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Chapter 38—The Early Ministry of Paul
This chapter is based on
Acts 9:23-31
and
22:17-21
.
Paul now returned to Damascus and preached boldly in the name
of Jesus. The Jews could not withstand the wisdom of his arguments,
and they therefore counseled together to silence his voice by force—
the only argument left to a sinking cause. They decided to assassinate
him. The apostle was made acquainted with their purpose. The gates
of the city were vigilantly guarded, day and night, to cut off his
escape. The anxiety of the disciples drew them to God in prayer;
there was little sleeping among them, as they were busy in devising
ways and means for the escape of the chosen apostle. Finally they
conceived a plan by which he was let down from a window and
lowered over the wall in a basket at night. In this humiliating manner
Paul made his escape from Damascus.
He now proceeded to Jerusalem, wishing to become acquainted
with the apostles there, and especially with Peter. He was very anx-
ious to meet the Galilean fishermen who had lived, and prayed, and
conversed with Christ upon earth. It was with a yearning heart that
he desired to meet the chief of apostles. As Paul entered Jerusalem,
he regarded with changed views the city and the temple. He now
knew that the retributive judgment of God was hanging over them.
The grief and anger of the Jews because of the conversion of Paul
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knew no bounds. But he was firm as a rock, and flattered himself that
when he related his wonderful experience to his friends, they would
change their faith as he had done, and believe on Jesus. He had been
strictly conscientious in his opposition to Christ and His followers,
and when he was arrested and convicted of his sin, he immediately
forsook his evil ways and professed the faith of Jesus. He now
fully believed that when his friends and former associates heard the
circumstances of his marvelous conversion, and saw how changed
he was from the proud Pharisee who persecuted and delivered unto
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