Step By Step Through the New Testament (Part II)

Step By Step Through the New Testament(Part II)

Rev. Christopher J. RespassAntioch Bible InstituteSpring 2014Lesson 4: Acts: The Conversion from Saul to PaulActs: From Saul to PaulThe Acts essentially covers the time period from approximately 30AD to 63AD. The first half of the book addresses how the Gospel progressed among the Jews. In that endeavor, the Apostle Peter is clearly the central figure. Concerning the Gentiles, however, the central figure is the Apostle Paul.What is a "Gentile"?Acts: From Saul to PaulSaul the Pharisee

Paul was of Jewish ancestry, but he was a Roman citizen, born in the in the City of Tarsus.a self-governing city that was loyal to the Roman Empire. Paul new several languages and had quite a pedigree. Paul describes himself in this way:Acts: From Saul to Paul"...circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless." (Philippians 3:5, 6 ESV)

Acts: From Saul to PaulII.The Conversion of Saul (Acts 9:1-9)

A. Saul had witnessed the martyrdom of Steven (Acts 7:58).

B. With much zeal and tenacity, Saul breathed murderous threats against the disciples of The Lord and asked for permission to go to the synagogues in Damascus and arrest any people of "the Way"Acts: From Saul to PaulC. Blinded, Saul meet Jesus on the road to Damascus

"And falling to the ground he heard a voice saying to him, Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? And he said, Who are you, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do. (Acts 9:4-6 ESV)Acts: From Saul to PaulHow do you think you would respond if you heard the voice of God speaking to you?

How would your answer change if: you were about to do something that you knew was unrighteous? What if you thought your actions WERE righteous?Is it possible that you might be doing what you believe is righteous or honorable, but it be out of the will of God?Acts: From Saul to PaulIII.Helping the "Enemy"? (Acts 9:10-19)

A. While Saul was stricken with blindness, The Lord visited a disciple in Damascus named Ananias (not to be confused with the Ananias of Acts 5) (v.10)

B. The Lord tell Ananias to search for Saul of Tarsus and lay hands on him so that he might regain his sight. Plus, he's expecting him (v.11-12)Acts: From Saul to PaulC. Ananias raises some reasonable objections (v.13-14), but The Lord demands that Ananias go because Saul is

... a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name. (Acts 9:15, 16 ESV)Acts: From Saul to Paul1. What would you do if you were Ananias?4. Is it conceivable that God would give you a dangerous assignment?3. What does this do to the idea that you can't "question God"?2. Was Ananias being disrespectful to God?5. What is correct response to a directive from God?Acts: From Saul to PaulV.Saul Becomes the Apostle (Acts 9:15)

A. An "apostle" is one who is sent. Jesus was "sending" Saul on mission to reach the Gentiles, Gentile rulers and even Jews.

But the Lord said to him, Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. (Acts 9:15 ESV)Acts: From Saul to PaulB. In another sense, "apostle" is a specific office that could be filled only by those who meet strict criteria as outlined in Acts 1:21-22:

1. Man who accompanied the other Apostles,2. beginning from Jesus baptism,3. ending when Jesus ascended to heaven.4. Goal: was to be a witness to the resurrection.Acts: From Saul to PaulC. So how does Paul qualify? D. What does this mean for those who use the title of "apostle" today?Acts: From Saul to PaulVI.Evidence of Saul's Conversion (Acts 9:20-25)

A. Immediately preached Jesus in the synagogues (v.20).

B. Studied for 3 years in Arabia (Gal. 1:17-18)

C. Grew in spiritual strength and was an apologist for Jesus, proving to Jews that he was the Christ.

D. Others vouched for him (Acts 9:26-30)Acts: From Saul to PaulBut whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. Philippians 3:7-11 ESV Questions