And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,
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.
And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:
And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
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.
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.
And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man.
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.
And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.
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.
And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth,
And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.
Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem:
And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name.
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:
For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake.
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.
And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.
And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.
And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.
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?
But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.
And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him:
But their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him.
Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket.
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.
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.
And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem.
And he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him.
Which when the brethren knew, they brought him down to Cesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus.
Then had the churches rest throughout all Judea 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.
And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all quarters, he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda.
And there he found a certain man named Eneas, which had kept his bed eight years, and was sick of the palsy.
And Peter said unto him, Eneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately.
And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive.
And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord.
And it came to pass, that he tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner.
Acts 9 is a pivotal chapter in the Book of Acts, marking a significant turning point in the early church's history. It details the dramatic conversion of Saul, a zealous persecutor of Christians, into Paul, one of the most influential apostles. This chapter also showcases the expanding reach of the gospel beyond Jerusalem, demonstrating God's intention to include Gentiles in His saving plan. Let's delve into the key events and their significance.
From Persecutor to Apostle: The Conversion of Saul (Acts 9:1-19)
The chapter opens with Saul, breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord (Acts 9:1). Driven by his Pharisaical zeal, Saul sought letters from the high priest to the synagogues in Damascus, authorizing him to arrest any followers of "the Way" (Acts 9:2), an early designation for Christianity (Acts 19:9, 23; 24:14, 22), because Jesus was “the way” (John 14:6). He intended to bring them back to Jerusalem for trial. His mission was to extinguish the rapidly spreading Christian movement.
However, God had other plans. As Saul journeyed to Damascus, a blinding light from heaven flashed around him, brighter "than the sun" (Acts 26:13). He fell to the ground, and a voice asked, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?" (Acts 9:4). Jesus so identifies with his people that to persecute them is to persecute him. The church is “the body of Christ” (1 Corinthians 12:27). So anyone who attacks God’s people is attacking the one who loved them, died for them, and united them to himself. Saul, recognizing the voice as that of Jesus, asked, "Who are you, Lord?" (Acts 9:5). The Lord's response was profound: "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting" (Acts 9:5).
Jesus instructed Saul to go to Damascus, where he would be told what to do (Acts 9:6). Blinded by the encounter, Saul was led by his companions into the city. For three days, he remained sightless, neither eating nor drinking (Acts 9:9), a period of deep reflection and spiritual wrestling. This physical blindness mirrored his prior spiritual blindness.
Meanwhile, in Damascus, there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord appeared to him in a vision, instructing him to go to Saul and restore his sight (Acts 9:10-12). Ananias was hesitant, knowing Saul's reputation as a fierce persecutor (Acts 9:13-14). However, the Lord reassured Ananias, revealing that Saul was His chosen instrument to carry His name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel (Acts 9:15). Here is another indication, then, that divine election is to service and not eternal life. Saul would suffer for the name of Jesus (Acts 9:16).
Ananias obeyed, finding Saul and laying his hands on him. He declared that Jesus, who had appeared to Saul on the road, had sent him to restore his sight and fill him with the Holy Spirit (Acts 9:17). Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he could see again. He arose and was baptized (Acts 9:18), signifying his new life in Christ. He then took food and was strengthened (Acts 9:19).
This conversion experience is one of the most dramatic in the Bible. It underscores the transformative power of God's grace and mercy. A menace was about to become a missionary. If you know someone whom you think could never be converted, don’t forget what the grace and mercy of God accomplished in the life of a wicked man named Saul.
Proclaiming Jesus: Saul's Initial Ministry (Acts 9:20-31)
Immediately after his conversion, Saul began proclaiming Jesus in the synagogues of Damascus, declaring, "He is the Son of God" (Acts 9:20). He didn’t waste any time. So, once again, we see the fulfillment of Jesus’s words (Acts 1:8). His message confounded the Jews who knew of his past persecution (Acts 9:21-22). Saul, a former Pharisee (Philippians 3:5), used his extensive knowledge of the Old Testament to prove that Jesus was the Messiah. His encounter with Jesus made the Scriptures come together for him. Everything made sense.
