Saul Becomes a Disciple

Our text for this Sunday is Acts 9:20-31, where we will have the opportunity to examine the effects on the world and the church when an open, active enemy of the faith is taken captive by Christ. We learn that Paul begins a form of public ministry "immediately" after receiving the Holy Spirit, preaching the Christ and confounding the Jews. As a result of his ministry, Paul, the former persecutor, becomes the persecuted and is forced to flee Damascus under cover of night. He travels to Jerusalem where he is initially met with fear and unbelief by the disciples there, until Barnabas testifies on his behalf. Although the church accepts him, he is again met with opposition and threats on his life and again flees, but the church then meets with a period of peace, edification, comfort, and multiplication.