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Acts  •  Sermon  •  Submitted   •  Presented
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Acts 9:1–19 CSB
1 Now Saul was still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord. He went to the high priest 2 and requested letters from him to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any men or women who belonged to the Way, he might bring them as prisoners to Jerusalem. 3 As he traveled and was nearing Damascus, a light from heaven suddenly flashed around him. 4 Falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” 5 “Who are you, Lord?” Saul said. “I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting,” he replied. 6 “But get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” 7 The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the sound but seeing no one. 8 Saul got up from the ground, and though his eyes were open, he could see nothing. So they took him by the hand and led him into Damascus. 9 He was unable to see for three days and did not eat or drink. 10 There was a disciple in Damascus named Ananias, and the Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” “Here I am, Lord,” he replied. 11 “Get up and go to the street called Straight,” the Lord said to him, “to the house of Judas, and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, since he is praying there. 12 In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and placing his hands on him so that he may regain his sight.” 13 “Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard from many people about this man, how much harm he has done to your saints in Jerusalem. 14 And he has authority here from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.” 15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for this man is my chosen instrument to take my name to Gentiles, kings, and Israelites. 16 I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.” 17 Ananias went and entered the house. He placed his hands on him and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road you were traveling, has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 At once something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he got up and was baptized. 19 And after taking some food, he regained his strength. Saul was with the disciples in Damascus for some time.
As we open up this new year, we also open up a new chapter in the book of Acts and a guy named Saul. Previously, we were introduced to Saul when Stephen was dragged outside the walls of Jerusalem to be stoned: ⭐
Acts 7:58–8:3 CSB
58 They dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. And the witnesses laid their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. 59 While they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!” 60 He knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them!” And after saying this, he fell asleep. 1 Saul agreed with putting him to death. On that day a severe persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout the land of Judea and Samaria. 2 Devout men buried Stephen and mourned deeply over him. 3 Saul, however, was ravaging the church. He would enter house after house, drag off men and women, and put them in prison.
The words used in connection with Saul are graphic:
severe persecution
ravaging the church
dragging off men and women putting them in prison
It would have been very difficult to question the zeal of Saul. Also, it might have been very hard to challenge his motives. His motives of protecting the church from heresy and zeal to act on it is very commendable.
When we open chapter 9 we read: ⭐
Acts 9:1–2 CSB
1 Now Saul was still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord. He went to the high priest 2 and requested letters from him to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any men or women who belonged to the Way, he might bring them as prisoners to Jerusalem.
His rampage against the follows of “the Way” continued. He was STILL breathing threats and murder. This is not a casual affair - he is committed to scaring as many as possible to keep them from following “the Way” and also was committed to ridding the culture of these people.
Basically, he got warrants for their arrest so they could be taken back to Jerusalem and imprisoned. Of course, the context is also meant to help us understand that some of they may even face the death penalty.
Saul was convinced that what he was doing was right and just. He was convinced that Jesus followers were harmful to society and that they needed to be wiped out.
ask: What if you were wrong? What if you were wrong about the things that matter to you? Not like 100% missed the mark, but misguided enough that you missed out on truth, peace and real life?
Saul will need to wrestle with this question as he encounters the one called, “the Way”.

“The Way”

We have not been introduced to this title for Jesus before. I don’t want to assume that it is common knowledge as to why Jesus was referred to this way. Most scholars link the title, “the Way”, back to something Jesus said to his disciples:⭐
John 14:1–6 CSB
1 “Don’t let your heart be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. 2 In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? 3 If I go away and prepare a place for you, I will come again and take you to myself, so that where I am you may be also. 4 You know the way to where I am going.” 5 “Lord,” Thomas said, “we don’t know where you’re going. How can we know the way?” 6 Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
Jesus referred to himself as three different things: way, truth and life.
John Explanation of the Text

Jesus is “the way” in that he is the (only) mode by which the Christian existence and participation in God are made possible and accessible. Jesus fulfills this by means of his death, resurrection, and ascension to the Father.

