MAY 30, 2024

Acts 9:24-31 (HCSB)
24 but their plot became known to Saul. So they were watching the gates day and night intending to kill him, 25 but his disciples took him by night and lowered him in a large basket through an opening in the wall. Saul in Jerusalem 26 When he arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to associate with the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, since they did not believe he was a disciple. 27 Barnabas, however, took him and brought him to the apostles and explained to them how Saul had seen the Lord on the road and that He had talked to him, and how in Damascus he had spoken boldly in the name of Jesus. 28 Saul was coming and going with them in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord. 29 He conversed and debated with the Hellenistic Jews, but they attempted to kill him. 30 When the brothers found out, they took him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus. 31 So the church throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace, being built up and walking in the fear of the Lord and in the encouragement of the Holy Spirit, and it increased in numbers.

Casey Morton
The Jews plotted to kill him. This pretty much began what Jesus had spoken in v16 (I will show him how much he must suffer for MY name). Saul goes from persecuting to being persecuted. Verse 26 says he tried to associate with the disciples, but they were afraid of him. Even doubting if he was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and explained everything to the disciples and helped them to see. Have you ever encountered a Barnabas or Ananias in your life? Someone who welcomes you into the family of God with simple friendship?