Acts 9:1-5 Bible Teaching

From Saul to Paul: The Gospel’s Global Shift

In a teaching session from July 10th, 2016, the focus was on a pivotal transition in early Christianity, as depicted in Acts chapters 9 and 10. This period marks a significant shift from the Old Covenant message to the House of Israel to the spreading of the Good News to the world. The narrative centers on Saul, a devout Jew known for persecuting Christians, who experiences a profound conversion on his way to Damascus. This event is crucial as it sets the stage for the Gospel to reach the Gentiles, beginning with Peter’s mission to the family of Cornelius in chapter 10.

The teaching delves into the dramatic encounter Saul has with a divine light and a voice from heaven, identified as Jesus, asking, “Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?” This moment signifies not only Saul’s personal transformation but also the broader opening of Christianity to non-Jews. The discussion highlights the symbolic nature of Saul’s resistance, likened to an ox kicking against the goads, illustrating the futility of resisting divine will.

The session also touches on the textual variations in the accounts of Saul’s conversion, emphasizing the importance of understanding the context and the message rather than focusing solely on the literal words. This teaching underscores the transition from a focus on the material nation of Israel to the universal message of the Gospel, a shift that continues to influence Christianity today.