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Acts Chapter
Nine
Acts 9
A work and a workman of another character begin now to
dawn upon the scene.
We have seen the inveterate opposition of the heads of Israel to the
testimony of the Holy Ghost, their obstinacy in repelling the patient grace of
God. Israel rejected all the work of the God of grace in their behalf. Saul
makes himself the apostle of their hatred to the disciples of Jesus, to the
servants of God. Not content with searching them out at Jerusalem, he asks for
letters from the high priest, that he may go and lay hands on them in foreign
cities. When Israel is in full opposition to God, he is the ardent missionary
of their malice-in ignorance, no doubt, but the willing slave of his Jewish
prejudices.
Thus occupied, he approaches Damascus. There, in the full
career of an unbroken will, the Lord Jesus stops him. A light from heaven
shines round about him, and envelopes him in its dazzling brightness. He falls
to the earth, and hears a voice saying unto him, "Saul, Saul, why
persecutest thou me?" The glory which had thrown him to the ground left no
doubt-accompanied as it was by that voice-that the authority of God was
revealed in it. His will broken, his pride overthrown, his mind subdued, he
asks, "Who art thou, Lord?" The authority of the One who spoke was
unquestionable; Saul's heart was subject to that authority: and it was Jesus.
The career of his self-will was ended for ever. But moreover the Lord of glory
was not only Jesus; He also acknowledged the poor disciples, whom Saul desired
to carry prisoners to Jerusalem, as being Himself.
How many things were revealed in those few words! The
Lord of glory declared Himself to be Jesus, whom Saul persecuted. The disciples
were one with Himself. The Jews were at open war with the Lord Himself. The whole
system which they maintained, all their law, all their official authority, all
the ordinances of God, had not prevented their being at open war with the Lord.
Saul himself, armed with their authority, found himself occupied in destroying
the name of the Lord and His people from off the earth: a terrible discovery,
completely overwhelming his soul, all-powerful in its effects, not leaving one
moral element of his soul standing before its strength. Extenuation of the evil
was fruitless; zeal for Judaism was zeal against the Lord. His own conscience
had only animated that zeal. The authorities constituted of God, surrounded
with the halo of centuries of honour, enhanced by the present calamities of
Israel which had now nothing but her religion-these authorities had but
sanctioned and favoured his efforts against the Lord. The Jesus whom they
rejected was the Lord. The testimony which they endeavoured to suppress was His
testimony. What a change for Saul! What a new position, even for the minds of
the apostles themselves who remained at Jerusalem, when all were
dispersed-faithful indeed in spite of the opposition of the rulers of Israel,
but themselves in connection with the nation.
But the work went deeper yet. Misguided no doubt, but his
conscience in itself-for he thought he ought to do many things against the name
of Jesus of Nazareth-left him the enemy of the Lord. Blameless righteousness
according to law, as man could measure it, more than left him hardened in open
opposition to the Lord. His superiors, and the authorities of the ancient
religion-all his soul was based on morally as well as religiously-all was
smashed within him for ever. He was broken up in the whole man before God.
Nothing remained in him but discovered enmity against God, save as his own will
was also broken in the process, he who an hour before was the conscientious,
blameless, religious man! Compare, though the revelation of Christ carried him
much farther, Galatians 2:20; Philippians 3; 2 Corinthians 1:9; 4:10; and a
multitude of passages.
Other important points are brought out here. Saul had not known Jesus
on earth. He had not a testimony because he had known Him from the beginning,
declaring that He was made Lord and Christ. It is not a Jesus who goes up into
heaven where He is out of sight; but the Lord who appears to him for the first
time in heaven, and who announces to him that He is Jesus. A glorious Lord is
the only one whom he knows. His gospel (as he expresses it himself) is the
gospel of the glory. If he had known Christ after the flesh, he knows Him thus
no more. But there is yet another important principle found here. The Lord of
glory has His members on earth. "I am Jesus, whom thou persecutest."
It was Himself: those poor disciples were bone of His bones and flesh of His
flesh. He looked upon them and cherished them as His own flesh. The glory and
the oneness of the saints with Jesus, their Head in heaven, are the truths
connected with the conversion of Saul, with the revelation of Jesus to him,
with the creation of faith in his heart, and that in a way which overthrew
Judaism in all its bearings in his soul; and that in a soul in which this
Judaism formed an integral part of its existence, and gave it its whole
character.
