Theory question 108
Mission to the Gentiles(a)(i) "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" Describe the circumstances that led to this question. (ii) Outline the events that took place after the quotation in 8(a)(i) up to the baptism of Saul.
(b) In what two ways did this experience affect Saul's life?
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(a)(i) Saul approved Stephen's death and ravaged the church, dragging men and women to prison (Acts 8:1-3).
Still breathing threats, he asked the high priest for letters to the synagogues at Damascus to bring followers of the Way bound to Jerusalem (Acts 9:1-2).
As he neared Damascus a light from heaven flashed around him; he fell and heard the voice (Acts 9:3-4).
(ii) He asked, "Who are you, Lord?" — "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting"; he was told to go into the city (Acts 9:5-6).
His companions were speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one (Acts 9:7).
He rose blind, was led into Damascus, and for three days neither ate nor drank (Acts 9:8-9).
The Lord told Ananias in a vision to go to the street called Straight to Saul, who was praying (Acts 9:10-12).
Ananias feared, but the Lord said Saul was His chosen instrument to carry His name to Gentiles, kings and Israel (Acts 9:13-16).
Ananias laid hands on him; something like scales fell from his eyes; he regained his sight and was baptised (Acts 9:17-18).
(b) Any two: he became a follower of Christ and preached Him (Acts 9:20); he became apostle to the Gentiles; he suffered persecution himself (Acts 9:23-25); he made missionary journeys and wrote epistles; his zeal was redirected to building the church.
Answer each part from Acts 8–9, then two effects.