Why did Paul have to flee Damascus by being let down over the wall in a basket?
Paul had to flee Damascus because word spread that Jews who saw him as a turncoat were ready to put him to death. The governor under Aretas also garrisoned the city to apprehend him, so he was let down through a window in a basket over the wall to escape.
Les explains that after Paul met the Lord on the road to Damascus, was blinded, received food and sustenance, and regained his sight, he went into the synagogue and proclaimed Jesus was the Christ. But that message was no longer sufficient, because God had further revelations to give him. Les teaches that when word came out that people—Jews who understood Paul had turned coat on them—were ready to put him to death, he had to flee for his life. Paul himself describes the governor under Aretas the king keeping the city of the Damascenes with a garrison desirous to apprehend him, and being let down through a window in a basket by the wall to escape his hands. Les notes this began Paul's life of suffering and fear, and it was part of preparing him to take the Gospel of Grace as we know it.