Acts 9:1-19

Luke initially introduced his readers to a man named Saul who appeared to be an active participant in the stoning of Stephen, a preacher of Jesus Christ (Acts 7:58-60). After a small diversion about the apostles work in Samaria (Acts 8), Luke turns his attention back to Saul who is still seen “breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord…” (9:1). From other Scriptures, we understand that Saul (Hebrew name) was born in Tarsus as a Jew (9:11) and studied under the great rabbi, Gamaliel (Acts 22:3). Saul was also a Pharisee, as was his father, making him a part of one of the most stringent Jewish sects of Jesus’ day (Acts 23:6). The Pharisees were known for their obedience to the Old Testament ceremonial law and felt that the apostles’ doctrine was in direct contrast to Judaism; therefore, Saul did everything in his power to destroy the teachings of Christianity by persecuting the church.

In his best effort to put fear into the hearts of Christians, Saul approaches the high priest asking for “letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem” (9:2). Saul felt that he could play an important role in eliminating Christianity; however, God had different plans for Saul. As he was on his way to Damascus, a light came down from heaven and he heard a voice saying, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” Saul responded by asking a question, “Who are You, Lord?” ” Then the Lord said, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting’” (9:3-5). Saul was fearful of this voice and said, “Lord, what do You want me to do? Then the Lord said to him, ‘Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do’” (9:6). There were men who were traveling with Saul, but they were astonished because they had also heard the voice but did not see anyone (9:7). Faced with a choice, Saul decided to obey the voice of God so, temporarily blinded, he was led to Damascus (9:8-9).

In Damascus, a man named Ananias had received a vision from the Lord saying, “Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying. And in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him, so that he might receive his sight” (9:11-12). Ananias was fearful of this vision because he knew that Saul of Tarsus was a persecutor of the church, but God comforted him saying, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake” (9:15-16). After this conformation from God, Ananias obeyed the Lord and found Saul in the house of Judas. He laid his hands on him and Saul received his sight as well as the Holy Spirit (9:17-18). After being baptized, Saul was strengthened and spent some time with the disciples at Damascus (9:19).

This is a wonderful illustration of God taking a hardened man and changing his heart to serve Him. No one is ever too far gone or too far out of reach for God to bring conviction of sin and life change. May we never give up on praying for those whose heart seems far from God because God has the power to transform a hard heart in a moment.

Dear God, may Your Holy Spirit bring conviction into even the most hardened hearts (John 16:7-9).