The Beginning of Saul's Suffering (Part 2) - Class 5

This class continues to work through Acts 9. In this Bible class presented to the Oak Hollow church of Christ on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, teacher Randy Wooten continues the series Lessons on the Life of Paul by examining Acts chapter 9. Picking up directly after Saul’s basket escape from Damascus, the lesson explores Saul’s arrival in Jerusalem and the initial rejection he faced from the skeptical disciples. Wooten details how Barnabas stepped in as an advocate and bridge-builder, exemplifying his scriptural nickname, son of encouragement. The second half of the class transitions into Saul’s sudden departure to Tarsus after facing death threats from the Hellenists. Wooten frames this transition not as a setback, but as a providential season of preparation where God worked on Saul privately before elevating his public ministry. The lesson draws parallels to other Old and New Testament figures who underwent similar periods of isolation and character development.