He is the way to the Father. The way to truth. The way to life. The way to peace with God and reclamation of the calling for which mankind was created in the first place.
Today it is viewed as “intolerant” or “imperialistic” to claim that there is only one way to be reconciled to God. As Christ-followers, to claim that Jesus is the only way is to state that other religions that do not acknowledge Jesus as the Son of God have missed the mark. We do believe that Jesus is the only way to the Father. That does not make us insensitive, narrow minded or intolerant. Our faith is based upon that belief, and to water that down or to claim it to be “only true to us” but not to others would be hypocritical at best and callous and uncaring at the worst. We should not be ashamed or cower from this statement of Jesus being the Way.
Luke will refer to Jesus as the way in chapters 19 and 24. This title, though claimed by Jesus, would not have been popular with the non-believing Jews. To claim something other than lineage and the law as being a way to the Father would seem blasphemous. Perhaps that was the charge for which they could arrest and imprison them? ⭐ ⭐
Acts 9:3–9 CSB
3 As he traveled and was nearing Damascus, a light from heaven suddenly flashed around him. 4 Falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” 5 “Who are you, Lord?” Saul said. “I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting,” he replied. 6 “But get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” 7 The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the sound but seeing no one. 8 Saul got up from the ground, and though his eyes were open, he could see nothing. So they took him by the hand and led him into Damascus. 9 He was unable to see for three days and did not eat or drink.
The word “persecuting” shows up twice. This is a device meant to cause us to pay attention.
* This is a big enough topic that I hope to discuss it with you in detail next week.
This week, however, I want you to recognize that Saul’s persecution of the church was considered the same as if Saul was persecuting Jesus himself. Notice that when Saul met Jesus on the road, Jesus had already been crucified and ascended to the Father. He was not on earth for Saul to persecute, however, 2 times Jesus accused Saul of of persecuting him.
How can this be? Jesus said this while on the earth: ⭐
Luke 10:16 CSB
16 Whoever listens to you listens to me. Whoever rejects you rejects me. And whoever rejects me rejects the one who sent me.”
Jesus equated the persecution of his disciples as an attack upon himself. What a beautiful picture that is for any of us that have been maligned, attacked, imprisoned or abused because of our faith in Jesus! It is not that they have rejected us, but Jesus. And, as we speak out for Jesus, those that oppose us are not really against us, but against Jesus. The real battle is between them and Jesus, not them and us.
On a more positive note, in the parable of the sheep and the goats in Matthew 25, Jesus declared that when we do things for others in his name we are doing them to him.

Blinded by the Light

There was a light from heaven and a voice. This is reminiscent of Moses in the wilderness, ins’t it? It also might be connecting us to the Transfiguration of Jesus with his disciples. In any case, there is a voice and light. Both are images of God which are ascribed to Jesus. This is as much a statement of events as it is of theology.
I think there are some interesting facts that Luke records about this encounter:
those with Saul heard the sound but did not see anyone. This implies that Saul may have seen someone. It also demonstrates that this was not just a random hallucination that Saul was having - others heard it.
Saul asked, “Who are you lord?”. This was more a title of respect than it was an acknowledgement of the Lordship of Jesus. The fact that Saul did NOT know who was speaking is indication that he was not surrendering to Jesus just yet.
Saul was the only one that we know of that dropped to the ground. Some commentators have suggested that this is because he was forced into submission by Jesus. However, that is speculation. It could have also just been fear or the acknowledgement that he was probably encountering some form of heavenly visit.
His eyes were open but he could not see. Leave it to a physician to put it this way! Saul was literally blinded by the light. He was unable to see so he had to be led to Damascus by the hand.
He did not eat or drink for 3 days. Can anyone think of why 3 days might seem significant? 😉 This seems very symbolic of the death of Saul the persecutor - who was in darkness and without food and water for 3 days.
As we continue on, we are introduced to another new character:

Ananias.

