1 And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,
2 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.
3 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:
4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
5 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.
6 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.
7 And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man.
8 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.
9 And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.
10 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.
11 And the Lord [said] unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for [one] called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth,
12 And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting [his] hand on him, that he might receive his sight.
13 Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem:
14 And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name.
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.
17 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.
18 And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.
19 And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.
20 And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.
21 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?
22 But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.
23 And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him:
24 But their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him.
25 Then the disciples took him by night, and let [him] down by the wall in a basket.
26 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.
27 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.
28 And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem.
29 And he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him.
30 [Which] when the brethren knew, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus.
31 Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea 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.
32 And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all [quarters], he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda.
33 And there he found a certain man named AEneas, which had kept his bed eight years, and was sick of the palsy.
34 And Peter said unto him, AEneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately.
35 And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord.
36 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.
37 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.
38 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.
39 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.
40 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.
41 And he gave her [his] hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive.
42 And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord.
43 And it came to pass, that he tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner.
Overview of Acts Chapter 9
Acts Chapter 9 is a pivotal chapter in the New Testament, detailing the dramatic conversion of Saul of Tarsus, who later becomes known as Paul the Apostle. This chapter not only highlights the transformative power of faith but also emphasizes the early Church’s expansion and the roles of key figures in the spread of Christianity.
Key Events
- The Conversion of Saul (Acts 9:1-9)
- Saul’s initial persecution of Christians.
- His journey to Damascus to arrest followers of Jesus.
- A divine encounter with Jesus, resulting in Saul’s temporary blindness.
- Saul’s three days of fasting and prayer in blindness.
- Ananias’ Commission (Acts 9:10-19)
- God’s instruction to Ananias to visit Saul.
- Ananias’ initial hesitation due to Saul’s reputation.
- God’s assurance of Saul’s chosen role in spreading the Gospel.
- Ananias’ obedience and healing of Saul, restoring his sight.
- Saul’s Early Ministry (Acts 9:20-22)
- Saul immediately begins preaching in synagogues about Jesus.
- His message astonishes the Jews, as he was once a persecutor.
- Saul’s growing reputation and the challenge it presents to the Jewish leaders.
- Saul’s Escape from Damascus (Acts 9:23-25)
- Jewish leaders plot to kill Saul.
- His escape through a window in a basket, showcasing divine protection.
- Saul in Jerusalem (Acts 9:26-30)
- Saul’s initial fear and skepticism from the disciples in Jerusalem.
- Barnabas’ advocacy for Saul, vouching for his conversion.
- Saul’s bold preaching in Jerusalem, leading to further threats against him.
- His subsequent departure to Tarsus for safety.
- The Healing of Aeneas and the Raising of Tabitha (Acts 9:31-43)
- The church experiences peace and growth throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria.
- Peter heals Aeneas, a paralyzed man, demonstrating the power of faith.
- Peter raises Tabitha (Dorcas) from the dead, leading many to believe in the Lord.
Thematic Analysis
- Transformation and Redemption
Saul’s conversion is a powerful testament to the theme of transformation, illustrating that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace.
- Divine Intervention
The chapter emphasizes God’s sovereignty in orchestrating events, from Saul’s encounter with Jesus to Ananias’ obedience.
- The Role of Community
Ananias and Barnabas represent the importance of community support and acceptance in the journey of faith.
- Faith and Miracles
The miracles performed by Peter serve to validate the message of the Gospel and demonstrate the power of faith in action.
Conclusion
Acts Chapter 9 is a foundational narrative that illustrates the early Church’s growth and the transformative power of faith. Saul’s conversion is not only a personal journey but also a catalyst for the spread of Christianity, while the miracles performed by Peter highlight the divine authority accompanying the apostles. This chapter serves as a reminder of the ongoing work of God in the lives of individuals and communities.
