V. 20: This verse sets the whole basis for the events to follow. Notice the "immediately". Has the intensity of Saul changed? What has? What is it that he preaches in the synagogue? This is the first time that Saul goes to the synagogue in Damascus -- he hadn't made it yet when he came blind into the city. By whose authority does he speak in the synagogue from the perspective of those there (cf. 9:2)? What is the relevance of this message for the synagogue in Damascus?

Vv. 21-22: These verses list the response of the synagogue. Why are the people amazed? What had they heard of Saul before he even arrived? Why would they mention the high priest? Why would it be such a big deal? Why would Saul increase in strengh? To what would Saul appeal to "prove" that this Jesus is the Christ? Would Saul receive the same type of reaction if he spoke of the necessity of "faith in God" or in "discovering your spirituality in Jesus"? Why or why not? What is Saul really saying in the synagogue?

Vv. 23-24: These verses represent a cat-n-mouse game. Why would the Jews plot to kill Saul? What benefit would they get from Saul's murder? What is he doing that is so threatening that he needs silenced? Why is Saul more dangerous than the other Jewish believers in town? Meanwhile, how would Saul have found out about the plot? What does this suggest about how some responded to his proclamation? Why would some Jews from the synagogue watch the city gates to grab Saul as he left the city? Why not grab him in town? What does this tell you about what they are trying to do in relationship to Saul and his message?

V. 25 tells of the resolution of the incident. First, the text speaks of "his [Saul's] disciples" helping him escape. From whence would he have gotten his own disciples? Why would they know how to get Saul out of the city without being caught? How does Saul deal with the opposition that he receives in the city? What does this tell you about his focus? What internal dispositions is he going to have to develop as a result of his conversion?

This is still part of Saul's conversion story. Within our world we often tend to think of conversion stories as making life easier. "Faith" is supposed to make life smoother, to appeal to have God help us when we get in a tight spot. Does this understanding of conversion work for Saul? Why does his life get more difficult as a result of his conversion? What does this tell you about the nature of Christian conversion? Can you think of ways that your allegiance to Jesus Christ has "complicated" your life? What sort of internal vitues do believers need to develop as a result of their conversion, or better, as part of their conversion?