The Light of Christ Journey

Encouraging people on their journey with Christ

Satanic Struggles

Tom Graves

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August 13, 2026

Satanic struggles began in the Garden of Eden and will continue until Jesus comes again. But never forget God is victorious! Acts 13:6–8 introduces us to a pivotal moment in the early church’s mission. Barnabas and Saul, sent out by the Holy Spirit, arrived in Cyprus ready to proclaim the Gospel.

They traveled across the island to Paphos, where they met a Jewish sorcerer, Bar-Jesus, who was a false prophet. He attached himself to the intelligent governor, Sergius Paulus, who invited Barnabas and Saul to visit him to hear God’s word. Elymas, the sorcerer, tried to distract the governor and prevent him from believing.[1]

This opposition is not a coincidence but a pattern. Wherever God’s truth advances, resistance often rises to meet it! The enemy is strategic. Elymas positioned himself to exert influence by targeting a leader open to hearing God’s Word. His goal was simple: disrupt, distort, and derail the message before it could take root.

This reminds us that opposition is not always random. Often, it appears most intensely at the very places where God is working most powerfully. If you find resistance in your efforts to live faithfully, to share truth, or to lead your family in righteousness, it may not be a sign you are off track, but that you are exactly where you need to be.

The Tactics of the Enemy

Elymas tried to deceive the governor of Paphos, Sergius Paulus, into not becoming a believer. This reflects how spiritual battles often unfold in our lives. Satanic struggles rarely begin with dramatic displays. Instead, they creep in through confusion, doubt, distraction, and counterfeit truth. Like Elymas, these forces aim to distort what is clear and lead people away from faith.

In today’s world, this can take many forms, such as false teachings, misleading ideologies, or even internal struggles that cloud our judgment. What appears as harmless or even helpful can sometimes carry deeper spiritual implications. The battle is not merely external; it is also within hearts and minds. Yet, God doesn’t call us to face this alone. Paul gives us wisdom: Ephesians 6:11Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.[2]

Victory Through the Spirit

We don’t win spiritual battles by human effort but by dependence on the Holy Spirit and God’s word. He reminds us that one of the surest ways to lose such a battle is not even to realize you’re in one. That’s why prayer, Scripture, and bold faith are essential; they become our weapons in a conflict that is often unseen. And just as Sergius Paulus ultimately came to believe, we’re reminded that no heart is beyond God’s reach.

Prayer:Lord, help me to stand firm against spiritual opposition and satanic struggles. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and give me boldness to speak Your truth. Guard the hearts of those I seek to reach, and remind me that I am never alone. Strengthen me through the support of others and lead me in victory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/set-apart-and-sent-out

[1] Acts 13:6-8 Summary from the Holy Bible

[2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Eph 6:11). Tyndale House Publishers.

Spirit-Led Sending

Tom Graves

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August 12, 2026

Spirit-led sending is the amazing work of the Holy Spirit. Acts 13:4So Barnabas and Saul were sent out by the Holy Spirit.[1] These words anchor the entire mission of Barnabas and Saul. Their journey did not begin with personal ambition or strategic planning; it began with divine direction. The Holy Spirit was not merely assisting; He was initiating. This reminds us that true ministry is never self-appointed. It is Spirit-directed.

 The church in Antioch had already been seeking God through worship, fasting, and prayer. In that posture of surrender, the Spirit spoke clearly. Acts 13:2Appoint Barnabas and Saul for the special work to which I have called them.[2]  The calling was not vague or general; it was specific and intentional. Even more, the Spirit’s words confirmed what God had already placed in their hearts. God often works this way. The same Spirit who sent Barnabas and Saul is still speaking. The question is not whether God is directing, but whether we are listening.

A Community That Discerns and Sends


The Antioch church models an essential truth: calling is personal, but sending is communal. They didn’t rush. After hearing the Spirit, they fasted and prayed again. They took time to align their hearts with God’s will and to intercede for those who were being sent.

Then they laid hands on Barnabas and Saul and sent them off. This act symbolized unity, blessing, and shared mission. Barnabas and Saul were not lone missionaries chasing a vision, but representatives of a Spirit-filled community.

This moment also required sacrifice. Barnabas and Saul were key leaders in a thriving, diverse church. Sending them meant losing some of their strongest voices. Yet the Antioch believers understood something profound: God’s mission is bigger than their local comfort. They trusted that obedience would lead to greater impact. Today, we, too, must be communities that not only grow but also give by releasing people for the sake of God’s kingdom. Spirit-led sending always involves both discernment and sacrifice.