Another point, borrowed from his account of the vision
later in the book, which is remarkable in connection with his career:
"Separating thee," says the Lord, "from the people and from the
Gentiles, to whom I now send thee." This moral end of Saul separated him
from both-of course from the Jews, but did not make a Gentile of him either-and
united him with a glorified Christ. He was neither a Jew nor a Gentile in his
spiritual standing. All his life and ministry flowed from his association with
a heavenly glorified Christ.
Nevertheless he comes into the assembly by the usual
means-like Jesus in Israel-humbly taking his place there where the truth of God
was established by His power. Blind for three days and fully engrossed-as was
natural-with such a discovery, he neither eats nor drinks; and afterwards, besides
the fact of his blindness, which was a quiet, continual, and unequivocal proof
of the truth of that which had happened to him, his faith must have been
confirmed by the arrival of Ananias, who can declare to him from the Lord that
which had happened to him, although he had not been out of the city-a
circumstance so much the more striking because, in a vision, Saul had seen him
come and restore his sight. And this Ananias does: Saul receives sight, and is
baptised. He takes food and is strengthened. The conversation of Jesus with
Ananias is remarkable, as shewing with what distinct evidence the Lord revealed
Himself in those days, and the holy liberty and confidence with which the true
and faithful disciple conversed with Him. The Lord speaks as a man to his
friend in details of place and circumstances, and Ananias reasons in all
confiding openness with the Lord in regard to Saul; and Jesus answers him, not
in harsh authority, though of course Ananias had to obey, but with gracious
explanation, as with one admitted to His confidence, by declaring that Saul is
a chosen vessel to bear His name before Gentiles and kings and the children of
Israel; and that He will shew him how great things he must suffer for His sake.
Saul makes no delay in confessing and declaring his
faith; and that which he says is eminently worthy of notice. He preaches in the
synagogue that Jesus is the Son of God. It is the first time that this is done.
That He was exalted to the right hand of God-that He was Lord and Christ-had
been already preached; the rejected Messiah was exalted on high. But here it is
the simple doctrine as to His personal glory; Jesus is the Son of God.
In the words of Jesus to Ananias, the children of Israel
come last.
Saul does not yet begin his public ministry. It is, so to
speak, only the expression of his personal faithfulness, his zeal, his faith,
among those that surrounded him, with whom he was naturally connected. It was
not long before opposition manifested itself, in the nation that would have no
Christ, at least according to God, and the disciples sent him away, letting him
down by the wall in a basket; and through the agency of Barnabas (a good man,
and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith, whom grace had taught to value the
truth with regard to the new disciple) the dreaded Saul found his place among
the disciples even at Jerusalem. [1] Wonderful triumph of the Lord! Singular
position for himself there, had he not been absorbed by the thought of Jesus.
At Jerusalem he reasons with the Hellenists. He was one of them. The Hebrews
were not his natural sphere. They seek to put him to death; the disciples bring
him down to the sea, and send him to Tarsus, the place of his birth. The
triumph of grace has, under God's hand, silenced the adversary. The assemblies
are left in peace, and edify themselves-walking in the fear of God and in the
comfort of the Holy Ghost, the two great elements of blessing; and their
numbers increase. Persecution accomplishes the designs of God. The peace which
He grants gives opportunity for ripening in grace and in the knowledge of
Himself. We learn the ways and government of God in the midst of the
imperfection of man.
Peace being established through the goodness of God-sole
resource of those who truly wait upon Him in submission to His will-Peter
passes throughout all parts of Israel. The Spirit of God relates this
circumstance here, between the conversion of Saul and his apostolic work, to
shew us, I doubt not, the apostolic energy in Peter existing at the very time
when the call of the new apostle was to bring in new light, and a work that was
new in many important respects (thus sanctioning as His own work, and in its
place, that which had been done before, whatever progress in accomplishment His
counsels might make); and in order to shew us the introduction of the Gentiles
into the assembly as it was at first founded by His grace in the beginning,
preserving thus its unity, and putting His seal upon this work of heavenly
grace.
The assembly existed. The doctrine of her oneness, as the
body of Christ, outside the world, was not yet made known.The reception of
Cornelius did not announce it, although paving its way.
