The Biblical Path of Life

Tag: Saul

  • Lesson 7: The Gospel Message Spreads: Acts 11:19-12

    Key Verse

    Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.

    —Revelation 2:10

    Key Verse Thought: Read today’s Key Verse. As you read this verse, begin to understand the importance of standing fast in the Christian faith – even if persecution comes. In this lesson, we will learn of one who was killed for his faith and one who was imprisoned for his, yet both men remained faithful.

    Emphasis: As you look at this lesson, recognize the significance of spreading the Gospel message, and the importance of ministering to new Christians as they grow in the Lord. Christians are to understand that being a faithful witness may leave us open for persecution – but we are to remember to be faithful, just like James and Peter.

    Lesson Summary: We have learned that church was being persecuted, which was causing the Gospel message to be scattered into the areas around (including Samaria). Nevertheless, as we learned in our last lesson, even while there was persecution, Peter continued to do what God asked him to do. He learned that anyone could be saved – Jew or Gentile. He witnessed the Roman centurion, Cornelius, his household, and many of his friends become Believers. Peter then reported back to the Believers in Jerusalem that God could save anyone.

    In this lesson, we find that the church continued to grow – in spite of persecution. So much so, that Barnabas was called from Jerusalem and was sent out to minister to the numerous Believers. When he saw the many blessings of God, he encouraged the people to adhere to the teachings of Jesus, growing closer to Him, and to continue telling others about Jesus. Barnabas then went to Tarsus, found Saul, and brought him back to help in the ministry, “… And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch” (Acts 11:26). Then they began to minister to those in need.

    After this, the persecution intensified. Herod took James, the brother of John, and killed him for his faith. Then because it pleased the religious leaders, Herod put Peter in prison. We will learn in this lesson what happened when the church met together and prayed for Peter.

    Herod was an enemy of God and the Christians. In this lesson, we will see an instance when God allowed His people to see their enemy destroyed.

    Y3Q2 – Lesson 7 Questions

    Y3Q2 – Lesson 7 Children’s Worksheets

    If you are teaching this lesson to children, the following is a craft idea to help them remember this lesson.

    We made a jail from foam and pipe cleaners. We added stickers of a soldier gurading the jail, and yarn attached to allow Peter to escape from the jail.

    The Biblical Path of Life – Year Thee, Quarter Two is available through Amazon.

  • Lesson 5: Saul Becomes Paul: Acts 9:1-31

    Key Verse

    Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,

    —Romans 1:1

    Key Verse Thought: After reading the key verse, understand that this verse declares that Paul was called to be an apostle. To remember who the eleven remaining Apostles had chosen, read that it was Matthias (see Acts 1:26). Nevertheless, that is the last time we read of Matthias specifically. We are to understand that God chose Paul (renamed from Saul) to be that twelfth Apostle. In this verse, the word separated means “to separate; to select to some office or work. Paul had been a Pharisee (which means to separate) who had been separated unto the law, or the study of the law. Now he was saying that he was separated to the gospel – the message of Jesus.”

    In this lesson, we will learn how Saul changed, becoming Paul.

    Emphasis: We are to understand that to become a Christian one must believe in Jesus, and that He is God’s Son – by faith, regardless of what any “religion” teaches. Then one must seek to learn more about Jesus by going to church, but especially reading God’s Word – learning directly from Jesus.

    Lesson Summary: Beginning in our last lesson, we saw that the Gospel message was carried out of Jerusalem and Judea into Samaria (remember “… and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth” Acts 1:8b). We have begun to learn just how Jesus’ command was being obeyed. In this lesson, we will meet the man God chose to begin the spread of the Gospel message into the “uttermost part of the earth.” He was an avid persecutor of the early church named Saul (whose name was later changed to Paul).

    In this lesson, we will read events you may have heard many times before. Nevertheless, try to learn new things about this event that you may have never grasped before. It will help since we are trying to go through the Bible in historical order, tying events and people together – fitting the pieces of the puzzle together, revealing that the whole Bible is centered on the Gospel message of Jesus, and the spread of it.

    We met the young man, Saul, when he was present at the stoning of Stephen. We then read that he was “consenting unto his death” and “made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison” (see Acts 8:1-3). In this lesson, we will find out that he made this his personal priority – persecuting the “disciples of the Lord” (see Acts 9:1-2), until he met Jesus on the road to Damascus.

