Main Thought
Acts 9 presents a contrast of Saul’s life. (Saul would eventually come to be known as Paul.) We see him before Christ and after his conversion in Christ. What happened between verses 1 and 31? Saul encountered the presence and power of God in the form of a divine light. During this encounter, he experienced three things which would change him for the rest of his life. First, Jesus confronted Saul with the truth of the gospel. The gospel message points out our sin, and it reveals that the hope we need is in Jesus Christ. Next, we see that Saul reaches the point of conversion. He becomes a Christian, which is recognized outwardly by water baptism. Finally, we see that Saul answered the Great Commission and shared Christ with others. When we do this, we disrupt the darkness and help others encounter the light.
Main Passages
But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. 3 Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. 4 And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” 5 And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. 6 But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.”
- Acts 9:1-6
17 So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized; 19 and taking food, he was strengthened.
- Acts 9:17-19
For some days he was with the disciples at Damascus. 20 And immediately he proclaimed Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is the Son of God.” 21 And all who heard him were amazed and said, “Is not this the man who made havoc in Jerusalem of those who called upon this name? And has he not come here for this purpose, to bring them bound before the chief priests?” 22 But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus was the Christ.
- Acts 9:19b-22
Discussion Questions
What stands out to you in the Main Thought and/or Passages above?
Mirror Saul’s story in Acts 9 by reflecting on your Faith Story (or testimony) with God.
a. What was you life like before Christ?
b. How did you come to know Christ? (Confrontation and conversion)
c. How has your life changed for the better since coming to know Christ?Pray for at least one person to share your Faith Story with by name, then try to set up time to spend with that person within the next month!