Saul and Ananias Encounter the Risen Jesus

I. Introduction

Today we have come to the ending of our series dubbed “Encounters with the Risen Jesus.” I pray that it has been informative, uplifting, and edifying to the body of Christ as it helps to solidify our faith in the risen Jesus as revealed in God’s Word. I think this last one is especially relevant in our day and time as it reminds us of the presence and power of our Lord Jesus Christ to graciously bestow salvation on whomever God has chosen to work through in His divine plan to save mankind from sin. Today we dive into the powerful conversion and calling of Saul of Tarsus in Acts 9:1-22, one of early Christianity’s most fierce persecutors.

II. Saul’s mission against “the Way” (Acts 9:1-2)

Acts 9:1–2 ESV

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.

A. Saul consented to Stephen’s death (Acts 7:58; 8:1)

B. Saul ravaged the church (Acts 8:3)

III. Saul Encounters the Risen Jesus! (Acts 9:3-9)

Acts 9:3–5 ESV

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.

Acts 26:14 ESV

14 And when we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’

BDAG Definition of goad: a pointed stick that serves the same purpose as a whip.

Acts 26:16–18 ESV

16 But rise and stand upon your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and witness to the things in which you have seen me and to those in which I will appear to you, 17 delivering you from your people and from the Gentiles—to whom I am sending you 18 to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’

Acts 9:6–8 ESV

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.

IV. Ananias Encounters the Risen Jesus! (Acts 9:10-16)

Acts 9:10–16 ESV

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.”

V. Ananias meets with Saul (Acts 9:17-19)

Acts 9:17–19 ESV

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. For some days he was with the disciples at Damascus.

VI. Saul joins in on Jesus’ mission (Acts 9:20-22)

Acts 9:20–22 ESV

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.

VII. Three Implications of Saul’s and Ananias’ Encounter with the Risen Jesus!

A. Christ’s mission involves saving sinners.

1 Timothy 1:12–16 ESV

12 I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, 13 though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, 14 and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 15 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. 16 But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life.

B. Believers must continue to follow and trust and not resist the Lord’s will being ready to disciple those that the risen Jesus saves.

C. All who have encountered Jesus are compelled to witness about Him just as Saul did.