“Saul Before Paul”

Scripture Texts: Acts 8:3; Acts 9:1-2; Acts 22:4

Saul was also trying to destroy the church, going from house to house, dragging out men and women and putting them in jail. Acts 8:3 NCV

In Jerusalem Saul was still threatening the followers of the Lord by saying he would kill them. So he went to the high priest [2] and asked him to write letters to the synagogues in the city of Damascus. Then if Saul found any followers of Christ's Way, men or women, he would arrest them and bring them back to Jerusalem. Acts 9:1-2 NCV

I persecuted people who followed the way {of Christ}: I tied up men and women and put them into prison until they were executed. (Paul Speaking) Acts 22:4 GW

Theme of the Day: X-amine the Evidence

Verse of the Day: The Holy Spirit, whom you received from God, lives in you…
I Corinthians 6:19-20

Bible Study:

One of the last things that Christ told his disciples before He returned to Heaven is found in Acts 1:8.

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

 

“Saul Into Paul”


Scripture Text: Acts 9:3 – 21; Acts 13:9

[3] As Saul was coming near the city of Damascus, a light from heaven suddenly flashed around him. [4] He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, "Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?" [5] Saul asked, "Who are you, sir?" The person replied, "I'm Jesus, the one you're persecuting. [6] Get up! Go into the city, and you'll be told what you should do." [7] Meanwhile, the men traveling with him were speechless. They heard the voice but didn't see anyone. [8] Saul was helped up from the ground. When he opened his eyes, he was blind. So his companions led him into Damascus. [9] For three days he couldn't see and didn't eat or drink. [10] A disciple named Ananias lived in the city of Damascus. The Lord said to him in a vision, "Ananias!" Ananias answered, "Yes, Lord." [11] The Lord told him, "Get up! Go to Judas' house on Straight Street, and ask for a man named Saul from the city of Tarsus. He's praying. [12] In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias place his hands on him to restore his sight." [13] Ananias replied, "Lord, I've heard a lot of people tell about the many evil things this man has done to your people in Jerusalem. [14] Saul has come here to Damascus with authority from the chief priests to put anyone who calls on your name in prison." [15] The Lord told Ananias, "Go! I've chosen this man to bring my name to nations, to kings, and to the people of Israel. [16] I'll show him how much he has to suffer for the sake of my name." [17] Ananias left and entered Judas' house. After he placed his hands on Saul, Ananias said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on your way to Damascus, sent me to you. He wants you to see again and to be filled with the Holy Spirit." [18] Immediately, something like fish scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he could see again. Then Saul stood up and was baptized. [19] After he had something to eat, his strength came back to him. Saul was with the disciples in the city of Damascus for several days. [20] He immediately began to spread the word in their synagogues that Jesus was the Son of God. [21] Everyone who heard him was amazed. They asked, "Isn't this the man who destroyed those who worshiped the one named Jesus in Jerusalem? Didn't he come here to take these worshipers as prisoners to the chief priests {in Jerusalem}?" Acts 9:3-21 GWT

But Saul, also known as Paul, was filled with the Holy Spirit…Acts 13:9 GWT


Theme of the Day: X-isled for God

Verse of the Day: …You don’t belong to yourselves…
I Corinthians 6:19-20

“Saul in the Stall”

Scripture Text: Acts 16:20 – 33

[20] In front of the Roman officials, they said, "These men are stirring up a lot of trouble in our city. They're Jews, [21] and they're advocating customs that we can't accept or practice as Roman citizens." [22] The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas. Then the officials tore the clothes off Paul and Silas and ordered {the guards} to beat them with sticks. [23] After they had hit Paul and Silas many times, they threw them in jail and ordered the jailer to keep them under tight security. [24] So the jailer followed these orders and put Paul and Silas into solitary confinement with their feet in leg irons. [25] Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns of praise to God. The other prisoners were listening to them. [26] Suddenly, a violent earthquake shook the foundations of the jail. All the doors immediately flew open, and all the prisoners' chains came loose. [27] The jailer woke up and saw the prison doors open. Thinking the prisoners had escaped, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself. [28] But Paul shouted as loudly as he could, "Don't hurt yourself! We're all here!" [29] The jailer asked for torches and rushed into the jail. He was trembling as he knelt in front of Paul and Silas. [30] Then he took Paul and Silas outside and asked, "Sirs, what do I have to do to be saved?" [31] They answered, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you and your family will be saved." [32] They spoke the Lord's word to the jailer and everyone in his home. [33] At that hour of the night, the jailer washed Paul and Silas' wounds. The jailer and his entire family were baptized immediately. Acts 16:20-33 GWT

Theme of the Day: X-plore God’s Purpose

Verse of the Day: “…You were bought with a price...”
I Corinthians 6:19 – 20 GWT

 

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