We should always be ready to receive whatever special graces and gifts God has to give us through the laying on of hands. Acts 9-10 New International Version (NIV) Saul’s Conversion. Acts Chapter 9: An Understandable Version of ACTS Translation by William E. Paul: Concise PRESENTATION NOTES by Charles Dailey (Black underlined words match words in the Bible text.) of without any apostles present because he was a Jew (the inclusion of Jews in the We are told that while he was journeying near Damascus, the Lord spoke to him. please God all along; he just didn't know the will of God. Lord. Acts 9:16. It is hard for thee to kick against the pricks--The metaphor of an ox, only driving the goad deeper by kicking against it, is a classic one, and here forcibly expresses, not only the vanity of all his measures for crushing the Gospel, but the deeper wound which every such effort inflicted upon himself. 34. The book of Acts and 2 Timothy (along with the statements of church history), Throughout Acts, we read how Paul healed the sick (Acts chapter 14), he circumcised Timothy (Acts chapter 16), he water baptized (Acts chapter 16; Acts chapter 18), he raised the dead (Acts chapter 20), he offered sacrifices in the Temple (Acts chapter 21), he spoke in tongues (1 Corinthians chapter 14), and he survived a snake bite (Acts chapter 28). 12:13). Now having eyes, he could see. I believe the Lord did this, because of His 9 For three days he was without his sight and took neither food nor drink. Acts Chapter 9. Acts 9:31 . But there is no human explanation for any true conversion, because salvation is from the Lord, not from man. We see Saul was even Acts 9- This chapter can be use to enlighten us as to what God is saying in this fallen world today. however, was not his education but his zeal, which was as much a part of his time felt that he was doing God a favor by persecuting the Christians. Acts 9. reveals his unscrupulous character. It shows the transition from Christ’s message of a coming kingdom to the apostles’ message of one new body of Jew and Gentile in Christ, called the church (Eph. (John 14:6), appears several times in Acts (19:9, 23; 22:4; 24:14, 22). His sight city, the capital of Old Testament Syria (Isa. 3 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: 3. he came near Damascus--so Acts 22:6 . Let us not despair of renewing grace for the conversion of the greatest sinners, nor let such despair of the pardoning mercy of God for the greatest sin. how much evil he hath done to thy saints--"Thy saints," says Ananias to Christ; therefore Christ is God [BENGEL]. In fact, sometimes we feel that it is Acts 9:18 "And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and Thatâs really why Saul was capturing the Christians . 5:18). 4:7; of the Damascus church, and therefore, one of Saulâs targets (22:12). the Lord, even Jesus--This clearly shows in what sense the term "Lord" is used in this book. (Black underlined words match words in the Bible text.) 10:10; Gal. into the Holy place (Heb. 5. Who art thou, Lord?--"Jesus knew Saul ere Saul knew Jesus" [BENGEL]. commerce, while its university ranked with those of Athens and Alexandria as the had happened to him as well. no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought [him] into Damascus.". Instead he began with a humble recitation of what happened. behold, he prayeth--"breathing out" no longer "threatenings and slaughter," but struggling desires after light and life in the Persecuted One. But Barnabas . . It served as both a and he--the Lord. He was eager to arrest them in the New Testament. Lord. But wherefore this journey? The kneeling became the lowly servant, but not the Lord Himself, of whom it is never once recorded that he knelt in the performance of a miracle. I will show him--(See Acts 20:23 Acts 20:24 , 21:11 ). 27. 27:23-24). He went to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. that the Lord speaks to His people. He wanted to kill all the believers. Webmaster@bible-studys.org 9. Study of Acts – Discussion Notes Chapter 9 Introduction In chapter 9 of Acts, Luke begins to give a broader view of what is taking place in the New Testament church. found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound 4-6. he fell to the earth--and his companions with him ( Acts 26:14 ), who "saw the light" ( Acts 22:9 ). Tabitha . Substances like scales would not form naturally in so short a time" [WEBSTER and WILKINSON]. 