Acts 9:20-31
The Persecutor Proclaims Christ
Read the passage
20Saul promptly began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, declaring, “He is the Son of God.”
21All who heard him were astounded and asked, “Isn’t this the man who wreaked havoc in Jerusalem on those who call on this name? And hasn’t he come here to take them as prisoners to the chief priests?”
22But Saul was empowered all the more, and he confounded the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Christ.
23After many days had passed, the Jews conspired to kill him,
24but Saul learned of their plot. Day and night they watched the city gates in order to kill him.
25One night, however, his disciples took him and lowered him in a basket through a window in the wall.
26When Saul arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple.
27Then Barnabas brought him to the apostles and described how Saul had seen the Lord, who had spoken to him on the road to Damascus, and how Saul had spoken boldly in that city in the name of Jesus.
28So Saul stayed with them, moving about freely in Jerusalem and speaking boldly in the name of the Lord.
29He talked and debated with the Grecian Jews, but they tried to kill him.
30When the brothers learned of this, they took him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus.
31Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria experienced a time of peace. It grew in strength and numbers, living in the fear of the Lord and the encouragement of the Holy Spirit.
Berean Standard Bible
Read aloud
Saul begins proclaiming in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God. People are astonished. They know he came to Damascus to arrest those who call on Jesus' name, yet now he is showing that Jesus is the Christ.
After many days, a plot forms to kill him. His disciples help him escape at night by lowering him in a basket through a window in the wall. The former persecutor now needs believers to protect him.
In Jerusalem, the disciples are afraid to receive him. Barnabas brings Saul to the apostles and describes his encounter with the Lord and his bold preaching in Damascus. He offers more than a demand that they stop being cautious; he tells them what has happened.
Saul speaks boldly in Jerusalem too, until another threat leads the brothers to send him to Tarsus. Luke then describes the church across Judea, Galilee, and Samaria growing in strength and numbers, with reverence for the Lord and the Spirit's encouragement.
God's work in Saul is visible in his changed message and loyalties. Other believers help him find a place among them and take his danger seriously. Courageous witness and practical protection work together.
Questions
1 What did Saul begin proclaiming?
AnswerHe proclaimed that Jesus is the Son of God, immediately announcing in the synagogues the identity he had once opposed.
2 Why did Saul leave Damascus?
AnswerThe Jews conspired to kill him, so his disciples lowered him through an opening in the city wall in a basket.
3 Who helped the apostles receive Saul?
AnswerBarnabas brought Saul to the apostles and explained how Saul had seen the Lord and spoken boldly in Jesus’ name.
4 What characterized the church during its season of peace?
AnswerIt was strengthened, multiplied, and lived in the fear of the Lord and the encouragement of the Holy Spirit throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria.
What This Means for Us
Real change may take time for other people to recognize. The disciples' fear of Saul has a history, and Barnabas gives them reasons to consider what God has done in him.
Welcome evidence of repentance without demanding immediate trust from people who have been hurt. If you are the one seeking that trust, let consistent conduct support your words. Other people may need time and wise boundaries.
Barnabas also shows the value of an informed advocate. When you can speak truthfully about someone's change, your account may help a community respond with both care and discernment.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, make our repentance visible in the direction of our lives. Give us wisdom to welcome changed people and courage to speak about your mercy. Amen.