Saul's Conversion
Acts 9:1 And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,
Acts 9:2 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.
Saul the one who persecuted the church with threatenings and even killings, goes to the high priest, Caiphas for permission to receive letters to the Synagogues, to round up even more Christians.
Another example of religious zeal gone into the tactics of satan. He is the destroyer and the threatener. Any religious zealot that uses threatenings and murder is serving satan, not the God of mercy and forgiveness.
There were times when God had ordered the death of a people, to keep his nation pure from idolotry. When God kills it is because the sins of a people, with demon posession had reached the point of judgment. Saul thought he was doing the LORD's will, but was actually opposing the Lord and his people.
Nahum 1:2 God is jealous, and the LORD revengeth; the LORD revengeth, and is furious; the LORD will take vengeance on his adversaries, and he reserveth wrath for his enemies.
Acts 9:3 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:
Saul was serving God in darkness, not understanding what he was doing. The light was now shining on darkness. In God is light, there is no darkness.
Isa 60:1 Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee.
John 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
The light of Jesus, the glory light had come to Saul.
Acts 9:4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
His first response was to fall down in submission. This great light came at noon time, the brightest time of day, but this light was much brighter than the sun, it was Son light, as he spoke of this later to King Agrippa;
Acts 26:13 At midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed with me.
Acts 9:5 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.
Jesus speaks Saul's name twice, there was no doubt who he was addressing. He asks him why he is persecuting him. This is important, for if any one of his people is persecuted, he takes it personally. We do not serve a dead religious leader. We serve a risen savior who loves and cares for us.
Who are you Lord? It is Jesus who you are persecuting: it is hard to kick against the pricks, or cattle goads. A cattle goad was a long stick with a sharpened point used to move a stubborn ox.
What was Saul kicking against? He was kicking against his own law of loving thy neighbor as thyself. He was kicking against his conscience, after all he had heard and seen the testimony of Stephen, he had witnessed the powerful healings and miracles.
He had kicked against the witness of the Holy Spirit who had shown signs and wonders, the Spirit that David had pleaded God to not take from him. Also he was opposing the counsel of his teacher Gamaliel, who had said, leave them alone. Most importantly he was kicking against Jesus himself.
Acts 9:6 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.
Saul was listening, asking humbly what he is to do. This is part of the salvation experience. Remember Peters sermons, afterwhich many cried out, "What shall we do?" Paul was told the next step of faith. We each are given the next step in followng Jesus by faith. To the crowds Peter said, "Repent and be Baptized," to Saul it was go to the city, then you will receive further directions.
How often we do not obey the first command, we want the end result, but the Lord leads us step by step through faith in his revealed will.
Psa 119:105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
Psa 37:23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.
Psa 37:24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.
Was Saul a good man? Jesus was making him good by trust; our righteousness is by faith in Jesus.
Acts 9:7 And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man.
The voice of Jesus, without form, was heard by all who were with Saul.
Acts 9:8 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.
Acts 9:9 And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.
Saul who was blind spiitually, now had been blinded in his eyes. For three days he fasted. The same time Jonah was in the fish, the same number of days our Lord was in the tomb in silence.
This was enough time for rebellious Jonah to repent, as he spoke;
Jonah 2:7 When my soul fainted within me I remembered the LORD: and my prayer came in unto thee, into thine holy temple.
Jonah 2:8 They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy.
Jonah 2:9 But I will sacrifice unto thee with the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay that that I have vowed. Salvation is of the LORD.
Saul too was seeking God in prayer. The Holy Spirit was moving in a vision to Ananias and also in a vision to Saul. Prayer brings about answers from God.
Acts 9:10 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.
Here is a man who knew the voice of God and was obedient. Was this an unusual man? He had a quality that God likes, he was available and willing to obey. God uses ordinary people to be part of his extraordinary plans. Be available, willing to trust and obey the Lord's voice. While you are waiting, do his will. Go out seeking the lost.
Acts 9:11 And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth,
Why was the street name mentioned? Perhaps for us to remember that the Lord's paths are straight for us.
Psa 5:8 Lead me, O LORD, in thy righteousness because of mine enemies; make thy way straight before my face.
Prov 4:25 Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee.
Prov 4:26 Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established.
Prov 4:27 Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.
Saul had to use eyes of faith, for he was blinded and on an entirely new path by faith, he was going straight for the Lord.
Acts 9:12 And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.
Saul had also seen the vision.The Lord does not leave us without a vision. If we ask him we will receive of him.
Acts 9:13 Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem:
Acts 9:14 And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name.
Lord, I have heard of this man who has done much evil towards the way, rounding believers up and killing them. I don't blame Ananias for wondering. Would we be swift to go to a terrorist who had destroyed many of our people? Perhaps, if we thought he would hear and receive the gospel message.
I have talked to people who were filled with evil, their words and actions were evidence that they were heading for hell. But, if I have a chance to tell them of Jesus, I give them this opportunity. Perhaps they will hear and be changed. God is in the business of making new lives. There is no living person that is without hope. Jesus is their hope.
