The Persecutor Moves to the Other Side
Luke tells us “a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem.” (Acts 8:1) And a man named Saul began to destroy the church. Luke tells us that he went from house to house and dragged off men and women and put them in prison.
Luke also tells us that Saul was making murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples (9:1). And now the rest of the story!
Read Acts 9:1-9: Saul’s Trip to Damascus
- This chapter has been referred to as “Second Pentecost.” Why?
- As a Pharisee in high standing, Saul went to the high priest to get a letter of reference so that he could operate effectively from the synagogue at Damascus. Armed with this letter of introduction, he and his followers were off to Damascus. Describe in your own words the Lord’s appearance to Saul. (You might even try to put yourself in his shoes as your think about this appearance)
- Just as the glorified Christ appeared to His disciples, He also appears to His newest Apostle. Verse four says that Saul heard a voice. Describe your impression of the Lord’s voice. The Scriptures also tell us of other appearances of our Lord. They are called theophanies. The statement below that describes the Lord’s presence today versus in Bible times?
The church is called to be a manifestation of God’s presence. That community is fed by the presence of God found in communion between worshiper and God.
The Lord’s Command: Get up and Go!
- Our Lord did not mince any words. Phrases like, “get up,” “go,” and “you will be told.” What tone of voice best describes our Lord’s words here:
- Anger, or
- Firm, or
- Threatening, or
- Positive, or
- Normal, or
- A combination?
- Note that the men traveling with Saul heard but did not see. Acts 9:7-19 list other miraculous happenings.
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- Let’s get a mental image of the Lord’s calling of Ananias for this special event. Ananais was aware of Saul’s persecution and how he had harmed many people. Now, he is coming to my city to inflict more pain and suffering. The Lord’s command was clear: Go! The Lord tells Ananias that Saul is His chosen man. To whom will he (Saul) carry God’s Word?
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Ananias: A Christian at Damascus (Acts 9:10). He became Paul’s instructor; but when or by what means he himself became a Christian we have no information. He was “a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt” at Damascus (Acts 22:12).
Read Acts 9:20-31
- Saul never delivered his letter of reference from the high priest at Jerusalem. Instead, he spent time with the disciples living there. What was the reaction of the people in the synagogue at Saul’s preaching? And how does Luke describe Saul’s success per verse twenty-two?
- Luke’s description of Saul’s movement may not be totally clear. Let’s take a close look.
- Saul preached at Damascus in the synagogue and fellowshipped with the believers there.
- Saul left there for Arabia (Galatians 1:17) and spent three years there studying and learning. (Approximately 35-40 AD)
- Saul’s returns to Damascus and ministered there until he was driven out by the Jewish leaders.
- Saul travels to Jerusalem in an attempt to help the church there.
- Saul returns to his hometown , Tarsus.
- Saul was not received well by the disciples in Jerusalem. Who came to Saul’s defense from the disciples?
- Verse thirty-one is especially important both then and now. Why?
Damascus
Ancient city of Syria situated in a desert oasis owed to the abundant water supplied by the Abana and Pharpar rivers. Its position at the crossroads of the Great Trunk Road and the King’s Highway, connecting the lands of the Near East, made Damascus a great commercial city. It reached the height of its wealth and influence as the capital of an Aramean kingdom in the 10th-8th centuries b.c. Tiglath Pileser III ended Damascus’s period as an independent power, destroying the city in 732 b.c. and deporting its inhabitants. Damascus was thereafter stripped of its political importance and reduced to a secondary city within the Assyrian province of Hamath.
Damascus flourished after Syria was made a Roman province in 64 b.c., dramatically increasing in size, although it was still less important than Antioch. After a.d. 33, the city was apparently absorbed within the territory of the Nabatean king Aretas. Shortly after Paul’s conversion on the road to Damascus, the apostle began to preach in its many synagogues. Strong opposition from the Jewish community in Damascus eventually forced Paul to escape over the city wall. He later returned to the city, where a strong Christian community had already been firmly established.
Barnabas, the Son of Consolation
Son of consolation, the surname of Joses, a Levite (Acts 4:36). His name stands first on the list of prophets and teachers of the church at Antioch (Acts 13:1). Luke speaks of him as a “good man” (Acts 11:24). He was born of Jewish parents of the tribe of Levi. He was a native of Cyprus, where he had a possession of land (Acts 4:36, 37), which he sold. His personal appearance is supposed to have been dignified and commanding (Acts 14:11, 12). When Paul returned to Jerusalem after his conversion, Barnabas took him and introduced him to the apostles (Acts 9:27). They had probably been companions as students in the school of Gamaliel.
Math Summary, Updated
They began with 120. Three thousand were added on Pentecost. Now, the LORD “added to the number daily.” …And about 5,000 men believed (Acts 4:4). …it (church) grew in numbers living in fear of the Lord. (Acts 9:31)