    There was a drastic change in Saul when he met Jesus – for even his name was changed to Paul. In this study, we will understand that it took time and much study to prepare for the task Jesus had for Paul’s life – to be the Apostle sent to the Gentile people.

    Y3Q2 – Lesson 5 Questions

    Y3Q2 – Lesson 5 Children’s Worksheets

    If you are teaching this lesson to children, the following are a couple of craft ideas to help them remember this lesson about Paul:

    The Biblical Path of Life – Year Three, Quarter Two is available through Amazon.

  • David

    “And David behaved himself wisely in all his ways; and the LORD was with him.”

    1 Samuel 18:14

    Saul was the first king of Israel. Samuel declared God would remove the kingdom from Saul and his family because of rebellion and disobedience to God’s Word. “And the LORD said unto Samuel, How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? fill thine horn with oil, and go, I will send thee to Jesse the Bethlehemite: for I have provided me a king among his sons” (1 Samuel 16:1). God rejected Saul as the king of His people, but He had chosen one who would fulfill God’s will (see Acts 13:22).

    Samuel anointed David with oil. Up to this point in the Bible, the priests were anointed, and Saul had been anointed. Yet, we do not read that Samuel mentions to David why he has been anointed. “Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah” (1 Samuel 16:13). However, notice that the Spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward. It makes one wonder if at this point, David thought in his heart that all there was to that anointing was that the Spirit of the Lord upon him.

    In the next chapter of 1 Samuel, we read of David and his mighty victory over Goliath. See where David is in 1 Samuel chapter 18: “And David went out whithersoever Saul sent him, and behaved himself wisely: and Saul set him over the men of war, and he was accepted in the sight of all the people, and also in the sight of Saul’s servants” (1 Samuel 18:5). It is shortly after this, because the people ascribe the death of ten thousand of the enemy to David, “And Saul eyed David from that day and forward” (1 Samuel 18:9). Yet, understand the following: “And David behaved himself wisely in all his ways; and the LORD was with him” (1 Samuel 18:14).

    King Saul offered his daughter, Michal, to David as his wife if he would kill one hundred Philistines (the Israelite’s’ enemy). “… But Saul thought to make David fall by the hand of the Philistines” (1 Samuel 18:25b). Saul wanted David to die at the hand of the Philistines. David killed two hundred Philistines to win the hand of Michal. “And Saul was yet the more afraid of David; and Saul became David’s enemy continually” (1 Samuel 18:29). It tells us that David behaved himself more wisely than all of the servants of Saul (see 1 Samuel 18:30). David was just serving God and his king. We see nothing in David’s actions that reveal he had heard that he was to be the next king of Israel. Samuel knew, but up to this point we do not read that he had told David.

    During all of this, King Saul’s son, Jonathan became great friends with David. He helped David elude King Saul’s attempts upon David’s life more than once. David fled for his life from Saul (see 1 Samuel 19:8-17). “So David fled, and escaped, and came to Samuel to Ramah, and told him all that Saul had done to him. And he and Samuel went and dwelt in Naioth” (1 Samuel 19:18). One cannot help but wonder if David had many questions for Samuel. Why did Samuel anoint him? Why did King Saul continually try to kill David? What is going on? Do you suppose that it is at this point in time that Samuel tells David that God had chosen him to become the next king of Israel?

    When King Saul heard that David fled to Samuel, he sent messengers to take David. Some interesting things happen. When the messengers came to take David, the Spirit of God came upon them and they prophesied. This happened three times, so Saul decided to go himself. Read what happened: “23. And he (Saul) went thither to Naioth in Ramah: and the Spirit of God was upon him also, and he went on, and prophesied, until he came to Naioth in Ramah. 24. And he stripped off his clothes also, and prophesied before Samuel in like manner, and lay down naked all that day and all that night. Wherefore they say, Is Saul also among the prophets?” (1 Samuel 19:23-24). In this verse, stripped off his clothes means “he laid aside his armor and his royal vestments.” Do you suppose this happened to confirm to David what Samuel had told him? That one day, Saul would no longer be king, and that one day David would become the king of Israel? Wouldn’t that be like something God would do for David? To confirm that one day David would be king in place of Saul?

