Acts 9:20-31 Saul Gets Mentioned

My commentary said it is likely that Saul's visit to Arabia noted in Gal. 1:17 took place between Acts 9:21 and 22.  After 3 years he was back in Jerusalem.  We aren't told much about that trip, but Warren Wiersbe thinks the Lord instructed him to get alone so that He might teach Saul His Word.  "The important thing about this Arabian sojourn is the fact that Saul did not confer with flesh and blood but received his message and mandate directly from the Lord (Gal 1:10-24).  He did not borrow anything from the apostles in Jerusalem, because he didn't even meet them until 3 years after his conversion."

Upon returning, he met the Jerusalem believers.  First, he was rejected.  "He kept trying to get into their fellowship, but they would not accept him ... They did not believe that he was even a disciple of Jesus Christ, let alone an apostle who had seen the risen Savior."

Finally, Saul was accepted.  "It was Barnabas who helped the Jerusalem church accept Saul ... Barnabas took hold of Saul, brought him to the church leaders, and convinced them that Saul was both a believer and a chosen apostle.  He had indeed seen the risen Christ ... Saul moves off the scene and now Peter returns.  Soon, Peter will move off the scene and Paul will fill the pages of the book of Acts.  God changes His workmen, but His work goes on.  And you and I are privileged to be a part of that work today!"

Father, I thank You for the ministry You've given me, and how You have shown me that in the last few days to remind me.  Help me to be the face of Jesus to those You are sending my way.

 

Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford