On the Road with Paul
Scripture Focus: Acts 9:1–30, 27:1–28:10
I. On the Road – Acts 9:1–30
As we open to Acts 9, let’s remember the context. The early church is experiencing rapid growth in Jerusalem. In Acts 7, Stephen is martyred—the first to die for his faith in Jesus. Then we see:
Acts 8:1
“And Saul approved of their killing him.”
In the next chapter, Saul has a dramatic encounter with Jesus.
Read Acts 9:1–2
Saul is actively persecuting the church. But opposition to the true church is nothing new—it often faces resistance.
Read Acts 9:3–9
Saul is struck blind and does not eat or drink for three days. Imagine what must have been going through his mind—trained under Gamaliel, steeped in Pharisaic tradition, deeply knowledgeable in the Scriptures and prophecies about the Messiah. Suddenly, everything is being redefined.
This moment is crucial. Paul’s conversion is not just personal—it becomes foundational to the spread of the gospel.
Later, Paul shares this story multiple times:
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Acts 22 – Paul’s defense in Jerusalem
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Acts 26 – His testimony before King Agrippa and Governor Festus
Acts 26:25–29
“I am not insane, most excellent Festus,” Paul replied. “What I am saying is true and reasonable… King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do.”
Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?”
Paul replied, “Short time or long—I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.”
Paul’s passion for the lost is undeniable.
Read Acts 9:10–16
God calls Ananias to go to Saul, His “chosen instrument” to carry the gospel to Jews and Gentiles. The one who inflicted suffering will now suffer for Christ.
Read Acts 9:17–22
Paul’s deep understanding of Scripture gives him a fast learning curve. He immediately begins proclaiming Jesus as the Messiah.
Read Acts 9:23–30
Paul begins to suffer persecution—a theme that will continue throughout his ministry.
Paul was uniquely equipped: a scholar, a Roman citizen, a Pharisee, and now, a Christian. His theological depth shaped much of the New Testament, especially in books like Romans.
Yet, even today, Paul is under scrutiny. His teachings on men and women and sexuality are often labeled as outdated or offensive. But are they?
2 Peter 3:14–16
“…our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him… His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures…”
Peter, to whom Jesus gave the “keys of the kingdom,” affirms Paul’s writings as Scripture. Paul’s instructions to Gentiles were necessary because Jewish believers already followed God’s standards. While culture changes, God’s truth remains.
II. On the Boat – Acts 27:1–28:10
Fast forward—Paul is a prisoner en route to Rome.
Read Acts 27:13–20
A violent storm hits. Notice the pronoun “we”—Luke, the author of Acts, is with Paul. Everyone aboard has lost hope.
Read Acts 27:21–26
An angel appears to Paul with a message of reassurance—no lives will be lost. The storm rages for 14 days.
Eventually, they attempt to reach land. The ship is destroyed, but all survive. Some swim, others float on debris.
Acts 28:3–6
Paul is bitten by a viper but remains unharmed. The people are amazed.
Acts 28:10
Paul heals many, and they gain great favor on the island. God’s power continues to work through him.
Discussion Questions
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Why do you think God chose Paul, someone who persecuted Christians, to become such a central figure in the New Testament?
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What can we learn from Paul’s transformation about how God uses our past for His purposes?
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Have you ever felt “blinded” or redirected by God like Paul was? What came from that experience?
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How do you respond to cultural challenges to biblical teaching, especially those found in Paul’s letters?
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What does Paul’s perseverance through shipwrecks, persecution, and suffering teach us about enduring faith?