Session 1: Acts 1-14 & Galatians
January 28, 2026
Session 1 Pre-work
Please complete the following reading and reflection before Class #1 on Monday, February 2. (Plan on about 45–60 minutes total.)
Scripture Reading
Read the following passages, which describe Paul’s conversion and early ministry—one written by Luke (Acts) and one written by Paul himself:
Reflection questions:
Read the following passages, which describe Paul’s conversion and early ministry—one written by Luke (Acts) and one written by Paul himself:
- Acts 9:1–31; 11:19–30
- Galatians 1:11–2:14
Reflection questions:
- Where do these two accounts clearly overlap?
- Where do they emphasize different details?
- If you were reading only Acts, how much time would you assume passed between Paul’s conversion and his involvement in the church at Antioch?
- How much time does Paul explicitly mention in Galatians?
Video
Watch: BibleProject — “New Testament Letters: Literary Context” (5 minutes)
As you watch, listen for the various parts of NT letter and see if you can connect that with what you read in Galatians.
Textbook Reading (Introducing Paul by Michael F. Bird)
- Ch 1: “What Is Paul?” (pp. 11-29)
- Ch 2: “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Damascus” (pp. 30–37)
- Who Paul understands himself to be
- How his calling and mission shape his message
Final Note: Come with questions, observations, or confusions. This class is about learning how to read Paul better, not about having all the answers