The Book of Acts Chapter 9

The Conversion of Saul Acts 9:1-19

9:1 And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, 2 And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.

A. Saul’s Conflict

1. Attacking and Arresting

Saul, that heinous young man who held the coats of those that stoned Stephen, is yet attacking those that believe in Christ. Now Saul has sought out letters of permission to arrest Christians and bring them bound to Jerusalem. Saul has become a monster and a menace to the believers as he continues the great persecution he has begun against the church. Saul is going to travel 120 miles to the city of Damascus to continue his assault against the church. Imagine, if you will, this young man actually thought that he was doing God a favor by attacking and arresting those of the church, thus he hoped to rid the world of believers.

3 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: 4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?

B. Saul Confronted

1. The Appearance of Jesus

As Saul and his entourage of men travel, around midday, a great light shines from heaven. This light is a light above the power of the sun. So great it was, that Saul fell to the earth and I believe after Saul first saw this light that he looked away or tried to close his eyes.

This light was none other than the Lord Jesus. Remember in Ex 13:21,22 that Israel was led by a pillar of a cloud and by a pillar of fire, while traveling through the desert. Remember, Jesus on the Mt. of Transfiguration, (Mt 17:2) there a great light and his face shone as did the sun. What about the fact that the Bible teaches us that Jesus and His Father are One and “God is Light” (I Jn 1:5). I believe this great light that is shining from heaven is the face of the Lord Jesus. Read I Cor 9:1, Paul or should I say Saul, before God changed his name, certifies that he has seen Jesus. Read I Cor 15:8, Paul gives testimony about seeing Jesus again. Paul says in II Cor 4:6 that light that shined out of darkness, “hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.”

Note the voice Saul heard. Saul’s name was mentioned twice to get his attention and to note that Jesus knows his name. Saul was asked “why persecutest thou me?” In other words, if you are going to persecute the church, if you are going to attack the believer, then you are attacking Me (Jesus). Why? Because the church are members of the body of Christ (Eph 5:30, Jn 15:1-6).

5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. 6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. 7 And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man. 8 And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus. 9 And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.

C. Saul’s Conversion

1. Acknowledging Jesus

Saul, upon hearing the voice, asks who art thou Lord. I believe the term “Lord” here, is not necessarily meaning Lord of my salvation, but rather at this point means “Sir”. Please note that Saul did not know who was speaking to him, but recognized that whoever it was, they were greater than Saul. Remember, Saul has fallen to the earth as helpless and is unable to get up. There in the Damascus dirt lays this brutal young man Saul.

The voice states, “I am Jesus”. There is something about the name Jesus, is there not? His name means “Savior”. The voice says, “I am Jesus”. In other words, I am Jesus, I am the Savior, the Son of God, Forgiver of sin, Redeemer of the soul. “Whom thou persecutest”, meaning you are attacking Jesus and His cause.

The voice says more, “It is hard for thee to kick against the pricks”. What this means is likened unto a ox that would rebel against the master and kick at the ox-goad. The master would use the ox goad, a sharp “prickly” pointed instrument, to cause the ox to yield to the will of the master. As the master saw the ox rebelling the master would use the ox goad, at times the ox would get mad and kick back at the ox-goad. The ox goad would not be hurt, but the ox would and learn a lesson. Jesus is saying to Saul, your persecution of My church is an attack against Me and you will lose when you fight against God.

Saul, without hesitation says “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do”. Right here Saul acknowledges Jesus as His Lord, as His Savior. I believe the scripture teaches us that “if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” (II Cor 5:17). Do we see a change in Saul? Look closely. Saul was going to Damascus to persecute the church that was his own fleshly agenda. Now, Saul wants to do what Jesus would have him do. No longer desiring selfish things but seeking to serve Jesus.

Friend, do others see the change in you?

2. Arise

In verse 6, the Lord Jesus gives Saul directions or a command as what to do. Saul is to arise and go into Damascus and wait......”it shall be told thee what thou must do”. Saul is going to be taught to follow the leadership of the Lord and His Holy Spirit.

