Acts 9 - ESV - Bible Reading / Study Notes

Acts 9

The Conversion of Saul

9:1 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.” 7 The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one. 8 Saul rose from the ground, and although his eyes were opened, he saw nothing. So they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. 9 And for three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank.

10 Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.” 11 And the Lord said to him, “Rise and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying, 12 and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight.” 13 But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem. 14 And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name.” 15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. 16 For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.” 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.

Saul Proclaims Jesus in Synagogues

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.

Saul Escapes from Damascus

23 When many days had passed, the Jews¹ plotted to kill him, 24 but their plot became known to Saul. They were watching the gates day and night in order to kill him, 25 but his disciples took him by night and let him down through an opening in the wall,² lowering him in a basket.

Saul in Jerusalem

26 And when he had come to Jerusalem, he attempted to join the disciples. And they were all afraid of him, for they did not believe that he was a disciple. 27 But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles and declared to them how on the road he had seen the Lord, who spoke to him, and how at Damascus he had preached boldly in the name of Jesus. 28 So he went in and out among them at Jerusalem, preaching boldly in the name of the Lord. 29 And he spoke and disputed against the Hellenists.³ But they were seeking to kill him. 30 And when the brothers learned this, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus.

31 So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was being built up. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it multiplied.

The Healing of Aeneas

32 Now as Peter went here and there among them all, he came down also to the saints who lived at Lydda. 33 There he found a man named Aeneas, bedridden for eight years, who was paralyzed. 34 And Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you; rise and make your bed.” And immediately he rose. 35 And all the residents of Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord.

Dorcas Restored to Life

36 Now there was in Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which, translated, means Dorcas.⁴ She was full of good works and acts of charity. 37 In those days she became ill and died, and when they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. 38 Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him, urging him, “Please come to us without delay.” 39 So Peter rose and went with them. And when he arrived, they took him to the upper room. All the widows stood beside him weeping and showing tunics⁵ and other garments that Dorcas made while she was with them. 40 But Peter put them all outside, and knelt down and prayed; and turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. 41 And he gave her his hand and raised her up. Then, calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive. 42 And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. 43 And he stayed in Joppa for many days with one Simon, a tanner.

Footnotes

[1] 9:23 The Greek word Ioudaioi refers specifically here to Jewish religious leaders, and others under their influence, who opposed the Christian faith in that time
[2] 9:25 Greek through the wall
[3] 9:29 That is, Greek-speaking Jews
[4] 9:36 The Aramaic name Tabitha and the Greek name Dorcas both mean gazelle
[5] 9:39 Greek chiton, a long garment worn under the cloak next to the skin

Commentary

v1-2: The events described here follow soon after those of 8.1-3. Saul is perhaps converted at the same time that Philip is in Samaria. It seems that the gospel has already had an impact in Damascus.

Some have argued that this incident is a story of calling, not conversion. Paul himself sees this as his conversion, referring to it in chapters 22 and 26.

Saul is the zealous Pharisee, quite different from Simon the sorcerer, and the Ethiopian Eunuch, and Cornelius, the devout soldier. We see that the gospel is relevant to all. Many have some religion, but need delivering from that to faith in Christ.

v3: Specific signs surround Saul's conversion. God is drawing our attention to the fact that this event is very important. Saul will never forget the blinding light, the voice from Heaven, the three days of blindness. Yet his conversion is no more real than anyone else's.

v4-5: The appearance of the Lord Jesus; another proof of His resurrection, 1 Cor 15.8. Jesus identifies with His suffering people, "Why are you persecuting me?"

Here is the Lord's initiative, to save His "chosen vessel." Saul immediately addresses Jesus as "Lord," indicating his willing submission.

v6: 'Lord, what do you want me to do?' (words not in the NIV); similar words used by Jehoshaphat in 1 Kings 22.5, 7; and Josiah in 2 Kings 22.13. Here is a desire to hear God's voice and to obey it. Obedience is an essential mark of true faith.

