Acts 9:26-29

IN JERUSALEM. Acts 9:26-29. Galatians 1:17 b - Galatians 1:19.

Acts 9:26

And when he was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: and they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple.

Acts 9:27

But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how at Damascus he had preached boldly in the name of Jesus.

Acts 9:28

And he was with them going in and going out at Jerusalem,

Acts 9:29

preaching boldly in the name of the Lord: and he spake and disputed against the Grecian Jews; but they were seeking to kill him.

Acts 9:26 Saul's destination when he climbed out of the basket in the dark shadows of the Damascus wall was the city of Zion, How vastly different was his return trip. How great a change had taken place in these past three years.

What were the thoughts of this humbled Pharisee as he approached the city of Jerusalem, as he looked upon the city wherein he had been trained, where he had so zealously labored for the Law? He would come face to face with many of his old friends. What would they think? But away with these thoughts of retrospect! He must make himself known to the disciples and above all he must meet the apostles.
How poignant must have been the feelings of Saul as he was re pulsed in his efforts to join himself to the disciples. But when he thought upon this matter was not this just the natural response considering the circumstances? Evidently the only news the believers in Jerusalem received was, that their chief persecutor had embraced the faith, but no sooner had he done this than he disappeared into Arabia, And now it had been three years since any word had come, Under such conditions the disciples in Jerusalem had some reasons for being skeptical.

303.

What thoughts do you imagine passed through the mind of Saul as he returned to Jerusalem from Damascus?

304.

What response did Saul receive in Jerusalem from the disciples?

Over the wall in a basket. A Rabbi, a teacher, and leader of men. How can this be the will of God? Did one of these thoughts flash through his mind on his way down? Read Philippians 3:7-8 for an answer.

HOUSES ON THE CITY WALL, DAMASCUS.

There is no joy equal to that of seeing lost souls turn from sin to righteousness. Earthly joys fade. The mirth and laughter of today may give place to the deepest sorrow ere another sun. But the joy of rescuing the lost endures.
HOUSES ON THE CITY WALL, DAMASCUS.
On the south-east side, belonging to the Jewish quarter. The Bab Kisan, which is not far from this spot, is a now disused and closed-up gate. It stands on the site of a much more ancient one.

Acts 9:27-29 Luke says of Barnabas that he was a good man (Acts 11:24) and indeed his goodness is herein revealed. The heart of Barnabas was a heart of love for he took not account of evil. He believed when others doubted, he loved Saul with a love that expressed itself, while others were suspicious. Barnabas was willing not only to believe the story of Saul but was also willing himself to present him to the apostles, to plead before them that this man be accepted. Barnabas and Saul appeared before the apostles. We know from Paul's account of this incident that they saw only Peter and James, the Lord's brother. The term apostle is here applied to the Lord's brother in the generic sense, i.e. one sent. Any one who was sent could have been called an apostle (Acts 14:14) but only twelve were the ones sent from Jesus as witnesses. James was evidently considered as sent from the church in Jerusalem.

Three points in the defense made for Saul by Barnabas were: 1) Jesus had appeared to him. 2) Jesus had spoken to him. 3) In Damascus Saul had boldly preached Jesus. Saul was accepted and given acceptance by all the disciples and continued to labor for the space of fifteen days, speaking boldly in the name of Jesus. Saul went back to his own synagogue but received no better reception than he had given Stephen. As they had set a plot to kill Stephen, so they did with Saul.

305.

Who alleviated the situation? How did he do it?

306.

Was James, the Lord's brother, one of the twelve? Why is he called an Apostle?

307.

To what group did Saul preach in Jerusalem? Why?