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The Story in Review- Chapter Twenty-nine
In chapter 29 we continue to see the list of those who love God, (Theopilus’ so to speak) grow. One of the most unexpected inclusions is that of a man named Saul. Saul who earlier, chapter 28, sought to destroy the new movement known as “the way”; that is the early Christian church is now, humanly speaking, the key element in its unbelievable growth.
Paul travels much of the known world of his day to bring Christ to the nations. His keen theological mind, his zealous spirit and his compassionate heart kept Paul moving at a hectic pace while in the face of much danger and opposition.
Paul’s pattern is displayed in chapter 29 quite clearly. First he goes to the synagogues, those who know the promises and prophecies of the Old Testament to urge them to understand and believe that Jesus is the fulfillment thereof. Next Paul, goes to the “God-fearers”, Gentiles familiar and favorably disposed towards with the Old Testament and the God of Israel but not converts to Judaism. Finally Paul will head to those who do not have familiarity with the God of Israel, but using what they do know or understand of divine things Paul will seek handles with which he can present the Good News of Jesus.