Acts 9:15 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:
Wow! Saul the murderer, was the chosen vessel of God to those outside of the Jewish faith, and kings, and also to the children of Israel. With God all things are possible. (Mat 19:26)
Rom 9:22 What if God, willing to show his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction:
Rom 9:23 And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory,
Rom 9:24 Even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles?
Many oppose God's will and way. God somehow chooses who will be vessels for his honor. Choose me lord, I want to serve you.
Acts 9:16 For I will show him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.
Will Saul serve, knowing he must suffer great things for the name of Jesus, the one he opposed? Yes, he served and truly suffered many things. (2Cor 11:23-30)
Acts 9:17 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.
Acts 9:18 And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.
Ananias, a faithful servant of God was used to bring good news to Saul. In this news was healing of his vision, the filling of the Holy Ghost and water baptism to identify with the people of Christ Jesus. Saul's conversion was completed.
Water baptism is to the Christian as was circumcision to the Jew, it identifies the person with the new covenant and it gives women an equal place in the identification. For in Christ Jesus all are received.
Gal 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
Faithful Ananias, had been used to provide new vision and a new life for Saul, by the grace of Jesus. We are to be used also. We are not to judge before the time, who knows we may lead another like Saul into the Lord's service. Just be faithful and available and keep busy.
Acts 9:19 And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.
Do not neglect the needs of the body for food, the body is the temple of the Holy Ghost. He had been without food and drink for three days, the devil likes to come when we are weak, though he was strong in faith.
Acts 9:20 And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.
Like Moses before him, he wants to fulfill his calling. He preached to the Jews in the synagogue that Jesus is the Son of God. One way to know if a person has received the new life is that they wish to share and learn more of the word.
Saul spoke under the annointing of the Holy Ghost.
Acts 9:21 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?
Acts 9:22 But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.
The evidence of Saul's conversion, was the new message and the new power that was with him.
Gal 1:15 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace,
Gal 1:16 To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:
Gal 1:17 Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus.
Saul spent a total of three years in Arabia and Damascus. Time had passed.
Acts 9:23 And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him:
Here again is the familiar pattern, the keepers of God's Holy law plotted to kill, the former killer who was now a convert of the new way.
Mat 7:13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
Mat 7:14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
Saul had found the way to life everlasting and he was sharing this way. But the wolves were out to destroy this one who once had been with them. You will need to find new friends when you receive Jesus, for your old friends will seek to destroy you or they will leave you. He was doing the right thing in sharing the good news first with those who he knew.
Acts 9:24 But their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him.
Acts 9:25 Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket.
John 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
John 10:29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.
Saul had work to do for the Lord, he would be protected.
The enemy will try to destroy a new life in Christ, but we have a new family of God to help us and do the work of Christ.
If Saul’s conversion is a pattern, then we can share his experiences. First, Jesus must confront us with Himself, with our sin and rebellion against Him, even the sins which were done in ignorance. Then we must humbly wait for the work within us that only He can do. We receive the Hoy Ghost, are baptized, then we are to be witnesses. Without a faithful witness, most would not come to know of our Lord and be saved. Will you be that witness?
Saul and Peter
Acts 9:26 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.
Saul had been gone for three years to Arabia and Damascus, he had been changed and made an apostle by Jesus himself by revelation in signs and visions. Yet, the people in Jerusalem remembered him as he was, a persecutor of the church. Perhaps some of them had lost friends and family to this former Pharisee who was as a devil to them. We are to forgive but often it is so hard to trust and forget an offender.
Acts 9:27 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.
Brought to the apostles; Peter and James (Gal 1:18-19)
Remember Barnabas from Acts 4?
Acts 4:36 And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus,
Acts 4:37 Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet.
The son of consolation, a friend and comforter, when all else turned from Saul, Barnabas used his good name and kindness to help Paul be accepted. Isn't this how we should be with those who are new to the Lord, perhaps feeling unworthy? Barnabas testified on Sauls behalf of all that he had seen and done, receiving the apostleship from Jesus. Saul let Barnabas testify for him.
When leading someone to the Lord, often they will say "the Lord will not want me" here we must be as Barnabas, showing them that Jesus indeed wants them, he came just for you. When they receive Jesus, they are like Saul, all things become new. Their new faith they wish to share, but often they are not believed, it takes time for others to see the change.
John 15:26 But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:
Barnabas was as the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, testifying of the work of God in Saul much the same as the Holy Ghost testifies of Jesus.
Acts 9:28 And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem.
He was with the apostles, John and James (the brother of Jesus) coming and going together. This was good to be accepted with the other apostles. We need to receive and accept those called of God, we need to make them belong with us.
Acts 9:29 And he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him.
Yes, Saul was bold for the truth. The Grecians were the non-believing worldly Greek Jews. Saul was more then they could handle, so they too tried to kill this new apostle for Christ. Satans people will try to put out the light of God.
