Bible Characters                                                                                                          Power Point Show

Scripture Reading:  Acts 9:10-19

Part 2

Journeys of the Apostle Paul

(Damascus to Antioch:  Former Persecutor Preaches the Faith)

Intro.

1.  Saul began a mission to Damascus he never completed (persecute Christians).  From Damascus, he began a journey he would make for the rest of his life!  (Phil. 3:12-14)

2.  Continue our study of Paul’s journeys:  From Damascus to Antioch.

I.  HIS APPOINTMENT AS AN APOSTLE (Acts 9, 22, 26).

  A.  Appointed by Christ –Acts 26:16.

    1.  According to the purpose & grace of God – Gal. 1:15 (cf. Acts 1:24-25); 1 Cor. 15:8-10.

    2.  Chosen vessel – Acts 9:15 (2 Cor. 4:7).

      a.  Witness – Acts 22:14-16; 26:16 (1:8).

      b.  Minister (servant) – Acts 26:16.

   3.   By God’s purpose & grace, we are what we are:

      a.  Chosen in Christ – Eph. 1:4-6.

      b.  Saved from sins – 2 Tim. 1:8-10.

      c.  Blessed with gifts, talents & tasks – Rom. 12:4-8.

  B.  Purpose of His Appointment – Gal. 1:16; Acts 26:16-18.

    1.  To reveal Christ in Paul – Gal. 1:16; 2 Cor. 4:5-7.

      a.  By preaching to all (Jews & Gentiles) – Acts 9:15; Eph. 3:8.

      b.  To perfect us in Christ – Col. 1:28.

    2.  Exercise apostolic authority (1 Ths. 2:6):

      a.  Came by revelation, Gal. 1:16 (11-12); Eph. 3:3-4.

      b.  Signs of an apostle (impart spiritual gifts), 2 Cor. 12:11-12 (Acts 8:18).

      c.  Not inferior, 2 Cor. 11:5.

    3.  Apostolic authority exists:

      a.  For our edification, 2 Cor. 13:10 (Eph. 4:11-16).

      b.  We must receive the apostles to receive Christ! – Jno. 13:20

  C.  Paul would Suffer for Christ – Acts 9:16.

    1.  Had to defend his apostleship (1 Cor. 9:1-2; 2 Cor. 13:3).

    2.  Physical hardships – 1 Cor. 4:11-13.

    3.  Persecuted – 2 Cor. 11:23-25.

    4.  You will suffer if you (Matt. 5:10-12):

      a.  Are a faithful Christian – 1 Pet. 4:14-16.

      b.  Follow what is good – 1 Pet. 3:14-17.

      c.  Live godly – 2 Tim. 3:12.

II.  HIS OBEDIENCE TO THE HEAVENLY VISION:  PAUL BEGINS PREACHING CHRIST – Acts 26:19-20.

  A.  To the Jews:  Jesus is the Christ.

    1.  In Damascus – Gal. 1:16-18.

      a.  In Arabia (cf. Rom. 15:20-21)

      b.  Back to Damascus – Acts 9:19-25 (2 Cor. 11:31-32) – Death threat…delivered.

• He preached what his audience needed.

• The power of truth prevailed.

• He would not be deterred…neither must we!

    2.  In Jerusalem – Gal. 1:18-20; Acts 9:26-30; 22:17-21.

      a.  Accepted by the disciples with Barnabas’ help.

      b.  Hellenist Jews tried to kill him (Acts 9:29).

      c.  Wanted to stay…delivered by the Lord, Acts 22:17-21 (9:30).

• Important to identify ourselves with a local church (9:26).

• An example of forgiveness & unity in Christ (9:27-28).

Conclusion

1.  Christ gave Paul a lifelong mission & he was faithful to fulfill it (2 Tim. 4:7).

2.  We must fulfill the mission of faithful living He has given us – Heb. 10:36-39; Gal. 6:9-10.