The Journey Began with Obedience


Acts 13:4–5 tells us that Barnabas and Saul went down to Seleucia and sailed to Cyprus, where they began proclaiming the word of God. It’s a simple description, but it marks a powerful beginning. This was the launch of a missionary movement that would carry the Gospel far beyond its original boundaries.

Notice how ordinary the first step seems: they set sail. No detailed roadmap, just obedience. This is often how God works in our lives. He doesn’t always reveal the entire journey. He gives the next step. Our role is not to see the whole picture but to trust the One who does.

The question for all of us is, “Are we listening for the Spirit’s voice?” Are we willing to be set apart? Spirit-led sending starts with surrendered hearts and moves forward through obedient steps. To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/set-apart-and-sent-out

[1,2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

Mentoring Along the Way

Tom Graves

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August 11, 2026

Mentoring along the way is the story of Paul, the mentor, and Titus, the mentee, as they walked together on their journey of faith. When Paul (Saul) and Barnabas traveled to Jerusalem, they brought Titus with them. Later, as they returned to Antioch, they brought John Mark back as well. These were not accidental travel companions; they were intentional relationships. Titus and Mark were learning not from lectures but from life. They watched Paul and Barnabas navigate challenges, defend the Gospel, and serve others. This kind of practical apprenticeship shapes a person in ways a classroom never could.

God often grows us through relationships. As you seek to walk with Jesus, one of the greatest gifts you can have is someone who walks beside you. A mentor provides more than instruction; they provide presence. They see your struggles up close, your questions in real time, and your growth over seasons. Like Titus and Mark, we learn best when we are invited into the daily rhythms of faith lived out.

Encouragement for the Climb

Spiritual growth is not a straight path. There are moments of clarity but also seasons of confusion and discouragement. This is where a mentor becomes invaluable. Scripture tells us what is important. 1 Thessalonians 5:11So encourage each other and build each other up.”[1]

When you feel uncertain, a mentor helps you refocus on God’s truth. When you stumble, a mentor reminds you of your identity in Christ. A mentor also leads by example. Their life becomes a visible testimony of faith in action. Their decisions, priorities, and responses to hardship quietly teach what it means to honor God. Often, it is not their words that leave the deepest impression, but their consistency. They show what it looks like to trust God daily, and that example serves as a guide for those following.

Investing in What Lasts

Paul knew his ministry would not last forever, but the impact of investing in others would endure. Titus, Timothy, and others were like sons in the faith whom Paul trained, encouraged, and entrusted with the work of the Gospel. Mentoring was not optional for Paul; it was essential. It was how the mission continued.

Spiritual mentorship ultimately points us toward a deeper relationship with Jesus. A mentor’s greatest desire is not to create dependence on themselves but to help you grow in faith and maturity in Christ. Many of us can look back and name someone who invested in us: a teacher, pastor, coach, or family member who helped shape our faith.

Now consider this: who might benefit from what God has taught you? Mentoring is not only something we receive; it is something God calls us to give. As you continue on your journey, ask God to guide you not only to a mentor but also to someone you can be mentoring along the way.

To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/set-apart-and-sent-out

[1] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (1 Th 5:11). Tyndale House Publishers.

Grace for the Gentiles

Paula K. Graves

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August 10, 2026

God demonstrated His grace for the Gentiles through Saul and Barnabas. Jews had always considered that they were the only people of God and had excluded the Gentiles. However, God had always planned to include the Gentiles. The prophets had foretold what Jesus, the Messiah, would do. Isaiah 49: 6 He says, “You will do more than restore the people of Israel to me. I will make you a light to the Gentiles, and you will bring my salvation to the ends of the earth.” [1]

Jesus demonstrated this as He reached out to Gentiles multiple times: the Samaritan woman (John 4), the Roman centurion (Matthew 8), and a demon-possessed man in the Gadarenes (Mark 5). Jesus had foretold that believers would take the Gospel to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8). Now Saul and Barnabas were doing just that. A Gentile church in Antioch had collected money to support the Jewish Jerusalem church and sent it with Saul and Barnabas. There the two apostles shared what was happening with the Gentile believers with the Jerusalem church leaders.

Jewish Leaders Response

Gentiles receiving the Gospel without becoming Jews first was shocking to the Jewish believers. Yet, as Saul and Barnabas shared what they had been teaching, the Jewish Christians accepted this revolutionary concept.