3. Affects

The men which traveled with Saul were stupefied as to what had happened. They all fell to the ground, as did Saul (Acts 26:14), but they were able to get back up (Acts 9:7) and stood speechless. The men with Saul heard a voice or a noise like a voice (Acts 9:7 & Acts 22:9 & Acts 26:14) but they could not hear Jesus with their heart or even determine with their ear just what it was. In other words, they had a head- knowledge of a voice but no heart knowledge.

According to verse 8, Saul arose and opened his eyes (we said earlier that quickly after seeing this great light Saul closed his eyes maybe for fear or maybe because of the brightness of the light). Once Saul’s eyes were opened, he saw no man. In other words the light had left Saul blinded and he had to be led by the hand to Damascus. Reading verse 9, we observe that Saul was without sight for 3 days, neither was he eating or drinking in this 3 day time span. Obviously this is a real experience that Saul will never forget.

10 And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord. 11 And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, 12 And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight. 13 Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: 14 And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name. 15 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: 16 For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake. 17 And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. 18 And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized. 19 And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.

D. Saul the Chosen Vessel

1. Ananias

Now we meet a disciple (a follower) in the faith of our Lord Jesus named Ananias. This man was devout, because when the Lord spoke to him, he was quick to respond, “I am here, Lord”. The Lord gives Ananias direction as what needs to be done, that God’s Will would be accomplished. Ananias is told to go to the street in Damascus called Straight, to the house of Judas and ask for Saul of Tarsus, as Saul is staying there during his 3 day blindness and fasting. The Lord tells Ananias further that Saul is praying and has seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming and putting hands upon Saul and Saul would receive his sight back.

2. Assurance

Ananias responds with hesitation. Ananias knew of Saul’s heinous reputation and why Saul had come to Damascus, in order that Saul might bind all those who call on the name of Jesus. He also knew that Saul was there at the time of the murder of Stephen and took pleasure in the death of the man of God. Ananias is troubled, and is saying Lord, I hear what you are saying, but, Saul might be laying a trap for me and if I go and do this for you, Saul will arrest me and carry me away. Ananias, even though he is a faithful follower of the Lord, has doubt and fear. Now friend we know that II Tim 1 :7 says “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind”. God did not give Ananias fear, that was Ananias’ flesh. God is also wanting to develop the faith of Ananias in this situation and in verses15,16 the Lord gives reassurance to Ananias regarding Saul and this divine appointment. The Lord tells Ananias to go ahead and lay hands on Saul because God has chosen him (saved him) and Saul will share the gospel with the Gentiles and with Israel and Saul will suffer for the cause of Christ.

Think for a moment my friend, Saul was chosen. And just as Saul was chosen, Jesus also chose us. Maybe we were not chosen to preach like Saul, but we were chosen. Jesus chose to die for us, then on the third day He rose again. He chose to send the Word of God and the Holy Ghost to us to convict us and show us about our lost condition. Friend, you will never be saved until you get lost! When we knelt to call on Jesus, Jesus chose to save us. Jesus came to us individually and personally. I am so thankful for being chosen! Then there will come a day, a day that is promised by the Lord, a day that God Himself will choose, to send His Son to gather to Heaven, His children. Friend what a day that will be!

3. Annointing

Ananias steps out on faith and comes to the place where Saul is staying and lays hands on him. Notice the scripture (verse 17) says that Ananias called Saul “brother”. That is important as now Saul is a brother to Ananias, in the Lord. Ananias explains how the same Jesus that appeared to Saul on the Damscus Road has sent Ananias to lay hands on Saul that he might receive his sight. And, just as God had promised Ananias and had shown Saul, when Ananias placed his hands on Saul, then the scales fell from Saul’s eyes and he could clearly see. Saul’s eyesight had been restored. Just what Saul, the new convert, had prayed for, just what Saul was shown by God, was answered, eyesight restored. Praise God! One way we know that we are saved is that He hears and answers our prayers (I Jn 5:14,15).

