The Apostle Paul

Jesus had appeared and said he was the “fulfillment of the law” (Matthew 5:17). This incited the religious rulers. But Jesus said he did not come to destroy the law but to fulfill it (Matthew 5:1718). The religious aristocracy reasoned if Jesus were indeed Messiah, then what would become of them? The same jealousy that incited them to have Jesus crucified turned its ugly face toward his followers. Scene Jesus had exposed the hypocrisy of the religious world. Now, his disciples are teaching that Jesus is Messiah, risen, and very much alive! And many in the Jewish faith are following his teachings! Saul is on a mission to wipe out all remnants of this sect and any memory of this man! People are talking. Followers of Jesus from your community in Damascus say the ambitious young Pharisee, Saul, is coming! He is on his way even now to arrest you and your friends! He breathes out murderous threats wherever he goes (Acts 9:1). The only crime you seem to have committed is to believe and follow the risen Christ, known as Jesus the Nazarene. One of your friends, Ananias, is a devout believer of your Lord Jesus and he knows a lot about Saul. He heard reports of Saul doing great harm to God’s people in Jerusalem. (Acts 9:1314). Ananias is very concerned knowing this Pharisee now has what he wantsofficial letters from the high priest to arrest all who follow Christ (Acts 9:2)! Note Previously Stephen, a faithful believer, was brought up on charges. Stephen used that opportunity to give his testimony to the Sanhedrin (the supreme court) in Jerusalem. He began educating them on God’s historic plan as written in the prophets and the words of Moses. He then expounded on God’s promises fulfilled in the risen Savior, Jesus Christ. These men were outraged at Stephen’s bold words and stoned him (Acts 6:87:60). 1. What do you hear was Saul’s part in that travesty of justice (Acts 7:548:1)? Note Stephen had been one of the outstanding members of the church that believed in Jesus and his resurrection. The church was known as “the Way” and believers known as “followers of the Way” (Acts 9:2). Scene When Stephen was killed many of the believers ran for their lives (Acts 8:14). Except for the Twelve Disciples, followers of Christ are settling in places some distance from Jerusalem. But they are all taking their faith and Jesus’s message with them (Acts 8:4)! They share their experiences with communities open to the Good News (gospel). You found your own band of believers in Damascus (approximately 135 miles from Jerusalem). 2. Describe in detail everything Saul is doing to the followers of Jesus (Acts 8:13; 9:12; 26:911). 3. How do you feel and what is running through your mind as you contemplate what to do before Saul gets here? 4. Do you want to leave Damascus? Share why you might want to stay or leave? 5. How did Saul get his official assignment? Was it given to him, or did he ask for it? Describe Saul’s detailed plan as he laid it out before the high priest (Acts 9:12). 6. Trace Saul’s experience and all the events on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:36). Who does Jesus say Saul is persecuting (Acts 9:4)? 7. What else does Christ tell Saul on that road (Acts 26:1419)? Note Ray Stedman in his book, When the Church was Young, points out that Goads were sharp spikes often mounted on the front of chariots. If a horse kicked back, he hurt himself against it.6 Similarly, goads could be used as spikes on a pole or plank to control or lead oxen or horses.7 Saul was being told by Christ Jesus, “Saul, Saul why do you persecute me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads” (Acts 26:14). Jesus was warning Saul that he was only hurting himself by fighting, and God, not Paul, was the one in charge (Acts 26:14)! 8. Describe the possible thoughts turning over in Saul’s mind and pulling at his heart over the next three days as he lay blind, unwilling to eat or drink (Acts 9:79, 1112)? 9. What do you admire about Ananias’s courage and obedience to God as he goes to help the very man who would have imprisoned him (Acts 9:1017)? What does Ananias call Saul (Acts 9:17)? 10. Name everything God told Ananias Saul would do in the future, and the difficulties God himself would later reveal to Saul (Acts 9:1516). 11. Pinpoint one of the first signs that Saul’s heart might be changing toward Jesus. What immediate response is Saul making to Ananias’s message (Acts 9:1719)? 12. Step out of Scripture and step back to today for this four-part question. Have you ever had to step out as Ananias did in faith and obedience to the Lord, and show kindness to someone you knew you couldn’t trust? How did God help you do that? What was the outcome? Do you recall a time when, like Saul, your single-mindedness or anger controlled you until God did something drastic for your own good and the good of others? How did the Lord Jesus soften your heart and change your mind? How does Saul’s story give you hope that the Lord Jesus can change the direction of your life, using you mightily when submitting your will to his (Acts 26:1520)? THIS ROAD TO DAMASCUS Like Saul, I couldn’t imagine, That I might be in the wrong. Determined, very smug with myself, I was stubborn, willful, and strong. On my own road to Damascus, Accusing and assigning blame. Then you blinded me with your presence, Lord, When you called me by my name. If I’m to serve you, Lord Jesus, I need the conversion I see in Saul, For a humble heart and a new vision, Is the beginning of your call!