Paul’s Journey from Persecutor to Preacher
Acts 9:26–31 (NASB95)
26When he came to Jerusalem, he was trying to associate with the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple. 27But Barnabas took hold of him and brought him to the apostles and described to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had talked to him, and how at Damascus he had spoken out boldly in the name of Jesus. 28And he was with them, moving about freely in Jerusalem, speaking out boldly in the name of the Lord. 29And he was talking and arguing with the Hellenistic Jews; but they were attempting to put him to death. 30But when the brethren learned of it, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him away to Tarsus. 31So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria enjoyed peace, being built up; and going on in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it continued to increase.
Acts 9:26–31 captures a pivotal moment in the early church as Paul (formerly known as Saul) arrives in Jerusalem following his dramatic conversion. The irony of the situation is striking: the man who once zealously persecuted Christians now seeks fellowship with the very community he aimed to destroy. Moreover, the very group that once supported him—the Hellenistic Jews—is now trying to kill him. Understandably, the disciples in Jerusalem are hesitant and fearful, reflecting the deep scars left by Paul’s past actions. Their initial skepticism underscores the challenges of trust and reconciliation within the early church.
Barnabas emerges as a key figure in this narrative, embodying the spirit of encouragement and advocacy. He steps forward to advocate for Paul, recounting his genuine conversion and bold preaching in Damascus. Barnabas’s intervention is crucial in bridging the gap between Paul and the apostles, ensuring his acceptance into the community. His actions remind us of the importance of mentorship and support in fostering unity and trust within the church. Barnabas’s role as a reconciler demonstrates how God uses individuals to build bridges and nurture relationships in the body of Christ.
The passage ends with a time of peace and growth for the church. Despite the initial tension surrounding Paul’s arrival, the church experiences both spiritual and numerical growth, described as being “built up” and “walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit.” This period of tranquility highlights God’s ability to bring peace and prosperity, even in the most unlikely circumstances. The church’s growth during this time reflects its resilience and the unifying power of the Holy Spirit.
Theologically, Acts 9:26–31 emphasizes the transformative power of God’s grace. Paul’s conversion and subsequent boldness in preaching the Gospel illustrate a significant shift in identity and mission, showcasing that no one is beyond the reach of God’s redemption. The narrative also underscores the importance of grace and acceptance within the Christian community, as demonstrated by Barnabas’s support for Paul. This passage stands as a testament to God’s ability to use even the most unlikely individuals to advance His kingdom, transforming persecutors into proclaimers of the Gospel.
Just as Barnabas advocated for Paul, the church today must extend grace to those with troubled pasts or who are new to the faith. It must create an environment where individuals feel welcomed and supported as they grow in their relationship with Christ. Paul’s story reminds us that God’s grace can transform anyone. The church must celebrate and nurture the spiritual growth of new believers, affirming their place in the body of Christ.
Blessings,
Ryan Goodnight