In Acts 9 today Saul comes to know Jesus. And verse 1 reads.
Acts 9:1] And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,
[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 receives documents from the high priest to bring who believe on Jesus to Jerusalem for trials. He is very zealous for the Lord, he just missed Isa.7:14 “A virgin shall conceive and a child will be born”. Remember he studied at the feet of Gamaliel. Saul was well learned.
Acts 9:3] And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:
At this moment Saul lost his sight.
Acts 9:4] And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
[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.
Kicking against the prick that holds the compass steady. Take time to read Psalms 8 from 22-36. And you will see Jesus with the LORD creating everything.
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.
[7] And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man.
[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.
[9] And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.
[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.
Are you ready to be called? Will you hear? How will you answer the LORD?
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,
[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.
[13] Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem:
[14] And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name.
Ananias was not being disobedient to the Lord, he was just telling him what he had heard.
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:
Don’t forget this verse, it will be important and brought multiple times throughout Acts. What was just said was Paul will have a three -fold ministries. To the Gentiles, and the kings, and to Israel. Also, Saul was a chosen vessel, from the first earth age. That’s why we studied Gen.1 first. We can’t understand the end unless you understand the beginning.
Acts 9:16] For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake.
[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.
I know that it might be controversial to say this, but Saul was given eyes to see, spiritually. It is written he had a “thorn in his side”. This to me means he was still blind, and that’s why he needed a scribe to write for him. You can make up your own mind on this matter.
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.
[19] And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.
He received meat, those things that were hidden from him but now he can understand.
Acts 9:20] And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.
Remember he was just baptized, and now professes that Jesus is the Son of God. The requirement of baptism. (chapter 8).
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?
Saul can’t deny their concerns, but someone will come to his defense.
Acts 9:22] But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.
These “Jews” are men of Judea, and are Kenites.
Acts 9:23] And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him:
Their father was the first murderer, Cain. Another good reason to start our studies in the first 6 chapters of Genesis.
Acts 9:24] But their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him.
[25] Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket.
[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.
[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.
Barnabas was a trusted man by the Apostles. And his word was enough for them.
Acts 9:28] And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem.
[29] And he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him.
These Grecians were Hebrews that spoke Greek.
Acts 9:30] Which when the brethren knew, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus.
[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 church is growing like wild fire.
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.
[33] And there he found a certain man named Aeneas, which had kept his bed eight years, and was sick of the palsy.
[34] And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately.
More and more turn to the Lord after miracles, this is why it is said “blessed are they that believe without seeing.” Meaning you and me today.
Acts 9:35] And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord.
[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.
Not only have women always served the Lord, and served him well, but also in these end times it is written “Men and women shall prophesy “.
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.
[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.
[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 shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them.
She not only was a good servant of the Lord but she could also work to contribute to her family.
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.
[41] And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive.
[42] And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord.
[43] And it came to pass, that he tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner.
The Holy Spirit working hard to assure the growth of the church. Peter was a tanner also so this is where he could work and pull his own weight. Tomorrow we’ll find Peter here for a great lesson on how God has brought Salvation for all people including the gentiles. Let’s go to his throne.
Father, we thank you for your word and ask that you bless all that love you in Jesus’s precious name, Amen.
KJV along with The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance Of The Bible