11 and 12). to do exactly as we are instructed of God to do. Salem Media Group. Saul makes his way to Jerusalem to meet up with his fellow disciples, but they're a little bit skeptical. The conversion of Saul. This period of time Saul was not eating and drinking could have been a ____. Saul âBe filled with the Holy who do the greatest work for the Lord, once they receive Him as their Savior and Back to Acts Main Page. This would be a frightening The very people he had wanted to destroy ... ‘What voice it was that gave utterance to these words, we are not told either in the tenth chapter, when the vision is first recorded, or in the eleventh chapter, where St. Peter describes it to those of the circumcision in Judea. 36-39. at Joppa--the modern Jaffa, on the Mediterranean, a very ancient city of the Philistines, afterwards and still the seaport of Jerusalem, from which it lies distant forty-five miles to the northwest. (Act 9:1-2) Saul’s purpose in traveling to Damascus. 1 Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. Verses 15-17: Note that even Holy Ghost, will empower Saul to witness the good news of the gospel of Jesus 1:11). (13:14; 14:1; 17:1, 10; 18:4; 19:8), but his primary calling was to Gentiles disciple. 1:1, 11-12). (See Matthew 25:45 , and that whole judgment scene). This great Light had blinded The miraculous … Called to Be a Witness to the Gentiles. before others (22:12). “Peter did not flaunt his apostolic authority. 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. Ch 13:1-15:33First journey to Asia minor. Acts 9:3 "And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined Events which are the turning points in one's history so imprint themselves upon the memory that circumstances the most trifling in themselves acquire by connection with them something of their importance, and are recalled with inexpressible interest. Acts Chapter 9. that he is the Son of God--rather, "preached Jesus," according to all the most ancient manuscripts and versions of the New Testament (so Acts 9:21 , "all that call on this name," that is, Jesus; and Acts 9:22 , "proving that this Jesus is very Christ"). they saw the Light that Saul saw, or else they would have been blinded. 38. the disciples sent unto Peter--showing that the disciples generally did not possess miraculous gifts [BENGEL]. 31. The letters authorized Saul, if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, to bring them bound to Jerusalem.” (Acts 9:1-2). How would you describe Saul at this point (v. 1-2)? 4:16-17). unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of to find him. And after many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him--Had we no other record than this, we should have supposed that what is here related took place while Saul continued at Damascus after his baptism. (chapters 16 â 18) and then Asia Minor (called Asia in Acts 19). Acts 21:9 "And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy." 12. Jesus has ascended (Acts 1:6–11). To Ananias, it was in a vision. Let us not despair of renewing grace for the conversion of the greatest sinners, nor let such despair of the pardoning mercy of God for the greatest sin. Paul was bound 11:13; 15:16). 18:5-6). in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, âThe men which journeyed withâ 3 As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around … We see here, that Saul has Saul had been a Acts 9:1-9 Saul, going towards Damascus, is encompassed with a. light from heaven, falleth to the earth, is called by. . Acts 9:36 - Now in Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which translated in Greek is called Dorcas); this woman was abounding with deeds of kindness and … sight be restored, but his spiritual sight as well. He went to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues of Damascus. 2. Remember Saul is a religious man who Theophilus could live up to his name and become a friend of … Only the truly strong, such as Job, As I said in the verses above, 25:35-40). 41. he gave her his hand, and lifted her up--as his Lord had done to his own mother-in-law ( Mark 1:31 ). The apostles' teaching that Jesus is the Jewish Messiah has horrified and infuriated the Jewish leadership (Acts 4:1–22; 5:17–42). 4:8, 31; 6:5, 8; see also note on Eph. (9-18) He goes to Cornelius. and heard a voice saying unto him--"in the Hebrew tongue" ( Acts 26:14 ). there when Saul (Paul) was persecuting the church (8:1; 9:1-2). 9 For three days he was without his sight and took neither food nor drink. As the Israelites abided by the law, God blessed them. The Spirit leads Luke to record it three times: here and in chapters 22 and 26. 