Acts 9:1–19a

Introduction

Acts 9:1–19a: Saul was a Pharisee who sought to destroy the Church by persecuting those who believed in Jesus. Saul encounters Jesus on the road to Damascus, and Jesus chooses him for a special mission. Saul begins his ministry by preaching in Damascus; his life is threatened, but his followers help him escape.

Today’s Key Verse: Acts 9:15 GNT

The Lord said to him, “Go, because I have chosen [Saul] to serve me, to make my name known to Gentiles and kings and to the people of Israel.”

Read

9 In the meantime Saul kept up his violent threats of murder against the followers of the Lord. He went to the High Priest ² and asked for letters of introduction to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he should find there any followers of the Way of the Lord, he would be able to arrest them, both men and women, and bring them back to Jerusalem.

³ As Saul was coming near the city of Damascus, suddenly a light from the sky flashed around him. ⁴ He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul! Why do you persecute me?”

⁵ “Who are you, Lord?” he asked.

“I am Jesus, whom you persecute,” the voice said. ⁶ “But get up and go into the city, where you will be told what you must do.”

⁷ The men who were traveling with Saul had stopped, not saying a word; they heard the voice but could not see anyone. ⁸ Saul got up from the ground and opened his eyes, but could not see a thing. So they took him by the hand and led him into Damascus. ⁹ For three days he was not able to see, and during that time he did not eat or drink anything.

¹⁰ There was a believer in Damascus named Ananias. He had a vision, in which the Lord said to him, “Ananias!”

“Here I am, Lord,” he answered.

¹¹ The Lord said to him, “Get ready and go to Straight Street, and at the house of Judas ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul. He is praying, ¹² and in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come in and place his hands on him so that he might see again.”

¹³ Ananias answered, “Lord, many people have told me about this man and about all the terrible things he has done to your people in Jerusalem. ¹⁴ And he has come to Damascus with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who worship you.”

¹⁵ The Lord said to him, “Go, because I have chosen him to serve me, to make my name known to Gentiles and kings and to the people of Israel. ¹⁶ And I myself will show him all that he must suffer for my sake.”

¹⁷ So Ananias went, entered the house where Saul was, and placed his hands on him. “Brother Saul,” he said, “the Lord has sent me—Jesus himself, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here. He sent me so that you might see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” ¹⁸ At once something like fish scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he was able to see again. He stood up and was baptized; ¹⁹ and after he had eaten, his strength came back.

Saul stayed for a few days with the believers in Damascus.

Reflect

Describe Saul’s encounter with Jesus. Why do you suppose Jesus chose him? What was to be Saul’s mission (verse 15)? How would you describe the mission of your community of faith?

Pray

Lord Jesus, you have called me to follow you. Anoint me with your Holy Spirit and empower me to bear witness to the good news of your salvation. May my words and actions this day reflect your saving love and grace. Amen.

And now, join us in praising God that the New Testament in Kodi for the people of Indonesia will soon be completed. Almighty God, we pray for the 25,000 Kodi speakers living on the remote island of Sumba, Indonesia. They have long held onto their traditions and culture. Many are Christians who have never read the New Testament in their heart language. We rejoice that this situation is about to change. Thanks to the support from Bible-A-Month Partners, and through the dedicated work of the Indonesian Bible Society and local church partners, the first-ever Kodi New Testament will soon be completed. All glory to you! Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

Acts 9:19b–31: Saul preaches in Damascus.