    At this point in David’s life, he began to flee. “And David fled from Naioth in Ramah, and came and said before Jonathan, What have I done? what is mine iniquity? and what is my sin before thy father, that he seeketh my life?” (1 Samuel 20:1). David had done nothing worthy of death by King Saul. However, as you read chapter twenty, there is a great covenant made between these friends: Jonathan and David. One can almost gather that Jonathan now understands that David will one day become the king of Israel. Moreover, Jonathan is fully supportive of his friend, David. David spends the next several years running from King Saul. Yet, one can recognize God’s hand upon David’s life. During these years, God was preparing David to become the great king of His people.

    Have you learned to behave yourself wisely (like David), even when you do not fully understand the plans God has for your life?

  • Saul

    “Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.”

    Psalm 19:13

    Samuel was an important man in the Old Testament. He was called as a young boy and lived a faithful life serving God as a judge, priest, and a prophet. However, when he was old, the people of Israel declared that they wanted a king. “And said unto him, Behold, thou art old, and thy sons walk not in thy ways: now make us a king to judge us like all the nations” (1 Samuel 8:5). Samuel was not pleased. However, he obeyed God and anointed the people a king (see 1 Samuel 8:7). His name was Saul.

    Saul became the first king of Israel. God gave him what he would need to be a great king. Saul was:

    • goodly, handsome, and head and shoulders taller than all (see 1 Samuel 9:2)
    • given a new heart by God (see 1 Samuel 10:9),
    • given the Spirit of God that would come upon him (see 1 Samuel 10:6, 10)
    • given loyal friends (see 1 Samuel 11:12)
    • privileged with the guidance and prayers of Samuel (see 1 Samuel 12:23)

    When Saul began, he looked, acted and sounded like a great king. He led the people into a victorious battle against the enemy (see 1 Samuel 11). Yet in spite of these advantages given to him by God, he failed miserably. It was not long before Saul chose:

    • to become deceitful (see 1 Samuel 13:3-4 where he took credit for Jonathan’s victory)
    • to become impatience (see 1 Samuel 13:9-11 after he had been told to wait in 1 Samuel 10:8)
    • to show irreverent presumption (see 1 Samuel 13:12-14)
    • to become prideful (see 1 Samuel 14)
    • to be disobedient to God’s Word (see 1 Samuel 15)
    • to became presumptuous in his sin against God (see 1 Samuel 15:19-21), falsely proclaiming he obeyed God and blaming the people for his sin.

    It was at this point in Saul’s kingdom that God rejected him as king of Israel.

    What is a presumptuous sin? Sins that are committed with knowledge: “If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloke for their sin” (John 15:22). Read the prayer in Psalms. “Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression” (Psalm 19:13).

    Saul was not disadvantaged. God had given him everything he would need to become a great king. Yet with all that he had all going for him, Saul chose to disobey God’s Word. “22. And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. 23. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king” (1 Samuel 15:22-23). God wanted obedience above all else. Because he disobeyed God, God rejected him as king.

    Saul could have repented at that point. Instead, he only admitted that he had sinned. There was no change in his attitude or life. “24. And Saul said unto Samuel, I have sinned: for I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD, and thy words: because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice. 25. Now therefore, I pray thee, pardon my sin, and turn again with me, that I may worship the LORD” (1 Samuel 15:24-25). Notice that Saul wanted forgiveness of sin, but he did not want to turn from that sin. Repentance would have been revealed if Saul had wanted to turn from that sin. Instead, he wanted Samuel to turn with Saul. That was the opposite of what was required for forgiveness. Why wouldn’t Samuel turn with Saul? “And Samuel said unto Saul, I will not return with thee: for thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, and the LORD hath rejected thee from being king over Israel” (1 Samuel 15:26). Samuel understood what Saul was saying. Remember what happened when Samuel would not return with Saul. “27. And as Samuel turned about to go away, he laid hold upon the skirt of his mantle, and it rent. 28. And Samuel said unto him, The LORD hath rent the kingdom of Israel from thee this day, and hath given it to a neighbour of thine, that is better than thou” (1 Samuel 15:27-28). The thing that determined the removal of the kingdom from Saul and his family was when he disobeyed God and determined to continue in that choice. God would choose a man who would seek after God’s heart. A man who would obey God. Read how it is explained to us in the New Testament. “And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will” (Acts 13:22).

