Evidences of the Gospel’s Impact
The True Human Community
June 25, 2023
Rev. Tim Sharpe
Acts 9 demonstrates that Saul's conversion is genuine—confirmed by an advocate (Barnabas), changed actions, and transformed affections—showing the gospel saves by Christ's work and produces Spirit-led sanctification, peace with God, and growth in the church.
Summary
In Acts 9 the church rescues Saul from a plot on his life and, through Barnabas's advocacy, evaluates whether Saul has truly embraced the gospel; Luke shows that true conversion is not proved by human opinion or past actions but by three evidences—an advocate who vouches for you, a changed pattern of actions, and renewed affections—because salvation is rooted in what Jesus has done, not our works, and the same Spirit who saves brings sanctification, peace with God, and the church's growth across Judea, Galilee, and Samaria.
Key Points
- Context: In Acts 9 the disciples secretly remove Saul from Jerusalem when Jews plot to kill him.
- Question: Luke asks what proves Saul truly embraced the gospel and isn't still hostile to Christians.
- Threefold evidence: look to an advocate (Barnabas), observable changed actions, and transformed affections/desires.
- Gospel truth: salvation is based on what Jesus has done, not our works, though true salvation changes behavior.
- Sanctification: the same Spirit that saves works in believers to change their lives.
- Final proof: renewed affections and the peace and blessing the church experiences after welcoming Saul.
- Peace defined: Luke means peace with God (not the world); seeking to please people prevents Spirit-given peace.
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