There are two people with this name in the book of Acts. Each have a single scene, but each ends markedly different. The 1st Ananias we met in Jerusalem. He lied to the Holy Spirit and was consumed with greed and pride. In the end, it brought him death.
The 2nd is a Jesus follower from Damascus, where Saul was heading. He was one of the ones who would have been hunted down and Saul and imprisoned and beaten. ⭐
Acts 9:10 CSB
10 There was a disciple in Damascus named Ananias, and the Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” “Here I am, Lord,” he replied.
Does that sound familiar? It is in the ranks of Abraham and Isaac on the mountain in Gen 22, Moses and the burning bush in Exodus 3:4, and the prophet Samuel in 1 Sam 3. All of these people were instrumental in leading people towards Yahweh. ⭐
Acts 9:11–12 CSB
11 “Get up and go to the street called Straight,” the Lord said to him, “to the house of Judas, and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, since he is praying there. 12 In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and placing his hands on him so that he may regain his sight.”
This is a unique experience. It is kinda of an “inception” moment. Jesus is appearing to Ananias in a vision about what he must do to Saul, and at the same time being told that Saul was having a vision about him. So in the vision he was hearing about another vision. ⭐
Acts 9:13–14 CSB
13 “Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard from many people about this man, how much harm he has done to your saints in Jerusalem. 14 And he has authority here from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.”
Notice that Ananias does not object, but DOES share his concern. I think it is kinda humorous. Jesus just told Ananias that he is aware of the location, condition and even vision that Saul has experienced, and Ananias says, “yeah, but do you know what he is doing to people like me?”. Of course, Jesus knew! This was more for Ananias to ask if it was his time to die 😖.
I think this stems from the fear or apprehension of Ananias. But notice that Jesus does not scold him, nor rebuke him. I love that there are characters that have doubts and questions for God and are met with patience. God understands our hearts and our struggles. Jesus responds: ⭐
Acts 9:15–16 CSB
15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for this man is my chosen instrument to take my name to Gentiles, kings, and Israelites. 16 I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.”
Verse 16 is not a message for Ananias, really. It is for Saul. However, the reply of Jesus is, “Yes, I am aware of the suffering he has caused, and I am about to give him an opportunity to suffer for the Kingdom.”

Why was Saul a chosen instrument?

The disciples were uneducated men from various, and some scandalous, backgrounds. To found a religion with these sorts of men might seem to present that being a follower of “The Way” was for the uneducated, or simple who could be easily manipulated or might not know better.
When someone who is educated and in power wants to stop such heresies and “perceived ignorance and misguidance”, it will very quickly gain the acceptance of those in power and educated.
THIS was Saul.
Trained in the Law and Prophets by Gamaliel: ⭐
Acts 22:3–4 CSB
3 He continued, “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia but brought up in this city, educated at the feet of Gamaliel according to the strictness of our ancestral law. I was zealous for God, just as all of you are today. 4 I persecuted this Way to the death, arresting and putting both men and women in jail,
I think that might be one of the reason. Perhaps the fact that he was a Hellenist Jew might help him gain an audience with the Hellenists? The fact that he was a Roman citizen might open doors. Perhaps for these reasons and so many others, God equipped Saul and then directed him.
However, we should note that God chooses whom he wants, and NOT because they deserve it! In his upside down kingdom, it is often those that deserve it the least that receive the favor of God. God chose Saul because God wanted to use Saul.

The Name of Jesus.

We have talked at length this past year about “the name” and what it means to bear the name of Jesus. this is another great passage that helps us understand what it means to be a follower of the “Way” - it means to bear his name! ⭐
Acts 9:15–16 CSB
15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for this man is my chosen instrument to take my name to Gentiles, kings, and Israelites. 16 I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.”
Also, when Saul connected with the church in Jerusalem, we read: ⭐
Acts 9:28 CSB
28 Saul was coming and going with them in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord.
Notice the phrase is not “about the name” but “in the name”. Every major translation I checked has it worded this way. Saul was boldly speaking as a representative of Jesus. There is a different between speaking about a person and speaking on behalf of a person.
Relationship. You do not need to know someone to speak about them, but you must be close to them to speak for them
Authority. To speak in someone’s name means you assume their authority, such as an ambassador to another county would speak for our President and carry his authority.
Reputation. By association with that person you also carry their reputation - whether good or bad. Your reputation and character is implicit in the people you speak for.
Judgement. Saul was arresting anyone who was associated with “the Way”. Judgement fell on those who took the name of Jesus. Later, Saul will appeal to his Roman citizenship to avoid judgement as that association with Rome gave him certain rights and privileges.

