Text:  Acts Chapters 7:54-60, 8 & 9

Understanding New Testament Doctrine – The Apostle Paul

• The Apostle Paul, known as Saul in these scriptures before his name change, was a man from Tarsus.  He was also known as a Roman, Pharisee and a man that was a very well educated.  He had a zeal for the Roman Law.  Saul (Paul) went unto the high priest desiring letters from the synagogues to drive out the name of Jesus.  He did his utmost to root out Christianity by persecuting all that embraced it.  Saul (Paul) thought he was doing this in favor to God because he thought Jesus was an imposter.

• In Acts 9:2 Saul (Paul) was on his way to Damascus; Reference “this way”.  Christianity is referred to as “this way”.  Saul (Paul) at this time himself was in a wicked way.  

• In verse 9:5 Saul ask, Who art thou, Lord?   Saul (Paul) sees a light and falls.  Humility and submission is experienced by Saul (Paul).  The Lord Jesus was in this light and appeared to him by this way.   Verse 9:5 “..it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.”  Pricks are a symbol of an Ox Goad.  If a person kicks against the pricks they will have a great deal to answer for.  Saul surrendered himself to Jesus claiming he had authority over him.  Paul’s conversion – What will thou have me to do?  Saul (Paul) signifies a serious desire to be instructed by Christ in the way of salvation.  This is an evidence of his conversion.

NEXT WEEK:             Read Chapter 9:1-32