This week we took a closer look at few passages that describe a time in Saul’s first few years as a follower of Jesus—particularly his time in Arabia (Nabatea). This journey is NOT mentioned in Acts at all; however, Paul mentions it in both his letter to the church in Galatia and his second (third?) letter to the church in Corinth. We discovered a soap-opera-worthy scandal between the King of Nabatea and Herod Antipas of Galilee which explains why a Nabatean was ruling Damascus at this time. This is one of the only times that Paul’s writings easily line up with Luke’s record of the early church in Acts.
Click to read this week’s passages in KJV, CSB, ESV, NIV:
Acts 9:19b-30 and
Galatians 1:11-24 and
2 Corinthians 11:32-33
Acts 9:19b-25 ~ Saul & the Nabateans
Piecing together Saul’s first years as a Christ Follower
* Recorded: LIVE. This audio has been edited for class member privacy, time, and content.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
PowerPoint Presentation:
There was no PowerPoint this week. However, one of our class members highly recommended this documentary about Petra and the Nabatean Kingdom. Enjoy!
Spotify Playlist (for fun):
Click to listen to the
Spotify Playlist Inspired by Saul’s Life (for entertainment purposes only; not religious music)
Notes on the Whiteboard:
Chronology of the New Testament (& Paul’s Life):
Map of Roman Empire During Paul’s Life:
? Click to enlarge
Photo Credit: @bmk001 on unsplash.com
