Lesson 17

1. Lesson 17 Acts, Chapter 9

2. Time Frame (Acts 9) • Paul’s conversion (Acts 9) • A reference back to Lesson 3 reveals that we have placed the conversion of Paul to approximately 34 AD • Note: Chapter 8, began a new division of the book (The dispersion of Christians) • Here in Chapter 9, we meet Saul, who becomes the central figure of the rest of the book of Acts

3. Saul the Persecutor • Introduced in Acts 7:58, “a young man named Saul.” (8:1), “Now Saul was consenting to his [Stephen’s] death.” • Verses which speak of Saul’s early life: • Acts 7:58; Acts 8:1 • Acts 9:1-30 (Conversion and early Ministry) • Acts 22:3-21 (Birth to Conversion) • Acts 26:4-20 (Youth to Conversion) • Galatians 1:11-21 (Calling and early ministry)

4. Saul’s Experience on the Road to Damascus (vs. 1-9) 1 • Purpose of trip (vs. 1-2) • Notice the nature of Saul’s zeal “breathing threats and slaughter”. (cf. 1 Timothy 1:12-13)

5. 1 Timothy 1:12-13 “And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry, 13 although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.”

6. Saul’s Experience on the Road to Damascus (vs. 1-9) 1 • Purpose of trip (vs. 1-2) • Notice the nature of Saul’s zeal “breathing threats and slaughter”. (cf. 1 Timothy 1:12-13) • Lord Appeared to Him (vs. 3-4) • A light shone from heaven (3) • Voice spoke to him (Jesus) (4) • Paul was blinded (cf. 8) • His companions heard a voice, but saw no one (7)

7. Saul’s Experience on the Road to Damascus (vs. 1-9) 2 • Jesus’ conversation with Saul (4-6) • Purpose? NOT to save him. “Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do” (cf. 6) • Rather, to identify Himself as the risen Lord, that Saul might be a witness of His resurrection! “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.” (cf. 5) • Cf. 1 Corinthians 15:8-11

8. 1 Corinthians 15:8-11 “Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time. 9 For I am the least of the apostles, who am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. 11 Therefore, whether it was I or they, so we preach and so you believed.”

9. Saul’s Experience on the Road to Damascus (vs. 1-9) 3 • Saul goes into Damascus (7-9) • Saul was struck blind. • The mighty persecutor of Christians had now been humbled. He was led, blind and convicted as a sinner, into the city to await instructions from the very one He had determined to destroy. • His manner was one of penitence, as he awaited instruction (9)

10. Saul and Ananias (vs. 10-19) 1 • The Lord’s Instruction to Ananias (10-16) • Ananias “just” a disciple. A devout worker for God. No indication of any special standing. (Good Lesson for Us) • Again, regarding conversion, the Lord appeared to the messenger, not the one in need of salvation • (cf. Romans 10:14-15)

11. Romans 10:14-15 “How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!"

12. Saul and Ananias (vs. 10-19) 2 • The Lord’s Instruction to Ananias (10-16) • This parallels the conversion of Cornelius closely • Saul’s instructions were to wait for the preacher (as was Cornelius’) • Ananias instructions were to go preach • Ananias was cautious (noted Saul’s past as a persecutor (13-14) • Jesus: “He is a chosen vessel of mine” (15) (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:9-10)

13. 1 Corinthians 15:9-10 “For I am the least of the apostles, who am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.”

14. Saul and Ananias (vs. 10-19) 3 • The Lord’s Instruction to Ananias (10-16) • Apostle to the Gentiles. (15) (cf. Acts 15:12) • Would have to suffer (16) (cf. 2 Corinthians 11:23-28) • Ananias Meets Saul (17-19) • Also note: (Acts 22:12-16, Paul’s address to Jerusalem mob) • Miraculous healing of Blindness (18)

15. Saul and Ananias (vs. 10-19) 4 • Ananias Meets Saul (17-19) • Saul arose, and was baptized immediately upon the healing of his blindness (18) • Note: Saul was baptized in response to Ananias’ words, telling him what he “must do” (cf. vs. 6) • What did Ananias say? cf. Acts 22:16

16. Acts 22:16 “And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.”

17. Saul and Ananias (vs. 10-19) 4 • Ananias Meets Saul (17-19) • Saul arose, and was baptized immediately upon the healing of his blindness (18) • Note: Saul was baptized in response to Ananias’ words, telling him what he “must do” (cf. vs. 6) • What did Ananias say? cf. Acts 22:16 • After his baptism, Saul’s period of mourning was over (19)

18. Saul Preaches Christ (vs. 20-25) 1 • Saul Began Preaching Immediately (20-22) • Was inspired of God (cf. Gal. 1:15-24) • His witness was amazing because of who he was. • His preaching in Damascus was effective (22) • Saul spent three years in Arabia and at Damascus • We can best insert this period of time at verse 23, “after many days” harmonizing with Paul’s statement in Galatians 1

19. Galatians 1:15-18 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.

20. Saul Preaches Christ (vs. 20-25) 2 • Saul was persecuted in Damascus (23-25) • First of many examples (cf. 2 Cor. 11:22-33) • It was not safe for Saul to leave the city by the gates, as they lay in wait for him there (24) • Saul escaped with his life when they let him down from a window in a basket (25)

21. Saul at Jerusalem (vs. 26-31) 1 • Saul Joins Church (26-28) • Local church membership (by its nature) is determined by man • Initially, Saul was refused, then accepted at the testimony of Barnabas (26-27) • We do not have the right to deny one God receives (3 John 9) • We do not have the right to accept one that God denies (1 Corinthians 5) • Local membership is important!

22. Saul at Jerusalem (vs. 26-31) 2 • Saul Preaches Boldly (20-30) • Note the nature of Saul’s preaching: “disputed against the Hellenists” • Continual threats against his life as an apostle • Saul left Jerusalem after two weeks (cf. Galatians 1:15-18) • The Church Prospers (31) • Growth came because of “peace” and edification

23. Aeneas Healed (vs. 32-35) 1 • Verses 31-43 detail a period of peaceful growth • Peter Heals Aeneas (32-35) • Peter remained in the area of Judea (“all parts of the country” cf. vs. 31) all through the times of persecution. • Aeneas paralyzed for eight years, healed by Peter • Note that Peter gives Christ the glory “Jesus the Christ heals you” (3:6) • Brought faith to witnesses

24. Lydda located 20 miles NW of Jerusalem and 10 or 12 miles southeast of Joppa. Joppa a seaport town 35 miles NW of Jerusalem Joppa * * Lydda

25. Dorcas Restored to Life (vs. 36-43) 1 • Dorcas was a godly woman (36) • Full of good works and charitable deeds • She died, and the disciples sent for Peter (37-38) • Widows testified to her goodness. • Peter raised her from the dead (39-43) • Many believed on the Lord because of this miracle • Peter remained in Joppa (43)