Galatians 2: 6 And the leaders of the (Jerusalem) church had nothing to add to what I was preaching. (By the way, their reputation as great leaders made no difference to me, for God has no favorites.) 7 Instead, they saw that God had given me the responsibility of preaching the Gospel to the Gentiles, just as he had given Peter the responsibility of preaching to the Jews.

8 For the same God who worked through Peter as the apostle to the Jews also worked through me as the apostle to the Gentiles. 9 In fact, James, Peter, and John, who were known as pillars of the church, recognized the gift God had given me, and they accepted Barnabas and me as their co-workers. They encouraged us to keep preaching to the Gentiles, while they continued their work with the Jews.[2]

Different But Unified

Despite their differences, the leaders in Jerusalem recognized God’s grace for the Gentiles. This was the beginning of dealing with this issue. It would continue to come up until a few years later, there would be a Council meeting in Jerusalem. After Paul and Barnabas’ mission trip (Acts 13 &14) reached even more Gentiles, leadership needed to settle the dispute. There, they came to the same conclusion: God had grace for the Gentiles. They distributed a letter to the churches stating this (Acts 15).

Their acknowledgment reflects the unity all believers should strive for. Even though we may have diverse paths, our common denominator is the grace conveyed through Jesus Christ. This is how unity and encouragement within the church can embolden our mission. We must work together to spread the Gospel with our giftings just as Peter and Paul did. May we all reflect the same solidarity and vision the early apostles had for reaching the nations.

To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/set-apart-and-sent-out

[1,2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Tyndale House Publishers.

Compassionate Response

Paula K. Graves

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August 9, 2026

The church in Antioch had a compassionate response to the words of a traveling prophet. Acts 11: 27 During this time some prophets traveled from Jerusalem to Antioch. 28 One of them, named Agabus, stood up in one of the meetings and predicted by the Spirit that a great famine was coming upon the entire Roman world. (This was fulfilled during the reign of Claudius.) 29 So the believers in Antioch decided to send relief to the brothers and sisters in Judea, everyone giving as much as they could. 30 This they did, entrusting their gifts to Barnabas and Saul to take to the elders of the church in Jerusalem. [1]

When God gave the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, Peter quoted the prophet Joel to explain what was happening. Acts 2: 17 ‘In the last days,’ God says, ‘I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams. 18 In those days I will pour out my Spirit even on my servants—men and women alike—and they will prophesy. [2]

The Spirit’s Gift of Prophecy

God’s Spirit had come upon the Old Testament prophets, such as Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, enabling them to foretell what was coming. God put a pause on prophecy during the time between the Old and New Testaments. But Jews anticipated that prophecy would resurface when the Messiah came. This happened at the first Pentecost. Paul would later write about prophecy. 1 Corinthians 14:1 Let love be your highest goal! But you should also desire the special abilities the Spirit gives—especially the ability to prophesy.[3]

In its simplest definition, prophecy is simply telling others what you hear God telling you. This may be foretelling the future as Agabus did. But prophecy is always meant to encourage and strengthen God’s people. 1 Corinthians 14: 29 Let two or three people prophesy, and let the others evaluate what is said… 31b so that everyone will learn and be encouraged.[4] God was speaking through Agabus to warn the people to prepare for a time of famine.

Thinking of Others First

We would think that when the Antioch believers heard the warning of a coming famine, they would store food for themselves. But surprisingly, that is not how they reacted. Instead of hoarding supplies for themselves, they gathered money to send to the Jerusalem church. In times of crisis, God calls believers to listen for His voice and take unified action.

Jesus is to be our model of service. He had a ministry of compassion and proactive service, and so should we. The Antioch church had a compassionate response to needs in Jerusalem. They collected money and then sent Saul and Barnabas to deliver it personally.

What can we learn from this story and how can we apply it to our lives? Look around. Be willing to listen for God’s voice and discern His calling. How is God calling you or your congregation to address the needs of your community?

To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/set-apart-and-sent-out

[1-4] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

Teaching at Antioch

Paula K. Graves

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August 8, 2026

After Jesus appeared to Saul on the road to Damascus and spent years training him, we find Saul teaching at Antioch. The Jerusalem church had sent Barnabas to check out the newly formed group of Jesus followers in Antioch.

