Saul of Tarsus: Conversion in Acts

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What was Saul's initial view of followers of Jesus of Nazareth?

He saw them as potential allies in his faith.

He considered them as enlightened individuals.

He believed they were misunderstood scholars.

He viewed them as a dangerous and heretical sect. (correct)

What role did Saul play during the stoning of Stephen?

He served as a coat checker for the attackers. (correct)

He was one of the leaders inciting the violence.

He was a bystander expressing concern for Stephen.

He attempted to defend Stephen from the mob.

What impact did Saul's actions have on the early Christian community in Jerusalem?

He confused the leaders with mixed messages.

He led to widespread persecution of Christians. (correct)

He united the community against common foes.

He inspired a massive increase in new followers.

How is Saul's character best described at the beginning of his story?

Zealous and violent. Signup and view all the answers

What does the presence of three accounts of Paul's conversion in Acts suggest?

There were variations in the storytelling based on audience. Signup and view all the answers

What was the initial consequence of Saul's zealous persecution of Christians?

The scattering of Christians from Jerusalem. Signup and view all the answers

What was Stephen's role within the Christian community?

He was entrusted with caring for the needy. Signup and view all the answers

Which term best characterizes the narrative style that Luke utilizes in recounting Saul's conversion?

Dramatic and multifaceted. Signup and view all the answers

What event blinded Saul before his conversion?

A great light from heaven Signup and view all the answers

Who baptized Saul after his conversion?

Ananias Signup and view all the answers

What was Saul's mission after his conversion?

To bring Jesus's name before gentiles and kings Signup and view all the answers

How did Saul respond when he heard the voice asking, 'Why are you persecuting me?'

Who are you, Lord? Signup and view all the answers

What did the light from heaven cause Saul to do?

Fall to the ground Signup and view all the answers

What significant activity does Saul engage in after regaining his sight?

Proclaiming that Jesus is the Son of God Signup and view all the answers

Why did Saul go to Damascus?

To bind those who followed 'the Way' Signup and view all the answers

What role did Ananias play in Saul's conversion story?

His healer Signup and view all the answers

What does Saul's period of darkness symbolize?

Jesus’s three days in the grave Signup and view all the answers

What was Paul’s status prior to his conversion?

A persecutor of Christians Signup and view all the answers

To whom did Jesus tell Saul he would be sent after his conversion?

The Gentiles Signup and view all the answers

What was Saul instructed to do after regaining his sight?

Get baptized and call on His name Signup and view all the answers

What language did Paul likely speak to the Jews in his defense?

Hebrew Signup and view all the answers

How does Paul describe his education in his defense?

Strictly according to ancestral law Signup and view all the answers

What motivated Saul to seek out the high priest for letters to the synagogues in Damascus?

To bring bound followers of 'the Way' to Jerusalem Signup and view all the answers

How long was Saul without sight after his encounter on the road to Damascus?

Three days Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of Ananias laying hands on Saul?

To restore his sight and fill him with the Holy Spirit Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the notable features of Luke's account of Saul's conversion?

It was part of a broader narrative in Acts Signup and view all the answers

What does the name Theophilus suggest about Luke's intended audience?

A specific wealthy individual Signup and view all the answers

Why would the phrase 'Why do you persecute me?' hold special meaning for the early church?

It linked Jesus with those being persecuted Signup and view all the answers

In what context is Saul described at the beginning of his story?

As a vehement persecutor of the church Signup and view all the answers

What was Saul's immediate action after regaining his sight?

Being baptized Signup and view all the answers

What effect did Saul's transformation have on the people in Damascus?

They were amazed and questioned his motives Signup and view all the answers

What role did Ananias play in Saul's story?

He helped to restore Saul's sight and faith Signup and view all the answers

What implication did Jesus’ response have on Saul’s previous actions?

It made him reconsider his understanding of faith Signup and view all the answers

What does Saul's proclamation in the synagogues indicate about his transformation?

He had fully embraced the Christian faith Signup and view all the answers

What context influences how Luke shaped his account of Saul’s conversion?

The struggles and persecution of the early church Signup and view all the answers

What was the reaction of the men traveling with Saul during the encounter?

They were speechless and confused Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of Saul's identity was notably absent from Luke's account?

His education and training Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Saul of Tarsus: A Major Transformation

Saul, later known as Paul, was a zealous Pharisee who viewed Christians as a dangerous sect within Judaism.
Involved in the stoning of Stephen, Saul was an approving witness, marking his early hostility toward Christians.
He led widespread persecution, going from house to house to imprison followers of Jesus in Jerusalem.

Accounts of Conversion in the Book of Acts

Acts contains three accounts of Saul's conversion, highlighting the significance of his transformation for early Christians.
Luke wrote primarily for an audience that may have included a patron named Theophilus, indicating a Greco-Roman readership.
The context of early church persecution influenced Luke's narrative style, emphasizing hope and solidarity against adversity.

First Account of Saul’s Conversion (Acts 9)

During a trip to Damascus, Saul experienced a divine vision: a bright light and a voice from Jesus questioning his persecution.
Mentioned no prior religious status; focused instead on his conversion and Jesus’ call.
Saul was blinded for three days, symbolizing his spiritual transformation.
Ananias, a disciple, was sent by God to heal Saul, restoring his sight and filling him with the Holy Spirit.
Saul was baptized and immediately began preaching Jesus as the Son of God in synagogues, surprising many who remembered his reputation.

Themes and Audience Context in Acts 9

The account addresses a persecuted Christian audience, highlighting Jesus' solidarity with those suffering.
Saul’s radical transformation serves as a source of encouragement for early Christians.
Elements of Jewish customs like baptism and the laying on of hands reflect important ecclesial practices.
The narrative underscores that suffering is a normative experience for followers of Christ.

Second Account of Conversion (Acts 22)

Paul addresses a zealous Jewish audience in Jerusalem, emphasizing his Jewish heritage and education under Gamaliel.
He recounts his earlier persecution of Christians and approval of Stephen's execution, enhancing his credibility among Jews.
This account is delivered in Hebrew, catering directly to the audience's language and cultural context.
Ananias is highlighted as a respected Jew, connecting Saul’s calling with Jewish roots and heritage.
Jesus commissions Saul to witness for Him among Gentiles after revealing the rejection he would face in Jerusalem.

Distinctions Across the Accounts

The first account emphasizes divine intervention and miraculous healing without detailing Saul's background.
The second account delves into Paul's Jewish identity and education, aiming to resonate with a Jewish audience.
Differences underscore adaptability in language and presentation according to the audience's context and needs.

Overall Significance

Saul's conversion narrative serves as a powerful example of transformation and serves to inspire hope amidst persecution for early Christians.
The various accounts illustrate different aspects of Saul's identity and mission, reflecting the early Church's struggle and growth.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Explore the dramatic transformation of Saul of Tarsus to Paul the Apostle, as narrated in the Book of Acts. This quiz covers key events of Saul's life, his persecution of Christians, and the significance of his conversion. Understand the context and implications for the early church as presented by Luke.