Saul’s New Role: Disciple, Brother, and Witness — Acts 9:26–31
Oct 16, 2026 6
What changes when someone meets the risen Jesus? Saul’s new role can be summarised in three words: disciple, brother, and witness. Jesus gives him a new relationship with God, the church, and the world.
Acts 9:26–31
[26] And when he had come to Jerusalem, he attempted to join the disciples. And they were all afraid of him, for they did not believe that he was a disciple. [27] But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles and declared to them how on the road he had seen the Lord, who spoke to him, and how at Damascus he had preached boldly in the name of Jesus. [28] So he went in and out among them at Jerusalem, preaching boldly in the name of the Lord. [29] And he spoke and disputed against the Hellenists. But they were seeking to kill him. [30] And when the brothers learned this, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus. [31] So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was being built up. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it multiplied. (ESV)
When Saul arrives in Jerusalem, the disciples are afraid. They know his past, and they struggle to believe that his conversion is real.
But Barnabas, what a legend! He takes Saul to the apostles and explains that Saul has seen the Lord and preached boldly in Damascus. Barnabas helps the church understand what Jesus has done in Saul’s life.
[Watch this week’s video devotion with Dave Miers]
Saul’s new role: disciple, brother, and witness
Every true convert becomes three things.
Saul is a disciple. He has a new relationship with God. The man who resisted Jesus has seen the risen Lord and now follows him.
Saul is a brother. He has a new relationship with the church. He moves freely among the disciples in Jerusalem, and when his life is threatened, the brothers protect him and send him to safety.
Saul is a witness. He has a new relationship with the world. He preaches boldly in the name of Jesus, even when people want to kill him. The persecutor has become the persecuted, sharing in the sufferings of Christ.
The Holy Spirit continues building the church
Saul leaves Jerusalem, but the mission does not stop. The church enjoys peace, is built up, and multiplies. God is still the one at work. The Holy Spirit strengthens, comforts, and grows the church as the gospel is proclaimed.
Saul has an extraordinary role in taking the good news to Gentiles, kings, and the people of Israel. Yet every Christian is called to follow Jesus, belong to his family, and bear witness to him.
The Good News is…
Saul’s new role begins with the mercy of Jesus. The risen Lord saves his enemy, welcomes him into his family, and sends him into the world.
Jesus died for sinners, rose from the dead, and now reigns as Lord. When we receive his mercy, he gives us a new identity and purpose. We become disciples who follow Jesus, brothers and sisters who belong to his church, and witnesses who speak about him, no matter the cost.
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Reflection
Which part of your new role needs attention today: following Jesus as his disciple, belonging to his family, or speaking about him as a witness?
Rev. Dave Miers
President, Good News Unlimited