The Governor Under King Aretas
The Governor Under King Aretas (title)Ethnarch of King Aretas IV in Damascus (title)
The Nabataean official in Damascus under King Aretas IV who stationed armed guards at every city gate day and night to seize Saul of Tarsus — only to be outmaneuvered by a midnight basket and rope.
Testament
NT
Historical Era
The Early Church
Featured In
Season 13
Key Passage
Acts 9:23–24
✦ Tap Any Card to Unfold Full Scriptural Proof (1 Verified Insights)
Reign of Nabataean King Aretas IV (9 BC – AD 40), dating Saul's Damascus escape before AD 40
2 Corinthians 11:32
📜 Complete Scriptural Narrative
Serving Nabataean King Aretas IV (who ruled until ~AD 40), the governor (Greek: ethnarches) in Damascus cooperated with the plot to arrest newly converted Saul of Tarsus and locked down the city gates with armed sentries day and night (Acts 9:23–24; 2 Corinthians 11:32). While his soldiers watched the front gates, unnamed disciples lowered Saul through a window in the wall in a basket (2 Corinthians 11:33).
How Students Search & Remember The Governor Under King Aretas:
“governor under king aretas who guarded damascus to seize paul”“2 corinthians 11:32 guard at the gates of damascus”
ESV Scripture Index:
Acts 9:23–242 Corinthians 11:32–33
Season 13 • Episode 3
Storytime Figure
Acts 9 & 2 Corinthians 11
Full Episode Page →
Holding the Rope — Saul's Basket Escape at Damascus
Role in Storytime: Official in Damascus under King Aretas who stations armed guards at every city gate day and night to seize Saul.
Unsung disciples lower Saul down the Damascus city wall at midnight to preserve his calling.
✦ Storytime Broadcast Theater • S13E3
Saul's Basket Escape at Damascus (Acts 9 & 2 Corinthians 11)
🎬 X-Ray • Also in Episode S13E3 (Tap to Switch Character)
Greek • G3101
Mathetes — “Disciples”
A learner, pupil, devoted follower who attaches himself to a master to carry out his mission.
Greek • G5465
Chalao — “Lowered”
To let down, lower from a height, loosen tension gently with control.
Greek • G4711
Spuris — “Basket”
A large, flexible woven wicker basket or hamper used for carrying heavy provisions.
Interactive Radial Connection Map (Tap Node to Jump)
Season 13 Companion Study Workbook
Season 13: Battlefield Commission
Workbook Story Time: p. 36 • Greek/Hebrew Roots: p. 38