[1] This
was, it would appear, later, but is noticed here to put him, so to speak, in
his place among Christians.
── John Darby《Synopsis of Acts》
Acts 9
Chapter Contents
The conversion of Saul. (1-9) Saul converted preaches
Christ. (10-22) Saul is persecuted at Damascus, and goes to Jerusalem. (23-31)
Cure of Eneas. (32-35) Dorcas raised to life. (36-43)
Commentary on Acts 9:1-9
(Read Acts 9:1-9)
So ill informed was Saul, that he thought he ought to do
all he could against the name of Christ, and that he did God service thereby;
he seemed to breathe in this as in his element. Let us not despair of renewing
grace for the conversion of the greatest sinners, nor let such despair of the
pardoning mercy of God for the greatest sin. It is a signal token of Divine
favour, if God, by the inward working of his grace, or the outward events of
his providence, stops us from prosecuting or executing sinful purposes. Saul
saw that Just One, 14; 26:13. How near to us is the unseen world!
It is but for God to draw aside the veil, and objects are presented to the
view, compared with which, whatever is most admired on earth is mean and
contemptible. Saul submitted without reserve, desirous to know what the Lord
Jesus would have him to do. Christ's discoveries of himself to poor souls are
humbling; they lay them very low, in mean thoughts of themselves. For three
days Saul took no food, and it pleased God to leave him for that time without
relief. His sins were now set in order before him; he was in the dark
concerning his own spiritual state, and wounded in spirit for sin. When a
sinner is brought to a proper sense of his own state and conduct, he will cast
himself wholly on the mercy of the Saviour, asking what he would have him to
do. God will direct the humbled sinner, and though he does not often bring
transgressors to joy and peace in believing, without sorrows and distress of
conscience, under which the soul is deeply engaged as to eternal things, yet
happy are those who sow in tears, for they shall reap in joy.
Commentary on Acts 9:10-22
(Read Acts 9:10-22)
A good work was begun in Saul, when he was brought to
Christ's feet with those words, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And never
did Christ leave any who were brought to that. Behold, the proud Pharisee, the
unmerciful oppressor, the daring blasphemer, prayeth! And thus it is even now,
and with the proud infidel, or the abandoned sinner. What happy tidings are
these to all who understand the nature and power of prayer, of such prayer as
the humbled sinner presents for the blessings of free salvation! Now he began
to pray after another manner than he had done; before, he said his prayers,
now, he prayed them. Regenerating grace sets people on praying; you may as well
find a living man without breath, as a living Christian without prayer. Yet
even eminent disciples, like Ananias, sometimes stagger at the commands of the
Lord. But it is the Lord's glory to surpass our scanty expectations, and show
that those are vessels of his mercy whom we are apt to consider as objects of
his vengeance. The teaching of the Holy Spirit takes away the scales of
ignorance and pride from the understanding; then the sinner becomes a new
creature, and endeavours to recommend the anointed Saviour, the Son of God, to
his former companions.
Commentary on Acts 9:23-31
(Read Acts 9:23-31)
When we enter into the way of God, we must look for
trials; but the Lord knows how to deliver the godly, and will, with the
temptation, also make a way to escape. Though Saul's conversion was and is a
proof of the truth of Christianity, yet it could not, of itself, convert one
soul at enmity with the truth; for nothing can produce true faith, but that
power which new-creates the heart. Believers are apt to be too suspicious of
those against whom they have prejudices. The world is full of deceit, and it is
necessary to be cautious, but we must exercise charity, 1 Corinthians 13:5. The Lord will clear up the
characters of true believers; and he will bring them to his people, and often
gives them opportunities of bearing testimony to his truth, before those who
once witnessed their hatred to it. Christ now appeared to Saul, and ordered him
to go quickly out of Jerusalem, for he must be sent to the Gentiles: see 21. Christ's witnesses cannot be slain till they
have finished their testimony. The persecutions were stayed. The professors of
the gospel walked uprightly, and enjoyed much comfort from the Holy Ghost, in
the hope and peace of the gospel, and others were won over to them. They lived
upon the comfort of the Holy Ghost, not only in the days of trouble and
affliction, but in days of rest and prosperity. Those are most likely to walk
cheerfully, who walk circumspectly.
