For several days he was with the disciples in Damascus, 9:20and immediately he began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “This man is the Son of God.” 9:21All who heard him were amazed and were saying, “Is this not the man who in Jerusalem was ravaging those who call on this name, and who had come here to bring them as prisoners to the chief priests?” 9:22But Saul became more and more capable, and was causing consternation among the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Christ.
9:23Now after some days had passed, the Jews plotted together to kill him, 9:24but Saul learned of their plot against him. They were also watching the city gates day and night so that they could kill him. 9:25But his disciples took him at night and let him down through an opening in the wall by lowering him in a basket.
9:26When he arrived in Jerusalem, he attempted to associate with the disciples, and they were all afraid of him, because they did not believe that he was a disciple. 9:27But Barnabas took Saul, brought him to the apostles, and related to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had spoken out boldly in the name of Jesus. 9:28So he was staying with them, associating openly with them in Jerusalem, speaking out boldly in the name of the Lord. 9:29He was speaking and debating with the Greek-speaking Jews, but they were trying to kill him. 9:30When the brothers found out about this, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him away to Tarsus.
9:31Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria experienced peace and thus was strengthened. Living in the fear of the Lord and in the encouragement of the Holy Spirit, the church increased in numbers.
9:32Now as Peter was traveling around from place to place, he also came down to the saints who lived in Lydda. 9:33He found there a man named Aeneas who had been confined to a mattress for eight years because he was paralyzed. 9:34Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus the Christ heals you. Get up and make your own bed!” And immediately he got up. 9:35All those who lived in Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord.
See AlsoWhy did Sarah Young in 'Jesus Calling' put words in Jesus' mouth?June 23, 2024 – Fifth Sunday after Pentecost / Proper 7+++ 07:51 Schwesig trifft in Kiew ein - "Ukraine muss gewinnen" +++Angelus, 9 June 2024 | Francis9:36Now in Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which in translation means Dorcas). She was continually doing good deeds and acts of charity. 9:37At that time she became sick and died. When they had washed her body, they placed it in an upstairs room. 9:38Because Lydda was near Joppa, when the disciples heard that Peter was there, they sent two men to him and urged him, “Come to us without delay.” 9:39So Peter got up and went with them, and when he arrived they brought him to the upper room. All the widows stood beside him, crying and showing him the tunics and other clothing Dorcas used to make while she was with them. 9:40But Peter sent them all outside, knelt down, and prayed. Turning to the body, he said, “Tabitha, get up.” Then she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter, she sat up. 9:41He gave her his hand and helped her get up. Then he called the saints and widows and presented her alive. 9:42This became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. 9:43So Peter stayed many days in Joppa with a man named Simon, a tanner.
Filling in the Details of Paul’s early years
Luke omits details irrelevant to his narrative
Paul provides more information in Galatians 1:13-24 and 2 Corinthians 11:32
The Timeline
“For several days he was with the disciples in Damascus” (Acts 9:19b)
Paul proclaims Jesus, “the Son of God,” in the synagogues (Acts 9:20)
Time in Arabia—Nabataea (Galatians 1:17)
Paul returns to Damascus (Acts 9:19b; Galatians 1:17b)
Paul is persecuted but escapes in a basket (Acts 9:25; 2 Corinthians 11:32-33)
Paul travels to Jerusalem
Paul in Jerusalem
Again, Luke omits some details
Jerusalem believers fear Paul
Paul is introduced by Barnabas
Hellenists try to kill Paul
Paul’s Jerusalem trip is brief
Paul goes to Caesarea on his way to Tarsus
Peace and Strength
Verse 9:31 is a positive conclusion
Peter’s Ministry
Peter’s ministry is like Jesus’ ministry but more expansive
Peter travels to Jewish cities
The healing at Lydda
The resuscitation at Joppa
Getting comfortable with ritual impurity
