Becoming a follower of Christ comes at a cost for Saul (v23-24). They would have seen his conversion as a betrayal of his people and his faith, and they were determined to kill him. We need to understand that the natural opposition of the unsaved to the Gospel is deep and strong. Today it might be covered by a veneer of respectability and restraint but it is still there.

Saul’s new friends deliver him (v25). This is not the way he would have imagined leaving Damascus, but even so he did leave in a much better position, in now being right with the Lord.

Saul was not immediately welcomed with open arms into the Jerusalem fellowship (v26-27). We all need people like Barnabas in our lives and in our church. We need those of a generous spirit who are willing to take  a  risk  on people. Have you a warm welcoming spirit within your church to outsiders?

Saul continues to speak for Christ and he also continues to face threats on his life (v28-30). Saul’s conversion brought about a great change for the church (v31). When the church is struggling nothing will help it more than sinners being converted. Pray for such conversions now.