    Apart from God, Saul was just another man. When God allowed Saul to become the first king of Israel, Saul had the opportunity to be a mighty leader who followed God and led the people back into a right relationship with God. However, when Saul became proud, presumptuous, and refused to obey God’s Word, he failed disastrously. When Saul would not repent and turn back to God, he then lost the kingdom to a man who sought after God’s own heart.

    Have you chosen to obey God, and not continue in presumptuous sin against God?

  • Grieve not the Spirit

    “And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.”

    Ephesians 4:30

    Saul was king of Israel. God’s Spirit was upon him, yet Saul chose to sin against God. When confronted with that sin, Saul did not repent (see 1 Samuel 13 and 15). Instead, he chose to continue in that sin. God removed His spirit from King Saul. In its place, God allowed an evil spirit to trouble King Saul (see 2 Samuel 16:14). God sent Samuel to anoint a young man, David, to become the next king of Israel. “Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward …” (1 Samuel 16:13).

    God had chosen David. “But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7). Later, David became the next king of Israel. God’s Spirit was with David. When David willfully sinned, he was confronted with that sin. Nathan the prophet told David a story of one who had done wrong. David declared that the man should die for his sin (see 2 Samuel 12:1-6). “And Nathan said to David, Thou art the man …” (2 Samuel 7a). David’s response? “And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the LORD. And Nathan said unto David, The LORD also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die” (2 Samuel 12:13). We should recognize that David immediately repented. He wrote Psalm 51 revealing his heart as he sought repentance from God. It would be good to read the entire Psalm, but especially consider the following: “1. Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. 2. Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. 3. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. 4. Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight … 7. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow … 9. Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. 10. Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. 11. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. 12. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. 13. Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee” (Psalm 51:1-4, 7, 9-13).

    David had witnessed what happened in King Saul’s life when God’s Spirit was removed, and an evil spirit troubled King Saul. David did not want God to remove His Spirit from him. He not only prayed for forgiveness, but also to wash him thoroughly, cleanse him, and blot out his sin. However, more than that, David asked God to create in him a clean heart and renew a right spirit within him. He wanted the joy of his salvation restored. When this happened, David would be in a position to teach others of the forgiveness of God, showing them the way to be converted to God. What an amazing prayer!

    Today, we understand that when one becomes a Christian, God’s Spirit is given and never taken away (see 2 Corinthians 1:21-22). We are sealed unto the day of redemption. “And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption” (Ephesians 4:30). However, did you notice that we are not to grieve the Holy Spirit? Grieve means “to cause to grieve, make sorrowful”. Ephesians chapter four lists many things Christians are to keep out of their lives. Notice the listing of sin, beginning with the instruction, “that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk” (see Ephesians 4:17-22). It then proceeds to teach, “And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness” (Ephesians 17:24). It gives more instructions for Christians (see Ephesians 17:23-29) before the imperative to “grieve not the holy Spirit”. When a Christian chooses to willfully sin, it is then that the Holy Spirit is grieved (caused to be grieved, made sorrowful). We are encouraged to refrain from sin. However, when we do sin (because we are a sinful people living in a sinful world), we should learn by example. King Saul did not repent, choosing instead to remain in his sin. On the other hand, after David was convicted of his sin, he immediately repented and prayed to God. David turned from that sin, with a changed heart, back to God. Although there were consequences for David’s sin, God did not turn from David or remove His hand from David’s life. David became the greatest king that Israel ever had. “And when he had removed him (King Saul), he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will”(Acts 13:22). 

    Have you chosen to willfully sin, grieving the Holy Spirit?

    Or

    Have you “put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness”?

    http://biblicalpath.com/index.php/how-to-be-saved/

  • The End from the Beginning

    “Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:”

    Isaiah 46:10

    Have you ever considered the fact that God knows all things, even the things that have not happened yet? As you read your Bible, do you ever notice instances such as these? Sometimes it is just fun to dig into God’s Word and chase down some verses to see where they take you. Often times one will be amazed at the omniscience of God. Consider the following quick run through a certain family line.

    Isaac Rebecca had twin boys, Esau and Jacob. Jacob chose to follow God, and Esau chose to become a profane person (Hebrews 12:15-17). Esau’s descendants became the enemies of God’s people (who were the descendants of Jacob). They had many conflicts through the years. Check out just one of these descendants, Amalek, Esau’s grandson and his lineage.

