Acts of the Apostles: Paul's Conversion Account

Questions and Answers

Who granted Paul permission to speak for himself?

King Agrippa (correct)

Roman Soldiers

Chief Priests

King Herod

What sect did Paul belong to before his conversion?

Zealots

Essenes

Sadducees

Pharisees (correct)

What was Paul accused of by the Jews?

Inciting riots

Stealing from the temple

Disobeying Roman law

Hope in the promise made by God (correct)

What did Paul do to the followers of Jesus before his conversion?

He tried to force them to blaspheme Signup and view all the answers

Where was Paul traveling when he experienced his conversion?

Damascus Signup and view all the answers

What did Paul see at midday on his way to Damascus?

A light from heaven Signup and view all the answers

What was the Hebrew phrase spoken to Paul during his vision?

Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? Signup and view all the answers

How did Paul describe his previous actions against the followers of Jesus?

As actions taken with authority from the chief priests Signup and view all the answers

What was Paul's primary purpose in his appeal before King Agrippa?

To defend his actions and bear witness to Jesus. Signup and view all the answers

What metaphor does Paul use to illustrate the futility of resisting divine guidance?

Kicking against the goads. Signup and view all the answers

What was the reaction of Festus to Paul's defense?

He accused Paul of madness. Signup and view all the answers

Which group did Paul wish to open the eyes of through his mission?

The Gentiles. Signup and view all the answers

What was significant about whom Paul was addressing in this account of his conversion?

His audience included powerful Roman officials. Signup and view all the answers

How did Paul describe his early religious life?

As a Pharisee in the strictest sect. Signup and view all the answers

What did Paul expect from King Agrippa during his defense?

Familiarity with Jewish customs and beliefs. Signup and view all the answers

What was Paul’s hope for those listening to him during his defense?

That they would also become believers. Signup and view all the answers

Which event does Paul say aligns with the prophecies regarding the Messiah?

The Messiah's suffering and resurrection. Signup and view all the answers

How did Paul view his testimony during his defense?

As something everyone was aware of. Signup and view all the answers

What action did Paul recommend to the people he addressed?

To repent and turn to God. Signup and view all the answers

What was the underlying theme of Paul's message during his defense?

The need to turn from darkness to light. Signup and view all the answers

What did Paul imply about Ananias in his account?

He was irrelevant to his powerful audience. Signup and view all the answers

In what way did Jesus approach different individuals in sharing his message?

By tailoring his message to their circumstances. Signup and view all the answers

For whom did Matthew primarily shape his Gospel account?

Predominantly Christian readership of Jewish ancestry Signup and view all the answers

What is a key aspect of Paul's approach to sharing the gospel?

He knows his audience and adapts his message. Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by the term 'metanarrative' in the context of the gospel?

A broad storyline that encompasses many individual stories. Signup and view all the answers

What role does prayer play in evangelism, according to the content?

It prepares the evangelist to approach their listeners thoughtfully. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for churches to encourage sharing of individual gospel stories?

To help members grow more confident in sharing their faith. Signup and view all the answers

What does a 'micronarrative' refer to in the gospel context?

A unique personal story of encountering God. Signup and view all the answers

How did Paul's conversion story vary when he shared it with different audiences?

He adjusted details to relate better to his listeners. Signup and view all the answers

Which elements should churches teach their members about to ground them in the metanarrative?

God's actions and intentions across all time and contexts. Signup and view all the answers

What drives church members to share the gospel, according to early Christians mentioned?

A strong motivation for others to know Jesus. Signup and view all the answers

How should churches prepare their members to share the gospel?

By teaching them the metanarrative and encouraging personal interpretation. Signup and view all the answers

What challenges did Paul face while trying to evangelize?

He often encountered hostility and imprisonment. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key lesson drawn from the stories of early missionaries mentioned?

They adapted their message to diverse cultures. Signup and view all the answers

What should churches prioritize teaching their members to effectively reach others?

The unified story of God's reconciliation through Jesus Christ. Signup and view all the answers

How did early church growth relate to motivations for sharing the gospel?

Strong motivation for others to know Jesus fueled growth. Signup and view all the answers

What should be a focus when telling individual stories of faith?

How each narrative relates to the broader gospel message. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Paul’s Conversion Account in Acts

Paul defends himself before King Agrippa, showcasing his Jewish heritage and familiarity with customs.
Accuses the Jewish leaders of persecuting him for his hope in the resurrection of the dead.
Describes his past actions against Christians, including imprisonment and voting for their deaths.
Narrates his dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus, where he experiences a vision of Jesus.

Audience Context

Audience includes King Agrippa II, the Roman governor Festus, and military officials, highlighting the societal structure and power dynamics.
Paul's discourse is tailored specifically for influential figures unfamiliar with early Christian beliefs.

Key Themes

Emphasizes hope in God's promise and raises the question of resurrection, a significant belief dividing Pharisees and Sadducees.
Appeals to the audience’s heritage, particularly Agrippa's understanding of Jewish prophecies concerning the Messiah.

Missionary Intent

While defending himself, Paul seeks to convert his powerful audience to Christianity.
Encourages a spiritual transformation by appealing to concepts of darkness versus light and the forgiveness of sins.

Structure of Paul’s Message

The narrative illustrates different strategies used in evangelism, shaping messages according to audience contexts.
Emphasizes the importance of personal testimony and connection in sharing the Gospel.

Importance of Personal Narratives

Highlights that each individual story (micronarrative) contributes to the overarching story of reconciliation (metanarrative) in the Gospel.
Paul's transformational experience serves as a bridge for conveying the message of Jesus.

Role of Churches

Churches should encourage sharing personal testimonies to build confidence in members' ability to communicate their faith.
Emphasis on educating church members about the metanarrative of the Gospel to help them articulate their beliefs clearly.

Paul’s enduring commitment to evangelism illustrates the necessity of a passionate desire to share the Gospel.
Historical context shows how this motivation has driven the spread of Christianity across cultures and regions.

Evangelism Strategy

Encourage thoughtful consideration of the audience’s background, struggles, and prior exposure to Christianity.
Foster an environment of prayer and reflection regarding evangelism opportunities.

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Description

Explore the third account of Paul's conversion in the book of Acts. This quiz delves into Paul's defense before King Agrippa, highlighting the historical and cultural contexts that shaped this narrative. Test your understanding of the details and implications of this significant biblical event.