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What Did Jesus Say About Salvation? Hear- Luke 11:28 Believe– John 8:24 Repent– Luke 13:3 Confess - Matthew 10:32 Be Baptized – Mark 16:16 Remain Faithful – Matthew 10:22

Through The Bible The New Testament The Acts Of The Apostles

Judea and Samaria SectionCh. 9 In Acts 9 Saul is converted. The first century gospel was confirmed by miracles. Is there a need for 20th century preaching to be confirmed with miracles? Yes, Their miracles. If we don’t believe their miracles we are hopeless.

Uttermost Parts of the World Ch. 10-28- 10:1- 16:5 to the Jews first. Until now the gospel had gone only to Jews and Jewish proselytes. The prophets had foretold that gospel would go to all nations (Isa. 2:2; Mt. 28:19).

Uttermost Parts of the World Acts 20 shows the first Gentile convert (Cornelius). Peter delivers the first sermon to the Gentiles and then the focus of Acts shifts to the apostle Paul. This marks a transition.

New Enemy- Paganism-16:6-19:20 Beginning in chapter 16 the gospel now goes up against paganism and human philosophy. The result: the gospel is heard in these cities: Philippi- 16:14-15; 30-33; Thessalonica- 17:1-4; Berea- 17:10-12; Athens- 17:32-34; Corinth- 18:8-11; Ephesus- Acts 19:1,5.

New Enemy- Paganism-16:6-19:20 What was the result of this bold preaching? Acts 19:20- “the word of the Lord was growing mightily and prevailing.”

Uproar at Ephesus 19:21-21:6- Paul’s preaching produced anger in the merchants of Ephesus who made a living off of the idol industry. In vs. 28,29 people assemble in the theater for a pro-Diana/anti-Paul rally. History records that Christianity did indeed disturb the economics of the religion of paganism.

Uproar at Ephesus In Acts 20 we see the doctrine of the Lord’s supper. Vs. 7 tells us the day we are to observe it. We do this because it is rooted in the history of the time as an approved apostolic example. The time is the first day of the week.

Church Organization In Acts 20:17,28- we see the church at Ephesus had a plurality of elders and they were in charge of the saints at Ephesus and that local church only (1 Pet. 5:21 also).

Church Organization Chapters 21-28- “Lo I am with you always”- even in Rome. No greater illustration of God’s promise of protection and providence than in the final three chapters. 21:13-14- Paul affirms his determination to preach again in Jerusalem.

Church Organization 21:27-32- This determination almost gets him killed, but he is saved by Roman guards and put under Roman protection where he is allowed to preach first to Jews in general- ch. 22; the Sanhedrin-ch. 23; to Romans governors of Judea- ch. 24-25; and finally to the house of Caesar himself- ch. 28 (this was probably Nero).

Church Organization God’s promise was “go preach and I will be with you.”

God Is With Us Today The Lord is behind His truth and those who proclaim it and live it. We too can be victorious. The book of Acts begins with the Lord’s ascension. It continues in victory after victory from Pentecost to Phillipi and from Caesarea to Corinth.

God Is With Us Today It ends in Victory and some of Caesar’s own household obeying the gospel (Phil. 4:22) as a result of Paul’s preaching most likely.

God Is With Us Today Acts 16:5- “so the churches were being strengthened in the faith and were increasing in number daily.” Acts 2:42-47- They continued steadfastly in the apostles doctrine, breaking of bread and prayer and the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.

The Church Is Scattered Acts 9:1-31; 22:1-16; 26:1-18; Gal. 1:13-17

Saul, The PersecutorActs 9:1-19; 22:1-16; 26:1-18; Gal. 1:13-17 Leader in the effort to persecute Christians Caused others to blaspheme the name of Christ Put saints in prison Cast his vote to kill Christians Had full authority from the Sanhedrin Extended his persecution activities well beyond Jerusalem – to Damascus

Saul, The PersecutorActs 22:4-5 • He admitted his role in persecuting Christians Acts 22:4-5 (KJV) [4] And I persecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women. [5] As also the high priest doth bear me witness, and all the estate of the elders: from whom also I received letters unto the brethren, and went to Damascus, to bring them which were there bound unto Jerusalem, for to be punished.

