different ideas about it. I like the way seventeenth century English theologian Matthew Poole answers it:
Who is it that instructs and inspires them with this holy art, but God? They have it not from their natural parents, nor from their civil education, but by inspiration from God, who, when he pleaseth, can inspire Saul, or any other man, with the same skill. And therefore wonder not at this matter, but give God the glory of it.
It was the Holy Spirit that took young, thoughtless Saul, and turned him into a spiritual man. So it is with everyone who becomes a Christian. The Holy Spirit moves in. Of course, that doesn’t always sit well with those who are familiar with the old “us” — especially if they are not Christians. It’s not just a change of heart, it’s life-changing!