After he was visited by Jesus on his way to Damascus, where he was baptized by Ananias, Saul of Tarsus spent some time with Christians to learn more about the risen Christ, and His ways. When he was deemed ready, Saul began to share the truth about the life, death and resurrection of the Savior.
“20 Immediately he preached the Christ in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God.” (Acts 9:20)
In spite of his reputation as a persecutor of Christians, Saul, previously a Jewish pharisee used synagogues to fulfill his commission to advance the truth about the risen Christ, which had been bestowed upon him by Jesus, then other believers in Damascus.
“21 Then all who heard were amazed, and said, “Is this not he who destroyed those who called on this name in Jerusalem, and has come here for that purpose, so that he might bring them bound to the chief priests?” (Acts 9:21)
Jews who heard Saul preach the gospel, and share the truth about Jesus being the promised Messiah were amazed, and remembered how the pharisee zealously persecuted those who called Jesus Lord, or preached in His name. Saul’s audience were surprised by his new found faith, having not heard of his transformation, which came by faith and baptism at the hands of Ananias, a disciple of the Christ.
“22 But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who dwelt in Damascus, proving that this Jesus is the Christ.” (Acts 9:22)
As Saul continued to fulfill his newly appointed mission in Damascus, he grew in strength and faith. But, like the Christians he persecuted prior to being born again, he would soon be exposed to the unfortunate reality that face missionaries.
“23 Now after many days were past, the Jews plotted to kill him. 24 But their plot became known to Saul. And they watched the gates day and night, to kill him. 25 Then the disciples took him by night and let him down through the wall in a large basket.” (Acts 9:23-25)
After a few years of preaching the truth about the resurrected Christ throughout Arabia, when he returned to Damascus Saul realized his life was in danger. At the request of influential Jews, the city’s leader, a powerful Arabian named Aretas called for Saul to be executed.
Because the gates in Damascus were constantly under watch, the only escape from Damascus was through the window of a house along a wall which surrounded Damascus. It was by this mean the disciples used a basket to lower Saul from a window and allow him to escape death, so he could continue fulfilling his mission to advance the gospel and share the truth about Christ. Let’s pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives and for your servant Luke,
We praise you Lord for his wisdom and for his works through this scripture,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we grow in you through the teachings of your faithful apostle.
Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through truth, the gospel, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.
God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your word, your everlasting wisdom and strength.
May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.
We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: danielstpierre@thrivethroughchrist.com
