The Book of Acts

Saul in Damascus & Jerusalem

Acts 9:19b-31 _NLT

“Saul stayed with the believers in Damascus for a few days. And immediately he began preaching about Jesus in the synagogues, saying, ‘He is indeed the Son of God!’”- Acts 9:19b-20

            Saul’s boldness and his penchant for stirring up controversy wherever he went was his trademark. It’s absolutely what he was known for. 

            The early church continued to grow due to the spirit led teaching and preaching of the apostles. The Jewish leaders, who were furious regarding the churches growth, sought to murder Saul and anyone else who preached and taught about Jesus being the Messiah. Jews who were against this new teaching, saw it as a heretical threat to Judaism, so they waited day and night at the city gate so they could seize and do away with Saul. Having been made aware of this plot, some of the believers lowered Saul in a large basket through an opening in the city wall. His next destination was Jerusalem.

            The apostles who were still located in Jerusalem were terrified of Saul, not believing he had truly been converted. A disciple named Barnabas became a bridge between the apostles and Saul, enabling him to slowly be accepted. The testimony of his powerful messages in Damascus had preceded him and helped persuade the Jewish believers that Saul’s conversion was indeed real.

            Continued threats to Saul’s life prompted the believers to take him to Caesarea where they placed Saul on a ship sailing to his hometown Tarsus. Subsequently, the church experienced peace throughout the region (Judea, Galilee & Samaria). With the help of encouragement from the Holy Spirit the church experienced remarkable growth. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In his name & for his glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource: The Life Application Study Bible