Central Truth

Paul's first focus was sharing the exclusive and true identity of Jesus.

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Reflections

A Rabbi, an Imam, and a Baptist preacher get into a ferry to cross a lake. Back on the dock two guys stare and take in the sight of the religious trio settling into the embarking vessel. The first guy turns to the other and asks, “Where do you think those three could be going together?” The second guy responds without turning his gaze away from the ferry, “Of course, they are all going to the same place.”

If the second man’s statement made sense to you, then you must be a student of current philosophy. He was not referring to their destination across the water. He was talking about their eternal destinies. Don’t all roads lead to God? Aren’t all three of the “holy” men going to the same place as long as they are sincere? The belief system of our day preaches that God can be found by all. Yes? No?

Yes, in Acts 9 Paul is quickly learning that God can be found by all. Anyone can find God when they look for Him on His terms. No, God can not be found apart from Jesus the Christ. Jesus is the Christos, THE Anointed One. Paul's journey took him from adamant opposition to ardent supporter. Paul’s new ardent claims about Jesus did not go well with his hearers in Damascus.

I had a dear neighbor over for dinner and a conversation of spiritual matters recently. She shared her story of growing up in the sixties and staying in Europe for a time. Those two settings really framed her religious journey. She took from the sixties and Europe that all roads lead to God. Sadly, when I offered to show my road in the Bible the conversation came to a quick end. As we wrapped up our time I encouraged her to read the Bible with fresh eyes and to see the unique message of Jesus. She did not have a Damascus road experience that night. However, I believe if Paul, if me, if many others I know could find God in Christ, so can she.

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Discussion Questions

1) The book of Acts was written to show how God spread His church by the power of His Spirit. Today's passage is a pivot point in the book's narrative of the spreading church. What were some possible changes in Damascus and Jerusalem that resulted from Saul's transformation?

2) We learn from Philippians 3:5-6 that Paul was trained to be a Jewish Jack Bauer. He was super intelligent and very gutsy. I assume some of the guts came from pride in his intelligence and knowledge of the Hebrew Bible. What do you think went through his mind for the three days he was weak, blind and did not eat or drink?

3) Verse 22 says that Paul was proving Jesus is the Christ. As a group, discuss some biblical evidence that proves Jesus is the Christ?

4) Who cares? Why do non-Jewish 21st century people need to care that Jesus is Christ?

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