In today’s study our titles are; Verses 1-18 The conversion of Saul. Verses 19-22 Saul testifies in Damascus. Verses 23-31 Saul escapes to Jerusalem. Verses 32-35 Aeneas healed. Verses 36-43 Dorcas restored to life. We will learn today that some have free will and some are chosen. Acts 9 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 believes 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 who was the best of the teachers of that time. Saul was well learned in the law and the prophets.
Acts 9:3] And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:
It was 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?
Jesus takes his protection of his children very seriously. Let’s go to Matthew 25 and verse 40 reads.
Mat.25:40] And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.
Back to Acts 9 and verse 5 reads.
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.
Kicking against the prick that holds the compass or protractor steady. Jesus says it is me, Yahovehs Savior. Saul is going against the very LORD that he is zealous of.
Let’s go to John 1 and verse 1 reads.
John 1:1] In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
[2] The same was in the beginning with God.
[3] All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
Drop down to verse 9 with me, and it reads.
John 1:9] That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.
[10] He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.
Now let’s go to Proverbs 8 and verse 22 reads.
Prov.8:22] The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old.
Before he ended the first earth age.
Prov.8:23] I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was.
That Salvation would come into the world through the second earth age.
Prov.8:24] When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water.
When the earth BECAME void.
Prov.8:25] Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth:
[26] While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the highest part of the dust of the world.
Before this earth age, Ion in the Greek, a length of time.
Prov.8:27] When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth:
[28] When he established the clouds above: when he strengthened the fountains of the deep:
[29] When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth:
[30] Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him;
[31] Rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth; and my delights were with the sons of men.
[32] Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children: for blessed are they that keep my ways.
Jesus, Yah’s Savior, was his plan from the beginning for Salvation to those who keep his ways. Saul had to know these verses from Proverbs. Back to Acts 9 and verse 6 reads.
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.
Jesus will use another to speak of what he must do, it will be a Christian, a disciple of Christ.
Acts 9:7] And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man.
They could hear a voice, but not understand the voice. When the Lord speaks to one man, only he will hear his voice. This is ears to hear.
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.
[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? Here is an example for God’s Elect.
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 of this man Saul. Understandably concerned.
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 is important and will be brought up multiple times in this book of Acts. What was just said is; Saul will have a three fold ministries, To the Gentiles, to the kings and to the house of Israel. Being a chosen vessel from the first earth age means; he was chosen then because he was zealous then as he is now. This is why it is so important to understand the first six chapters of Genesis. You cannot understand the New Testament without understanding the beginning.
Acts 9:16] For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake.
Saul was persecuting the church, now he will learn that he too will be persecuted. For his namesake, Saul will be called a Christian soon. When God changed his name to Paul (Paul means small) he would speak of this in 2Corinthians 11 and verse 21 reads.
2Cor.11:21] I speak as concerning reproach, as though we had been weak. Howbeit whereinsoever any is bold, (I speak foolishly,) I am bold also.
[22] Are they Hebrews? so am I. Are they Israelites? so am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? so am I.
[23] Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft.
[24] Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one.
[25] Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep;
[26] In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren;
[27] In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.
[28] Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.
Paul was an awesome witness for the LORD, back to Acts 9 and verse 17 reads.
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.
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, or at the least very poor vision, 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, God has opened his eyes and he now understands.
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). Don’t overlook that he now has been filled with the Holy Spirit.
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 Judaea, 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. And the offspring of Cain are called Kenites. Another good reason to start our studies with 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.
He knew how they thought, he probably taught them.
Acts 9:25] Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket.
Rahab was another chosen vessel of the LORD and would be one from umbilical cord through umbilical cord that our Lord Jesus Christ would come through. Joshua 2:15.
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.
Paul spoke of this in Galatians 1. Here comes Barnabas to his defense.
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.
Barnabas was a trusted man of 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 called Hellenist. Let’s look carefully at this word: it is G1675 a. one who imitates the manners and customs or the worship of the Greeks, and use the Greek tongue. b. used in the NT of Jews born in foreign lands and speaking Greek. I think without a doubt we can use A in this case. Those that worship the manners and customs of the Greeks. Remember it was the Romans who appointed the Sanhedrins to run the temple, and they would set up the Kenites to do so.
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 a wildfire. Now we come to Peter and his healing of a man named Aeneas, eight in biblical numeric, is new beginnings.
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, Joel 2, Acts 2.
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 served the LORD, but was also good at making coats and garments.
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 means; Rock. Tabitha G5000 and means; a female gazelle. A Chaldean name taken from the Hebrew word H6646 tsᵉbîyâh pronounced tseb-ee-yaw’. Both mean a female gazelle. Dorcas G1393 being the Greek word for gazelle. Back to Acts 9 and verse 41 reads.
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.
[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 is 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