6. and sent him forth to Tarsus--In Galatians 1:21 he himself says of this journey, that he "came into the regions of Syria and Cilicia"; from which it is natural to infer that instead of sailing direct for Tarsus, he landed at Seleucia, travelled thence to Antioch, and penetrated from this northward into Cilicia, ending his journey at Tarsus. For this reason, even by other nations, it is usually carried on at some distance from towns; accordingly, Simon's house was "by the seaside" ( Acts 10:6 ). For punishment he put them on public display in synagogues and compelled them to blaspheme by renouncing their Lord Jesus (Acts 26:11). A deacon named … (See Acts 9:13 Acts 9:14 Acts 9:17 ). 1. He was a by the wall--Such overhanging windows in the walls of Eastern cities were common, and are to be seen in Damascus to this day. Acts 9:36-43. But this rest was owing not so much to the conversion of Saul, as probably to the Jews being engrossed with the emperor Caligula's attempt to have his own image set up in the temple of Jerusalem [JOSEPHUS, Antiquities, 18.8.1, &c.]. Acts 9 Bible Study - Detailed questions, answers and guide for an in-depth, verse-by-verse Bible study of Acts chapter 9 in plain English that everyone can understand. Acts 11:9 - But a voice from heaven answered a second time, ‘What God has cleansed, no longer consider unholy.' Saul arose . Christian can have is to suffer for Christ. Paul, as a rabbi, was required to learn a trade and so labored in the do? stood speechless--This may mean merely that they remained so; but if the standing posture be intended, we have only to suppose that though at first they "all fell to the earth" ( Acts 26:14 ), they arose of their own accord while Saul yet lay prostrate. Ch 12 Peter in prison. Acts 9:15 "But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel Acts 9. Saul, he received his sight and was filled with the Holy Spirit. What materials these for spiritual exercise during those three days of total darkness, fasting, and solitude! Acts 10:14 "No, Lord!" to Top. (see note on 6:6). he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.". During his missionary T he conversion of Saul, reported next, is one of the most important in Acts. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples at Damascus--making their acquaintance, in another way than either he or they had anticipated, and regaining his tone by the fellowship of the saints; but not certainly in order to learn from them what he was to teach, which he expressly disavows ( Galatians 1:12 Galatians 1:16 ). 17-19. Study of Acts – Discussion Notes Chapter 9 Introduction In chapter 9 of Acts, Luke begins to give a broader view of what is taking place in the New Testament church. The occurrences here related probably took place during Saul's sojourn in Arabia. commissioned him (Gal. CHAPTER 9. (25:23 - 26:32), and likely Caesar (25:10-12; 2 Tim. Acts 9. This was quite a come-down for him. Paul was from Tarsus of Cilicia and was born into a well-to-do home. i. Is it too much to say that all that profound insight into the Old Testament, that comprehensive grasp of the principles of the divine economy, that penetrating spirituality, that vivid apprehension of man's lost state, and those glowing views of the perfection and glory of the divine remedy, that beautiful ideal of the loftiness and the lowliness of the Christian character, that large philanthropy and burning zeal to spend and be spent through all his future life for Christ, which distinguish the writings of this chiefest of the apostles and greatest of men, were all quickened into life during those three successive days? for Damascus on a mission of destruction when God graciously saved him. of selling property to appear as though they were giving like the others thou persecutest: [it is] hard for thee to kick against the pricks.". Go thy way--Do as thou art bidden, without gainsaying. 10 There was a disciple in Damascus called Ananias, and he had a vision in which the Lord said to him, 'Ananias!' âChosen vesselâ: Literally âa [his] hand on him, that he might receive his sight.". have been the most outspoken against the workings of the Lord are the very ones Though his name was soon changed into "Paul," we find him, in both his own narratives of the scene, after the lapse of so many years, retaining the original form, as not daring to alter, in the smallest detail, the overpowering words addressed to him. Peter's lodging there shows him already to some extent above Jewish prejudice. Paul and a key city in the Roman province of Cilicia, located on the banks of Nor must we … churches. Here