Commentary on Acts 9:32-35
(Read Acts 9:32-35)
Christians are saints, or holy people; not only the
eminent ones, as Saint Peter and Saint Paul, but every sincere professor of the
faith of Christ. Christ chose patients whose diseases were incurable in the
course of nature, to show how desperate was the case of fallen mankind. When we
were wholly without strength, as this poor man, he sent his word to heal us.
Peter does not pretend to heal by any power of his own, but directs Eneas to
look up to Christ for help. Let none say, that because it is Christ, who, by
the power of his grace, works all our works in us, therefore we have no work,
no duty to do; for though Jesus Christ makes thee whole, yet thou must arise,
and use the power he gives thee.
Commentary on Acts 9:36-43
(Read Acts 9:36-43)
Many are full of good words, who are empty and barren in
good works; but Tabitha was a great doer, no great talker. Christians who have
not property to give in charity, may yet be able to do acts of charity, working
with their hands, or walking with their feet, for the good of others. Those are
certainly best praised whose own works praise them, whether the words of others
do so or not. But such are ungrateful indeed, who have kindness shown them, and
will not acknowledge it, by showing the kindness that is done them. While we
live upon the fulness of Christ for our whole salvation, we should desire to be
full of good works, for the honour of his name, and for the benefit of his
saints. Such characters as Dorcas are useful where they dwell, as showing the
excellency of the word of truth by their lives. How mean then the cares of the
numerous females who seek no distinction but outward decoration, and who waste
their lives in the trifling pursuits of dress and vanity! Power went along with
the word, and Dorcas came to life. Thus in the raising of dead souls to
spiritual life, the first sign of life is the opening of the eyes of the mind.
Here we see that the Lord can make up every loss; that he overrules every event
for the good of those who trust in him, and for the glory of his name.
── Matthew Henry《Concise Commentary on Acts》
Acts 9
Verse 3
[3] And
as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about
him a light from heaven:
And suddenly —
When God suddenly and vehemently attacks a sinner, it is the highest act of
mercy. So Saul, when his rage was come to the height, is taught not to breathe
slaughter. And what was wanting in time to confirm him in his discipleship, is
compensated by the inexpressible terror he sustained. By his also the suddenly
constituted apostle was guarded against the grand snare into which novices are
apt to fall.
Verse 4
[4] And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul,
why persecutest thou me?
He heard a voice —
Severe, yet full of grace.
Verse 5
[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.
To kick against the goads — is a Syriac proverb, expressing an attempt that brings nothing but pain.
Verse 6
[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.
It shall be told thee — So God himself sends Saul to be taught by a man, as the angel does
Cornelius, Acts 10:5. Admirable condescension! that the
Lord deals with us by men, like ourselves.
Verse 7
[7] And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice,
but seeing no man.
The men —
stood - Having risen before Saul; for they also fell to the ground, Acts 26:14. It is probable they all journeyed on
foot.
Hearing the noise —
But not an articulate voice. And seeing the light, but not Jesus himself, Acts 26:13, etc.
Verse 9
[9] And
he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.
And he was three days — An important season! So long he seems to have been in the pangs of the
new birth.
Without sight — By
scales growing over his eyes, to intimate to him the blindness of the state he
had been in, to impress him with a deeper sense of the almighty power of
Christ, and to turn his thoughts inward, while he was less capable of
conversing with outward objects. This was likewise a manifest token to others,
of what had happened to him in his journey, and ought to have humbled and
convinced those bigoted Jews, to whom he had been sent from the sanhedrim.
Verse 11
[11] And
the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight,
and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold,
he prayeth,
Behold he is praying — He was shown thus to Ananias.
Verse 12
[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.
A man called Ananias — His name also was revealed to Saul.
Verse 13
[13] Then
Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath
done to thy saints at Jerusalem:
But he answered —
How natural it is to reason against God.
Verse 14
[14] And
here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy
name.
All that call on thy name — That is, all Christians.
Verse 15
[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:
He is a chosen vessel to bear my name — That is, to testify of me. It is undeniable, that some men are
unconditionally chosen or elected, to do some works for God
Verse 16
[16] For
I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.
For I — Do
thou as thou art commanded. I will take care of the rest; will show him - In
fact, through the whole course of his ministry.
How great things he must suffer — So far will he be now from persecuting others.
Verse 17
[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.
