The Bible Class – Old Center Missionary Baptist Church Sunday School  

Weekly Lesson:  Acts Chapter 9:17-31, 11:19-30

Teacher:  Bro. Chris Sims

Weekly Significant Event:  Sis. Greda mentioned how her prayers and living her life before her son has stirred him to start asking questions about God and church. 

Saul (Paul) is the chosen vessel of God.  He had folks God would use to help him along the way.  We all need help and need each other from time to time. 

Acts 9:17 Ananias extended a helping hand to guide. 

NOTE:  Doctrinal point:  Saul (Paul) was not baptized until “after” he was a believer.

Acts 9:20 – Straightway:  God having immediately revealed his Son to him and in him, that he preach Christ, the Son of God.

Acts 9:22 – Saul (Paul) was very weak in the beginning but progressively strengthened spiritually.  He edified, which means lifted up Christ with a receptive heart to learn and pray in a strengthening way.

Acts 9:25  Saul (Paul) was a young convert in these verses.  He was let down by the wall in a basket.  Bro. Chris highlighted the fact that Saul was let down in a basket.  He asked if anyone could elaborate on his physical appearance. 

• Bro. Chris Kitchens explained that historians have said that Saul was known to have been a dwarf probably only standing five feet tall.  He had a hunch back and poor eye sight.  He referenced II Corinthians 12 scripture for more details on his appearance (perhaps his “thorn in the flesh” was his physical infirmities).

 

Bro. Chris Sims pointed out that as Christians we let physical impairments impact us sometimes.  Just because Saul was a small man with physical insecurities, he didn’t let this stop him from preaching the gospel.

Acts 9:27 – What is Barnabas doing in this verse?  He is confirming Saul’s conversion and how he had seen the Lord and that he had spoken to him.  Stated that he had heard him preach boldly in the name of Jesus.   We all should live and conduct our lives in a way that people can confirm you.  We should always conduct our lives with good character for those around us to see.  If people see good character in us they can confirm this to others.  An example of this is preachers confirm other preachers.

• Sis. Allison mentioned if you have one chance to say something good about a person take advantage of that opportunity.  Barnabas had his opportunity to speak well of Saul and confirmed his character. 

 

• Bro. Chris Kitchens mentioned that if Barnabas hadn’t confirmed Saul (Paul) he didn’t believe that he would’ve had the ministry that he had.  He believes this was a defining moment in his ministry.  Significant happening – people needed to hear the ministry.

 

• Sometimes we have one chance with people to open doors.

 

Acts 9:29 – Saul had a boldness about the Lord. 

Acts 9:31 – They were edified and walking in the name of the Lord.  They had great comfort of the Holy Ghost. 

Acts Chapter 11

TWO POINTS: 

1. Antioch was probably the focal point of Christianity during these times. Antioch was experiencing great revival, in so much, that Barnabas went to Tarsus and brought Saul to Antioch to edify the church there.
2. For a whole year they assembled themselves and taught the church.  The disciples became followers of Christ.  These were the first recognized Christians.  

 

TAKEWAY:  If you ever need help in your life, find a Holy Ghost filled Man of God and talk to him.

NEXT WEEK:       Acts Chapter 12