    Moses had led God’s people out of Egypt, and a people came against them. “Then came Amalek, and fought with Israel in Rephidim” (Exodus 17:8). Joshua led the people to a great victory, while Aaron and Hur held up the arms of Moses (see Exodus 17:8-16). Moses understood that they would have war with Amalek (the Amalekites) from generation to generation.

    When Moses sent twelve spies into Canaan land to bring back a report, we learn that the Amalekites lived in the land of the south (Numbers 13:29). When the spies returned, ten did not believe God would allow them to conquer the land while two, Joshua and Caleb, declared they should go and posses it because they believed God (see Numbers 13:1-33). The people listened to the ten who said they should not go (Numbers 14:1-39). Because they did not like the response of God for their disobedience, they decided to go and try to take the land of Canaan – without the Lord (see Numbers 14:40-45). It was then that the Amalekites and Canaanites defeated God’s people.

    When Moses was preparing the new generation to enter into the Promised Land (the land of Canaan), he gave many instructions. Read one of the following: “17. Remember what Amalek did unto thee by the way, when ye were come forth out of Egypt; 18. How he met thee by the way, and smote the hindmost of thee, even all that were feeble behind thee, when thou wast faint and weary; and he feared not God. 19. Therefore it shall be, when the LORD thy God hath given thee rest from all thine enemies round about, in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance to possess it, that thou shalt blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven; thou shalt not forget it” (Deuteronomy 25:17-19). However, there is no mention of eliminating the people of Amalek found in the book of Joshua.

    If you remember, because they did not eliminate the enemies of Canaan land, they then became a thorn in the side of God’s people. God’s people would forget Him, God would allow the enemy to oppress His people, the people would cry out to God, and God would send a deliverer. We can read that the Amalekites were one of their enemies (see Judges 3:12-13). One of the most famous encounters in the book of Judges is when the people of Amalek joined the Moabites and went up against the Israelites when God rose up Gideon to be their judge (see Judges 6-7). We read that God allowed Gideon to defeat them with only 300 men. However, God delivered His people from the Amalekites other times in the book of Judges (see Judges 10:11-12).

    Years later, when Saul was king, God wanted the Amalekites destroyed. “2. Thus saith the LORD of hosts, I remember that which Amalek did to Israel, how he laid wait for him in the way, when he came up from Egypt. 3. Now go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have …” (1 Samuel 15:2-3). God even told them why He wanted them destroyed. You may remember that Saul kept the king, Agag, alive with some of the oxen and sheep. When Samuel asked King Saul about it, Saul declared he had obeyed God. Nevertheless, because he had not, God removed the kingdom from Saul. Samuel did what King Saul had refused to do: kill King Agag. A few years later, David fought the Amalekites (see 1 Samuel 27:8). The Amalekites invaded and stole the wives of David and his men (see 1 Samuel 30:1-20). David again defeated them. Not much else is mentioned about the Amalekites. However, one may notice that something interesting happens. We meet someone who is an Agagite.

    Most people remember the events of Esther. The enemy of the Israelite people (the Jews) is Haman. “And the king took his ring from his hand, and gave it unto Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, the Jews’ enemy” (Esther 3:10). Notice he is the Agagite. He was most likely a descendant of Amalekite kings (remember King Agag that Saul was to kill). Haman plotted to annihilate the Jewish people. Because of Queen Esther’s obedience and bravery, she was able to save her people. Moreover, Haman the Agagite (and his ten sons) was hanged. We do not read of the Amalekites or the Agagites coming against God’s people again. Does this help you understand why God repeatedly told His people to “blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven” (Deuteronomy 25:19)?

    Do you believe that God knows the end from the beginning? “Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure” (Isaiah 46:10).

    Do you recognize God has a plan because He knows all?Have you chosen to do what God has planned for your life, much as Esther obeyed God’s plan?

  • Barnabas, a Friend

    “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
    2 Timothy 2:15

    The Gospel message began to spread out of Jerusalem after Stephen’s death. This event let to the church being persecuted. One of the great persecutors of the church, Saul, met Jesus and was saved on the road to Damascus. There was a drastic change in Saul when he met Jesus – for even his name was later changed to Paul. However, it took time for the Believers in the church to recognize and understand this fact.

