PAUL THE APOSTLE ( Part 4 )

Pastor Christopher Choo
Lesson 3103

PAUL THE APOSTLE ( Part 4 )

It is difficult to trace Paul's steps after his conversion at Damascus.

Scholars posit two views:

1. From Paul's recollection in Galatians 1:16-17, he " did not consult any man... but went immediately into Arabia" ( the region of Nabataea ) for the next 3 years after his conversion and later returned to Damascus.

2. But according to Luke's version in Acts 9:19, he spent some days with the disciples at Damascus.

Then with all good intentions he "preached the Christ in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God" (Acts 9:29-30 ). This confounded his Jewish audience who mistook him for a turncoat traitor and plotted to kill him.

But his newfound  "brothers" in Christ thought of an escape plan. "Then the disciples took him by night and let him down through the wall in a large basket" ( Acts 9: 25 ).

Abba Father, in his zeal, Paul preached to the Jews at Damascus who rejected his theology. He did not realise the full import of what You told Ananias that he was to be  Your chosen vessel " to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel". ( Acts 9:15 ). Paul would learn what his primary call was through much suffering, hardship, and personal sacrifice in the school of "hard knocks" of the Holy Spirit. It was a costly but lasting lesson on the necessity of being led - not by good intentions - but by the Holy Spirit to become You're anointed and appointed apostle to the Gentiles!