Acts 9:1-19
Q.1. What was Saul’s mission? Who was he persecuting? How did God turn his life around? Were his companions aware of Saul’s encounter? – (Acts 9:1-9 c.f. Acts 22:6-11)
Saul’s hatred for Christians had become his motivation in life, as he gained authority from the high priest – … so that if he found any belonging to the Way, both men and women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem (Acts 9:2). However, the story of Saul’s conversion revealed that the real battle was an inner one against Jesus, Whom he met on his way to Damascus – and he fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” (Acts 9:4). That day the One Who is the Light of the World blinded him, in order to remove all other distractions, as he faced the ultimate reality of the risen Christ (Acts 9:3-9 c.f. Jn.8:12). Paul’s companions – saw the light to be sure but did not understand the voice of the One who was speaking to me (Acts 22:9 c.f. Acts 9:7). As did the Ethiopian eunuch, Saul grappled with a different explanation of the Scriptures (Acts 9:8-9 c.f. Acts 8:32-35).
Q.2. Why did Ananias protest when he was commanded to minister to Saul? What new mission was Saul given? What would it involve? – (Acts 9:10-16)
Damascus was located north of Israel in Syria, on the trade route between Egypt and Asia Minor. A large group of Jews resided there, including many who had converted to Christ. God spoke to Ananias in a vision and commanded him to minister to Saul of Tarsus – for he is praying (Acts 9:11). Saul was well known to Ananias and the other saints, for his rampage against the Jerusalem church, which had now spread to Damascus. However, the Lord unfolded to Ananias the plans He had for Saul – … “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel (Acts 9:15). The Lord told Ananias that it would not be an easy mission for Saul – for I will show him how much he must suffer for My name’s sake (Acts 9:16). Just as Saul had inflicted pain on the church, he would experience the same.
Q.3. How did Ananias greet Saul? What ministry did he render to Saul? What follow-up did Saul receive? Where did Saul fellowship? – (Acts 9:17-20)
Ananias heeded the heavenly vision, put aside his personal misgivings, and greeted Saul as a brother in Christ. He laid his hands on him and accepted that God had indeed spoken to him (Acts 9:17 c.f. 1 Jn.5:1-2). The risen Christ had given Ananias two important tasks – … the Lord Jesus … has sent me so that you may regain your sight and … be filled with the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 9:17). After Saul miraculously regained his sight, he was baptized and given food to sustain him (Acts 9:18-19). He fellowshipped with the believers in the Damascus church for several days. As well, he immediately went to the synagogues around Damascus, declaring that Jesus – is the Son of God (Acts 9:19-20). It is clear that the process leading to his conversion had been long, as he pondered the witness and explanation of the Christian believers. The Damascus church encouraged Saul in his faith. No one could stop him from preaching in the synagogues.