    God gave a couple of men that helped during that time. One was Ananias, whom God sent to speak with Saul first. This was important. Remember that Ananias had a message from God that Saul was chosen by God to “bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel” (Acts 9:15). Keep in mind that Saul had been one of the religious leaders, a Pharisee, having been trained and taught in the Old Testament Scriptures. Saul later declared before the council, “… Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee …” (Acts 23:6). He was a Pharisee, taught in the ways of the Pharisees in the “Jews’ religion.” Although he knew the Old Testament Scriptures, he needed to understand them anew after having believed Jesus was a fulfillment of those Scriptures. It would take time and much study to prepare for the task Jesus had for Paul’s life – to be the Apostle sent to the Gentile people. As we can read in Galatians, when he left Damascus, there was a three-year period that Saul was taught by Jesus, enabling him to preach the Gospel (see Galatians 1:10-19). Those three years were very important. He had to know and understand the Gospel message before he would be able to share it with others.

    After those three years of learning from Jesus, Saul returned to Jerusalem. “And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple” (Acts 9:26). Saul was an unusual case – for he had been a viable threat to Believers, also called disciples of Jesus. Remember: he had been on a mission to arrest and kill them. Because of this, most Believers were afraid of Saul. Understand that they did not believe that he had become a disciple. “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 he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus” (Acts 9:27). Nevertheless, see that God gave Saul an ally, a friend, in Barnabas. Do you remember Barnabas? He was one of the many Believers who sold their possessions, lands and houses and brought the money to the apostles (see Acts 4:36-37). The early Believers helped one another. This is yet another opportunity that Jesus was able to use Barnabas: he was a vocal friend of Saul’s.

    Although the new Believers were going out from Jerusalem into the surrounding areas, they still only told Jewish people about Jesus. There was a report that was sent back from Antioch to Jerusalem declaring many believed and turned to the Lord. When the report was received, they sent Barnabas to go to Antioch. Recognize how Barnabas is described here: “23. Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord. 24. For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord” (Acts 11:23-24). He faithfully taught the people, and many more believed in Jesus.

    Read what happened next: “25. Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul: 26. And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch” (Acts 11:25-26). Barnabas went and found Saul. They worked together, teaching the people about Jesus. It was at this time in Antioch that the disciples were first called Christians.

    Shortly thereafter, we understand that God had a special job for Barnabas and Saul. “As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them” (Acts 13:2). And the people sent them – just as God wanted. When Saul begins his ministry to the Gentiles, he is no longer known as Saul, but Paul. “Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost …” (Acts 13:9). This began the First Missionary Journey of Paul and Barnabas.

    It is very important for each person who becomes a Christian, to learn the truths found in God’s Word – so they will be able to share those truths with others (“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” 2 Timothy 2:15). This takes time, and much reading of the Bible. A good Christian friend helps tremendously! Just as Barnabas helped Saul (Paul).

    Are you one who has shown yourself approved unto God, a workman, and even a friend, who will share the Gospel of Jesus?

  • Be Faithful

    “Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful”
    1 Corinthians 4:2

    God has a special plan for each Christian’s life. It is important to read God’s Word (Bible), hearing from God, to learn what that plan is. It is then a choice to either follow God’s plan for that life, or choose to disregard what God has planned. There are many examples of this in the Bible. Consider the following events.

    Saul had been with the religious leaders when Stephen was stoned because he spoke of Jesus. In Acts chapter nine, we read that Saul went to Damascus to find anyone who followed Jesus so he could take them bound to Jerusalem. “And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went …” (Acts 9:1). However, on the way, Saul saw the glory of the Lord revealed to him and was told to go to Damascus and wait. It is here that we are introduced to a “certain disciple at Damascus” whose name was Ananias. He lived in Damascus at this time. The Lord came to Ananias in a vision, and told him to go, “… and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, 12. And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight” (Acts 9:11-12). 

    Once again God called one of his disciples (a Christian) to go and speak His Words to one particular individual (remember Philip who was sent to the Ethiopian Eunuch). Saul would be expecting Ananias to come see him. What did Ananias do? “13. Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: 14. And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name” (Acts 9:13-14). Ananias was understandably afraid. He had heard of Saul. He also knew what Saul was doing to anyone who believed in Jesus. “But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel” (Acts 9:15). Chosen vessel means “a person as the instrument of usefulness for someone.” God had plans for Saul – just as He has plans for each person who belongs to Him. God told Ananias what His plans for Saul were – to tell the Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel about Jesus.

