Question 1

Why were the disciples in Jerusalem afraid to accept Saul at first?

Accepted Answer

When Saul came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they remembered who he had been. He had once hunted Christians, dragged them off, and approved of their suffering. From their point of view, it was possible he was pretending in order to trap them. They had not yet heard the full story of his conversion or seen proof that his life had really changed. So they were afraid and did not believe he was a true disciple. This shows the early church used care when receiving people, especially those with a very harmful past.

Question 2

What did Barnabas do for Saul and why was that so important?

Accepted Answer

Barnabas came alongside Saul when others were afraid of him. He took Saul to the apostles and explained what had happened. He told how Saul had seen the Lord on the road, how the Lord had spoken to him, and how Saul had already preached boldly about Jesus in Damascus. With this clear account, Barnabas helped the apostles see that Saul was now a real follower of Christ. Because of this, Saul was received into the fellowship and could move freely among the believers. Barnabas’s support helped open the door for Saul’s ministry in the church.

Question 3

What does it mean that Saul "spake boldly" and disputed with the Grecians?

Accepted Answer

When it says Saul spoke boldly, it means he preached openly and without fear about the Lord Jesus. He was not whispering in secret but speaking plainly, even though he knew people might hate his message. The “Grecians” were Greek-speaking Jews, many of whom had grown up or lived outside the land and used the Greek language. Saul argued with them from Scripture, showing that Jesus is the Messiah. Just as they had done with Stephen before, they could not win the arguments, so their anger grew and they tried to find a way to kill him.

Question 4

Why did the believers send Saul away to Caesarea and then to Tarsus?

Accepted Answer

When the believers learned that people were planning to kill Saul, they acted to protect him. They brought him down to Caesarea and then sent him on to Tarsus, his home city. This was not running away from serving God. It was a wise move so that Saul’s life would be spared and he could keep preaching in other places. God used this to guide his future ministry. Instead of dying early in Jerusalem, Saul was removed from that danger and would later be used to spread the message of Jesus much farther, especially among non-Jews.

Question 5

What does this passage teach about joining a church and Christian fellowship?

Accepted Answer

Saul’s experience shows that it is good for a new believer to seek to join a local group of disciples, not to live the Christian life alone. He counted it a great honor to be among Christ’s people. At the same time, the disciples did not welcome him quickly without any questions, especially because his past was so violent. This passage shows both sides: a true desire to be part of Christ’s flock, and a careful approach to receiving people into close fellowship. It suggests that clear evidence of faith and a changed life should be seen and shared before someone is fully received.

Question 6

How does Saul’s story here show the change that comes with conversion?

Accepted Answer

Before, Saul had chased Christians, tried to silence them, and agreed with their suffering. In this passage, we see the opposite. He longs to join the very people he once hated. He is even ready to suffer danger and death for the name of Jesus. Instead of using his strength against the church, he now uses it to preach Christ boldly. He patiently accepts that others are slow to trust him, rather than lashing out. All this shows a deep change of heart and direction. His energy, mind, and courage are now turned toward serving the Lord he once fought against.

Question 7

What does this passage show about God’s care and guidance for His people?

Accepted Answer

God does not remove all hardship from Saul’s life. Saul faces fear from believers, hatred from former allies, and new plots against his life. Yet in all this, God is guiding and protecting him. God provides Barnabas to stand with him and speak for him. When a murder plot forms, God lets the brothers hear of it and they move Saul to safety. The escape to Tarsus may look like defeat, but it actually keeps Saul for future work. So we see that God’s care can come through other believers, wise plans, and timely warnings, even when the path is rough.

Acts 9:26

And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple.

Saul in Jerusalem

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Acts 9:26

And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple.

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Saul in Jerusalem

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