What is the context?
Saul promptly begins proclaiming Jesus as God’s Son in the Damascus synagogues. The hearers recognize the man who had come to arrest believers. His message astonishes them, and he grows stronger in showing that Jesus is the Christ.
After many days, a plot against his life leads his disciples to lower him through a window in the wall in a basket. Luke’s brief account does not supply every journey during this period. Galatians 1:17–19 records a journey to Arabia, a return to Damascus and a Jerusalem visit after three years. 2 Corinthians 11:32–33 also describes the escape and identifies a governor under King Aretas as seeking Saul’s arrest.
In Jerusalem, the disciples fear Saul and do not believe he is a disciple. Barnabas brings him to the apostles and describes his encounter with Jesus and his bold witness in Damascus. Saul is then able to move among them and speak openly about the Lord.
When another attempt is made to kill him, the brothers take him to Caesarea and send him to Tarsus. Luke closes with the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoying peace, growing stronger and increasing in numbers through reverence for the Lord and the Spirit’s encouragement.
How is this passage commonly understood?
Christians commonly read this as the visible reversal of Saul’s former work and an account of the church learning to receive him through Barnabas’s help. Wesley on verses 26–27 connects the Jerusalem visit with Galatians 1 and treats evidence of Saul’s changed life as relevant to the disciples’ concerns.
Where does this fit in God's plan?
Galatians 1:23–24 explains how other believers heard that their former persecutor was now proclaiming the faith he had tried to destroy, and glorified God because of him. The changed life points beyond Saul’s abilities to God’s mercy.
The threatened violence also begins to show the cost named in Acts 9:16. Saul’s rescue depends on other disciples, a basket and a night escape. Being chosen for a significant work does not make him self-sufficient or exempt him from danger.
What is our position?
We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.