WAEC Christian Religious Studies (CRS) 2021 Theory — Question 7

Model answer

(a) How Saul escaped the plot on his life in Damascus (Acts 9:21-31): After his conversion, Saul remained with the disciples at Damascus for several days. He proclaimed in the synagogue at Damascus that Jesus was the Son of God. People who heard him were amazed since they knew him as a former persecutor of believers. They remarked, ‘Is this not the man who wreaked havoc in Jerusalem on those who called on Jesus' name?’ A further report emerged that Saul had come to Damascus to arrest believers and send them to the chief priest. The more the Jews opposed Saul, the more he grew in strength and confounded his opponents. The Jews in Damascus who were against the Christian faith plotted to kill Saul, keeping close watch on the city gates day and night looking for an opportunity to take his life, but their plans became known to Saul. So the disciples lowered Saul in a basket over the city walls at night, and he escaped to Jerusalem, though the disciples there initially rejected his company until Barnabas made them aware of his conversion. (b) Reasons people wish evil for others: i. To win the favour of others (a third party). ii. Due to jealousy. iii. Due to hatred. (Also: religious/political differences, ethnic conflict/differences, unhealthy competition/greed, witchcraft/demonic influence, revenge/retaliation, inferiority/superiority complex.)