Lesson Eighteen: Saul Escapes; Peter's Ministry

Supplementary Materials

Filling in the Timeline: Galatians 1:15-24 Acts 9:23 says "after that many days were fulfilled" — but how many? Paul's letter to the Galatians fills in details Luke omitted: Acts 9 Account Galatians 1 Addition Saul preached in Damascus (9:20-22) "I went into Arabia" (Gal. 1:17) "After that many days" (9:23) "After three years" (Gal. 1:18) Saul went to Jerusalem (9:26) "To see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days" (Gal. 1:18) Met with the apostles (9:27) "Other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord's brother" (Gal. 1:19) Sent to Tarsus (9:30) "I came into the regions of Syria and Cilicia" (Gal. 1:21)

Key Point: Between his conversion and his Jerusalem visit, Saul spent about three years — including time in Arabia. This was likely a period of reflection, study, and preparation for his future ministry.

Saul's Escape from Damascus (9:23-25) The persecutor was now the persecuted. Paul later recalled this humbling experience: "In Damascus the governor under Aretas the king kept the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desirous to apprehend me: And through a window in a basket was I let down by the wall, and escaped his hands." — 2 Corinthians 11:32-33

This escape was not cowardice but wisdom. Saul had much work yet to do. Note the irony: he came to Damascus with authority to arrest Christians; he left as a fugitive, lowered in a basket like contraband!

Saul in Jerusalem: Fear and Acceptance (9:26-30)

The Disciples' Fear (9:26) When Saul arrived in Jerusalem, the disciples "were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple." Their fear was understandable:

• Saul had "made havock" of their community just three years earlier
• They may have suspected a trap — what better way to infiltrate the church?
• News of his conversion may not have reached Jerusalem, or may not have been believed
• The transformation seemed too dramatic to be real

Barnabas: The "Son of Encouragement" (9:27)

Enter Barnabas — one of the most admirable figures in Acts:

Barnabas's Role with Saul Barnabas "took him" (Saul) and "brought him to the apostles" (9:27). He:

• Took a risk — If Saul was faking, Barnabas would share the blame
• Vouched for Saul's conversion — Testified to what Saul had seen and said
• Reported Saul's boldness — His preaching in Damascus proved his sincerity
• Built a bridge — Between a feared enemy and a suspicious church

Future Partnership: Barnabas would later seek out Saul in Tarsus (11:25-26) and become his partner on the first missionary journey (ch. 13-14). Without Barnabas, Saul might have remained isolated and unused.

A Summary Statement: The Churches at Peace (9:31) Luke pauses to give a progress report: "Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied."

Note: This is the first mention of churches in Galilee. The gospel had spread beyond Judea and Samaria — Acts 1:8 continues to be fulfilled!

Peter's Ministry: Lydda and Joppa (9:32-43) The narrative now returns to Peter, who "passed throughout all quarters" visiting the scattered saints. Two miracles demonstrate the continuing power of the gospel:

The Healing of Aeneas at Lydda (9:32-35) Detail Observation Aeneas A Greek name — possibly a Hellenistic Jew or Gentile "Sick of the palsy" Paralyzed — unable to move or care for himself "Eight years" A long-term, hopeless condition — not a minor ailment "Kept his bed" Bedridden — completely dependent on others "Jesus Christ maketh thee Peter credited Christ, not himself — the power was divine whole" "Arise, and make thy bed" Immediate, complete healing — he could now do what he couldn't for 8 years "He arose immediately" Instant cure — no gradual recovery or therapy needed

Result: "All that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord" (9:35). The miracle confirmed the message and led to conversions throughout the region.

The Raising of Dorcas at Joppa (9:36-43) This is one of only three resurrections recorded in Acts (the others: Eutychus in 20:9-12, and arguably Paul in 14:19-20). Detail Observation "Tabitha" (Aramaic) Her Jewish name; means "gazelle" — graceful, beautiful "Dorcas" (Greek) Same meaning in Greek — Luke provides both for his readers "A disciple" A Christian — one of the few women explicitly called a disciple in the NT "Full of good works and Her faith was demonstrated by her actions — cf. James almsdeeds" 2:14-17 "Coats and garments" Inner and outer clothing — she made clothes for the poor (widows) "The widows stood by him She was deeply loved — her service had touched many lives weeping"

The Miracle (9:40-41) Note Peter's actions:

• "Put them all forth" — Like Jesus at Jairus's house (Mark 5:40)
• "Kneeled down, and prayed" — Sought God's power, not his own
• "Tabitha, arise" — Compare to Jesus: "Talitha cumi" (Mark 5:41) — remarkably similar!
• "She opened her eyes... sat up" — Instant restoration to life
• "Presented her alive" — To the saints and widows who mourned her

Result: "It was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord" (9:42). Again, the miracle served to advance the gospel.

Comparing Peter's Miracles with Jesus's Element Jesus Peter Healed paralytic Mark 2:1-12 Acts 9:33-34 (Aeneas) Raised the dead Mark 5:35-43 (Jairus's Acts 9:36-41 (Dorcas) daughter) Put mourners out Mark 5:40 Acts 9:40 Similar command "Talitha cumi" (Mark 5:41) "Tabitha, arise" (Acts 9:40)

Purpose: These parallels show that the apostles continued Jesus's work with Jesus's power. The miracles authenticated their message (Mark 16:20; Heb. 2:3-4).

Peter's Stay with Simon the Tanner (9:43) "He tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner." This small detail is significant:

• Tanners were considered unclean — They worked with dead animals and animal skins
• Strict Jews avoided them — Their trade made them ceremonially impure
• Peter stayed "many days" — Not just a brief visit, but extended lodging

Foreshadowing: Peter's willingness to stay with a tanner hints at his readiness for what comes next — the vision on the rooftop and the visit to Cornelius (ch. 10). God was preparing Peter to cross even greater barriers.

Geographic Notes Location Description Lydda About 25 miles NW of Jerusalem on the road to Joppa. OT Lod (1 Chron. 8:12). Modern Lod/Lydda, site of Ben Gurion Airport. Saron (Sharon) The coastal plain stretching from Joppa to Mt. Carmel. Known for its fertility and beauty (Isa. 35:2). Joppa Ancient seaport on the Mediterranean, about 35 miles NW of Jerusalem. Where Jonah boarded the ship (Jonah 1:3). Modern Jaffa, now part of Tel Aviv. Tarsus Saul's hometown in Cilicia (SE Asia Minor). A major city known for education. About 300 miles north of Jerusalem.

Key Cross-References

Lessons from Acts 9:23-43 1. Conversion brings opposition — Saul immediately faced persecution from his former allies. 2. The church needs encouragers — Barnabas built bridges; who can you vouch for? 3. Peace produces growth — when persecution paused, the church multiplied. 4. Miracles confirmed the message — healing and resurrection led many to faith. 5. Service matters — Dorcas is remembered not for titles but for sewing clothes for widows.

6. God prepares hearts for change — Peter at a tanner's house hints at coming transformation.