Overview

This passage presents us with “Luke’s succinct remarks about the earliest stages of Saul’s missionary career, followed by another summary statement in 9:31. The latter is related to what proceeds it by the fact that one of the contributing causes of the ‘peace’ that depended upon the church and various parts of the Holy Land was first the conversion of Saul, who had spearheaded the persecution of the church, and secondly the removal of the always controversial Saul from the premise of the Holy Land. As B. R. Gaventa points out, Saul is portrayed as an overthrown enemy in the conversion accounts, a portrayal in part based on the fact that even some of his newfound Christian friends appear to have had certain suspicions about Saul, perhaps due to the suddenness of his volte-face.” (Witherington & Gaventa)

People

Barnabas — In the book of Acts, we find a Levite from Cyprus named Joses (Acts 4:36), whom the apostles called Barnabas. That nickname, translated “Son of Encouragement” (Acts 4:36–37) or “Son of Exhortation” was probably given to him because of his inclination to serve others (Acts 4:36–37, 9:27) and his willingness to do whatever church leaders needed (Acts 11:25–31). He is referred to as a “good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith.” Through his ministry, “a great number of people were brought to the Lord” (Acts 11:24). Paul uses Barnabas as an example of one with a proper perspective on money and property. When he sold his land, he brought the proceeds to the apostles and laid it at their feet (Acts 4:36–37). (gotquestions.org)

Background

Damascus — This was one of the most ancient and most important of the cities of Syria. It is situated 130 miles northeast of Jerusalem, in a plain of vast size and of extreme fertility, on the edge of the desert. This fertile plain, which is nearly circular and about 30 miles in diameter. Here the apostle Paul was converted and preached the gospel. Acts 9:1–25 Damascus has always been a great center for trade. Its present population is from 100,000 to 150,000. It has a delightful climate. Certain localities are shown as the site of those scriptural events which especially interest us in its history. Queen’s Street, which runs straight through the city from east to west, may be the street called Straight referenced earlier in Acts 9:11. The house of Judas and that of Ananias are shown, but little confidence can be placed in any of these traditions. (Smith’s)

This is the wall Paul would have been lowered down in an escape out of Damascus.

Christianity spread quickly into Damascus due to the centrality of the city and the trade routes running through it.

Key Ideas

Causing havoc — This word means to have laid waste, destroy, ravage, and/or harass.

Stir up — This Greek word comes from 2 words: sýn, “identified with” and xeō, “to pour.” Properly, pour out together, i.e. in combination. Basically, it means to bewilder, stir up, throw into confusion.

Son of God — This is the only mention in Acts of someone proclaiming Jesus as the “Son of God” (but cf. 13:33). This fact reflects the clear understanding of Jesus that Saul had — even so shortly after his conversion. As used in the Old Testament, this title referred to Israel (Exod. 4:22; Hos. 11:1), Israel’s anointed king (2 Sam. 7:14; Ps. 89:26), and the Messiah (Ps. 2:7). Saul recognized that Jesus was the Son of God predicted there. He used this title for Jesus frequently in his epistles (Rom. 1:3–4, 9; 5:10; 8:3, 29, 32; 1 Cor. 1:9; 15:28; 2 Cor. 1:19; Gal. 1:16; 2:20; 4:4, 6; 1 Thess. 1:10). (Constable)

Peace — The word means peace, peace of mind; the invocation of peace is a common Jewish farewell, in the Hebraistic sense of the health (welfare) of an individual. It comes from 2 Greek words: eirō, “to join, tie together into a whole”) – properly, wholeness, when all essential parts are joined together; peace(God’s gift of wholeness).

Built Up — This is to erect a building, build; figurative of the building up of character: build up, edify, encourage. This word is from 2 Greek words: oíkos, “a house” and domeō, “to build” – properly, to build a house (home, edifice). Figuratively, the word means to edify. Literally, it means to “build someone up,” helping them to stand, to be strong or sturdy.

Comfort — This is the act of exhortation, entreaty, encouragement, comfort. Properly, this is a call (urging), done by someone “close beside,” (i.e. a personal exhortation that delivers the “evidence that stands up in God’s court.”)

Summary — This statement is Luke’s third major progress report on the state of the church (cf. 2:47; 6:7; 12:24; 16:5; 19:20; 28:30–31). It closes this section dealing with the church’s expansion in Judea and Samaria (6:8 — 9:31). The Lord had added about 3,000 believers to the core group of disciples (2:41). Then He added more who became Christians day by day (2:47). Shortly after that, He added multitudes of new believers (5:14). Then we read the number of disciples increased greatly (6:7). Now we read that the church “. . . continued to increase” (9:31). (Constable)

Quotes

“No one persecutes a man who is ineffective and who obviously does not matter. George Bernard Shaw once said that the biggest compliment you can pay an author is to burn his books. Someone has said, ‘A wolf will never attack a painted sheep.’ Counterfeit Christianity is always safe. Real Christianity is always in peril. To suffer persecution is to be paid the greatest of compliments because it is the certain proof that men think we really matter.” -Barclay

“Saul’s plans for persecuting Christians in Damascus took a strange turn; he had entered the city blind and left in a basket! Ironically he became the object of persecution.” -Toussaint

“Imagine how difficult it must have been for those Christians who had relatives whom Saul had persecuted to sit down with him in church meetings and share the Lord’s Supper.” -Constable

References

2 Corinthians 11:32–33 — “In Damascus the governor under King Aretas had the city of the Damascenes guarded in order to arrest me. But I was lowered in a basket from a window in the wall and slipped through his hands.”

Possible Discussion Points

• One of the most compelling arguments to win people over for Jesus can be a transformed life. Paul’s conversion proved “that Jesus was the Messiah.” Where do you see transformation in your life that would fill others with wonder? What areas of your life do you still need to lay before Jesus and trust in his power for transformation?
• When was the last time you took someone into your community, home, or even your life who didn't seem trustworthy? Do you allow your communion with the Holy Spirit to surpass your fear or lack of trust with people? It isn't that every person should take in everyone they encounter, but are we listening to Jesus and allowing our faith to be bigger than our desire for security?

Theological Note

Many commentators spend pages upon pages reconciling the differences of Paul’s timeline between Galatians and Acts. Paul tells his story differently depending on the audience, purpose, and genre. As a result, we tend to have differing accounts of Paul’s early life. This guide isn't meant to serve as an extended explanation of this harmony, however I will provide this image which serves as a broad overview, giving some explanation.