Comparison of Bible Passages

Johnna Kincaid

Theo 202

November 6, 2007

Paper # 3

Comparison of Passages; Galatians 1-2, Acts 9:1-19, Acts 15: 1-35

As I read each of these passages I was able to compare and contrast the chapters, and distinguish which order they should go in. The passages read narrate a part of Paul's life. His conversion from Saul to Paul was the first passage I read. Then I went on to read the second part of Acts, which preceded Paul into a Godly man. Last of all Galatians is a specific letter written to the churches in Galatia.

Acts chapter 9:1-19 speaks of the conversion that Saul went through to become Paul. In the beginning of the chapter Saul was "breathing out murderous threats against the Lord's disciples." From the beginning of this reading you can tell that Saul was against the Lord. As Saul was on the way to Damascus the Lord spoke to him and told him to go into the city. He was then blind for three days. After the third day he was giving back he eyesight. Then the conversion took place and he was a changed man. He became a God follower.

In Acts chapter 15: 1-35 there is a council in Jerusalem. In the beginning of this passage there is a dispute about whether you must be circumcised to be saved. Paul and Barnabas were not sure if this were true so they approached the apostles with this question. There question was not answered so they went to a church in Jerusalem to find the answer. The debated question was decided to be false. Verse 11 states,"No! We believe that it is through our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are!" Later in Acts there is a letter that is written to the Gentile believers. The letter explained how they sent Barnabas and Paul to them to find the truth. Then it went on to warn them of food sacrifices, idols, blood, sexual immorality, and the meat of strangled animals. This letter was then read to a church in Antioch.

Galatians Chapters 1-2 was much similar to the passages in Acts. In the beginning of the chapter Paul writes a letter to the churches of Galatia. He begins the letter with a specific greeting. I could relate to this greeting because a Lutheran church I once attended would always quote the same, or a similar greeting at the beginning of each sermon. Secondly, Paul writes this letter which has a harsh and scolding tone. He accuses them of turning to a different gospel. I states that, "If anyone is preaching to you a different gospel than the one you have accepted, let him be eternally condemned. Paul then goes on to explain how what he is saying is coming right from Jesus Christ.