1. Journeys of the Apostle Paul Damascus to Jerusalem: Former Persecutor Preaches the Faith

2. 2 Appointed an Apostle (Acts 9, 22, 26) Appointed by Christ – Acts 26:16Appointed by Christ – Acts 26:16 –Purpose & grace of God, Gal. 1:15 (cf. Acts 1:24-25); 1 Cor. 15:8-10 –Chosen vessel, Acts 9:15 (2 Cor. 4:7) Witness – Acts 22:14-15; 26:16 (1:8)Witness – Acts 22:14-15; 26:16 (1:8) Minister (servant) – Acts 26:16Minister (servant) – Acts 26:16

3. 3 God’s Purpose & Grace (1 Cor. 15:10) By God’s purpose & grace we are what we are:By God’s purpose & grace we are what we are: –Chosen in Christ, Eph. 1:4-6 –Saved from sins, 2 Tim. 1:8-10 –Blessed with gifts, talents & tasks, Rom. 12:4-8

4. 4 Purpose of His Appointment (Gal. 1:16; Acts 26:16-18) To reveal Christ – 2 Cor. 4:5-7To reveal Christ – 2 Cor. 4:5-7 –By preaching to all, Acts 9:15; Eph. 3:8 –To perfect us in Christ, Col. 1:28

5. 5 Purpose of His Appointment (Gal. 1:16; Acts 26:16-18) Exercise apostolic authority – 1 Ths. 2:6 (via word of God)Exercise apostolic authority – 1 Ths. 2:6 (via word of God) –Revelation, Gal. 1:16 (11-12); Eph. 3:3-4 –Signs of an apostle, 2 Cor. 12: 11-12 (Acts 8:18) –Not inferior, 2 Cor. 11:5; 12:11

6. 6 Apostolic Authority For our edification – 2 Cor. 13:10 (Eph. 4:11-16)For our edification – 2 Cor. 13:10 (Eph. 4:11-16) Must receive the apostles to receive Christ – Jno. 13:20Must receive the apostles to receive Christ – Jno. 13:20

7. 7 Paul Would Suffer for Christ (Acts 9:16) Defend apostleship – 1 Cor. 9: 1-2; 2 Cor. 13:3Defend apostleship – 1 Cor. 9: 1-2; 2 Cor. 13:3 Physical hardships – 1 Cor. 4: 11-13Physical hardships – 1 Cor. 4: 11-13 Persecuted – 2 Cor. 11:23-25Persecuted – 2 Cor. 11:23-25

8. 8 You Will Suffer if You… (Matt. 5:10-12) Are a faithful Christian – 1 Pet. 4:14-16Are a faithful Christian – 1 Pet. 4:14-16 Follow what is good – 1 Pet. 3:14-17Follow what is good – 1 Pet. 3:14-17 Live godly – 2 Tim. 3:12Live godly – 2 Tim. 3:12

9. 9 Paul Obeys the Heavenly Vision & Preaches Christ (Acts 26:19-20) To the Jews: Jesus is ChristTo the Jews: Jesus is Christ –In Damascus, Gal. 1:16-18 Went to Arabia (Rom. 15:20-21)Went to Arabia (Rom. 15:20-21) Back to Damascus (Acts 9:19-25; 2 Cor. 11:31-32)Back to Damascus (Acts 9:19-25; 2 Cor. 11:31-32)

10. 10 Paul Obeys the Heavenly Vision & Preaches Christ (Acts 26:19-20) Preached what audience neededPreached what audience needed The power of truth prevailedThe power of truth prevailed He would not be deterred (even under threat of death!)He would not be deterred (even under threat of death!) We must not be deterred, either!We must not be deterred, either!

11. 11 Paul Obeys the Heavenly Vision & Preaches Christ (Acts 26:19-20) To the Jews: Jesus is ChristTo the Jews: Jesus is Christ –In Jerusalem, Gal. 1:18-20; Acts 9:26-30; 22:17-21 Accepted with Barnabas’ helpAccepted with Barnabas’ help Hellenists try to kill him (9:29)Hellenists try to kill him (9:29) Delivered by the Lord (22:17-21; 9:30)Delivered by the Lord (22:17-21; 9:30)

12. 12 Paul Obeys the Heavenly Vision & Preaches Christ (Acts 26:19-20) To the Jews: Jesus is ChristTo the Jews: Jesus is Christ –In Jerusalem, Gal. 1:18-20; Acts 9:26-30; 22:17-21 Important to identify with local church (9:26)Important to identify with local church (9:26) An example of forgiveness & unity in Christ (9:27-28)An example of forgiveness & unity in Christ (9:27-28)

13. 13 Former Persecutor Preaches the Faith Paul was given a lifelong mission & he faithfully fulfilled it (2 Tim. 4:7)Paul was given a lifelong mission & he faithfully fulfilled it (2 Tim. 4:7) We must fulfill the mission of faithful living that Christ has given us (Heb. 10:36- 39; Gal. 6:9-10)We must fulfill the mission of faithful living that Christ has given us (Heb. 10:36- 39; Gal. 6:9-10)