SCRIPTURE: ACTS 9
SAUL’S CONVERSION (vs. 1-19)
Saul went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus to find out who were the members of the “Way” to take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. While on his journey to Damascus, a light suddenly came from heaved flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” (v. 4) Saul asked, “Who are you, Lord?” He replied. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” (v. 5-6)
The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless. They heard the sound but did not see anyone. Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. For three days, he was blind and did not eat or drink anything. In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord told him to go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul and place his hands on him to restore his sight. But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your saints in Jerusalem. And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.” (v. 13) but the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.” (v. 15). So Ananias went to the house and placed his his on Saul. He said, “Brother Sau, the Lord – Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as your 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.
SAUL IN DAMASCUS AND JERUSALEM (vs. 20-31)
Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus. Then he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God. All those who heard him were astonished because they recognized him as the one who took those who call of the name of Jesus as prisoners to the chief priest. Yet Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Christ.
After many days had gone by, the Jews conspired to kill him by keeping close watch on the city gates. But his followers took him by night and lowered him in a basket through an opening in the wall. When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesu8s. So Saul stayed with them and moved about freely in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord. He talked and debated with the Grecian jews, but they tried to kill him. When the brothers learned of this, they took him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus. Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace. It was strengthened and encouraged by the Holy Sprit, it grew in numbers, living in the fear of the Lord.
AENEAS AND DORCAS (vs. 32-43)
As Peter traveled about the country, he went to visit the saints in Lydda. There he found a man named Aeneas, a paralytic who had been bedridden for eight years. Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and take care of your mat.” (v. 32). Immediately Aeneas got up. All those who lived in Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord.
In Joppa, there was a disciple named Tabitha (which, when translated, is Dorcas), who was always doing good and helping the poor. She became sick and died and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room. Lydda was near Joppa; sop when the disciples heard that Peter was in Lydda, they sent two men to him and urged him, “Please come at once!” (v. 38). Peter went with them and when he arrived, he was taken upstairs to the room All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them. Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. turning toward the dead woman, he said, “Tabitha, get up” (v. 40) She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up. He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. then he called the believers and the widows and presented her to them alive. this became know all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord. Peter stayed in Joppa for some time with a tanner named Simon.
THOUGHTS:
Saul (later called Paul) was a zealous Jewish believer and a true Pharisee who began a persecution campaign against anyone who believed in Christ. While on his way to Damascus, he saw the risen Christ. Paul acknowledged Jesus as Lord, confessed his sin, surrendered his life to Christ and resolved to obey Him. True conversion comes from a personal encounter with Jesus Christ and leads to a new live in relationship with him.
When Jesus told Ananias to heal the blindness of Paul, he was hesitant at first because he knew Paul was stamping out Christianity in Damascus. Despite of the understandable feelings, Ananias obeyed God and ministered to Saul. When Ananias met Paul, he greeted Paul lovingly. This teaches us to obey and follow God’s command even when he leads us to difficult people and places. We must show loving acceptance to other believers.
Paul had a terrible reputation with the Christians. But Barnabas, Jewish convert became the bridge between Saul and the apostles. New Christians need sponsors, people who will come alongside, encourage, teach and introduce them to other believers. Are you willing to become Barnabas to new believers?
Tabitha was a generous person who always did kind deeds by helping and making coats and other garments for the poor. When she died, the room was filled with mourners. And when she was brought back to life by Paul, the news raced through the town. Sometimes God uses those who have gifts of kindness like Tabitha to know Him. Make good use of the gifts God has given you to bring people to Christ.