What scriptural connections support Saul's transformation and boldness in Acts 9:22?

Saul’s Radical Turn in Damascus

- Acts 9:3–6—“Suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him… ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?’”. The risen Jesus literally confronts the persecutor, launching an inward change that surfaces in verse 22.

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Divine Steps That Produced Transformation

1. Regeneration: Titus 3:5.

2. Filling: Acts 9:17—“be filled with the Holy Spirit.”

3. Commission: Acts 26:16.

4. Revelation: Galatians 1:12.

5. Empowerment: 2 Corinthians 3:5.

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Evidence of Holy Spirit Boldness

- Immediate preaching: Acts 9:20.

- Growing power: Acts 9:22—“Yet Saul grew more powerful and confounded the Jews…”

- Ongoing courage: Acts 9:27–29; Acts 4:31 pattern.

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Old Testament Passages Saul Likely Used to “Prove” Jesus Is the Christ

• Isaiah 53:5.

• Psalm 16:10.

• Psalm 110:1.

• Jeremiah 31:31–34.

• Genesis 22:18; 12:3 (cf. Galatians 3:16).

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New Testament Echoes Confirming His Change

- Galatians 1:23–24.

- 1 Timothy 1:12–14.

- Philippians 3:7–8.

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Boldness as a Continuing Mark

• Acts 13:46.

• Acts 14:3.

• Acts 18:9–10.

• Ephesians 6:19–20.

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Summary Connections

- Christ’s appearance + Spirit filling = fearless proclamation (Acts 9:22).

- OT prophecy supplied proof; divine power supplied courage.

- Later letters confirm lasting transformation and boldness.

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Implications for Believers

- The same Spirit indwells every believer (Romans 8:11).

- Scripture equips us to “destroy arguments” (2 Corinthians 10:4–5).

- Boldness grows as we abide in Christ and trust His Word, just as Saul did in Damascus.