Acts 9:19-22

Acts 9:19-22

And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.

And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.

But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests?

But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.

a. It is probably here the trip into Arabia to receive the New Covenant should be inserted. The next verse, Acts 9:23 mentions the Jews attempting to kill Saul “after many days were fulfilled”, this compares with the three years of Saul being in Damascus. The details of Saul’s stay including the trip into Arabia are not mentioned here but are in greater detail in the book of Galatians.

1). Galatians 1:11-17 But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.

For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.

For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it:

And profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers.

But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace,

To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:

Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus.

b. It is clear from this passage that the “gospel” of the New Covenant was given to Saul through “the revelation of Jesus Christ”. It is also clear that this revelation took place in Arabia. Comparing the passages in Galatians 1 with Acts 26 I am fully persuaded that Jesus appeared to Saul while he was in Arabia and gave him the New Covenant, the gospel of Jesus Christ. Look closely at what Jesus said in Acts 26.

1). Acts 26:16 But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;

a). Jesus said he appeared to Saul in order to make or ordain him a minister and a witness of the things he saw and the things  of which Jesus would appear to him in the future.

2). Acts 26:17 Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee,

a). Jesus said he was going to send Saul to the Gentiles.

3). Acts 26:18 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

a). Verse 18 is literally the content of the New Covenant, salvation to the Gentiles. Exactly what he meant in Galatians 1:16, “that I might preach him among the heathen.”