A Study Through Acts: Chapters 9
INTRODUCTION.
A. In our study of Acts eight, we saw five important events:
1. Persecution led to the scattering of the saints in Jerusalem.
2. Multitudes in the city of Samaria believed and was baptized. There was great joy in the city.
3. Simon the sorcerer was converted to the truth. He then put is soul in jeopardy by sinning. Simon later repented of his sin.
4. Philip taught the man of Ethiopia beginning with an Old Testament prophecy concerning Jesus.
5. The man of Ethiopia was baptized.
B. Let us begin our examination of Acts nine.
I. THE CONVERSION OF SAUL.
A. Saul set out to arrest Christians, those who were of the Way. (Acts 9:1-2)
B. The Lord spoke to Saul while Saul was traveling to Damascus. (Acts 9:3-6)
1. While Saul was traveling to Damascus, a light shone from heaven and he fell to the ground and heard the Lord. (vs 3-4)
2. The Lord told Saul that He was Jesus “whom you are persecuting.” The Lord told Saul to go to the city and he would receive instructions. (vs 5-6)
C. Saul, being blind, was lead to Damascus as the Lord had instructed him. Saul was three days without sight. He neither ate nor drank. (Acts 9:7-9)
D. The Lord told Ananias to go to Saul. (Acts 9:10-16)
1. The Lord told Ananias to go the house of Judas and inquired about Saul of Tarsus. Saul had a vision of a man named Ananias coming to him. (vs 10-12)
2. Ananias was reluctant because of Saul’s reputation. The Lord told Ananias that Saul was a chosen vessel of the Lord and that Saul would bear His name before the Gentiles, kings, and Israel. (vs 13-16)
E. Ananias went to Saul and spoke with him. Ananias restored Saul’s sight and Saul was baptized. (Acts 9:17-19)
II. SAUL BEGINS WORKING FOR THE LORD.
A. Saul began to preach Jesus Christ in the synagogue. (Acts 9:20-22)
1. The people who heard Saul was amazed, knowing that it was he who had persecuted those who called upon the Christ. (vs 21)
2. Saul increased in strength. He confounded the Jews, proving that Jesus is the Christ. (vs 22)
B. The Jews plotted to kill Saul. The disciples helped Saul to escape. (Acts 9:23-25)
C. Saul went to Jerusalem and tried to join himself to the disciples. (Acts 9:26-28)
1. The disciples were afraid of Saul and did not believe that he was a disciple of Christ. (vs 26)
2. Barnabas took Saul to the apostles. Saul told the apostles how the Lord had appeared to him and how he had boldly preached in Damascus. (vs 27)
3. Saul worked with the saints in Jerusalem. (vs 28)
D. Saul spoke boldly in the name of Jesus. He disputed against the Hellenists. The Hellenists attempted to kill Saul. The brethren learned of the attempts and sent Saul to Tarsus. (Acts 9:29-30)
E. The churches had peace and began to grow. (Acts 9:31)
III. THE HEALING OF AENEAS AND THE RAISING OF DORCAS.
A. Peter went to Lydda and found a man named Aeneas. Aeneas had been bedridden for eight years. Peter told Aeneas, “Jesus the Christ heals you.” Aeneas arose. Because of this miracle, people in Lydda and Sharon turned to the Lord. (Acts 9:32-35)
B. There was a disciple in Joppa named Tabitha (Dorcas) who had died. The disciples called for Peter, having heard of the miracles in Lydda. Peter came and raised Tabitha from the dead. (Acts 9:36-43)
IV. KEY EVENTS:
A. The conversion of Saul, the one who persecuted the church. (Acts 9:1-19)
1. The Lord used an enemy of the church. (Cf. Acts 26:9-11)
2. Saul was willing to change (repent) when he learned the truth. This example of Paul’s conversion speaks volumes regarding the power of the Gospel to salvation and God’s willingness to forgive. (Romans 1:16-17; 2 Peter 3:8-9)
B. Saul, a converted Jewish leader, preached Jesus Christ. (Acts 9:20-22)
1. Saul obeyed Jesus’s command to go and teach. (Cf. Matthew 28:18-20)
2. Saul stood ready to preach the word, just as he taught Timothy. (2 Timothy 4:2)
3. In Paul’s example, you also see zeal and excitement regarding the truth of Jesus Christ.
C. Saul tried to join himself with the disciples in Jerusalem. (Acts 9:26-30)
1. There are plenty of Bible examples of Christians being a part of the local body of disciples or the local church. Consider Paul, Phoebe, Apollos, Aquila and Priscilla, Tychicus, etc.
2. The Bible clearly teaches that the body has many members. (1 Corinthians 12:12-14; Romans 12:3-8)
3. Saul’s example clearly shows a person going to an area and trying to join with the saints in that area. Saul’s example also shows us what it meant to be a working part or member of the local church.
D. The churches had peace and were edified. (Acts 9:31)
1. History shows us that this peace did not last forever. In Revelation 2:8-10, we see the warning that some Christians would be thrown in prison.
2. However, Paul’s admonition to Timothy regarding praying for the government should still ring true today. (1 Timothy 2:1-4) We should pray for a peace environment in which the church may grow.
CONCLUSION.
A. Remember the key events seen in our study:
1. The conversion of Saul, the one who persecuted the church.
2. Saul, a converted Jewish leader, preached Jesus Christ.
3. Saul tried to join himself with the disciples in Jerusalem.
4. The churches had peace and were edified.
B. In chapter 10, we will see the conversion of a Gentile man named Cornelius.
A Study Through Acts: Chapter 9 - January 23, 2005 - File # 705 - Acts, a study of
by John M. Duvall - Lawton, OK