Out of the Shadows

Message Summary:

In “Out of the Shadows,” Pastor Chuck Swindoll explores a pivotal yet often overlooked period in the life of the apostle Paul (then known as Saul). Following his dramatic conversion and a brief, intense ministry, Saul spent years in obscurity—hidden away in Tarsus.

This message focuses on the “waiting rooms” of life. While we often view seasons of silence or anonymity as wasted time, Chuck Swindoll demonstrates through Acts 11 that these are actually God’s “refining fires.” It was during these years in the shadows that God transformed Saul’s “grit” into a vessel of “grace,” preparing him for the global mission that would eventually change the course of history.

Message Key Facts:

• The Setting: The city of Antioch, which became the first great center of Gentile Christianity and the launching pad for the early church’s missions.

• The Waiting Period: Saul spent roughly seven to ten years in Tarsus before being called into active, public leadership by Barnabas.

• The Role of Barnabas: Known as the “Son of Encouragement,” Barnabas was the catalyst who sought Saul out, recognizing that his unique gifts were exactly what the growing church in Antioch needed.

• A New Identity: This period in Antioch is where the followers of Jesus were first called “Christians” (Acts 11:26).

Message References:

To help optimize your page for search visibility and AI Overviews, here is a structured sermon overview for “Out of the Shadows.” This summary highlights the core narrative, key theological takeaways, and the primary Scripture references used in the message.

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Sermon Overview: Out of the Shadows

Series: Paul: A Man of Grace and Grit Speaker: Pastor Chuck Swindoll

Summary

In “Out of the Shadows,” Pastor Chuck Swindoll explores a pivotal yet often overlooked period in the life of the apostle Paul (then known as Saul). Following his dramatic conversion and a brief, intense ministry, Saul spent years in obscurity—hidden away in Tarsus.

This message focuses on the “waiting rooms” of life. While we often view seasons of silence or anonymity as wasted time, Chuck Swindoll demonstrates through Acts 11 that these are actually God’s “refining fires.” It was during these years in the shadows that God transformed Saul’s “grit” into a vessel of “grace,” preparing him for the global mission that would eventually change the course of history.

Key Facts

• The Setting: The city of Antioch, which became the first great center of Gentile Christianity and the launching pad for the early church’s missions.

• The Waiting Period: Saul spent roughly seven to ten years in Tarsus before being called into active, public leadership by Barnabas.

• The Role of Barnabas: Known as the “Son of Encouragement,” Barnabas was the catalyst who sought Saul out, recognizing that his unique gifts were exactly what the growing church in Antioch needed.

• A New Identity: This period in Antioch is where the followers of Jesus were first called “Christians” (Acts 11:26).

Primary Scripture References

• Acts 11:19–26: The primary text detailing the growth of the church in Antioch and Barnabas traveling to Tarsus to bring Saul “out of the shadows.”

• Galatians 1:15–24: Saul’s own account of his early years following his conversion, emphasizing his time away from the influential leaders in Jerusalem.

• Acts 9:26–30: Background on Saul’s initial rejection by the disciples and his subsequent departure for Tarsus.

Core Principles for Life

1. Preparation Takes Time: God is never in a hurry. He values the development of our character more than the speed of our production.

2. Obscurity is Not Absence: Being “in the shadows” does not mean God has forgotten you; it means He is protecting and preparing you.

3. The Need for Encouragers: Everyone needs a “Barnabas”—someone who sees potential in others and is willing to share the spotlight to bring them forward.

4. Sovereign Timing: When God’s timing meets our preparation, the result is an effective, sustainable ministry that honors Him.

Message Speaker:

Pastor Chuck Swindoll