Antioch was the 3rd-largest city in the Roman Empire, with a population of half a million. It was a cosmopolitan city with great commercial and political power. Both Jews and Gentiles lived there and would have provided the early church with many opportunities for evangelism. “Antioch was to the Roman world what New York City is to ours,” writes James A. Kelso.[1]

Barnabas recognized that God was working both with the Jewish and Gentile believers there. But Barnabas needed help and remembered that Saul was in Tarsus. Acts 11: 25 Then Barnabas went on to Tarsus to look for Saul. 26 When he found him, he brought him back to Antioch. Both of them stayed there with the church for a full year, teaching large crowds of people. (It was at Antioch that the believers were first called Christians.) [2]

A Difficult Path to Teaching

Saul, as a zealous Jew,  was an enemy of those who followed Jesus. He did not see Jesus as the Messiah but a heretic who was leading people astray. He had been determined to stamp out this new movement as he journeyed to Damascus. But Jesus appeared to him on the way and demonstrated that He was alive and the Messiah. This turned Saul’s world upside down.

Even though Saul immediately began to preach that Jesus was the Son of God, his fellow Jews rejected the message. Saul appears to have gone on a pilgrimage to Arabia, where Jesus taught him and prepared him for his call to the Gentiles. In addition to his preparation in Arabia, Saul returned to his hometown of Tarsus. This was for his safety, but also allowed him to work out his theology among the Gentiles there.

Barnabas had befriended Saul in Jerusalem and probably knew that God had commissioned him to minister to the Gentiles. Even though it was about 150 miles between Antioch and Tarsus, Barnabas went and got Saul to bring him back as a teacher. Saul’s story demonstrates that our training journey for God’s call is not always straightforward, but can have surprising twists and turns.

Redirected for Mission

Just as Saul’s past did not limit God’s call on his life, neither does ours. God can redeem our mistakes and train us for what is ahead. When we look to God for His guidance and are willing to listen and obey, God can forgive and restore us from our mistakes. In fact, God loves to do this to give us a testimony of a changed life.

Saul had been out to kill Christians. When he began to preach the Gospel, Christians thought it was a ruse to arrest them. It took time for them to trust an enemy that God had turned into a emissary. Certainly, there should be a period of vetting for someone who has turned from persecutor to preacher. At the same time, we must learn to receive and affirm those God has called out of questionable pasts. Fifteen years earlier, Saul would have been shocked to hear that he would be teaching at Antioch. God can use those whom we least expect.

To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/from-enemy-to-emissary

[1] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 1, p. 449). Victor Books.

[2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Ac 11:25–26). Tyndale House Publishers.

Barnabas, the Encourager

Tom Graves

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August 7, 2026

Barnabas, the encourager, is an example for every believer. In Acts 9:27, we meet Barnabas at a critical moment in the early church. Saul, once a fierce persecutor of believers, had encountered Christ and been transformed. Yet the believers in Jerusalem were understandably afraid of him. They doubted his conversion and kept their distance. It was Barnabas who stepped forward, took a risk, and stood in the gap. He listened to Saul’s testimony, believed his story, and then advocated for him before the apostles.

Barnabas didn’t just offer kind words; he offered trust, courage, and presence. He saw what God was doing in Saul’s life and chose to encourage rather than suspect. How often do we hesitate to embrace someone because of their past?

Celebrating Growth and Calling Others Forward

Later, in Acts 11:22-25, Barnabas went to Antioch to investigate reports that Gentiles were coming to faith. What he found could have drawn skepticism or criticism. Instead, Barnabas rejoiced. He saw the grace of God at work and encouraged the new believers to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts.

Barnabas didn’t criticize these new believers for what they didn’t know. He strengthened them in their growth. He understood that encouragement builds faith, while criticism often tears it down. Recognizing the church’s growing needs, Barnabas went to Tarsus to find Saul and bring him back to help teach and lead. He wasn’t concerned with recognition; he was concerned about helping people grow in faith.

As believers, God calls us to do the same. Encouragement is not passive. It actively fosters others’ growth. It celebrates progress, invites participation, and helps people step into their God-given purpose.

Encouraged by God, Encouraging Others


Ultimately, our ability to encourage flows from the Lord Himself. Scripture reminds us that God is our greatest encourager. Psalm 55:22 Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you. [1] And later Paul instructed the believers. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 So encourage each other and build each other up.[2]

Barnabas may not be as well-known as Paul or Peter, but his quiet influence profoundly shaped the early church. Without his encouragement, Saul’s ministry might have been delayed or diminished. Without his support, the church in Antioch might not have flourished as it did.