Saul’s Conversion

That is what this is generally called. However, it might not be the most accurate title. Just as we have wrestled with the title of this book of Acts, we might want to wrestle with the title, “Saul’s Conversion”.
The NLT & NIV have it as the top of Chapter 9, “Saul’s Conversion”. ESV, “The Conversion of Saul”. How many of you have that at the beginning of chapter 9?
I think I would prefer a different word. Saul’s “salvation” perhaps? Or Saul’s “revelation” since his eyes were opened, which is more along the lines of an apocalypse than a conversion. Saul was a Jew and still remained a Jew. He did not abandon his faith in Yahweh, he was still Jewish. However, he now understood Jesus to be the fulfillment of Scripture as the Messiah. His eyes were opened to see Jesus for who he is. ⭐
Acts 9:17–19 CSB
17 Ananias went and entered the house. He placed his hands on him and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road you were traveling, has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 At once something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he got up and was baptized. 19 And after taking some food, he regained his strength. Saul was with the disciples in Damascus for some time.
What we DO NOT read about is Saul’s profession of faith in Jesus. Apparently 3 days of blindness, fasting and praying was enough time for Saul to “see the light” (yes that comes from this passage!). I believe that Jesus implied this by saying he as a “chosen instrument”, and I believe Jesus must have conveyed that somehow to Ananias because of the greeting he gave.
“Brother, Saul” - brother would imply a member of the family, someone who was an insider, not an outsider. It is the phrase that Saul will use when writing to believers in churches in the years to come.
Ananias placed his hands on Saul. This is what Jesus told him to do. Saul’s vision was restored and it is implied that he received the Holy Spirit, after which he was baptized. These are all signs of Saul’s profession of Jesus as Messiah.
Ananias was a disciple, not an Apostle, and the laying on of hands imparted healing and the gift of the Spirit.
While the Apostles had crowds to tend and masses to teach, the work of the church continues through the disciples. All of God’s people doing the work of God in the name of Jesus. Though Saul will be responsible for the spread of the gospel to the Gentiles and will be very famous, Ananias was the one man who was used by God to minister to Saul. This one man acted in obedience to Jesus and did what was asked, even though he had reservations. God used him in a great way.
ask: did you NOTICE how many times “see” or “sight” appears in this passage? At least 6 times, plus other illustrations of vision and sight were mentioned.
Even the visual element of scales falling from his eyes is a beautiful picture of what happened in Saul’s heart.
ask: have you ever heard someone say, “I saw the light”?
It is the idea of coming out of darkness and into the light. The song Amazing Grace seems to be a great ballad to this very scene:
Amazing grace, how sweet the sound That saved a wretch like me I once was lost, but now am found Was blind, but now I see
Surely, Saul was a wretch. He killed people - innocent people.
While we like to think of people who commit atrocities such as murder and people worthy of being punished and perhaps even killed, God demonstrated that there is mercy and forgiveness available to anyone, regardless of their past. ⭐
Saul went to Damascus in the name of the High Priest to persecute followers of the Way and God flipped the script and Saul becomes a follower of the Way and went to the ends of the earth in the name of Jesus.
Saul is a great example of someone who had the right zeal but the wrong information. He had total passion but only partial understanding. When zeal is misplaced it can lead to pain, hurt and suffering. We live in a world full of blindness: to truth, to morality, to real love, and to God. God is still in the business of calling people our of darkness and into his light.
You and I have experienced that:
1 Peter 2:9–10 CSB
9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his possession, so that you may proclaim the praises of the one who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
Until God removes the blinders, we will encounter people who are full of zeal but heading in a direction opposite of God. A people that are close to the truth but are being pulled farther away from Truth and from life. Their ambition and zeal are legit, but the information that guides them is incomplete at best.
These people have blinders on, and until God removed the blinders they will continue in their ways. You and I need to be praying that the people who are in darkness would see a “great light”: ⭐
Matthew 4:16–17 CSB
16 The people who live in darkness have seen a great light, and for those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned. 17 From then on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, because the kingdom of heaven has come near.”
The answer is repentance. Saul repented, though no prayers was specifically recorded, repentance means to turn-about and go the other way. Saul went from persecutor of the Way to promoter of the Way. From breathing threats to preaching the gospel of Jesus.
The new year is always a time for us to reflect on new beginnings. However, there is one beginning that has no end, and it is the most important beginning you can ever have - a new life is Christ.
Perhaps as you listen to this message you have been sceptical or even agnostic towards God. The truth is that God exists, that Jesus did come and he is the Son of God. The reality is that forgiveness, life and peace come from surrendering to him.
ask: What if you are wrong? What if you were wrong about Jesus and about your need to be forgiven and redeemed?
Would you be humble enough to admit that you were wrong and accept the truth? It does not matter what you have said or done in the past - I am sure it is no worse than what Saul did. What matters is what you do with Jesus today. You can have the blinders removed and step into the light of Jesus today with a simple prayer:
PRAY
Jesus, I admit that I have been zealous for many things, but not for you. I believe that my passions have been misplaced and I need your forgiveness. Please forgive me and remove the blinders from my eyes. I surrender my life to you and ask that you help me to life this new life in you with the same zeal that I lived my former life with. Thank you for your amazing grace and for accepting me as your child. Amen.
Close in prayer.
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