Notice my friend, that Saul gets up and is baptized. Baptism is after salvation. Then Saul got up and was nourished physically, in that he received meat. Saul was also nourished spiritually, in that he continued with the disciples at Damascus certain days.

Evangelistic Endeavors Acts 9:20-43

20 And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God. 21 But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests? 22 But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.

A. The Essential of Preaching

Paul said, “we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus our Lord” (II Cor 4:5). After being physically and spiritually strengthened, Saul, a Pharisee, a SAVED Pharisee I might add, goes to the synagogue. Pharisees were allowed to speak in the synagogue. I can see Saul as he stands and instead of preaching law, as a Pharisees might do, he rather preached Jesus, that Jesus is the Son God. The scripture says Saul preached “straightway”. Meaning that Saul preached right away. Saul did not go to seminary and was not confirmed by scholars. Saul had the gift of the Holy Spirit and Saul preached with power and conviction that Jesus is the Messiah. Saul proclaimed that he had seen this Jesus who had been crucified and risen from the dead. I think Saul preached how Jesus came to him and had saved him and would save others if they would call upon the name of the Lord..

Everyone that heard Saul was amazed because they knew Saul and what he USED to stand for. Now Saul is not speaking against Jesus, but FOR HIM.

I believe between verse 21 and 22 there is a break of time. Lets read Gal 1:15-19 “But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace, 16 To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood: 17 Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus. 18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days. 19 But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord's brother.”

I wonder if Saul left Damascus after verse 21 in Acts chapter 10 and while in Arabia was strengthened even more in the Lord. Then after being in Arabia, we note, Saul has returned to Damascus and preaches so powerfully that the Jews were confounded (put to silence) and Saul proved to them by the scriptures they held on to, that Jesus is the Christ.

23 And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him: 24 But their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him. 25 Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket. 26 And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple. 27 But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus. 28 And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem. 29 And he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him. 30 Which when the brethren knew, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus.

B. The Escape from Persecution

The Pharisees and the Jews got mad at the preaching of Saul. They taught Jesus was a counterfeit, but Saul knew better, Saul preached Jesus is the Son of God. The Jews took counsel to kill Saul. The watched the gates of the city so that no man could enter or leave and waited for Saul to come out that they might apprehend him. Remember how Saul used to persecute and attack the church, now he is the one being persecuted and attacked. “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” (Gal 6:7) Saul is reaping what he had sown. Anyway, the disciples in Damascus heard about the plan to apprehend Saul at the gates of the city, so the disciples put Saul in a basket and let him down over the wall, in order that he may escape. You can read more about it in II Cor 11:32,33 “32 In Damascus the governor under Aretas the king kept the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desirous to apprehend me: 33 And through a window in a basket was I let down by the wall, and escaped his hands.”

After escaping from Damascus, Saul comes to Jerusalem. We know this was at least 3 years after his conversion, remember we read that earlier in Gal. 1:15-19. When Saul came to Jerusalem, the disciples of Jesus were all afraid of Saul. Remember, Saul had a previous reputation of attacking believers. Even though he has been saved and preaching for 3 years they do not believe his testimony. One man named Barnabas, took Saul and stood with him and for him. Barnabas declared to the apostles how Saul was saved and how boldly he had preached Jesus at Damascus. Then the disciples felt a little better, maybe even somewhat reassured about Saul. Saul was with the disciples, coming in and going out at Jerusalem and he boldly preached Jesus and disputed with the Grecians. (Remember back in Chapter 6, it was the Grecians that murmured against the Hebrews and caused conflict in the early church). The Bible tells us that when the brethren knew that the Grecians were disputing with Saul, they brought him down to Caesarea and then sent Saul to Tarsus. That is also spoken of in Gal.1:21-24. Saul was preaching in the region of Tarsus.

31 Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.

