He was wrong. His life devotion – that of protecting the faith of his fathers and pushing back against those who advocated differently – was misguided. In a moment of time, he came face to face with the reality that his life was an offense to God. No arguments or excuses could justify what he had become … Continue reading –>
Further Study: “A general slain in battle is lost to his army, but his death gives no additional strength to the enemy. But when a man of prominence joins the opposing force, not only are his services lost, but those to whom he joins himself gain a decided advantage. Saul of Tarsus, on his way to … Continue reading –>
Having escaped from Damascus, Paul returned to Jerusalem for the first time since he had left as a persecutor. This happened three years after his conversion (Gal. 1:18). It was not an easy return, as he faced problems both inside and outside the church. Read Acts 9:26-30. What happened to Paul when he arrived in Jerusalem? In … Continue reading –>
Saul honestly thought he was doing God service when he was persecuting the Christians. Jesus may have been thinking of Saul, when He said, For you will be expelled from the synagogues, and the time is coming when those who kill you will think they are doing a holy service for God. John 16:2 NLT … Continue reading –>
Acts 9:19-25 gives the impression that after his conversion, Paul remained in Damascus for a while before returning to Jerusalem (Acts 9:26). In Galatians 1:17, however, Paul adds that, before going to Jerusalem, he went to Arabia, where he apparently lived in seclusion for a certain period. “Here, in the solitude of the desert, Paul had ample opportunity … Continue reading –>
When he realized he was talking to Jesus Himself, Saul asked the question that would give Jesus the opportunity He was looking for: ”What shall I do, Lord?” (Acts 22:10, NKJV). The question indicates contrition in view of his actions up to that moment, but more important, it expresses an unconditional willingness to let Jesus guide … Continue reading –>
From Saul to Paul. Shouldn’t that be, “the conversion of Saul”? rather than “the conversion of Paul?” No. Our lesson guide is accurate. Saul’s name was NOT changed to Paul at his conversion. Turns out that he just happened to have two names: Paul and Saul. He continued to go by the name, Saul, for a … Continue reading –>
Our theme of: Hymn 378, “Go, Preach My Gospel” is in our memory verse this week as is proclaiming the Name in: Hymn 411, “The Son of God Proclaim”. God’s grace to Paul had not been in vain: Hymn 109, “Marvelous Grace”. On Sunday we find Saul/Paul is shaliah – “one who is sent”, first by the Sanhedrin, … Continue reading –>
Read Acts 9:3-9. What happened when Paul was approaching Damascus? What is the significance of Jesus’ words in Acts 9:5 (see also Acts 26:14)? As Paul and his companions neared Damascus, the unexpected happened: about noon they experienced an intensely bright light from heaven and a voice speaking. This was not merely a vision in the prophetic sense but … Continue reading –>
Paul was a Hellenistic Jew. His birthplace was Tarsus, the capital of Cilicia (Acts 21:39). Notwithstanding, to a certain extent he deviated from the Hellenistic stereotype, for he was brought to Jerusalem, where he studied under Gamaliel (Acts 22:3), the most influential Pharisaic teacher at the time. As a Pharisee, Paul was strictly orthodox, though his zeal … Continue reading –>