The Lord's command is not complete; Saul has to trust Him for the next part. Faith trusts even when the longer term command is not given.

v7: Part of the miracle is that others do not share in it. And even those that do witness such things may take a different view, Matt 12.24.

v8-9: Saul is made humble and dependent; the proud Pharisee is brought low. He has to learn to trust Christ in a very practical way. Compare 2 Kings 5.11-12, where Naaman wanted to be healed on his own terms. Saul learns unconditional surrender; Luke 9.59, 61, we cannot say, "Lord ... me first."

v10: Saul is sent to a 'certain' disciple, Ananias, not an apostle, like Peter or John. Saul has no ground for thinking he will be a 'better' Christian in the sight of God. His pride is further smashed.

v11: "For he is praying;" a further mark of real faith. This is something Christians do, Luke 5.16; 6.12; Ezek 36.37.

v12-14: The Lord speaks also to Ananias, giving him his instructions. The 'ordinary' Christian is concerned because of Sauls' reputation. He was a likely target of Saul, to be arrested and taken to Jerusalem; and he knows it. Ananias too has lessons to learn; any animosity, hatred, suspicion has to be dealt with.

v15-16: "Go!" is the Lord's answer; and Ananias also trusts His command. The Lord refers to Saul as "my chosen instrument to carry my Name ... I will show him how much he must suffer for my Name." Saul belongs to the Lord, whatever anyone says or thinks.

v17: "Brother Saul," for Ananias has believed God, and trusted His words. Here we see the reconciliation in the gospel, turning potential enemies to friends, 1 John 3.14, 16. This is a powerful moment accompanied by Saul's blindness being removed and he was filled with the Holy Spirit.

v18: Saul is immediately healed of his blindness, and is baptised. See 8.13; 10.48; 16.15, 33; here is the regular practice of the early church.

v19: Saul shares fellowship in Damascus; he is one of the Christians meeting together.

v20-22: Saul's immediate testimony in Damascus synagogues; he speaks of his new-found faith. He speaks boldly, indicating his preaching gift. As in 6.10, the proclamation of Jesus Christ cannot be defeated.

v23-25: Very soon, Saul becomes the target of Jewish persecution. He who once "caused havoc" amongst Christians is himself the target of threats. Through practical means he escapes from the city to go to Jerusalem.

v26-27: Saul's desire to share fellowship. Again, as with Ananias is Damascus, there is reluctance and fear amongst the disciples. Again there is an explanation of peace, this time from Barnabas.

v28-30: Saul's experience in Jerusalem follows the pattern of Damascus; he fellowships with the Christians, he preaches Christ, he is threatened and attacked; and he leaves, this time for Tarsus.

v31: In 8.1, the disciples were scattered; now there are churches throughout Judea and Galilee and Samaria; there is a new peace, strength, fear of the Lord, comfort of the Holy Spirit, and continued growth; in a word - stability.

This state of affairs continues through the period covered by chapters 10 and 11, and provides the foundation for the spread of the gospel to the Gentiles.

v32: Peter maintains an itinerant ministry, to encourage and comfort, and to rebuke (as in Samaria). He has a healing gift, apparently not shared by others, since both Aeneas and Dorcas have to wait for his arrival.

v32-35: Aeneas is healed, leading to many finding Christ.

v36-39: Dorcas is noted as a disciple; other people mentioned are not always explicitly referred to in this way. She was "always doing good and helping the poor." When Peter arrives the other disciples she him the robes and garments she has made. Here is a woman of great practical kindness.

v40-42: Peter prays, and Dorcas is restored. Again, here is a great testimony in the area, and many are saved. There are doubtless other healings, not recorded. However, it seems clear that there is purpose in them, in encouraging the disciples, and in pointing others to Christ.

v43: These incidents also bring Peter to Joppa, from where he later travels to Cornelius' house at Caesarea.