The
Conversion Of A Persecutor
– Acts Nine
–
Those that stoned Stephen "laid down
their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul." Saul "made havock of the church,
entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison."
Not being content with persecuting Christians in Jerusalem Saul pursued
Christians to
As Saul was approaching
Jesus sent Ananias to restore Saul's sight and to tell him what he
must do to be saved. He also told Saul that he was a chosen vessel with a great
mission to the Gentiles. Saul's sight was restored and he was baptized to wash
away his sins. He began immediately preaching that Jesus was the Christ, the
Son of God. The Greek speaking Jews plotted to kill Saul. The disciples helped
him escape from
Saul later went to
The conversion of Saul – Acts 9:1-18: Saul's
early training helped him to be a very sincere man. However, as important as
sincerity is we must remember that sincerity may be just as real in the heart
of a lost man as a saved man. Saul sincerely felt that he was doing right while
persecuting Christians. Saul was doing his best to destroy the church. Some
build the church and some try to destroy it. Which do you do?
Saul was granted authority by the High Priest to pursue Christians
in
God sent Ananias to Saul (1) to tell him about the work God had
for him to do, (2) to restore his sight, (3) that he might be filled with the
Holy Spirit, and (4) to tell him what to do to be saved. At first Ananias was
frightened by Saul, but he loved God enough to obey. Ananias was told to go to
house of Judas on the street called Straight for there Saul had been praying
and fasting. Saul became a Christian when he believed, repented of sins and was
baptized.
Saul's early ministry – Acts 9:19-31: After
his conversion Saul began to build up what he had tried to destroy. Saul went
to the Jewish meeting places and immediately started telling people that Jesus
is the Son of God. Saul increased in strength so much so that he was able to
confound the Jews that dwelt in
After Saul's conversion he was hated by the Jews and suspect by
the brethren. It was not long until the
persecutor became the persecuted. Saul's preaching of the risen Christ aroused
opposition and persecution. Some of the Jews made plans to kill him. Saul found
out about their plans and one night his brethren let him down over the city
wall in a large basket. Saul was driven out by the Jews, led by the Lord and
assisted by his brethren.
Saul then made a brief visit to the disciples at
The miracle at Lydda – Acts 9:32-35: While Peter was traveling from place to place preaching the gospel he came to Lydda. There he met Aeneas, a man that had been paralyzed and bedridden for eight years. "Peter said to Aeneas, "Jesus Christ has healed you! Get up and make up your bed." This miracle took place during a time of peace and prosperity in the church.
The man that was healed had a disease of long standing, incurable
by human means. The man was healed by divine power -- "Jesus Christ heals
you." The man was healed instantaneously -- "He arose
immediately." The man was healed completely -- "Arise and make your
bed." Peter made it clear that
Jesus Christ had healed this man. Many people in Lydda and Sharon saw Aeneas
and turned to the Lord.
The raising of Dorcas – Acts 9:36-42: In Joppa there
was a Christian lady named Tabitha. Her Greek name was Dorcas. As a follower of
Christ she was helpful and compassionate. Dorcas lived, like all people,
subject every moment to death. The Bible said of Dorcas that she got sick and
died, and her body was washed and placed in an upper room.
Two men were sent to Peter in nearby Lydda to tell him what had
happened. They asked him to come with them as quickly as he could. Peter went
with them right away. When they got to Joppa Peter was brought to the upper
room. The weeping widows showed garments that
Dorcas had made. Peter sent the people out and "turned to the body of
Dorcas and said, “Tabitha, get up!” The woman opened her eyes, and “when she
saw Peter, she sat up.” When people heard what had happened with Dorcas many of
them put their faith in the Lord. After this Peter stayed in Joppa for some
time with Simon, a tanner.
This great miracle teaches us that we should spare no effort to
develop a faith greater than earthly life. We also should consider each day a
blessing from God and use it in His service.
To become a Christian you must hear the gospel (Romans