Saul’s zeal, however, wasn’t winning him any friends among the Jews. They wanted to kill him (Acts 9:23). Their star persecutor of Christians had switched his allegiance, and now he was a liability to them. The Jewish leaders plotted to kill him, watching the city gates to prevent his escape (Acts 9:24). But Saul's disciples helped him escape through an opening in the city wall (Acts 9:25; cf. 1 Corinthians 4:7-12), lowering him in a basket. Those whom he had previously come to imprison were saving his life.
When Saul arrived in Jerusalem, he couldn’t find any disciples willing to take him in. They did not believe he was a disciple (Acts 9:26)! Everyone feared him—everyone except Barnabas, whose name meant “Son of Encouragement” (Acts 4:36-37): that name described him well. Barnabas, a man of encouragement, took him to the apostles and vouched for his conversion and ministry in Damascus (Acts 9:27). Barnabas was willing to embrace the work of grace that God was doing in Saul’s life.
As Saul began speaking boldly in Jerusalem, the Jews there wanted to kill him too (Acts 9:28-29). So the brothers . . . sent him off to Tarsus (Acts 9:30), Saul’s hometown (see 9:11). It was located in the Roman province of Cilicia (in modern south-central Turkey). With Saul safely away, the church throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and was strengthened. As believers lived in the fear of the Lord and received encouragement from the Holy Spirit, the church increased in numbers.
Luke tells us that the church throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and was strengthened. As believers lived in the fear of the Lord and received encouragement from the Holy Spirit, the church increased in numbers. But wait a minute. What about the “severe persecution” (8:1) that had broken out against the church? How could things be going so well for Christ’s followers when their external circumstances were so bad? In God’s sovereignty, the period of persecution actually caused the church to increase and grow stronger. True Christianity, in fact, prospers in spite of outward pressure when believers depend on God’s peace that “surpasses all understanding” (Philippians 4:7), receive comfort that only the Holy Spirit can provide, and take God and his Word seriously.
In many places in the world today, Christians are persecuted and even killed for their faith. Though believers in many places may not face such severity, they can still undergo persecution in other forms: rejection, mocking, ostracism, and discrimination by employers to name a few. Paul writes, “All who want to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12). However, if a believer experiences no form of persecution, it may mean that he doesn’t have a faith worth persecuting. Don’t be a secret agent Christian: go public with your trust in Christ.
Peter's Miracles: Demonstrating God's Power and Compassion (Acts 9:32-43)
The narrative shifts to Peter's ministry. As Peter was traveling, he encountered a man named Aeneas who had been paralyzed for eight years (Acts 9:32-33). Peter told him that Jesus Christ had healed him, and Aeneas stood up (Acts 9:34-35). As a result of this public miracle, many people in that region turned to the Lord (Acts 9:35). Obviously, the miracles the apostles were performing were not merely for shock and awe. Their purpose was to draw people to Christ.
In Joppa, northwest of Jerusalem on the Mediterranean Coast, a faithful believer named Tabitha, who was known for her good works, became sick and died (Acts 9:36-37). Since the disciples in Joppa knew that Peter was nearby, they urged him to come (Acts 9:38). When Peter arrived, there was much weeping over this generous saint (Acts 9:39). So he prayed, told Tabitha to get up, and her life was restored (Acts 9:40-41). As a result, many believed in the Lord (Acts 9:42).
This was the first time that one of the apostles, like Jesus, had raised the dead back to life (see Luke 7:11-15; 8:50-56; John 11:1-44). But it wouldn’t be the last (see 20:7-12). Once again, a miracle served as confirmation of the gospel and brought many to saving faith. In addition, God brought Tabitha’s good works back to her. She had sacrificially served others, and here God showed mercy to her. Our God is a God of reciprocity (see Luke 6:38).
Peter stayed in Joppa for some time, lodging with Simon, a tanner (Acts 9:43). This seemingly insignificant detail is important because it foreshadows Peter's upcoming encounter with Cornelius, a Gentile centurion (Acts 10), and signals God's preparation for the inclusion of Gentiles into the Christian community.
