The Foundation of the Church is Established
A. The consternation of the Jews
1) The persecutor became an evangelist (21, 22)
21 All those who heard him were astonished and asked, "Isn't he the man who raised havoc in Jerusalem among those who call on this name? And hasn't he come here to take them as prisoners to the chief priests?"
22 Yet Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Christ.
2) Plans are made to kill Saul, their new enemy (23-25)
23 After many days had gone by, the Jews conspired to kill him,
24 but Saul learned of their plan. Day and night they kept close watch on the city gates in order to kill him.
25 But his followers took him by night and lowered him in a basket through an opening in the wall.
B. From Jerusalem to Tarsus
1) Accepted as one of Jesus' disciples (26-28)
26 When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple.
27 But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus.
28 So Saul stayed with them and moved about freely in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord.
2) Leaving for Tarsus after sensing danger (29-31)
29 He talked and debated with the Grecian Jews, but they tried to kill him.
30 When the brothers learned of this, they took him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus.
31 Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace. It was strengthened; and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it grew in numbers, living in the fear of the Lord.
Summary
God did not just want to convert Paul, but was planning to use him to spread the good news around the world. The disciples, including Stephen and Saul, lost their lives. Because of the missionary work they started, the good news has reached us. It was all part of God's plan. God's plan is still ongoing. There are people who are waiting to hear the good news from you, even if they don't know it yet.
For Discussion
1) Why did the Jews want to kill Saul?
2) How did Saul feel on the way to Tarsus?