After his dramatic conversion, Saul immediately begins proclaiming Jesus in the synagogues, declaring that Jesus is the Son of God. The Jewish believers are astonished, since Saul had once been their fiercest persecutor. Yet his preaching grows in boldness and power, confounding those who opposed the gospel.Facing death threats in Damascus, the disciples help Saul escape by lowering him in a basket through the city wall. When he arrives in Jerusalem, believers there fear him, doubting his transformation—until Barnabas steps in, vouching for Saul’s genuine faith and ministry. Saul then preaches boldly in Jerusalem as well, but again faces threats, so the church sends him away to Tarsus for safety.Despite opposition, the passage ends on a note of encouragement: the church throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria experiences peace, growth, and the comfort of the Holy Spirit, walking in the fear of the Lord.