On the Internet chat rooms, occasionally I will meet Jewish Christians who are witnessing. Some I have noticed are very sure of their message and those I saw were almost stubborn in their knowledge. Some were not so full of grace, but wanted to show their superior knowledge. With maturity comes grace, Barnabas had this comforting grace, I believe Saul was the determined depositor of truth fearing no one. The other disciples saw that he was a target of the Grecian's and they moved him to a safer place.
Acts 9:30 Which when the brethren knew, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus.
The brethren, the disciples looked out for Saul, and separated him sending him back to his home area of Tarsus. Saul would not be heard of again for twelve years. Saul would learn patience and grace. No other writer in the New Testament explained grace as did Saul who was later called Paul. He would learn grace and tell us of it...
Rom 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
Rom 5:2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
1 Cor 15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
Acts 9:31 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.
The chief persecutor of the church, Saul was reconciled to God through faith in Jesus. The persecution was not over, but Saul was no longer a problem. Saul was accepted, but perhaps time would be needed for the people to truly forget the harm he had caused. Time would test Saul. to see if he would continue. The churches were growing, people were walking in the fear of the Lord and the comfort of the Holy Ghost. Many were being added to the church.
There is none greater than our Lord. Who else should we fear?
Psa 27:1 A Psalm of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
Psa 33:18 Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy;
Psa 33:19 To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine.
Psa 33:20 Our soul waiteth for the LORD: he is our help and our shield.
Psa 33:21 For our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy name.
Prov 9:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.
The story turns to the apostle Peter.
Acts 9:32 And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all quarters, he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda.
Peter was moving out of Jerusalem to outlying cities. Lydda was twenty-five miles away. The more we go out, the more opportunities there are to bring the gospel with signs and wonders following.
Acts 9:33 And there he found a certain man named Aeneas, which had kept his bed eight years, and was sick of the palsy.
Acts 9:34 And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately.
Notice the healing was through Jesus Christ, and in the name above all names. He was commanded to rise, he obeyed in faith and was healed. Healing is through the name of Jesus and faith is required to receive.
Many in our church have received healings through the prayer of faith in our Lord Jesus.
Acts 9:35 And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord.
This miracle from God caused many to turn to God and receive Jesus.
Acts 9:36 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.
Both Tabitha and Dorcas are names meaning "deer."
Psa 42:1 As the deer panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.
This woman had a good servants heart, not only in her thoughts, but in her actions. Don't you know that our works often are heard above our words? As Jesus said...
John 14:10 Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.
John 14:11 Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake.
Works are by the power of God, we are not able to do any good thing apart from the Lord. We have the word of God, and the Holy Ghost power of God for good works. Both are present in the New Testament church.
I find my self praying, emptying myself, for I have nothing apart from Jesus. He is my strength, by trusting in him he works through me. The works and words I share are from him, not of myself.
Acts 9:37 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.
Acts 9:38 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.
When Lazuras had died, Martha came to Jesus complaining that he had arrived too late.
John 11:21 Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.
John 11:23 Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again.
John 11:25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:
This can be applied literally, to raise the dead, in Jesus' will and name or spiritually, death of a believer in Christ means they shall live forever.
To rise again just to die is not the greatest miracle, to live forever is Gods great miracle.
Acts 9:39 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 showing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them. Her hands had been busy making beautiful things, much like my wife who makes afghans to give to others.
Acts 9:40 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.
Peter follows in his master's works, calling out "Tabitha arise," and the young woman awakened unto life. Jesus had raised a young girl from the death bed with a similar command.
Mark 5:41 And he took the damsel by the hand, and said unto her, Talitha cumi; which is, being interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, arise.
Acts 9:41 And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive.
John 14:12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.
This was the first time believers in Christ were called saints.
Acts 9:42 And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord.
Peter raised the girl, Tabitha because the Spirit had directed him to do so. The Spirit did not direct him to raise Stephen, who was stoned and a great witness. We cannot make a generalized statement about all receiving healings. Healings are of God by faith and by the moving of the Holy Spirit. We are required to put our trust in Jesus Christ, by whose stripes we are healed. (Isa 53:5) The greatest healing is a person receiving Jesus and being with him eternally.
Acts 9:43 And it came to pass, that he tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner.
Remember when Adam and Eve had sinned and were ashamed of their nakedness? The LORD covered them with coats of skins.
Gen 3:21 Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them.
A tanner is one who prepares skins of animals to make warm clothing of leather and or fur. This was Gods plan. God had another purpose in the shedding of the animals blood. Blood was required as payment for sins. So the skins of animals to cover shame was a picture of the necessity of blood required for sins. Finally Jesus himself shed his blood for the removal of our sins.
But the Jews had ordinances requiring people to stay away from a tanner, for they were considered defiled by working with dead animals. It was unlawful for a Jew to be near such a person.
Grace sees things differently. Peter stayed with Simon the Tanner, and there is no defiling a child of God. Jesus has transferred us into the kingdom of God, by his grace. The Holy Spirit was preparing Peter's heart for new revelations. We will see this in the next chapter of our story.
Gary
Acts Pages
Acts 10
Acts 8
Table of Contents