by melindasbaker

Study of Acts – Chapter 9

Acts 9

Today we are learning more about Saul of Tarsus. He was present at the stoning of Stephen and influenced by Stephen’s testimony. Saul is his Hebrew name which means desired. Later his name is changed to Paul which means little. One of the ancient writers states that Paul was of small stature, approximately four and a half feet tall.

  • Saul’s conversion (Acts 9:1-31)
    • Saul the persecutor (Acts 9:1-2)
      • His purpose – defeat the fledgling church
      • His plan – persecution to the point of death for Christians who were called “People of the Way”
      • His power – authority from religious leaders
    • Saul the pursued (Acts 9:3-9)
      • The encounter (Acts 9:3-7)
      • Three questions (Acts 9:4-6)
        • Why are you persecuting me?
          • Saul thought he was doing God service
            • Acts 26
            • Galatians 1:13-14
        • Who are you?
        • What do you want me to do?
    • Saul the Patient (Acts 9:10-19)
      • Ananias was a layman in the church
        • His calling (Acts 9:10-12)
        • His response (Acts 9:13-14)
          • This is the first time the phrase “saints” is used to reference Christians
        • His obedience (Acts 9:15-17a)
        • His ministry to Saul (Acts 9:17-19)
          • In mercy
          • In restoration
    • Saul the preacher (Acts 9:0-22)
      • There was an immediate change (Acts 9:20)
        • Saul became a defender of the faith
      • The reaction (Acts 9:21)
      • His development (Acts 9:22)
    • Saul the persecuted (Acts 9:21-31)
      • The plot (Acts 9:23-24)
      • The escape (Acts 9:25)
      • The doubts (Acts 9:26)
      • The defender (Acts 9:27-29)
      • Sent to Tarsus (Acts 9:30)
      • The church’s benefit (Acts 9:31)

We are able to observe through Saul’s experiences what happens to a person through conversion. Conversion by its very definition means change. The change in Saul is seen instantly and dramatically.

II Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:The old has gone, the new is here!”

Saul’s life certainly demonstrates that truth in a very dynamic way.

Leave a comment