v. 26: Following the rather rushed night time departure from Damascus, Saul returns to Jerusalem. Having gone on an assignment from the high priest, he returns to report, not to him, but to the disciples. They don't exactly welcome him. One sees that the gathering of the disciples was not an open affair -- but required their approval. Why would this be so important? Why would the fear Saul? Why would one need to be a disciple to gather with the disciples (probably a short hand version for gathering in worship for prayer, instruction, and participation in the Lord's Supper -- the 'breaking of bread' in Acts)?

V. 27: How is Saul incorporated into the disciples in Jerusalem? Does he do it himself? Is this a good thing or a bad thing? What does it tell you about the type of people these disciples are? Check Acts 4:36-37 about Barnabas. Why would his witness for the sake of Saul be received? What is the nature of the witness of the individual about which the church is concerned? Why is the issue left in the hands of the apostles?

V. 28-29: Why is it that the notification of Saul's preaching occurs after he had been brought to the apostles, not before? What would it be to speak out boldly in the name of the Lord? Why would he engage particularly the Greek speaking Jews in Jerusalem, and why would they seek to kill him?

V. 30: Who finds out that the Hellenists are out to kill Saul? How does Saul get out of Jerusalem?

It is interesting to see how inactive Saul is throughout this narrative, especially in matters concerning his acceptance to the church and his safety from attack. What are the things that Saul actually does? What is done for him? Who is responsible for Saul?

Why would the author conclude Saul's "conversion narrative" here? When is the first stage of his "conversion" complete? Why? What does this tell us about the nature of our lives as disciples today? Can you think of similar dynamics as Saul experienced in his rejection/acceptance in Jerusalem and the safety then that this "brothers" give him that you or others have experienced?

Peace to you. Among other things, please pray for the members of the Christian Peacemakerswho have been taken hostage in Iraq. There is a petition at http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/freethecpt if you would like to sign it.