Saul's Early Life and Beliefs

Questions and Answers

What did Ananias learn about Saul in the vision from Jesus?

Saul had been chosen for an important job. (correct)

Saul was plotting against Ananias.

Saul was still blind and could not see.

Saul would not be forgiven.

How did Saul regain his sight?

He washed in the river.

Ananias touched him and prayed. (correct)

He prayed for forgiveness.

He used medicine from his friends.

What did Saul do after he regained his sight?

He was baptized and began preaching. (correct)

He hid from the people in Damascus.

He traveled to Jerusalem without stopping.

He returned home immediately.

Why did Saul's friends lower him in a basket over the wall?

To escape from the city quietly. Signup and view all the answers

What was the reaction of the followers in Jerusalem when Saul returned?

They were distrustful and hesitant to accept him. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary reason Saul sought letters from the High Priest in Jerusalem?

To arrest followers of Jesus Signup and view all the answers

What significant event happened to Saul on his way to Damascus?

He was blinded by a bright light Signup and view all the answers

How did Saul feel after he realized that Jesus was alive?

Shocked and confused Signup and view all the answers

What did Saul previously believe about Jesus?

Jesus was dead and his teachings were incorrect Signup and view all the answers

What did Jesus imply when he asked Saul, 'Why are you persecuting me?'

Saul was persecuting the church as a whole Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Saul's Early Life and Character

Born in Tarsus, grew up in Jerusalem.
Highly intelligent; studied under Gamaliel, a renowned teacher.
Known by two names: Jewish name “Saul” and Roman name “Paul”.

Saul's Persecution of Christians

Did not follow Jesus despite belief in God; viewed Jesus' followers as enemies.
Actively sought to destroy the early church; imprisoned believers by dragging them from their homes.
Persecution of Christians created fear in communities; commonly defined as "persecuting".

The Encounter on the Road to Damascus

Saul journeyed to Damascus with intent to arrest Christians after receiving letters from the High Priest.
Encountered a blinding bright light on the way, leading to temporary blindness.
Heard a voice identifying as Jesus, questioning Saul's persecution against Him, revealing Jesus' resurrection.

Saul's Transformation

Recognized his previous actions were harming Jesus by persecuting His followers.
Questioned his future and whether forgiveness was possible for his past deeds.
Led to Damascus by companions due to blindness; sought help for his new understanding of faith.

Ananias' Role

Ananias, a believer in Jesus, received a vision instructing him to meet Saul.
Initially frightened due to Saul's reputation for persecution.
Jesus revealed Saul was chosen for a significant mission to teach Gentiles.
Ananias obeyed, healed Saul's blindness through Holy Spirit, and baptized him.

Saul's Preaching and Community Reactions

After his conversion, Saul began preaching in Damascus, leading to many conversions.
Faced opposition from those who remembered his persecution; some sought to kill him.
Escaped from Damascus by being lowered in a basket over city walls, demonstrating growing support among followers.

Return to Jerusalem

Upon returning to Jerusalem, met skepticism and distrust from believers due to his past.
Transitioned from persecuting Christians to advocating for Jesus' teachings.
Continued to provoke anger among some; ultimately sent away to Tarsus by fellow believers.

Aftermath and Church Growth

Following Saul's departure, churches experienced a period of peace.
Increased number of individuals began to follow Jesus, highlighting the impact of Saul’s transformation and early ministry.

Description

Explore the early life of Saul, the man who would become Paul, the apostle. This quiz covers his upbringing in Tarsus and Jerusalem, his education under Gamaliel, and his initial opposition to the followers of Jesus. Test your knowledge about the significant moments that shaped his beliefs.