1) What words would you use to describe Saul’s conversion (9:3-6)? How does this compare to your experience?
2) “We don’t have to understand all God does to obey what He says.” What do you think about that statement? What are some things that challenge you in this regard?
3) What does it mean to be an encourager? Is there someone that encourages you? Is there someone that you encourage?
“Radical” is an understatement when it comes to the nature of Saul’s conversion. The way he experienced Jesus and the result of this encounter show the significance of the event. Most of us don’t have a story quite as extreme. However, the significance of what God did is no less radical.
Ananias had a good point; Saul was a bad guy (9:13-14). But God had a purpose for Saul. In fact, God had chosen Saul for an incredible purpose. Once again we realize that God’s ways are not our ways. In the end, Ananias had to choose to defer to God and follow His command. We don’t have to understand it all; we just have to obey.
We briefly met Barnabas in 4:36 where we saw his generosity in selling land and giving to those in need. In that passage, we saw that Barnabas was the name given to him by the apostles; a name that means Son of Encouragement. In 9:27 we find Barnabas standing for Saul before the apostles. How great to have someone standing with you and for you as you journey through life. How great to be that person for someone else.
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