1. Proving that Jesus is the Messiah (19b-25)

While in Damascus, Saul began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God. His complete change and the power of his message astonished everyone who had expected him to be an enemy of Jesus and his church. His preaching became so powerful that the Jews conspired to kill him. However, Saul found out and escaped through an opening in the wall at night.

2. But Barnabas took him (26-31)

It was not only the Jews who found it hard to believe Saul had become a disciple, even the believers in Jerusalem also took a while to accept him. It was only after Barnabas took him to the apostles and vouched for him, did they allow him to stay with them. Barnabas was not only a man of encouragement, he trusted in the power of God to change any person. Saul's preaching in Jerusalem was again so bold that it again endangered his life. The brothers took initiative and sent him to Tarsus. The church then enjoyed a time of peace and growth, encouraged by the Holy Spirit.