Bible Study - Acts 9: 19b-31

Read Acts chapter 9 verses 19b-31

Luke's transition continues from preaching in Jerusalem and the surrounding region to taking the message of Jesus to the Gentiles (9:32-12:25). Here he clearly wishes to ensure there is no possibility that Saul failed to experience Jesus on the road to Damascus and that he was definitely transformed. V19b shows that Saul went to spend time with those he had travelled to hunt down and then v20 clearly becomes a key statement of the section - Saul "preached the Christ in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God." Luke makes certain that the reader is under no illusion - Saul really was now a follower of "the Way".

Reprisals soon followed, amazement was rapidly transformed into confoundment and fear. Not many days had passed since Saul started to preach to the Jews in Damascus and already they saw danger and plotted to kill him. Here Luke again draws parallels between Saul and Stephen and the persecutor becomes the persecuted. We also see that those Saul had journeyed to persecute became his protectors, the visual outcome of Saul's conversion meant the disciples believed him and saved him.

In case we had not been listening properly, Luke again reinforces his point. In v26 we see the disciples in Jerusalem did not believe Saul and were frightened of him. Here we are shown a sponsor, Barnabas described Saul's experience on the road to Damascus and the outcome of his conversion - to declare boldly that Jesus is the Son of God. At this point there is a replay. Saul preaches in Jerusalem and the Jews again try to kill him. Once again those he had previously persecuted helped to save him. Finally, the section is ended with an important statement that supports our transition to the next section and draws some implications from Saul's Conversion. The Churches in the region had peace, were edified and multiplied. Now the scene is set for a change of focus from Jerusalem to the Gentile Nations.

For Contemplation:

Consider how the disciples in Damascus and Jerusalem must have felt upon meeting Saul and how this fear changed to amazement once they heard him speak for Jesus.

Consider the thoughts of the Jews when their amazement changed to fear upon hearing Saul's new message.

Ask yourself how chapter 9 relates to the other chapters that surround it. How does it support their themes? How does it build on them and enhance them?

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, help us reflect upon your ability to transform. Please help us to see areas of our lives that need transformation and be willing to let you change those to the point that others see us in a different light. Amen.

Norbury Parish Church, Hazel Grove, Stockport, Cheshire. Telephone: 0161-483 8640