1. Escape from Damascus (19b-25)

Saul went into the synagogue and preached that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. The man who had raised havoc among Christians in Jerusalem, and who had come to Damascus to destroy the church had become a bold witness to Jesus. His testimony was so powerful that the Jews decided to kill him. He escaped when the Christians lowered him in a basket through a hole in the city wall. Only Jesus could bring about such a change.

2. Paul's shepherd, Barnabas (26-31)

In Jerusalem, the Christians feared him. They could not accept him. But Barnabas trusted God and helped Saul. He had faith to believe that God could change a man, and eyes to see God's work. Paul's fearless witness to Jesus again put his own life, as well as the lives of others, at risk. So the brothers sent him to Tarsus, his home. There was peace in the church and a new work of the Holy Spirit.

Application: Lord, thank you for the work of your Spirit, who changes even men like Saul--and people like me.
One Word: Meet the Risen Jesus