What was the following ten years for?
a period of preparation for a larger and wider ministry
What was God’s purpose in calling Saul?
- to take the gospel of Jesus to the principle cities
- bring the gospel to the Jews and gentiles
the teachings of the new testament be laid down by Paul - he may carry out building the church
What happened in Arabia?
- after soul’s conversion he stayed in Damascus for a short while
- he needed to be alone and reflect his new experience and Christs vision- so he went to the Arabian desert where he spent about three years with the lord
- Saul returned with deep conviction and determination to spread the gospel
What happened back at Damascus?
- he started preaching at Jewish synagogues that Jesus was the Messiah - people were amazed at the drastic change in his character
- disappointed the Jews plot to kill him- they kept watch on him day and night at the city gates to catch him
- the believers realised and Saul was let down thru a wall in a large basket at night
How did Paul feel after his escape and why?
He felt satisfaction as god saved him despite his past and because god chose him to be a preacher of the gospel of salvation
What happened in Jerusalem?
- he arrived as a strong witness of Christ but Christians were doubtful so they did not accept him
- Barnabas praised Saul to the apostles and the church of Judea
Why could Paul not stay at Jerusalem long?
the Jews were angered by his conversion and wanted to kill him which put the church in danger so Saul asked god and god directed him to move away (he went to tarsus)
What happened at Tarsus?
Saul spent about eight years and during this he testified about the lord. Meanwhile, he was being prepared spiritually and mentally for a wider ministry
What happened at Antioch?
the scattered believers (Stephen) evangelized to the Greek as well. The house of Cornelius was opened to gentiles.
- when this news reached the apostles Barnabas was sent to Antioch
- after watching them he decided Paul was more fit for this field.
- so they worked together and saved many people
- The disciples were first called Christians at Antioch
How was the church at Antioch faithful in financial matter?
when believers in Judea had a great famine, Antioch helped them financially- the collection they had raised was sent to Jerusalem
