God's Redemptive Power

Worst Sinner

1 Timothy 1:12 NIV

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service.

1 Timothy 1:13 NIV

Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief.

1 Timothy 1:14 NIV

The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.

1 Timothy 1:15 NIV

Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.

1 Timothy 1:16 NIV

But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.

Saul’s journey

Acts 9:19 NIV

and after taking some food, he regained his strength. Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus.

Acts 9:20 NIV

At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God.

Acts 9:21 NIV

All those who heard him were astonished and asked, “Isn’t he the man who raised havoc in Jerusalem among those who call on this name? And hasn’t he come here to take them as prisoners to the chief priests?”

Acts 9:22 NIV

Yet Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Messiah.

Acts 9:23 NIV

After many days had gone by, there was a conspiracy among the Jews to kill him,

Acts 9:24 NIV

but Saul learned of their plan. Day and night they kept close watch on the city gates in order to kill him.

Acts 9:25 NIV

But his followers took him by night and lowered him in a basket through an opening in the wall.

Acts 9:26 NIV

When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple.

Acts 9:27 NIV

But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus.

Acts 9:28 NIV

So Saul stayed with them and moved about freely in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord.

Baggage

Solving a problem

Acts 11:19 NIV

Now those who had been scattered by the persecution that broke out when Stephen was killed traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, spreading the word only among Jews.

Acts 11:20 NIV

Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus.

Acts 11:21 NIV

The Lord’s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord.

Acts 11:22 NIV

News of this reached the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch.

Acts 11:23 NIV

When he arrived and saw what the grace of God had done, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts.

Acts 11:24 NIV

He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.

Acts 11:25 NIV

Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul,

Acts 11:26 NIV

and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.