SCRIPTURE: ACTS 9
Bible Verses:
“The Lord told him, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.” “Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem. And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.” But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.” (Acts 9:121-16)
“Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus. At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God. All those who heard him were astonished and asked, “Isn’t he the man who raised havoc in Jerusalem among those who call on this name? And hasn’t he come here to take them as prisoners to the chief priests?” Yet Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Messiah.” (Acts 9:19-22)
SAUL’S CONFESSION (vs. 1-19)
Saul was very zealous for his Jewish belief that he began a persecution campaign against anyone who believed in Christ in Damascus. He was seeking people who belonged to “THE WAYS” to take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. On his journey, a light from heaven suddenly flashed around him. He felt to the ground and heard a voice saying to him: “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”. Saul asked: “Who are you Lord?”. “I am Jesus whom you are persecuting” he replied. Now, get up and go into the city and you will be told what you must do” (vs. 4-6).
The men travelling with Saul were speechless. Saul got up but could not see anything. He was blind for 3 days without eating nor drinking.
Ananias was a disciple in Damascus which the Lord called him in a vision. The Lord told him to go to the house of Judas in Straight Street to find a man from Tarsus named Saul and place his hands on him to restore his sight. At first, Ananias was reluctant to go because he heard reports what this man had done harms for the saints in Jerusalem. But Ananias obeyed God and placed his hands on Saul. He said: “Brother Saul, the Lord – Jesus who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here – has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit” (v. 17). Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, and after taking some food, he regained his strength (v.18-19)
SAUL IN DAMASCUS AND JERUSALEM (vs. 20-31)
Saul spent several days with the disciples and began to preach in the synagogue that Jesus is the Son of God. The Jews conspired to kill him, so his followers took him by night and lowered him in a basket through an opening in a wall. When he reached Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were afraid of him. Only Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them Saul’s conversion on his journey to Damascus and that he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus. The Grecian Jews tried to kill him so the brothers sent him off to Tarsus. The church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria grew in numbers and was strengthened and encouraged by the Holy Spirit.
AENEAS AND DORCAS (vs. 32-43)
Peter went to visit the saints in Lydda and found Aeneas, a paralytic who had been bedridden for 8 years. He told him to get up in the name of Jesus Christ. Immediately, Aeneas was able to get up and walk. All those saw the miracle of the man turned to the Lord.
There as a woman name Tabitha (Dorcas) who was always doing good and helping the poor. But she became sick and died. The disciples urged Peter to come. When Peter arrived, many widows stood around her crying and showing him the robes and clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them. Peter sent them out of the room and got down in his knees to pray. Then he told Tabitha to get up. Tabitha sat up and Peter called the believer and the widows and presented her to them alive. The news spread all over Joppa and many people believed in the Lord.
THOUGHTS:
- Paul had these experiences in his conversion (1)- He saw a light (2)-He heard a voice (3)-He obeyed a call. This is also true with us. Every sinner is in darkness until the light of the Gospel shines on him. Every sinner hears the voice of the Lord through the Word of God. Every sinner has to humble himself and accept Christ as his Savior. True conversion comes from a personal encounter with Jesus Christ that leads him to a new life of relationship with the Lord.
- Ananias knew that Paul was against those who believe in Jesus. But when God called him, his fears was overcome by God’s promise that Paul would have a special ministry to the Gentiles. He showed loving acceptance to other believers. Are you willing to listen to His call and follow his leading even when he leads you to difficult people and places?
- The apostles were afraid of Paul. It was Barnabas who introduced Paul to the group. Barnabas became the bridge between Saul and the apostles. New Christians need people who will come alongside to encourage, teach and introduce them to other believers. Can you become a Barnabas to new believers?
- Dorcas died and many people mourned for her because she was kind and helpful. Let us be kind and generous to people so that we can make an enormous impact to our community.