The Book of Acts

 From Wednesday, August 24, 2022

Saul’s Conversion

Acts 9:1-19 _NLT

“Meanwhile, Saul was uttering threats with every breath and was eager to kill the Lord’s followers (disciples). So he went to the high priest. He requested letters addressed to the synagogues in Damascus, asking for their cooperation in the arrest of any followers of the Way he found there. He wanted to bring them—both men and women—back to Jerusalem in chains.”- Acts 9:1-2

            Saul of Tarsus was a Pharisee who sought to bring down this new religion that was seeking to expand throughout the region. His request shown above revealed his devious intentions. The Pharisees wished to appease the Roman government as much as possible and Christianity was a fly in the ointment, so to speak. They were seen as a disturbance, something that knocked things out of equilibrium. Saul was witness to the stoning of Stephen, as told in the previous chapter and now wished to go to Damascus to arrest the ‘followers of the Way’ that were there. God had other plans for Saul. 

            Why would Saul wish to travel 135-150 miles from Jerusalem to Damascus to stop this burgeoning movement? It could have been to capture those who had fled Jerusalem or to stop the spread of Christianity to other major cities. It also could have been to stop them from causing any issues with Rome. It could have been a personal reason, as in advancing his own status and reputation as a true Pharisee, zealous to enforce the law. It may have also been to unify the Judaism factions against one common enemy. Perhaps it was a combination of some or all of these reasons, but regardless of the reasoning behind it, Saul was on his way to bring punishment to who he saw as the law breakers.

            We are all more than likely familiar with Saul’s conversion story, but for those who are unaware, Saul was on his way on the Damascus Road when he was startled by a supremely bright light that knocked him off his horse. A voice was heard, but no one was seen. The voice came out of the bright light, confounding those accompanying Saul. The voice was that of Jesus who wanted to know why Saul was persecuting him. Saul was struck blind and had to be led by the hand the remainder of the way to Damascus where he went to the place Jesus had instructed him. 

            Ananias, not of Ananias & Sapphira, but a different man, was told by the Lord to seek out Saul. Saul’s reputation had preceded him, and Ananias was apprehensive, but God reassured him that Saul would become the light God would use to bring the gospel to the gentiles, as well as the Jews. Ananias obeyed the Lord, found Saul, and touched him causing scales to fall from his eyes. Saul could now see and was immediately filled with the Holy Spirit. He got up and was baptized immediately, then ate and drank to build up his strength for the mission the Lord would send him on would be arduous and take all of his fortitude to accomplish with the help of the Holy Spirit. Saul would become the igniter of expansion throughout the region and beyond. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In his name & for his glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource: The Life Application Study Bible