Acts 9

Acts 9 is a pivotal chapter in the New Testament, detailing the dramatic conversion of Saul of Tarsus, a fervent persecutor of Christians, into Paul, one of the most influential apostles of Christianity. This transformation underscores the theme of redemption and divine intervention. The chapter also highlights the spread of Christianity beyond Jewish boundaries and introduces key figures such as Ananias and Barnabas, who play significant roles in the early Church.

Acts 9:1-2 (NKJV) Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.

Saul's aggressive pursuit of Christians is emphasized here. His intention to extend his persecution to Damascus reflects the early Christian movement's expansion and the corresponding resistance from Jewish authorities. Saul's zeal is portrayed in stark contrast to the grace he later receives.

Acts 9:3-4 (NKJV) As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. Then he fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?"

The dramatic moment of Saul's conversion begins with a supernatural event—a divine light from heaven that physically stops him in his tracks. This personal encounter with Jesus highlights the direct involvement of Christ in calling and converting Saul. The repetition of Saul's name indicates a personal and urgent appeal from Jesus.

Acts 9:5-6 (NKJV) And he said, “Who are You, Lord?” Then the Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.” So he, trembling and astonished, said, “Lord, what do You want me to do?” Then the Lord said to him, “Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”

Saul's question marks the beginning of his transformation, recognizing the voice as Lordly, though he is unsure of its identity. Jesus identifies Himself, linking Saul's persecution directly to Himself, illustrating the mystical union between Christ and His followers. The metaphor "kick against the goads" suggests the futility and pain of resisting divine will. Saul’s immediate submission and readiness to obey signify his total capitulation to God's authority.

Acts 9:7 (NKJV) And the men who journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice but seeing no one.

The men with Saul are witness to this event, though their experience is different—they hear the voice but see no one, emphasizing the personal nature of Saul's encounter with Christ. Their reaction underscores the miraculous nature of the vision and foreshadows the challenges Saul will face in convincing others of his transformative experience.

Acts 9:8-9 (NKJV) Saul arose from the ground, and when his eyes were opened he saw no one. But they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank.

Saul's physical blindness symbolizes his prior spiritual blindness and the beginning of a period of reflection and transformation. His dependency on others during this time illustrates his vulnerability and the complete overturning of his former life. This period of fasting and blindness is a form of death to his old self before he receives his new mission.

Acts 9:10-12 (NKJV) Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and to him the Lord said in a vision, "Ananias." And he said, "Here I am, Lord." So the Lord said to him, "Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying. And in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him, so that he might receive his sight."

Ananias is introduced as a faithful disciple, contrasting with Saul's previous role as a persecutor. The Lord's command to Ananias prepares him for a risky mission—to heal and baptize the notorious Saul. This passage highlights God's foreknowledge and orchestration in converting Saul, and it sets the stage for Ananias' act of obedience and faith.

Acts 9:13-14 (NKJV) But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem. And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name.”

Ananias expresses his understandable reservations about approaching Saul, citing Saul's reputation and the danger he poses to believers. This reaction illustrates the widespread fear Saul instilled in the Christian community and underscores the radical nature of God’s grace in redeeming even the most zealous opponents.

Acts 9:15-16 (NKJV) But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake.”

The Lord reassures Ananias, emphasizing Saul's appointed role as a "chosen vessel," destined to spread the Gospel across diverse groups, including Gentiles, kings, and Jews. This divine endorsement highlights the specific and significant ministry Saul will have, along with the sufferings he will endure, indicating his complete transformation and dedication to Christ’s mission.

Acts 9:17-19a (NKJV) So Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized. So when he had received food, he was strengthened.

Ananias obeys the Lord's command, addressing Saul as "brother," which signifies Saul's acceptance into the Christian community. The miraculous healing of Saul's blindness and his immediate baptism symbolize his spiritual renewal and commitment to his new faith. His physical recovery, marked by eating, parallels his spiritual reinvigoration.

