MEETING WITH PETER AND JAMES

Barnabas was a believer who gave huge sums of money to help the church meet the needs of the poor members. Barnabas knew Paul when Paul persecuted the believers. Barnabas now renewed their friendship. Paul told Barnabas of his [Paul's] wonderful conversion and his experiences since that time. Barnabas believed Paul. Barnabas took Paul's hand and led Paul into the presence of the apostles.SRme 1.1269

Barnabas told how Jesus had appeared and talked with Paul on the way to Damascus. Barnabas told the apostles that Paul could see again in answer to the prayers of Ananias. In the Jewish meetinghouses of Damascus, Paul had defended the truth that Jesus is God's Son.SRme 1.1270

The apostles now accepted Paul. Peter and James were the only apostles in Jerusalem at this time. Peter and James gladly gave the right hand of welcome to Paul, the once fierce persecutor of their faith. Paul was now as much loved and respected as he had been feared and avoided before his conversion.SRme 1.1271

Here two wonderful characters of the new faith met--Peter and Paul. Peter was one of the chosen companions of Jesus while Jesus was upon earth. Paul had met Jesus face to face since the ascension. Paul had talked with Jesus. Paul had seen Jesus in vision. Paul had also seen Jesus' work in heaven. This first meeting between Peter and Paul was short, of great importance to both men.SRme 1.1272

Paul was eager to do his Master's business. Paul had argued with Stephen. But now the voice of Paul was heard in the same synagogue where Stephen had preached. Without fear, Paul preached that Jesus was the Son of God. Paul preached the same truth that Stephen had died to protect. Paul told of his own wonderful experience. Paul had a great desire for his former friends to know about Jesus. Paul explained the prophecies the same as Stephen had done. Paul announced that Jesus was the Son of God.SRme 1.1273

Paul had misjudged the spirit of his Jewish brothers. The same anger that had been shown toward Stephen was given to Paul. Paul saw that he must separate from the Jews. Sorrow filled Paul's heart. Paul would willingly have died if that would have brought these Jews to a knowledge of the truth.SRme 1.1274

These Jews began to make plans to kill Paul. So, the disciples urged Paul to leave Jerusalem. But Paul had a deep desire work more for his Jewish friends. He stayed, not willing to leave.SRme 1.1275

Paul could not forget the part he had taken in the death of Stephen. Paul was ashamed of what he had done, so Paul now wanted to preach boldly the truth Stephen had died to defend. Paul felt it would be cowardly to run away from Jerusalem to save his life.SRme 1.1276