His life reminds us that encouragement is not merely a personality trait but a calling. You don’t need a spotlight to make an impact. Often, the most powerful ministry happens quietly, through steady faith, genuine care, and the courage to believe in others. Be like Barnabas, the encourager, and be bold. Build faithfully. Trust God to use your influence to change lives.

To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/from-enemy-to-emissary

[1-2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

The Gospel is for the Gentiles, Too

Tom Graves

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August 6, 2026

As the message of Jesus spread, the believers began to understand that the Gospel is for the Gentiles, too. What seemed chaotic was actually God’s quiet strategy. After Stephen’s death, believers were scattered by persecution, carrying wounds, grief, and uncertainty. Yet as they traveled to Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, they carried something stronger than pain: the Gospel of Jesus.

At first, many shared only with fellow Jews. It felt natural, safe, and expected. But some believers from Cyprus and Cyrene stepped beyond those boundaries. They spoke to Gentiles! These were people outside their tradition and comfort zone, and something remarkable happened: the Gentiles believed.[1]

Human fear or circumstances can’t limit God’s purposes. Even in suffering, He is at work. This challenges us to see our disruptions differently. When life scatters us through hardship, change, or uncertainty, God may be sending us. The places we didn’t plan to go may be the very places where He wants the Gospel to take root through us.

A Gospel for All People


Antioch was no small village; it was a bustling, diverse, and deeply pagan city of about 500,000 people. By many standards, it seemed an unlikely soil for spiritual awakening. Yet it became a thriving center of faith. They didn’t wait for perfect conditions or receptive audiences. They shared what they knew. Acts 11:21 the power of the Lord was with them, and a large number of these Gentiles believed and turned to the Lord. [2] This moment marked a turning point. The church in Antioch would go on to commission and support Paul on his missionary journeys, reaching nations far beyond what those early believers could imagine.

We often assume certain people won’t be interested, won’t understand, or won’t believe. But Acts 11 reminds us that the Gospel does not belong to a select group; it is for everyone. The power lies not in our ability to persuade but in God’s ability to transform hearts. Our role is simple: be willing.

Boldness for Today’s World


Our world today is marked by stress, anxiety, and a constant search for meaning. People are overwhelmed, yet often unaware of the hope available to them. The message of Jesus meets that need. It transforms lives, reshapes priorities, and lifts our vision beyond the present moment to eternal hope in Jesus. Just as God brought good from Stephen’s death and the scattering of believers, He is still weaving redemption through the brokenness we see today.

The question is whether we will participate. Wherever we live, we are placed there with purpose. Like the believers in Antioch, God calls us to carry the good news on our lips and in our lives. We may not feel bold, but boldness grows as we trust God. When we step out in faith, His power meets us there. Let our eyes be outward, our hearts open, and our voices ready. The Gospel is for all, and God still uses willing people to share it.

To learn how the Gospel is for the Gentiles, too, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/from-enemy-to-emissary

[1] Acts 11:19-30 Summary from the Holy Bible

[2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Ac 11:21). Tyndale House Publishers.

God’s Mission for Saul

Paula K. Graves

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August 5, 2026

God had revealed His mission for Saul to Ananias before Ananias prayed for Saul. Acts 9: 15 But the Lord said, “Go, for Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel.[1] Paul gives his testimony of the Damascus road experience three times in the book of Acts. The first telling is Acts 9:1-19, the second is Acts 22:3-21, and the third is Acts 26:9-20.

In the third telling, Paul shares more details about what Jesus told him on the road to Damascus. Acts 26: 16 Now get to your feet! For I have appeared to you to appoint you as my servant and witness. Tell people that you have seen me, and tell them what I will show you in the future. 17 And I will rescue you from both your own people and the Gentiles. Yes, I am sending you to the Gentiles 18 to open their eyes, so they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God. Then they will receive forgiveness for their sins and be given a place among God’s people, who are set apart by faith in me.’ [2]

A Vision in Jerusalem

God’s plan to send him to the Gentiles and not the Jews must have been shocking for Saul to hear. Saul considered himself to be an elite Jew. Philippians 3: 5 I was circumcised when I was eight days old. I am a pure-blooded citizen of Israel and a member of the tribe of Benjamin—a real Hebrew if there ever was one! I was a member of the Pharisees, who demand the strictest obedience to the Jewish law.[3]

Saul had to escape death threats in Damascus by escaping through the city wall in a basket. He then went to Jerusalem and boldly preached that Jesus was the Son of God, the Messiah. The Jerusalem Jews pushed back against this message. Saul had trouble believing that the Jews would refuse the Gospel. But God continued to guide Saul.

