Notes
In the New Testament, we read about a man named Saul. Eventually, his name was changed to Paul and now we refer to him as the Apostle Paul, the man who wrote much of the New Testament. But Saul was someone who persecuted Christians; he had people killed for preaching about Jesus.
1) Saul was moving against Christ
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.
Acts 9:1-2
Saul was highly educated in the Scriptures. He thought he was doing all of the right things, but in reality, he didn’t know God. Saul was a religious tourist: he thought he was doing the things of God, but there was no evidence of God making a change in Saul’s life.
2) Saul had a “But Then God” moment
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?”
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.”
And the men who journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice but seeing no one. Then 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.
Acts 9:3-9
God needed to get Saul’s attention. He talked about being a man of God, but he was spiritually blind. He wasn’t seeing the truth, so to get his attention and focus on the right track, God needed to step in and make an impression.
3) Saul was converted by Christ
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.”
Then 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.”
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.”
And 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. Then Saul spent some days with the disciples at Damascus.
Acts 9:10-19
Imagine how Ananias felt about this command from God! He was told to go visit a man known for killing Christians. It can be scary to follow Christ’s directions, but what would have happened had Ananias not obeyed?
4) Saul was moving with Christ
Immediately he preached the Christ in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God. Then all who heard were amazed, and said, “Is this not 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.
Acts 9:20-22
Saul saw the light. God got a hold of him and changed the direction of his life. If Saul could go from persecuting and brutally killing Christians to preaching to Christians, then God can change you and use you, too.
Group Questions
- How was Saul spiritually blind?
- What is a “spiritual tourist”?
- What are some things we learn from Saul’s conversion?
- What can we learn from Ananias’ obedience to go where God told him to go?
Prayer
God, thank you for stepping into our lives to make us brand new creations. We surrender all we are and all we have to you.