Backstory: The Gospel Transforms the Unlikely
Acts 8:1-9:41 | Session 6
Jim Dalrymple | Ozark Christian College
The Gospel Goes Out (North & South)
In Jesus: [Opposition brings Opportunity] [But also Joy]
_Philip (Appointed to serve widows with Stephen in Acts 6)_
● 8:4-8 NORTH to Samaria
− Jerusalem is always “up” in elevation and theology.
− “So there was much joy in that city”
● 8:9-25 Internal Threat (Simon the Great)
● 8:26-40 SOUTH toward Gaza (Ethiopian eunuch)
− Looks like Lk 24:13-35 and Jesus on the road to Emmaus
− Eunuch went on his way rejoicing (8:39)
The Gospel Transforms the Unlikely (Saul)
Jesus uses the willing (Ananias & Barnabas), to transform the unlikely (Saul):
Ananias—the one who goes to the unlikely.
● “Here I am Lord”
● Three imperatives and Ananias’ response:
9:11 Go
9:11 Look
9:15 Go
9:17 So he departed
Barnabas—the one who brings in the unlikely.
● “But Barnabas took him and brought him…” (9:27)
● Barnabas continues to encourage and bring along the unlikely (cf. John Mark).
Paul’s Unlikely Testimony (1 Timothy 1:12-17