Read Acts 9
Highlights:
A zealous man seeks to destroy the followers of Jesus (Acts 9:1-2). Never underestimate His power to change even the vilest heart (9:3-18). The Church strengthened (9:19-31). Miraculous healings; many believe (9:32-42). According to His Word Christ also died for the Gentiles (chap. 10).
Saul of Tarsus was a sincere Pharisee determined to stamp out the followers of Jesus, whom he considered religious blasphemers worthy of death. So he obtained letters from the high priest to go northeast to Damascus in Syria to arrest Christians who had fled from Jerusalem. He stated that if he found any of this Way (followers of Jesus), whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem (Acts 9:2), where they could be tried for heresy and put to death.
As he neared Damascus, suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest . . . Me? And he said, Who art Thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest (9:3-5). Three days later, the Lord spoke to Ananias, a disciple of Christ who lived in Damascus, saying to him: Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and inquire . . . for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias (9:11-12). Ananias replied to the Lord: I have heard . . . how much evil he hath done to Thy saints (followers) at Jerusalem. . . . But the Lord said . . . he is a chosen vessel unto Me, to bear My Name before the Gentiles . . . and the children of Israel: For I will shew him how great (many) things he must suffer for My Name's sake. And Ananias . . . entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus . . . hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost (Spirit). . . . and he (Paul) (13:9) received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized (9:13-18).
At about the same time, Peter also had a vision which caused him to realize that God is no respecter of persons (10:34). Speaking to Gentiles at the home of Cornelius, Peter declared: To Him give all the prophets witness, that through His Name whosoever believeth in Him shall receive remission of sins. While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost (Spirit) fell on all them which heard the Word (10:43-44). After they were filled with the Holy Spirit, Peter asked: Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost (Spirit) . . . ? And he commanded them to be baptized in the Name of the Lord (10:47-48). By one Spirit are we all baptized into one Body (I Cor. 12:13).
Thought for Today:
O how love I Thy Law! it is my meditation all the day (Ps. 119:97).
Word Studies:
10:1 centurion, a captain of an Italian troop of 100 men; 10:3 ninth hour, 3 p.m, the usual hour of evening worship among the Jews.
Cross References:
For Acts 10:14: See Lev. 11:4; 20:25; Deut. 14:3,7. Acts 10:34 See Deut. 10:17. Acts 10:38: See Is. 61:1-3.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Mrs. Helen A. Porter • Staff: Rita Guerra • Government Officials: Sen. Jack Reed (RI) and Rep. Diane Watson (CA) • Country: Honduras (6 million) in Central America • Major languages: Spanish and Indian dialects • Religious freedom • 86% Roman Catholic; 10% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Trust the Lord and ask Him to direct your steps (Ps. 143:8).
Memory Verse for the Week: Luke 14:33