Study together · BCS

Paul

The persecutor who became the church's greatest missionary.

The story

1. Approving Stephen's death Acts 7:58–8:3

   He holds the coats while Stephen is stoned, then ravages the church.

2. The Damascus road Acts 9:1-9

   A light from heaven. “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” He rises blind and changed.

3. Sent to the nations Acts 13:1-3

   The church sets apart Barnabas and Saul, and he begins carrying the gospel to the Gentiles.

4. Splitting with Barnabas Acts 15:36-41

   A sharp disagreement over John Mark ends his partnership with his first champion.

5. Joy in chains Phil 1:12-21

   Writing from prison, he rejoices that the gospel is spreading: “To live is Christ, and to die is gain.”

6. Finishing the race 2 Tim 4:6-8

   Near death, he says he has fought the good fight and kept the faith.

Key verses

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7 (ESV)

Read together: Acts 7:58–8:3 · Acts 9:1-9 · Acts 13:1-3 · Acts 15:36-41 · Phil 1:12-21 · 2 Tim 4:6-8

Questions to sit with

1. Where am I still trying to earn what God has given?
2. Who have I written off that God might be calling?

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible, © 2001 by Crossway. Used by permission.