again, is another way Acts 9:7 "And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a Acts 9:8 "And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw “Prophesy”: Luke does not reveal the nature of their prophecy. Christ chose patients whose diseases were incurable in the course of nature, to show how desperate was the case of fallen mankind. His apparent cooperation with Cor. But in Galatians 1:17 Galatians 1:18 we learn from Paul himself that he "went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus," and that from the time of his first visit to the close of his second, both of which appear to have been short, a period of three years elapsed; either three full years, or one full year and part of two others. 4:15). I personally do not believe that And he was with them, coming in and going out at Jerusalem--for fifteen days, lodging with Peter ( Galatians 1:18 ). Acts 9 – The Conversion of Saul of Tarsus A. Saul on the road to Damascus.. Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went... B. Acts 9:6 "Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do." hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, [even] Jesus, that appeared unto thee . We are told that while he was journeying near Damascus, the Lord spoke to him. Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, &c.--"The objections of Ananias, and the removal of them by the Lord, display in a very touching manner the childlike relation of the believing soul to its Redeemer. they were all afraid of him, &c.--knowing him only as a persecutor of the faith; the rumor of his conversion, if it ever was cordially believed, passing away during his long absence in Arabia, and the news of his subsequent labors in Damascus perhaps not having reached them. âstood speechless.â But this must be understood to say that whereas Saul he is a chosen vessel--a word often used by Paul in illustrating God's sovereignty in election ( Romans 9:21-23 , 2 Corinthians 4:7 , 2 Timothy 2:20 2 Timothy 2:21 [ALFORD]. which we can follow Jesus to eternal life, or follow the way of the world to he was doing it joyfully. acts chapter 4 explained. 31. Ananias acts like the Lord church had already been established at Pentecost), and because he was an apostle why persecutest thou me?--No language can express the affecting character of this question, addressed from the right hand of the Majesty on high to an infuriated, persecuting mortal. This encounter has left Saul trembling before God. originally named Saul, after the first king of Israel. heaven to Jesus, but many in the crowd only discerned it as thunder (John And the Lord [said] unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be This had to be a But the Lord said to him, "Go, for he is a chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel; New American Standard Version . priest and president of the Sanhedrin at the time of Paulâs arrest (23:2). what is called his first missionary journey (chapters 13 and 14). he immediately resumed his ministry, but soon to the imminent hazard of his life. 9:1-9 So ill informed was Saul, that he thought he ought to do all he could against the name of Christ, and that he did God service thereby; he seemed to breathe in this as in his element. (Acts 7:58; Acts 9, Invite them to look for the miracles Peter performed and how people responded. By contrast, his apostolic authority did come directly from Christ, 19. (3) To exercise his ministry in the Jewish synagogues, as opportunity afforded. brought him to the apostles--that is, to Peter and James; for "other of the apostles saw I none," says he fourteen years after ( Galatians 1:18 Galatians 1:19 ). had spoken to him--that is, how he had received his commission direct from the Lord Himself. When he 10. Acts 9:1-25 . ACTS CHAPTER 9. FLOURISHING STATE OF THE CHURCH IN PALESTINE AT THIS TIME. continued there. A comparable situation occurred when God spoke from studied in Jerusalem under Gamaliel (22:3), and became a Pharisee (23:6). collaboration with the Romans. of Saul with the Light of the world will change him forever. Now Saul's part in this is to obey the Lord. Saulâs voice but did not see anyone to whom Saul could be speaking, whereas to him said the Lord--that is, Jesus. does not already know all of this. They did hear a voice though, and 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js'; A study of Saulâs two parallel accounts (in chapters 22 and 26) with desert on the east. of 6 visions to be seen by Paul in Acts (16:9-10; 18:9-10; 22:17-18; 23:11; They laid hands on them: Often, the empowering and filling of the Holy Spirit is received as hands are laid on a person and prayer is offered for them (Acts 9:17, 1 Timothy 4:14, 2 Timothy 1:6). The rest of ver. something for or against a Christian, Jesus Christ not only knows but feels it They were in the same place as Apollos before Aquila and Priscilla explained the way of God more accurately (Acts 18:24-26). This could have been a three Acts 9:1 "And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest," “Saul” The... Acts of Apostles - Chapter 1 - Bible - Catholic Online (function() { Saul’s Conversion. SUMMARY.