Saul, The PersecutorGal. 1:13-17 Galatians 1:13-14 (KJV) [13] For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it: [14] And profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers.

Jesus Selects Saul To Be An Apostle Acts 9:3-7; 22:6-8; 26:12-18 Paul traveled with companions A great light suddenly shined upon them A voice spoke to Saul: “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” “It is hard to kick against the ox-goad” Saul, “Who are you, Lord?” The reply, “I am the Jesus of Nazareth.”

Jesus Tells Saul Why...Acts 9:15-16 • To send him to the Gentiles • Jesus said, (Acts 9:15-16) (KJV) [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: [16] For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.

Jesus Tells Saul Why...Acts 22:14-15 • To send him to the Gentiles • Jesus said, (Acts 22:14-15) (KJV) [14] And he said, The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know his will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth. [15] For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard.

Jesus Tells Saul Why...Acts 26:16-18 [16] But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; [17] Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, [18] To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me. • To send him to the Gentiles • Jesus said, (Acts 26:16-18) (KJV)

Saul Obtained Mercy1 Tim. 1:15-16 1 Timothy 1:15-16 (KJV) [15] This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. [16] Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.

Acts 9:8-12 Then Saul arose from the ground, and when his eyes were opened he saw no one. But they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. (9) And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank. (10) Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and to him the Lord said in a vision, "Ananias." And he said, "Here I am, Lord." (11) So the Lord said to him, "Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying.(12)And in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him, so that he might receive his sight." Saul’s ConditionActs 9:8-12 • Blinded by the light • Led into Damascus • Was there three days and did not eat or drink • Was praying • Received a vision about a man who would come to him and restore his sight

AnaniasActs 9:10-17; 22:12 • A Jewish disciple at Damascus • Had a good report of all the Jews which lived there • A devout man according to the law • Knew of Saul’s reputation in Jerusalem and the “special” authority he had from the chief priests • Received a vision from the Lord

Acts 9:10-17 Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and to him the Lord said in a vision, "Ananias." And he said, "Here I am, Lord." (11) So the Lord said to him, "Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying.(12)And in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him, so that he might receive his sight."(13) Then Ananias answered, "Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem. (14) And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name."

(15) But the Lord said to him, "Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel.(16)For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name's sake."(17) And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit."

Saul’s ConversionActs 9:17-18; 22:12-16 • Ananias found Saul • He put his hands on Saul • Saul regained his sight, and • Was filled with the Holy Ghost • Ananias told Saul: • Do not tarry • Arise, be baptized and wash away your sins • Call on the name of the Lord

Acts 22:12-16 "Then a certain Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good testimony with all the Jews who dwelt there,(13) came to me; and he stood and said to me, 'Brother Saul, receive your sight.' And at that same hour I looked up at him. (14) Then he said, 'The God of our fathers has chosen you that you should know His will, and see the Just One, and hear the voice of His mouth. (15) For you will be His witness to all men of what you have seen and heard.

(16) And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.' Acts 9:18-19 Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized. (19) So when he had received food, he was strengthened. Then Saul spent some days with the disciples at Damascus.

Saul’s ConversionActs 9:18-19 • Saul followed the Lord’s instructions • He arose and was baptized • He ate and regained his strength • He stayed several days with the disciples in Damascus

After Saul’s Baptism…Acts 9:20-31; Gal. 1:13-24 Acts 9:20-31 Immediately he preached the Christ in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God. (21) Then all who heard were amazed, and said, "Is this not he who destroyed those who called on this name in Jerusalem, and has come here for that purpose, so that he might bring them bound to the chief priests?" (22) But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who dwelt in Damascus, proving that this Jesus is the Christ.

