Introduction: Acts 9 tells the story of Saul’s conversion to Christianity on the road to Damascus. The chapter displays the life changing power of God’s grace and the impact it can have on a person’s life, any person’s life. In this chapter, we see how God can take a person like Saul the Pharisee, who was once an enemy of the faith and turn them into one of its greatest allies and spokesmen. This chapter also shows us the importance of obedience to God’s Word and the role that other believers play in helping new converts grow in their faith.
I. Acts 9:1-9 – Saul’s Conversion on the Road to Damascus
Saul, a zealous persecutor of Christians, is on his way to Damascus when he is struck by a blinding light and hears the voice of Jesus asking why he is persecuting Him. Saul is left blind and is led to Damascus by the people who were with him. Saul the persecutor speaks of his past in Galatians 1:13-14, Paul looks back on his past persecution of the church and believers. In 1 Timothy 1:13: Paul acknowledges his former ignorance of who Jesus really was, and lack of belief in Him as the Messiah. And in 2 Corinthians 4:6, the Apostle Paul talks about how God shines His light in our hearts, just as He did with the former Saul the Pharisee.
II. Acts 9:10-19 – Ananias Obeys God’s Command to Heal Saul
Ananias, a disciple in Damascus, is instructed by God in a vision to go to Saul and lay hands on him to restore his sight. Despite his fear, Ananias obeys God and Saul’s sight is restored, he is filled with the Holy Spirit, and is then baptized into the Lord Jesus Christ. In Hebrews 11:8, we read, like Ananias, Abraham obeyed God’s call even though he did not know where it would lead. Ananias knew Saul to be a persecutor of believers and was afraid at first, but gave way to God’s will and good things happened. Faith and works go hand in hand, James 2:26 says faith without works is dead, this good work by Ananias’ has had ripple effects throughout history. In a verse somewhat like these verses, John 9:25: the blind man testifies that Jesus healed him, kind of like Paul receiving his sight again.
III. Acts 9:20-31 – Saul Begins Preaching and Faces Persecution
Saul immediately begins preaching in the synagogues, proclaiming Jesus as the Son of God. The Jews plot to kill him, but he escapes and goes to Jerusalem where he is met with skepticism by the disciples at first. Barnabas vouches for him, and he is accepted and continues to preach boldly. The Apostle Paul is one of the most outspoken of God’s messengers and boldly proclaimed in Romans 1:16, that he was not ashamed of the gospel, as he preaches in Damascus and Jerusalem. Paul’s problems wasn’t over when he became a believer, Acts 14:22 tells us that believers will face tribulations, just as Saul did after his conversion. And in 2 Timothy 1:7, Paul preaches boldly, and not with a spirit of fear.
IV. Acts 9:32-43 – Peter Heals Aeneas and Raises Tabitha from the Dead
Peter travels to Lydda and heals a paralyzed man named Aeneas. In Joppa, he raises a disciple of Christ named Tabitha from the dead, which leads to many believing in the Lord. This is a reflection of Jesus in Matthew 9:35, Jesus healed every disease and sickness, as Peter does with Aeneas. The raising of the dead like Tabitha reflects John 11:25-26, where the Bible shows Jesus is the resurrection and the life, and James says the prayer of faith will heal the sick in James 5:14-15.
Conclusion: Acts 9 is a chapter that shows the life changing power of the gospel, obedience, and the power of God’s work in the lives of individuals. Saul’s conversion reminds us that no one is beyond the reach of God’s mercy and grace. Ananias’ obedience to God’s command shows the importance of faith in action. Saul’s bold preaching and Peter’s miraculous healings demonstrate the power of the gospel to change lives and bring hope. This chapter encourages us to be open and susceptible to God’s calling, to step out in faith, and to be bold in sharing the good news of Jesus Christ.
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