where Saul was going and why.
3 As he traveled and was nearing Damascus,
a light from heaven suddenly flashed around him.
4 Falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him,
“Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?”
Christ holds people accountable for how they respond to Him.
Encourage adults to share what they know about Saul of Tarsus.
Review Acts 9:1-2.
Saul was a devout Jew and opponent of Jesus.
Note the location of Jerusalem on Pack Item 1 (Map: Expansion of the Early Church in Palestine).
Point out that Damascus was so far to the north that it isn’t even on this map.
this is evidence of Saul’s commitment to destroy the church.
Saul’s mission
Acts 9:1 states that Saul was “breathing threats and murder” against the church.
The Greek word for “breathing” involves inhaling.
In a sense, every breath Saul took was dedicated to destroying the church.
It was his life mission.
The word translated “threats” suggests a menacing posture or attitude.
Paul used the same word in Ephesians 6:9, where he urged masters to avoid threatening their slaves.
“Murder” indicates an intentional and unjustified act of killing.
It could also be rendered “slaughter.”
The high priest mentioned in 9:1 was probably Caiaphas (John 18:12-14).
The Sanhedrin, led by the high priest,
had already been persecuting believers,
and they gave their blessing to Saul’s efforts to root out believers
and destroy the church.
The letters were likely documents of introduction from the Sanhedrin to the synagogues in Damascus,
encouraging local leaders to help Saul track down Christians.
Highlight that Jesus took Saul’s attacks personally.
4) Falling:
The supernatural flash from heaven was so forceful that it knocked Saul to the ground.
Throughout Scripture, people fell to the ground when encountering God
The usual pattern involves the messenger telling them to stand up
and to not be afraid.
In Saul’s case, no reassuring word came,4) Voice:
similar to other calls, such as Moses, Isaiah, Jeremiah and Ezekiel.
4) Persecuting me:
The wording suggests aggressively chasing or pursuing someone.
Jesus used the term to describe those who are blessed in the Sermon on the Mount
Saul’s persecution, in reality, was directed at God the Son.
Jesus takes persecution against His people seriously and personally.
And those who oppose Him and His people will be held accountable for their actions