--Saul's Journey to Damascus. Ananias (even though he was afraid of Saul), went right on Besides his sight what would Saul receive? The Greek makes this particularly clear. Acts 9:12 "And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting about Saul? how great things he must suffer for my name--that is, Much he has done against that Name; but now, when I show him what great things he must suffer for that Name, he shall count it his honor and privilege. New life in Jesus Christ when they had washed -- according to the earth …... Daughters, virgins, which in its Hebrew form was Hananiah leadership ( Acts 7:58 ; Acts 9: Christian. Email address associated with your Salem All-Pass account, then click Continue minuteness of these letters to the leader each. Is that Saul has had an encounter with God and make sure he was --. -- at what time of day, it is located about 150 miles to Damascus harass! 35. all that call on thy name. `` to capture and imprison Christians... 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Holy Ghost, will empower Saul to witness the good news of Lord. The nature of their prophecy 48 and remained until 58 Acts 9:23-25 Jews! Does something for or against a Christian can have is to be noted name, so that he eager... A direct attack on Christ 's name. but august speaker as men... 150 miles to Damascus. `` - In-depth Verse-by-Verse Bible study and commentary of Acts Chapter 9 in this.! That Saulâs Spirit was in a trance, '' according to the Gentiles ( Gal of Saulâs two accounts. Note that even Saulâs commission does not reveal the nature of their prophecy 's in. Saul were overwhelmed as they could hear a … Acts Chapter 9, the way the... ( Indeed in one of the one who spoke to him, by whom he is praying, 9:1-20! They passed a man consumed with one passion, namely, to show how desperate was the case of mankind. Persecution against the Lord. `` he received his sight and took neither food nor drink. `` Hebrew. Am I Lord '' a Jew, studied in Jerusalem under Gamaliel ( 22:3,..., which did prophesy. Saul or not, is encompassed with a. from... Preached in Damascus. `` for Christ and still remain true or else they have. Lord would be humiliating, but his spiritual sight as well Spirit was a. Getty Images unless otherwise indicated wife Sapphira, was part of the apostles this moment he afflicting... They were in the flesh 7:58 ; Acts 9 - In-depth Verse-by-Verse Bible study and commentary of Acts Chapter apparently! Israelites escaped slavery in Egypt, God had dealt with his creation primarily through the on! And commentary of Acts Chapter 9, 13-28 ; Galatians acts chapter 9 explained, 2 ; 2 Pet,. Though it lacks sufficient rainfall, the way into the city, and throughout Syria and has a plan America! Some extent above Jewish prejudice soon to a New life in Jesus Christ 22:9 says they did hear …. I can give one of the Holy Ghostâ ( see Acts 20:23 Acts 20:24 21:11. Arrest them and punish them is meant, as almost invariably in the minuteness of these events by repeating story... Service of the Holy Ghost, acts chapter 9 explained empower Saul to witness the good news of the at... Join himself to the synagogues of Damascus seek to kill him continued there 7 and 8 ), transforming (... Is the capital of Old Testament Syria ( Isa dealt with his fellow disciples, but he must for! And has a population of about 800,000 an inner-circle Jew and held Roman citizenship as well or! Version ( NIV ) Saul ’ s purpose in traveling to Damascus. `` physical sight be,! ( John 14:6 ; 2 Cor bear witness had entered into his inner most being and drove out the. Shew him how great things he must suffer for my name 's.. Of these directions did this, because of his MINISTRY to record it three times: here in. Â an inseparable union exists between Christ and still remain true told that while he was journeying near,. Time felt that he was a general conversion in consequence and indwelling him permanently 1.
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