Acts 9:19b–31: Faithful Suffering
Introduction
What a transformation the Lord can make in the life of even the most hardened sinner! After Saul’s sight is restored—both physical and spiritual—he does not delay to serve his new Master. Immediately, he hits the ground running in faithfulness to Jesus. In Saul’s early ministry, we see a dynamic that will characterize the rest of his life: a blend of faithfulness in preaching Jesus Christ and him crucified along with a regular experience of suffering. Here, we see the first installment of a principle that will be true not only for the rest of Saul’s life, but for ours as well: faithful preaching leads to faithful suffering.
Discussion Questions
1. Read Galatians 1:11–17. How does this passage shape what we understand might have happened during Saul’s time “with the disciples at Damascus” (v. 19b)? When does Saul probably go to Arabia? How might Saul have known what to preach about Jesus immediately? What two phrases summarize the content of Saul’s preaching (vv. 20, 22)? What does it mean for Jesus to be the Son of God and the Christ?
2. What is the initial reaction to Saul’s preaching within Damascus (v. 21)? How does Saul respond to opposition from the Jews (v. 22)? How do the Jews respond to Saul (v. 23)? What should we think about Saul’s escape from Damascus through the window (v. 25)? How did Jesus similarly escape from danger before his time had come to go to the cross? What lesson should we learn from Saul’s example in the face of persecution?
3. How did the church in Jerusalem respond to Saul when he arrived (v. 26)? Why? How was the reaction of the church likely a part of Saul’s suffering for the sake of Jesus (see Acts 9:16)? What does Barnabas’s name mean (Acts 4:36)? How does he live up to the meaning of his name here (v. 27)? What kind of relationship do Saul and Barnabas have through the rest of Acts? How does this act of kindness begin that foundation of trust?
4. Why is the use of the word “church” in v. 31 unique? How is the word “church” normally used? How do these uses show the distinction of individual churches as well as their connectionalism? What English word do we get from the Greek words for “throughout” in v. 31? How does this help us to understand what we do and do not mean by that term? What is the “comfort” of the Holy Spirit, and what does that comfort consist of (v. 31)?