    Ananias was asked to do something very difficult. He had a choice to make. Obey God, or walk away in fear. “And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight …” (Acts 9:17). Recognize that Ananias trusted in God, more than he was afraid of Saul. Ananias believed the Lord when He said that Saul was a chosen vessel for God, and he greeted Saul as, “Brother Saul.” What happened to Saul? He received his sight. This sight was more than physical sight. Read how Saul (later called Paul) described the lost condition of a life apart from Jesus and His Gospel message: “3. But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: 4. In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. 5. For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” (2 Corinthians 4:3-6). Saul’s (Paul’s) eyes and his heart had been blinded. Yet he received the Truth of God’s Word and believed. He not only believed in Jesus, but he became a servant who told many others about Christ Jesus the Lord. What did Saul do after he believed in Jesus and received his sight? “And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God” (Acts 9:20). There was a change that took place in Saul’s heart that was pictured in his life when he was blinded and then received his sight. He had been brought out of the darkness into the “light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.”

    This is a great testimony to the faithfulness of Ananias. He chose to go speak to Saul – just as the Lord had told him to do. This event should encourage us never to be afraid to obey God’s will. “1. Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:1-2). The mystery of God is the introduction into the truths of the Gospel message. Never undervalue the importance of sharing the Gospel message with one individual who may be brought to Christ. Saul (Paul) was important to God.

    Are you a faithful steward of the mysteries of God, willing to share the Gospel message when God asks?

    How to be Saved

  • Christians who Endure Troubles and Sufferings

    “Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.”
    Acts 8:4

    Stephen preached Jesus from the Old Testament to the religious leaders, but instead of receiving the truths he taught, they rejected those Words and killed him. He was the first person who was killed because he believed in, and preached, Jesus. It was at the time of his death that we were also introduced to one of the religious men present at Stephen’s death – a young man named Saul.

    “And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles” (Acts 8:1). Recognize that this incident was the catalyst for a great persecution against the church. After learning of Stephen’s death, people became afraid. Because of this fear, many of the people scattered abroad. Did you notice to whom the persecution was initially directed? The church. And they scattered abroad. The people of the church who scattered were new Believers. They had just believed upon Jesus a short time before, and they were just beginning to learn and grow in this new life. These new Believers were encouraged to continue, “stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers” (Acts 2:42). When Stephen was killed, many fled Jerusalem. What did the Apostles do? They stayed in Jerusalem. It would be later that the persecution would come directly to them. They stayed in Jerusalem, available, where the people could find them.

    Some people remained in Jerusalem, mourning the death of Stephen. Because “Saul was consenting unto his death,” read his response to this new “church” that was being formulated. “As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison” (Acts 8:3). We read that Saul “made havock” of the church. Made havock means “destruction; to ravage, waste; to disgrace as by insult; treat with indignity; injure or destroy.” Saul entered into houses and took men and women to prison – all because they belonged to the church.

    There is something very important that Christians today can learn from this event. Who is the enemy of a Christian? “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). The devil (Satan) is the enemy. We can read from this verse that he attacks and wants to destroy Christians. Our adversary, the devil, will attack all Christians. And he uses people to do his job. Remember that in the early establishment of the church, the first persecution was directed at one (Stephen) who was vocal, teaching Jesus aloud to the religious leaders. Stephen was physically silenced. Next, the persecution was against the church. This was all new. They had just experienced the most wonderful event in their lives. They had believed in Jesus, who had died for their sin paying their debt. They had experienced what we can now read in the following verse: “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17). I am sure that they had not expected this great persecution! We can read of a warning that was later written to the leaders of the church: “For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock” (Acts 20:29).

    It is easy to see an event, like the death of Stephen, as tragic. And it was! He was a great man of God who did much good for the church in his short ministry. In addition, the persecution of the church was a terrible event, for people were imprisoned because they believed in Jesus. However, in hindsight, we can see much good that came from the martyrdom of Stephen and the persecution of the early church. The church that was in Jerusalem began to scatter abroad – throughout Judea and Samaria. Do you remember what Jesus wanted the Believers to do? “… And ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth” (Acts 1:8b). Thus far, the church was growing in Jerusalem. Once this started, the people began to scatter. “Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word” (Acts 8:4). As they scattered abroad, they began to spread the Gospel message everywhere, all because of the persecution that came after the tragic death of Stephen. Where did they go? The persecuted church “… all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria …” (Acts 8:1b). Now that persecution had begun, God’s Word was spreading specifically into the areas into which God had told His people to spread the Gospel message.