The Lord hath sent me — Ananias does not tell Saul all which Christ had said concerning him. It
was not expedient that he should know yet to how great a dignity he was called.
Verse 24
[24] But
their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and night
to kill him.
They guarded the gates day and night — That is, the governor did, at their request, 2 Corinthians 11:32.
Verse 26
[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.
And coming to Jerusalem — Three years after, Galatians 1:18. These three years St. Paul
passes over, Acts 22:17, likewise.
Verse 27
[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.
To the apostles —
Peter and James, Gal. i, 18, 19. Galatians 1:18,19 And declared - He who has been
an enemy to the truth ought not to be trusted till he gives proof that he is
changed.
Verse 31
[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.
Then the Church —
The whole body of Christian believers, had peace - Their bitterest persecutor
being converted.
And being built up — In
holy, loving faith, continually increasing, and walking in - That is, speaking
and acting only from this principle, the fear of God and the comfort of the
Holy Ghost - An excellent mixture of inward and outward peace, tempered with
filial fear.
Verse 35
[35] And
all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord.
Lydda was a large town, one day's journey
from Jerusalem. It stood in the plain or valley of Sharon, which extended from
Cesarea to Joppa, and was noted for its fruitfulness.
Verse 36
[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.
Tabitha, which is by interpretation Dorcas — She was probably a Hellenist Jew, known among the Hebrews by the Syriac
name Tabitha, while the Greeks called her in their own language, Dorcas. They
are both words of the same import, and signify a roe or fawn.
Verse 38
[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.
The disciples sent to him — Probably none of those at Joppa had the gift of miracles. Nor is it
certain that they expected a miracle from him.
Verse 39
[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.
While she was with the in — That is, before she died.
Verse 40
[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.
Peter having put them all out — That he might have the better opportunity of wrestling with God in
prayer, said, Tabitha, arise.
And she opened her eyes, and seeing Peter,
sat up — Who can imagine the surprise of Dorcas,
when called back to life? Or of her friends, when they saw her alive? For the
sake of themselves, and of the poor, there was cause of rejoicing, and much more,
for such a confirmation of the Gospel. Yet to herself it was matter of
resignation, not joy, to be called back to these scenes of vanity: but
doubtless, her remaining days were still more zealously spent in the service of
her Saviour and her God. Thus was a richer treasure laid up for her in heaven,
and she afterward returned to a more exceeding weight of glory, than that from
which so astonishing a providence had recalled her for a season.
── John Wesley《Explanatory Notes on
Acts》
Chapter 9. Conversion of Saul
A Man Named
Saul
He Is Praying
I. A Vision in
Damascus
II. Paul's
Testimony in Early Days
III. Peter's
Ministry and Miraculous Signs
── Chih-Hsin Chang《An Outline of The New Testament》
Chapter Nine General Review
OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER
1) To study the conversion of Saul, comparing Luke's account in this chapter with Saul's own words recorded later on in chapters 22 and 26 2) To note two miracles by Peter, and the affect they had on many people who heard about them SUMMARY
Not content with persecuting Christians in Jerusalem permission from the high priest to seek out those of the Way in Damascus and bring them bound to Jerusalem Damascus blinded by a vision of the risen Jesus. Told to go into Damascus further instructions, Saul was led blind into the city where he waitedfor three days, neither eating nor drinking (1-9). The Lord then appeared to a disciple named Ananias and sent him torestore Saul's sight and tell him what he would do as a chosen vesselfor Christ. With his sight restored, Saul was baptized and resumedeating. For some days Saul remained in Damascus preaching in the synagogues that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of God,to the amazement of those who knew that he had come to the city toarrest Christians (10-19). After many days had passed (during which Saul apparently spent about 3years in Arabia , cf. Ga 1:17-18), Saul barely escaped a plot to kill himby the Jews in Damascus Jerusalem after Barnabas spoke in his behalf he was accepted by the brethren.Another plot by the Jews to kill Saul prompted the brethren to bring himto Caesarea and send him on to Tarsus Galilee ,and Samaria the Lord and the comfort of the Holy Spirit (20-31). Luke then records two miracles performed by Peter. The first in Lydda,where Peter healed Aeneas, a man paralyzed and bedridden for eightyears. This led many in Lydda and Sharon to turn to the Lord. Innearby Joppa, a disciple named Tabitha (Dorcas) became sick and died.Having heard that Peter was in Lydda, the disciples sent for him to comewithout delay. Peter raised Tabitha from the dead, leading many peoplein Joppa to believe on the Lord. Peter then remained in Joppa for manydays, staying with Simon, a tanner (32-43). OUTLINE
