Acts 9:19b-31
Dear RTB’ers,
More Saul activity today. When many days had passed… (v. 23a). Luke writes “many days”, but to learn more we go to Paul’s own writings. He tells his story in Galatians 1:13 ff, and his “many days” turns out to be three years. So he was in Damascus and the neighboring Arabian desert for these three years before he ever went up to Jerusalem. During that time in the desert he apparently spoke regularly with either Jesus or the Holy Spirit. An STS note suggests that Paul’s visit to Arabia fits in between verses 21 and 22. I would suggest that it fits equally well after verse 22 or after 23. Here’s Paul explaining those events in his own writing: But when He … called me … I did not immediately consult with flesh and blood, nor did I go up to Jerusalem …; but I went away to Arabia, and returned once more to Damascus. Then three years later I went up to Jerusalem… (Galatians 1:15-18)
One item that I always like to point out is the role of Barnabas, one of my favorite Bible characters. When even after three years the disciples in Jerusalem were afraid to meet with Saul, it was trustworthy Barnabas who brought him forward and defended him. (Acts 9:27) We had earlier met Barnabas in Acts 4:36 when he sold land and gave the money to the apostles. We will see him again at length in Acts 12:25, ff.
A few days ago when we met Gamaliel (Acts 5:38b-39) I commented that Paul was his student (Acts 22:3a). Here is more of Paul speaking of his training: “I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries among my countrymen, being more extremely zealous for my ancestral traditions.” (Galatians 1:14) Now today we see that training being played out as he preached Jesus: immediately he began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues… (v. 20a); But Saul kept … confounding Jews who lived in Damascus… (v. 22a); and …he was talking and arguing with the Hellenistic Jews… (v. 29a). Paul was well prepared for the ministry that God had set before him!
Blessings!