And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,
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.
And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:
And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
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.
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.
And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man.
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.
And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.
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.
And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth,
And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.
Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem:
And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name.
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:
For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake.
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.
And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.
And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.
And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.
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?
But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.
And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him:
But their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him.
Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket.
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.
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.
And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem.
And he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him.
Which when the brethren knew, they brought him down to Cesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus.
Then had the churches rest throughout all Judea 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.
And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all quarters, he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda.
And there he found a certain man named Eneas, which had kept his bed eight years, and was sick of the palsy.
And Peter said unto him, Eneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately.
And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive.
And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord.
And it came to pass, that he tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner.
Acts 9 is a pivotal chapter in the Book of Acts, marking a significant turning point in the early church's history. It details the dramatic conversion of Saul, a zealous persecutor of Christians, into Paul, one of the most influential apostles. This chapter also showcases the expanding reach of the gospel beyond Jerusalem, demonstrating God's intention to include Gentiles in His saving plan. Let's delve into the key events and their significance.
From Persecutor to Apostle: The Conversion of Saul (Acts 9:1-19)
The chapter opens with Saul, breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord (Acts 9:1). Driven by his Pharisaical zeal, Saul sought letters from the high priest to the synagogues in Damascus, authorizing him to arrest any followers of "the Way" (Acts 9:2), an early designation for Christianity (Acts 19:9, 23; 24:14, 22), because Jesus was “the way” (John 14:6). He intended to bring them back to Jerusalem for trial. His mission was to extinguish the rapidly spreading Christian movement.
However, God had other plans. As Saul journeyed to Damascus, a blinding light from heaven flashed around him, brighter "than the sun" (Acts 26:13). He fell to the ground, and a voice asked, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?" (Acts 9:4). Jesus so identifies with his people that to persecute them is to persecute him. The church is “the body of Christ” (1 Corinthians 12:27). So anyone who attacks God’s people is attacking the one who loved them, died for them, and united them to himself. Saul, recognizing the voice as that of Jesus, asked, "Who are you, Lord?" (Acts 9:5). The Lord's response was profound: "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting" (Acts 9:5).
Jesus instructed Saul to go to Damascus, where he would be told what to do (Acts 9:6). Blinded by the encounter, Saul was led by his companions into the city. For three days, he remained sightless, neither eating nor drinking (Acts 9:9), a period of deep reflection and spiritual wrestling. This physical blindness mirrored his prior spiritual blindness.
Meanwhile, in Damascus, there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord appeared to him in a vision, instructing him to go to Saul and restore his sight (Acts 9:10-12). Ananias was hesitant, knowing Saul's reputation as a fierce persecutor (Acts 9:13-14). However, the Lord reassured Ananias, revealing that Saul was His chosen instrument to carry His name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel (Acts 9:15). Here is another indication, then, that divine election is to service and not eternal life. Saul would suffer for the name of Jesus (Acts 9:16).
Ananias obeyed, finding Saul and laying his hands on him. He declared that Jesus, who had appeared to Saul on the road, had sent him to restore his sight and fill him with the Holy Spirit (Acts 9:17). Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he could see again. He arose and was baptized (Acts 9:18), signifying his new life in Christ. He then took food and was strengthened (Acts 9:19).
This conversion experience is one of the most dramatic in the Bible. It underscores the transformative power of God's grace and mercy. A menace was about to become a missionary. If you know someone whom you think could never be converted, don’t forget what the grace and mercy of God accomplished in the life of a wicked man named Saul.
Proclaiming Jesus: Saul's Initial Ministry (Acts 9:20-31)
Immediately after his conversion, Saul began proclaiming Jesus in the synagogues of Damascus, declaring, "He is the Son of God" (Acts 9:20). He didn’t waste any time. So, once again, we see the fulfillment of Jesus’s words (Acts 1:8). His message confounded the Jews who knew of his past persecution (Acts 9:21-22). Saul, a former Pharisee (Philippians 3:5), used his extensive knowledge of the Old Testament to prove that Jesus was the Messiah. His encounter with Jesus made the Scriptures come together for him. Everything made sense.