I. CONVERSION OF SAUL (1-31)
A. THE APPEARANCE ON THE ROAD (1-9) 1. Saul granted authority by the high priest a. While aggressive in persecuting disciples of the Lord b. With letters to the synagogues in Damascus c. To find those of "the Way" and bring them bound to Jerusalem 2. The Lord's appearance on the road to Damascus a. Approaching Damascus around him b. Falling to the ground, he hears a voice: "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?" c. When he asks, "Who are you, Lord?", he is told: 1) "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting." 2) "It is hard for you to kick against the goads." d. When asked what to, he is told: 1) "Arise, go into the city." 2) "You will be told what you must do." e. His companions stand speechless, hearing a voice but seeing no one 3. Saul's arrival in Damascus a. Getting up, he sees no one b. His companions lead him by the hand into the city c. There he waits for three days, without sight, neither eating or drinking B. THE ARRIVAL OF ANANIAS (9-19) 1. The Lord appears in a vision to Ananias, a disciple in Damascus a. Instructed to go to house of Judas on the street called Straight 1) Where Saul is praying and has seen a vision in which Ananias restores his sight 2) Ananias is reluctant, knowing of Saul's persecution of the saints b. Ananias is commanded to go, for Saul is a chosen vessel 1) Who will bear the Lord's name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel 2) Who will be shown how many things he must suffer for His name's sake 2. Ananias goes to Saul a. Laying hands on Saul as he explains his purpose in coming 1) That Saul might receive his sight 2) And be filled with the Holy Spirit b. Saul's sight is immediately restored, and is baptized c. He resumes eating and spends some days with the disciples C. THE MINISTRY IN DAMASCUS 1. Saul immediately preaches Christ as the Son of God in the synagogues a. To the amazement of all who heard and knew his background 1) How he destroyed those in Jerusalem name 2) How he came to Damascus priests b. He increases in strength 1) Confounding the Jews who dwelt in Damascus 2) Proving that Jesus is the Christ 2. Saul is forced to leave Damascus a. After many days, the Jews plot to kill him b. When the plot is revealed, they watch the gates day and night to kill him c. The disciples help Saul escape at night by letting him over a wall in a basket D. THE VISIT TO JERUSALEM 1. Saul joins himself to the disciples a. Though at first they were afraid and did not believe him b. Barnabas brought him to the apostles and told them: 1) How he had seen the Lord on the road, who spoke to him 2) Of his bold preaching in Damascus c. Saul is accepted and circulates freely among the disciples in Jerusalem 2. Saul is forced to leave Jerusalem a. He speaks boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus 1) Disputing against the Hellenists 2) Who attempt to kill him b. The brethren learn of the attempt to kill Saul 1) They bring him down to Caesarea 2) They send him to Tarsus II. MIRACLES OF PETER (32-43)
A. THE HEALING OF AENEAS (32-35) 1. Peter comes to the saints in Lydda 2. He meets Aeneas, paralyzed and bedridden for eight years 3. Peter tells him that Jesus Christ heals him, and he arose immediately 4. All who dwelt at Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord B. THE RAISING OF DORCAS (36-43) 1. At Joppa, a certain disciple named Tabitha (Dorcas) dies a. A woman full of good works and charitable deeds b. Her body was washed and laid in an upper room c. Two men were sent to Peter in nearby Lydda 2. Peter raises Dorcas from the dead a. He is brought to the upper room, where weeping widows showed garments by Dorcas b. Sending the widows out, Peter kneels down and prays c. Telling her "Tabitha, arise", she opened her eyes and sat up d. Peter presents her alive to the saints and widows e. As it became known throughout Joppa, many believed on the Lord 3. Peter remains in Joppa with Simon, a tanner REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE CHAPTER
1) What are the main points of this chapter?
- Conversion of Saul (1-31) - Miracles of Peter (32-43) 2) What was Saul doing when he went to the high priest? (1)
- Breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord 3) What did Saul get from the high priest? (2)
- Letters to the synagogues of Damascus and bring those of "The Way" to Jerusalem