Acts 22: 17 “After I returned to Jerusalem, I was praying in the Temple and fell into a trance. 18 I saw a vision of Jesus saying to me, ‘Hurry! Leave Jerusalem, for the people here won’t accept your testimony about me.’

19 “ ‘But Lord,’ I argued, ‘they certainly know that in every synagogue I imprisoned and beat those who believed in you. 20 And I was in complete agreement when your witness Stephen was killed. I stood by and kept the coats they took off when they stoned him.’

21 “But the Lord said to me, ‘Go, for I will send you far away to the Gentiles!’ ” [4]

God Has a Mission for Each of Us

As we can see from the story of Saul, God has a sense of humor. He sent a zealous Jew to preach to Gentiles. God often has surprising assignments for each of us. He desires that we all come to faith. Then He will work through us to build His Kingdom here and give us the promise of eternal life with Him.

Ephesians 2: 8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. 10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.[5] Our good works can never save us; only faith in Jesus can. But in gratitude to Jesus, we want to serve Him by fulfilling the plans He has for us. Just as God’s mission for Saul brought Him glory, so will our obedience to His plans.

To learn more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/from-enemy-to-emissary

[1-5] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

God Trained Saul

Paula K. Graves

no comments

August 4, 2026

Luke doesn’t go into detail about how God trained Saul. But Saul, who is later known by his Greek name Paul, gives us hints of his early training as a believer in Christ. Saul immediately begins to preach that Jesus is the Son of God, the Messiah they have been waiting for. Luke condenses Saul’s story here.

Acts 9: 21 All who heard him were amazed. “Isn’t this the same man who caused such devastation among Jesus’ followers in Jerusalem?” they asked. “And didn’t he come here to arrest them and take them in chains to the leading priests?”

22 Saul’s preaching became more and more powerful, and the Jews in Damascus couldn’t refute his proofs that Jesus was indeed the Messiah.[1]

We think there may be a three-year gap between verse 21 and verse 22, which Paul writes about in his letter to the Galatians.

Trained in Arabia

Galatians 1: 12 I (Paul) received my message from no human source, and no one taught me. Instead, I received it by direct revelation from Jesus Christ…15 But even before I was born, God chose me and called me by his marvelous grace. Then it pleased him 16 to reveal his Son to me so that I would proclaim the Good News about Jesus to the Gentiles.

When this happened, I did not rush out to consult with any human being. 17 Nor did I go up to Jerusalem to consult with those who were apostles before I was. Instead, I went away into Arabia, and later I returned to the city of Damascus. [2]

Saul probably went to Mt. Sinai, where God called Moses in a burning bush and gave the Ten Commandments. Elijah also spent time there communicating with God. Now, Saul went on a pilgrimage because he needed to rethink his theology. He probably studied, prayed, and thought about the meaning of Christ’s death and resurrection and how these facts related to what we call the Old Testament. The disciples had three years with Jesus, and now God trained Saul to prepare him for his call.

To Tarsus

Saul boldly preached the Gospel in Jerusalem after escaping from Damascus. Again, there were death threats against him. Acts 9: 30 When the believers heard about this, they took him down to Caesarea and sent him away to Tarsus, his hometown. [3] The believers sent him back to his hometown to keep him safe. Scholars think Saul was there for up to 10 years before going to Antioch to teach.

Scripture doesn’t give us details of what happened in Tarsus during this time. More than likely, Saul worked in his family’s tent-making business to support himself. His message would have been controversial, and family and friends may have rejected him. Tarsus was a very cosmopolitan city with both Jews and Gentiles. Saul may well have learned how to reach out with the Gospel to these Gentiles. Again, this would prepare him for God’s plans.

God Trains Us

God will use other people, Scripture, and life events to train us. Each of us is on a unique path, and if God calls us, He will equip us. We can be sure our training will be in His timing and way. Sometimes we think Saul immediately went on his mission trips after his experience on the road to Damascus, but God trained Saul for years before this happened. God doesn’t waste any of our experiences but can use them to build His Kingdom if we are willing.

To find out more, listen here:

https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/from-enemy-to-emissary

[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.

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