Living in fear of the Lord was demonstrated by Saul and reproduced by the Church.

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The following are some discussion questions to use for further study of this passage:

1. “I am a fearful person.” On a scale of 1-10, how true is this statement? (10 being extremely fearful)   Explain your answer. How much do you allow fear to influence your life? When can fear be a good thing? In what ways can fear be harmful?
2. Read verses 23-25 and Galatians 1:15-17. Jim explained that the “many days” of verse 23 was actually the time that Saul was in Arabia referred to in Galatians 1:17. How might have this time in the desert been important to Saul’s spiritual transformation? Share of a time you took a “spiritual retreat” and what it did (or didn’t) do for you. Do you think that Saul’s escape from Damascus was out of fear? Why or why not?
3. Read verses 26-28. According to the text, why did the disciples in Jerusalem not allow him to join them? What are some of the blessings they may have missed out on? What are some ways that fear hinders you from enjoying God’s blessings? How was Barnabas different from the other disciple? How do you think Barnabas knew so much more than the others about Saul?
4. Read verses 29-30. What do you think made Saul so fearless in the face of the threats of the Hellenistic Jews? What can you learn from Saul that would make you less fearful?
5. Read verse 31. What did Jim suggest was the reason that the church enjoyed a time of peace? Was it because of Saul’s absence or because of the example he set of living in the fear of the Lord? Please explain your answer.
6. Think about what it might look like for you to live in the fear of the Lord?