(23) Now after many days were past, the Jews plotted to kill him. (24) But their plot became known to Saul. And they watched the gates day and night, to kill him. (25) Then the disciples took him by night and let him down through the wall in a large basket. (26) And when Saul had come to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, and did not believe that he was a disciple. (27) But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. And he declared to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.

(28) So he was with them at Jerusalem, coming in and going out. (29) And he spoke boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus and disputed against the Hellenists, but they attempted to kill him. (30) When the brethren found out, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him out to Tarsus. (31) Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied.

Galatians 1:13-24 For you have heard of my former conduct in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it. (14) And I advanced in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries in my own nation, being more exceedingly zealous for the traditions of my fathers. (15) But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb and called me through His grace, (16) to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately confer with flesh and blood,

(17) nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me; but I went to Arabia, and returned again to Damascus. (18) Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and remained with him fifteen days. (19) But I saw none of the other apostles except James, the Lord's brother. (20) (Now concerning the things which I write to you, indeed, before God, I do not lie.) (21) Afterward I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia. (22) And I was unknown by face to the churches of Judea which were in Christ. (23) But they were hearing only, "He who formerly persecuted us now preaches the faith which he once tried to destroy." (24) And they glorified God in me.

After Saul’s Baptism…Acts 9:19-31; Gal. 1:13-24 • Preached Jesus in Damascus • He amazed everyone • He grew in strength • He proved that Jesus was the Christ • Went to Arabia • We do not know for how long or why • Went back to Damascus • Continued preaching and made disciples • Jews plotted to kill him

Saul Escapes To JerusalemActs 9:23-26; Gal. 1:13-24 • Escaped the plot to kill him • The disciples helped • Returned to Jerusalem • Three years had passed • Lived with Peter for fifteen days • The brethren were afraid of him • They did not believe him to be a true disciple

Barnabas Defends Saul Acts 9:27-29 • Explained to the apostles how Saul was converted • Saul was then accepted and even preached in Jerusalem • He debated with the Grecian Jews • They plotted to kill him

Saul Forced To Flee AgainActs 9:30-31 • Had been in Jerusalem only 15 days • Brethren took him to Tarsus of Cilicia • His hometown • The disciples (churches) in Judea, Galilee and Samaria had peace! • The churches were edified and grew in number

Acts 9:32-35 Now it came to pass, as Peter went through all parts of the country, that he also came down to the saints who dwelt in Lydda. (33) There he found a certain man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden eight years and was paralyzed. (34) And Peter said to him, "Aeneas, Jesus the Christ heals you. Arise and make your bed." Then he arose immediately. (35) So all who dwelt at Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord.

Peter Preaches In Lydda And SharonActs 9:32-35 • The church had a time of peace • Peter left Jerusalem on a tour that took him to: • Lydda (the Old Testament city of Lod) • All the plain of Sharon • Joppa • And finally Caesarea • Peter healed a paralytic named Aeneas

Acts 9:36-43 At Joppa there was a certain disciple named Tabitha, which is translated Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and charitable deeds which she did. (37) But it happened in those days that she became sick and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. (38) And since Lydda was near Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent two men to him, imploring him not to delay in coming to them.

(39) Then Peter arose and went with them. When he had come, they brought him to the upper room. And all the widows stood by him weeping, showing the tunics and garments which Dorcas had made while she was with them. (40) But Peter put them all out, and knelt down and prayed. And turning to the body he said, "Tabitha, arise." And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up.

(41) Then he gave her his hand and lifted her up; and when he had called the saints and widows, he presented her alive. (42) And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed on the Lord. (43) So it was that he stayed many days in Joppa with Simon, a tanner.

Dorcas Raised From The DeadActs 9:36-43 • Dorcas (her Greek name) lived in Joppa • Was rich in good works; did charitable deeds • became sick and died • Disciples sent for Peter in Lydda • He raised Dorcas from the dead • Many converted as the report spread

The First Sermon To GentilesActs 10:1-48 • A man named Cornelius lived in Caesarea • A centurion of the Roman cohort • Cornelius was a deeply religious man: • He feared God with all his house • He prayed continuously • He helped the poor

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