Imagine traveling the road to Damascus with a mission to imprison believers, only to be blinded by a brilliant light. This was the life-changing moment for Saul, a man with a fierce reputation who would soon become one of Christianity's greatest advocates.
The Reading: Acts 9
World English Bible1 But Saul, still breathing threats and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest,
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2 and asked for letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.
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3 As he traveled, he got close to Damascus, and suddenly a light from the sky shone around him.
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4 He fell on the earth, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”
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5 He said, “Who are you, Lord?” The Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.
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6 But rise up, and enter into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”
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7 The men who traveled with him stood speechless, hearing the sound, but seeing no one.
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8 Saul arose from the ground, and when his eyes were opened, he saw no one. They led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus.
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9 He was without sight for three days, and neither ate nor drank.
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10 Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias!” He said, “Behold, it’s me, Lord.”
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11 The Lord said to him, “Arise, and go to the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judah for one named Saul, a man of Tarsus. For behold, he is praying,
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12 and in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in, and laying his hands on him, that he might receive his sight.”
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13 But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he did to your saints at Jerusalem.
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14 Here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name.”
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15 But the Lord said to him, “Go your way, for he is my chosen vessel to bear my name before the nations and kings, and the children of Israel.
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16 For I will show him how many things he must suffer for my name’s sake.”
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17 Ananias departed, and entered into the house. Laying his hands on him, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord, who appeared to you on the road by which you came, has sent me, that you may receive your sight, and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”
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18 Immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he received his sight. He arose and was baptized.
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19 He took food and was strengthened. Saul stayed several days with the disciples who were at Damascus.
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20 Immediately in the synagogues he proclaimed the Christ, that he is the Son of God.
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21 All who heard him were amazed, and said, “Isn’t this he who in Jerusalem made havoc of those who called on this name? And he had come here intending to bring them bound before the chief priests!”
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22 But Saul increased more in strength, and confounded the Jews who lived at Damascus, proving that this is the Christ.
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23 When many days were fulfilled, the Jews conspired together to kill him,
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24 but their plot became known to Saul. They watched the gates both day and night that they might kill him,
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25 but his disciples took him by night, and let him down through the wall, lowering him in a basket.
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26 When Saul had come to Jerusalem, he tried to join himself to the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple.
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27 But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared to them how he had seen the Lord on the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how at Damascus he had preached boldly in the name of Jesus.
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28 He was with them entering into Jerusalem,
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29 preaching boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus. He spoke and disputed against the Hellenists, but they were seeking to kill him.
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30 When the brothers knew it, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him off to Tarsus.
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31 So the assemblies throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace, and were built up. They were multiplied, walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit.
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32 As Peter went throughout all those parts, he came down also to the saints who lived at Lydda.
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33 There he found a certain man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden for eight years, because he was paralyzed.
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34 Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and make your bed!” Immediately he arose.
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35 All who lived at Lydda and in Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord.
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36 Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which when translated, means Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and acts of mercy which she did.
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37 In those days, she became sick, and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room.
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38 As Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him, imploring him not to delay in coming to them.
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39 Peter got up and went with them. When he had come, they brought him into the upper room. All the widows stood by him weeping, and showing the coats and garments which Dorcas had made while she was with them.
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40 Peter sent them all out, and knelt down and prayed. Turning to the body, he said, “Tabitha, get up!” She opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter, she sat up.
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41 He gave her his hand, and raised her up. Calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive.
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42 And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord.
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43 He stayed many days in Joppa with a tanner named Simon.
What This Chapter Is Really Saying
Saul's Mission Against the Followers of Jesus
In Acts 9, we meet Saul, a fierce persecutor of Christians, who seeks authority from the high priest to arrest followers of 'the Way.' His journey takes him to Damascus, where he intends to clamp down on these believers.
The Encounter with Jesus
However, as Saul approaches Damascus, a sudden, blinding light from heaven knocks him to the ground. Confused and frightened, he hears a voice asking, 'Saul, why do you persecute me?' It's Jesus speaking! Saul, realizing the gravity of his actions, inquires, 'Who are you, Lord?' Jesus reveals his identity and instructs Saul to enter the city for further guidance.
Blindness and Prayer
After this divine encounter, Saul's eyes are opened, yet he cannot see. For three days, he fasts, reflecting on his life choices in darkness while praying fervently.
Ananias' Reluctance and Obedience
Meanwhile, a disciple named Ananias receives a vision from God, telling him to visit Saul. Ananias hesitates, knowing Saul's reputation for causing harm to believers, but God reassures him that Saul is chosen for a significant purpose. Ananias bravely goes to Saul, lays hands on him, and heals him. Instantly, Saul can see again and is filled with the Holy Spirit, leading to his baptism.
Saul Turns Preacher
Feeling rejuvenated and determined, Saul starts preaching in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God. This shocking transition leaves many astonished, as they remember his past as a persecutor. Saul's newfound strength in faith grows, but so does the animosity of his former allies, who plot to kill him.
Escape and Acceptance
To save him, his disciples lower him in a basket through a city wall at night. When Saul arrives in Jerusalem, the disciples are wary of him, fearing his past. Yet, Barnabas vouches for him, sharing his story and transformation. Accepted by the apostles, Saul continues to boldly preach, but soon faces threats again.
Peace and Growth in the Early Church
Despite the turmoil, the church flourishes, experiencing peace and growth across Judea, Galilee, and Samaria as they walk in the fear of the Lord.
Why It Matters
The Power of Transformation
Saul's story is a powerful reminder that no one is beyond redemption. His radical transformation shows that even the fiercest opponents of faith can become passionate advocates for it. This teaches us to look beyond past actions and see potential.
Following God's Call
Ananias' obedience to God despite his fears illustrates the importance of listening to divine guidance. Sometimes, we are called to step out of our comfort zones for God's greater purpose.
Embracing New Beginnings
Saul's acceptance into the community highlights the importance of support and forgiveness in our journeys of faith. It's vital to welcome those who are changing, as everyone deserves a second chance.
If you're seeking a supportive community to explore faith and transformation, consider using Sancta to find a church near you. There, you can connect with others on similar journeys, just like Saul did with the early church.
Coming Up Next: Acts 10
In the next part of the journey, we dive into Acts 10, where Peter receives a groundbreaking vision that challenges the barriers of faith. This pivotal moment opens the door for the gospel to reach even further, transforming the early church once more.