Acts 9:20-31 Questions for Discussion and Reflection

Luke reports in Acts 9:20 that following his conversion to Christ Saul (Paul) “Immediately began proclaiming Jesus in the synagogues: ‘He is the Son of God.’” After leaving Damascus Paul, by his own account says that he withdrew to Arabia for nearly three years to be prepared for ministry. How is Paul’s example of “immediately proclaiming Jesus” not at odds with time set aside for discipleship and preparation for ministry? (See also 1 Timothy 3:6)

Saul’s message was Jesus is the “Son of God.” What is the significance of the title “Son of God”? 2 Samuel 7:12-16; Psalm 2:7; Matthew 8:29; 16:16; Mark 1:1; Luke 1:35; 22:70; John 1:18; 3:16; Acts 13:33-34

How were the “brothers” (Acts 9:30), Ananias, Barnabas, James and Peter (Galatians 1:18-19) indispensible to Saul’s early discipleship and preparation for ministry. According to Galatians 1:16 what were they, or anyone else, unable to do for Saul? What insight does this provide to the concept that the Christian life is “personal but not private?”

What is the relationship of the “fear of the Lord” and “encouragement of the Holy Spirit”?

Life-Application:

As a result of this study, what ministry is God calling you to immediately pursue? For what ministry are you preparing?

Who is your discipler (mentor)? Who are you discipling?