Acts 9:19b-22 (NKJV) Then Saul spent some days with the disciples at Damascus. Immediately he preached the Christ in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God. But all who heard him were amazed and said, “Is not this he who destroyed those who called on this name in Jerusalem, and has come here for that purpose, so that he might bring them bound to the chief priests?” But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who dwelt in Damascus, proving that this Jesus is the Christ.

After his conversion, Saul begins to preach fervently in the synagogues, proclaiming Jesus as the Christ. His transformation amazes those who knew of his past as a persecutor. Saul's growing strength and persuasive arguments confound the local Jewish leaders, illustrating his deep understanding of Jewish theology and his unshakable conviction in his new faith.

Acts 9:23-25 (NKJV) Now after many days were past, the Jews plotted to kill him, but their plot became known to Saul. And they watched the gates day and night, to kill him. Then the disciples took him by night and let him down through an opening in the wall, lowering him in a basket.

As Saul's ministry gains traction, he faces significant opposition from the Jews, who now view him as a traitor. The plot against his life and his secretive escape from Damascus, with the help of fellow believers, mark the first of many challenges and dangers Saul will encounter due to his unwavering commitment to spreading the Gospel.

Acts 9:26-30 (NKJV) And when Saul had come to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, and did not believe that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. And he declared to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus. So he was with them at Jerusalem, coming in and going out. And he spoke boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus and disputed against the Hellenists, but they attempted to kill him. When the brethren found out, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him out to Tarsus.

Upon arriving in Jerusalem, Saul faces skepticism from the disciples due to his former life. Barnabas, however, vouches for Saul’s genuine conversion, facilitating his acceptance among the apostles. Saul's bold preaching and debates, particularly against the Hellenistic Jews, again provoke lethal opposition, prompting his fellow believers to send him to Tarsus for safety, illustrating the constant danger accompanying his ministry.

Acts 9:31 (NKJV) Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied.

This verse provides a summary of the state of the early Church following Saul's conversion. The Church experiences a period of peace and growth, being strengthened internally and expanding numerically. The reference to walking in the "fear of the Lord" and the "comfort of the Holy Spirit" highlights the spiritual maturity and divine guidance that characterize the community during this period.

Acts 9:32-35 (NKJV) Now it came to pass, as Peter went through all parts of the country, that he also came down to the saints who dwelt at Lydda. There he found a certain man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden eight years and was paralyzed. And Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus the Christ heals you. Arise and make your bed.” Then he arose immediately. So all who dwelt at Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord.

Peter’s healing of Aeneas serves as a testament to the continued acts of miraculous healing performed by the apostles in Jesus’ name. This specific miracle not only demonstrates the power vested in the apostolic ministry but also significantly influences the surrounding region, leading many to faith—a theme recurrent throughout Acts, where signs and wonders play a crucial role in the expansion of the Church.

Acts 9:36-43 (NKJV) At Joppa there was a certain disciple named Tabitha, which is translated Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and charitable deeds which she did. But it happened in those days that she became sick and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. And since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples had heard that Peter was there, so they sent two men to him, imploring him not to delay in coming to them. Then Peter arose and went with them. When he had come, they brought him to the upper room. And all the widows stood by him weeping, showing the tunics and garments which Dorcas had made while she was with them. But Peter put them all out, and knelt down and prayed; and turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter, she sat up. Then he gave her his hand and lifted her up; and when he had called the saints and widows, he presented her alive. And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. So it was that he stayed many days in Joppa with Simon, a tanner.

The resurrection of Tabitha (Dorcas) by Peter is another significant miracle that underscores the apostolic authority to perform acts reminiscent of Jesus’ own ministry. Tabitha’s resurrection not only affirms the power of faith but also leads to widespread belief in Joppa, illustrating the impact of divine acts on community conversion. Peter’s prolonged stay in Joppa with Simon, a tanner, reflects the ongoing mission of the apostles to spread the Gospel and nurture new believers.