    Read some encouraging Words that Christians need to understand if, or when, we face persecution: “10. Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. 11. It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: 12. If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us” (2 Timothy 2:9-12). Did you notice why Christians are to understand why we must endure troubles and sufferings? So that people could “obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus.”

    Do you live a Christian life enduring, so others may obtain the salvation, which is in Christ Jesus?

  • A Personal Testimony

    “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
    John 14:6

    There was a very religious man, a Pharisee, named Saul. He witnessed an amazing defense of the Gospel Message of Jesus by Stephen that ended in Stephen’s death. When Saul heard of this new “way,” he actively sought to stop it. Although this may have sounded commendable, he was wrong in his thinking. Saul set out to persecute this new way, putting people in prison (see Acts 8:3). However, in reality, see what this caused: “Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word” (Acts 8:4).

    Saul received special permission to go to Damascus to bring any of “this way,” bound to Jerusalem. As he went, he saw a great light and heard Someone call out his name. When Saul asked who it was, he found out it was Jesus, the one whom Saul was persecuting. When he heard from Jesus, Himself, Saul had much to consider. Jesus told him, to go to the city and wait (see Acts 9:6b). Saul went to the city and waited. “And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink” (Acts 9:9).

    The Lord sent a certain disciple named Ananias to see Saul. Saul received his sight, and more importantly, he received Jesus into his heart and life. Soon, he was no longer called Saul, but Paul. He became a voice preaching the truth of Jesus. He recorded much of the New Testament for us to read today.

    Later, when he was given the opportunity to share just what had happened to him before a great crowd of people (who wanted to kill him), see how he did this.  

    • Paul briefly reminded them of the sinner he was,
    • He spent time explaining the specific call Jesus made to him,
    • He told of his personal response,
    • Then, he told of the particular job Jesus gave to Paul to accomplish with his life. 
    • Paul briefly reminded them of the sinner he was:

    “1. Men, brethren, and fathers, hear ye my defence which I make now unto you … 3. I am verily a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye all are this day. 4. And I persecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women. 5. … and went to Damascus, to bring them which were there bound unto Jerusalem, for to be punished” (Acts 22:1-5). Gamaliel was a doctor of the Law of Moses, and he had at one time been Paul’s teacher. Remember Paul was one of the religious leaders that had hated the Christians. Before Jesus called Paul, Paul persecuted any who believed or taught of “this way.” “This way” in verse 4 refers to what Jesus had said in John 14:6: “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”  Jesus is The Way. 

    • He spent time explaining the specific call Jesus made to him & he told of his personal response:

    “6. And it came to pass, that, as I made my journey, and was come nigh unto Damascus about noon, suddenly there shone from heaven a great light round about me. 7. And I fell unto the ground, and heard a voice saying unto me, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? 8. And I answered, Who art thou, Lord? And he said unto me, I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom thou persecutest. 9. And they that were with me saw indeed the light, and were afraid; but they heard not the voice of him that spake to me. 10. And I said, What shall I do, Lord? And the Lord said unto me, Arise, and go into Damascus; and there it shall be told thee of all things which are appointed for thee to do. 11. And when I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of them that were with me, I came into Damascus. 12. And one Ananias, a devout man … 13. Came unto me, and stood, and said unto me, Brother Saul, receive thy sight. And the same hour I looked up upon him. 14. And he said, The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know his will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth. 15. For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard.” (Acts 22:6-15). 

    • And then the particular job Jesus gave to Paul to accomplish with his life:

    Paul (Saul) was saved when Jesus called him, and he responded to that call. However, God had a job for him to do. “18. And saw him saying unto me, Make haste, and get thee quickly out of Jerusalem: for they will not receive thy testimony concerning me. … 21. And he said unto me, Depart: for I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles” (Acts 22:17-21).  Jesus called Paul, he believed and was saved, and then God sent him to preach Jesus – primarily to the Gentiles.

    This is a good basis for anyone to use who will give their testimony of the time they gave their heart and life to Jesus. Spend time understanding how to simply share. A personal testimony of when Jesus called upon one’s heart is pivotal in witnessing to someone else. 

    Have you ever shared your personal salvation experience with anyone else?

    How to be Saved