Saul’s zeal, however, wasn’t winning him any friends among the Jews. They wanted to kill him (Acts 9:23). Their star persecutor of Christians had switched his allegiance, and now he was a liability to them. The Jewish leaders plotted to kill him, watching the city gates to prevent his escape (Acts 9:24). But Saul's disciples helped him escape through an opening in the city wall (Acts 9:25; cf. 1 Corinthians 4:7-12), lowering him in a basket. Those whom he had previously come to imprison were saving his life.
When Saul arrived in Jerusalem, he couldn’t find any disciples willing to take him in. They did not believe he was a disciple (Acts 9:26)! Everyone feared him—everyone except Barnabas, whose name meant “Son of Encouragement” (Acts 4:36-37): that name described him well. Barnabas, a man of encouragement, took him to the apostles and vouched for his conversion and ministry in Damascus (Acts 9:27). Barnabas was willing to embrace the work of grace that God was doing in Saul’s life.
As Saul began speaking boldly in Jerusalem, the Jews there wanted to kill him too (Acts 9:28-29). So the brothers . . . sent him off to Tarsus (Acts 9:30), Saul’s hometown (see 9:11). It was located in the Roman province of Cilicia (in modern south-central Turkey). With Saul safely away, the church throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and was strengthened. As believers lived in the fear of the Lord and received encouragement from the Holy Spirit, the church increased in numbers.
Luke tells us that the church throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and was strengthened. As believers lived in the fear of the Lord and received encouragement from the Holy Spirit, the church increased in numbers. But wait a minute. What about the “severe persecution” (8:1) that had broken out against the church? How could things be going so well for Christ’s followers when their external circumstances were so bad? In God’s sovereignty, the period of persecution actually caused the church to increase and grow stronger. True Christianity, in fact, prospers in spite of outward pressure when believers depend on God’s peace that “surpasses all understanding” (Philippians 4:7), receive comfort that only the Holy Spirit can provide, and take God and his Word seriously.
In many places in the world today, Christians are persecuted and even killed for their faith. Though believers in many places may not face such severity, they can still undergo persecution in other forms: rejection, mocking, ostracism, and discrimination by employers to name a few. Paul writes, “All who want to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12). However, if a believer experiences no form of persecution, it may mean that he doesn’t have a faith worth persecuting. Don’t be a secret agent Christian: go public with your trust in Christ.
Peter's Miracles: Demonstrating God's Power and Compassion (Acts 9:32-43)
The narrative shifts to Peter's ministry. As Peter was traveling, he encountered a man named Aeneas who had been paralyzed for eight years (Acts 9:32-33). Peter told him that Jesus Christ had healed him, and Aeneas stood up (Acts 9:34-35). As a result of this public miracle, many people in that region turned to the Lord (Acts 9:35). Obviously, the miracles the apostles were performing were not merely for shock and awe. Their purpose was to draw people to Christ.
In Joppa, northwest of Jerusalem on the Mediterranean Coast, a faithful believer named Tabitha, who was known for her good works, became sick and died (Acts 9:36-37). Since the disciples in Joppa knew that Peter was nearby, they urged him to come (Acts 9:38). When Peter arrived, there was much weeping over this generous saint (Acts 9:39). So he prayed, told Tabitha to get up, and her life was restored (Acts 9:40-41). As a result, many believed in the Lord (Acts 9:42).
This was the first time that one of the apostles, like Jesus, had raised the dead back to life (see Luke 7:11-15; 8:50-56; John 11:1-44). But it wouldn’t be the last (see 20:7-12). Once again, a miracle served as confirmation of the gospel and brought many to saving faith. In addition, God brought Tabitha’s good works back to her. She had sacrificially served others, and here God showed mercy to her. Our God is a God of reciprocity (see Luke 6:38).
Peter stayed in Joppa for some time, lodging with Simon, a tanner (Acts 9:43). This seemingly insignificant detail is important because it foreshadows Peter's upcoming encounter with Cornelius, a Gentile centurion (Acts 10), and signals God's preparation for the inclusion of Gentiles into the Christian community.