01 Aug 2026 : Archie Falisi : Apostle Paul’s Transformation, Persecutor to Proclaimer of Christ

23 September, 2026

Listen to the lecture here:

Date Time: 2026-08-01 14:30:00

Location: Chapel of the Opened Book

Teacher: Archie Falisi

Summary

On Saturday, August 1, 2026, the Berean Publishing Trust hosted a biblical study focusing on the life and ministry of the Apostle Paul. The study began by connecting Jesus’ warnings in John 15:17–16:4—regarding hatred, persecution, and martyrdom—to Saul of Tarsus’s early role as the chief persecutor of the church. It then examined the martyrdom of Stephen in Acts 7:50-60 , where Saul is first mentioned, and the subsequent “great persecution” Acts 8:1-4 that scattered believers and paradoxically spread the gospel. The teacher traced Saul’s transformation following his encounter with the risen Christ on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-9 ), where he was commissioned as a “chosen vessel” to the Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel (Acts9:1-9,15,16)

Upon his conversion, Saul immediately began preaching that Jesus is the Son of God, confounding his former enemies . This new mission led to immediate suffering, including two assassination plots in Damascus and Jerusalem, from which he was saved by fellow disciples like Barnabas. The study highlighted Paul’s later reflections on his past, where he acknowledged being a former blasphemer and persecutor who obtained mercy because he acted in ignorance (1 Timothy 1:13). The teacher concluded by noting Paul’s twofold ministry, which culminated in his Roman imprisonment (c. AD 60–62). During this time, he received revelations detailed in his Prison Epistles about the “Dispensation of Grace” (Ephesians 3:2 ) andits main subject “The Mystery”(Ephesians 3:9) God’s plan for a new, predominantly Gentile body of believers with a heavenly calling, distinct from Israel’s earthly promises.

Knowledge Points

1. Study Context and Logistics

Instructor Rotation and Schedule: The study occurs on the first Saturday of each month. Instruction rotates monthly between the speaker, Michael Garstang, and Jonathan Tidswell.
Recording and Availability: Sessions are recorded, with a transcript and scriptures planned for online posting the following week.
Ongoing Studies: Related word studies on Christ’s ascension in John (using terms like anabaino and katabaino) were scheduled for Sunday, August 2, and Wednesday, August 5, 2026.

2. Paul’s Identity and Transformation

Apostle to the Gentiles: Paul is emphasized as God’s chosen instrument to bring the gospel to non-Jews. His background as a Hellenistic Jew from Tarsus helped him relate to Gentile audiences.Saul was part of the diaspora Jews scattered abroad :
Before Conversion: As Saul of Tarsus, he was the primary opponent of the early church, persecuting believers in homes and synagogues, believing he was serving God.
After Conversion: He became the proclaimer and defender of the faith he once sought to destroy, reflecting a profound change in heart and mission.

3. Gospel of John 15:17–16:4—Prophetic Warnings

Command and Warning: Jesus commands his disciples to love one another, immediately followed by warnings of hatred, persecution, and death from the world. He states this is because they are chosen “out of the world” and that the world hated him “without a cause” (Psalm 69:4).
Specific Persecutions: Jesus foretold that disciples would be expelled from synagogues and that a time would come when their killers would believe they were offering service to God (John 16:2)—a prophecy perfectly exemplified by Saul’s early actions.
Role of the Holy Spirit: Jesus promised the Comforter (the Holy Spirit) would testify of Him and empower the disciples to bear witness and endure the coming opposition.

4. Stephen’s Martyrdom and the Great Persecution (Acts 7:50 –8:4)

Stephen’s Indictment: Stephen accused Israel’s leaders of a historical pattern of persecuting prophets and murdering the “Just One” (Jesus).
Vision of Jesus Standing: Filled with the Holy Spirit, Stephen saw Jesus standing at the right hand of God. This posture is interpreted as Jesus awaiting Israel’s repentance, a national acceptance that would have triggered His return. Israel’s rejection postponed this event.
Saul’s First Appearance: Witnesses at Stephen’s stoning laid their garments at the feet of a “young man named Saul,” marking his first appearance and consent to the martyrdom.
Great Persecution and Scattering: After Stephen’s death, Saul led a “great persecution” against the church in Jerusalem, entering homes to arrest believers. This persecution scattered the church throughout Judea and Samaria, which inadvertently caused the gospel to be preached everywhere by those who fled.

5. Saul’s Conversion and Early Ministry (Acts 9:1-9 )

Damascus Road Encounter: While traveling to Damascus with authority from the high priest to arrest followers of “the Way,” Saul was confronted by a heavenly light and the voice of the risen Christ: “Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?… I am Jesus whom thou persecutest.” This identified persecution of the church as persecution of Christ himself.(Acts 9:4-5 Acts 22:8 27:14)
Chosen Vessel: The Lord revealed to Ananias that Saul was a “chosen vessel” )Acts9:15) to bear His name before Gentiles, kings, and Israel, and would also “suffer great things” for His name.(Acts9:16 see 2Cor11:22-33)
Immediate Preaching: After his sight was restored, Saul immediately began preaching in the Damascus synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God, confounding the Jews and proving that Jesus is the Christ.Acts 9:20 – 25 referenced 2Cor11:32-33)
Early Sufferings and Escapes: His bold preaching led to a plot to kill him in Damascus, from which disciples saved him by lowering him over the city wall in a basket. He then went to Jerusalem, where the disciples initially feared him until Barnabas advocated for him. After disputing with Greek-speaking Jews, they also sought to kill him, so brethren sent him away to his place of birth Tarsus.(Acts 9:26- 30 21:39 22:3)
Resulting Peace: After Saul’s departure, the churches in Judea, Galilee, and Samaria experienced a period of peace, growth, and edification.(Acts 9:31)