Seventh Day Baptist
Christian Education Council
PO BOX 1678
Janesville, WI 53547
—Acts 9:26-31
by: Dorothy Noel.
Saul’s escape to Jerusalem brought him into contact with the disciples for the first time post-conversion. The disciples’ fear is easily understood: What if Saul was just pretending so he could persecute the church more easily? It took the words of Barnabas to convince them Saul was for real. Once Barnabas had testified to Saul’s boldness on Christ’s behalf, Saul was able to speak freely throughout Jerusalem. Sometimes it takes encouragement and support from one or two for the church to recognize our gifting. But having the church behind him enabled Saul to move about freely and to have the resources to leave when his life was at risk.