C. Experienced Peace

The Bible says the churches had rest. In other words, they had a time of peace from the midst of persecution. One thing many churches need today is rest. Friend, not every moment are we going to be fighting the enemy, there is a time that the Lord knows we need to rest and may He grant you a needful period of rest. But there is a work to be done. As the church rests, it is also being edified. Edified meaning built up, grace given, made strong, growing and maturing. The church was certainly being strengthened. The church was also walking in the fear of the Lord. The church abhorred sin and respected the precepts of God’s Word. We also see that the church was comforted by the Holy Ghost. The Spirit is our Comforter, He causes us to be at peace and to experience joy. When the church is at rest, it is still being edified, walking in the fear of the Lord, comforted by the Holy Ghost and is multiplied. Friend, be very certain, God is growing His church.

32 And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all quarters, he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda. 33 And there he found a certain man named Aeneas, which had kept his bed eight years, and was sick of the palsy. 34 And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately. 35 And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord. 36 Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did. 37 And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber. 38 And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them. 39 Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them. 40 But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up. 41 And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive. 42 And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord. 43 And it came to pass, that he tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner.

D. Expressive Paths

1. Lydda & the District of Saron

Now we will switch gears from Saul to Peter. Apostle Peter travels to the city of Lydda. While there he finds a man named Aeneas. Aeneas has been afflicted with palsy and bedridden for 8 years. Peter, by faith in Jesus, says to Aeneas “Jesus Christ maketh thee whole; arise, and make thy bed”. Friend have you thought about this, what if Aeneas didn’t get up, then Peter has lost his testimony. But Peter is not the healer. Peter only, in the name of Jesus, feels led to expresses his faith in Jesus and acts on it. Aeneas also must have faith. Aeneas could have said that he could not or would not, but instead Aeneas acted upon faith in the Lord Jesus and he arose immediately. Isn’t it wonderful to know that when we are saved, we are saved immediately? Isn’t it a blessing to know that when we confess our sins that immediately Jesus forgives us? The scriptures go on to tell us that all that dwelt in that region saw this miracle of faith and turned to the Lord themselves. Miracles testify!

2. Joppa

While Peter was at Lydda, a woman by the name of Tabitha (interpreted Dorcas) was very sick and she died. In her lifetime she believed in Jesus and spent much of her time expressing kindness and doing alms deeds or good deeds for those around her. In fact after she died they even washed her body and laid her in graveclothes in the upper chamber. The disciples in Joppa hear that Peter is nearby and send for him to come to Joppa without delay. Peter gets up and travels to Joppa with the two disciples that were sent for him. When he arrived he found the widows in the upperchamber weeping and they showed him the garments that Dorcas had made for them. (Works Do Testify! - see James 2:17-18) Peter asked them all to step out and Peter kneeled down to pray.

Again Peter feels led by the Spirit to express his faith and Peter acts upon the leadership of the Spirit and says to the dead body, “Tabitha arise” Right then, right there and then, she opened her eyes, saw Peter and sat up. He gave her his hand and lifted her up and presented her to all of the gathered saints and widows alive!

The scriptures go on to tell us that many believed in the Lord after this miracle. Miracles testify! I know that Dorcas was not resurrected but was resuscitated. She would have to die later on, but one day she will be resurrected, her body will come forth glorified. It will be glorified as Jesus resurrected body was a glorified body. A new body and one that death will no longer have a hold on.

We notice in verse 43 that Peter tarried many days in Joppa with a man named Simon. Simon was tanner. A tanner is one who takes tannic acid and puts it on dead animal skins in order that the hides of the animals might be turned into leather.

Remember Joppa was the place that Jonah went down to and bought a ticket to go to Tarshish rather than be obedient to God and go to preach in Nineveh. Joppa was a place where Jonah rebelled against the will of God and Jonah ran. Joppa, being significant to Jonah, will also prove to be significant to Peter. God has performed some great things in Joppa through the Apostle Peter, but God is not through with him yet, as we will see in the next chapter.