“And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and 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 thou Me? And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do” (Acts 9:1-61And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, 2And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. 3And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: 4And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? 5And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. 6And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. (Acts 9:1‑6)).
See here the good Savior and the chief of sinners — the Lord Jesus Christ and Saul of Tarsus! We have an inspired commentary about what happened in the very words of Saul (Paul), written many years later:
The brightness of the light from heaven that came on him was not increased by the light of the sun, nor by any other light source. On the contrary, the brightness of the light was increased by the glory of the Lord Himself! “A light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun” (Acts 26:1313At midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed with me. (Acts 26:13)). Paul said later, “have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord?” (1 Cor. 9:11Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord? (1 Corinthians 9:1)).
Another marvelous thing was presented in the five words that Jesus directed to Saul, “Saul, why persecutest thou Me?” Saul had to understand that the poor Christians he persecuted and Christ formed one body! Before “Saul, (who also is called Paul)” (Acts 13:99Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him, (Acts 13:9)), received “by the revelation of Jesus Christ” the truth — the doctrine — of Christ and the church forming one body, this was expressed to Saul by the Lord of Glory in five words: “Saul, why persecutest thou Me?” (Read Eph. 1:22-2322And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, 23Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all. (Ephesians 1:22‑23); Col. 1:1818And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. (Colossians 1:18)).
The skeptics and unfaithful like to declare that there is an error in the Bible. There is not any error, but rather only what is rooted in their own unbelieving heads. The Greek “voice,” phones, means a sound or a voice. The context determines which of the two it means. Saul heard and understood the voice — what was spoken by the Lord. The rest of the men heard the sound of a voice, but they did not understand it. “they heard not the voice of Him that spake to me” — not spoke with them.
There is no contradiction, not here nor in any other part of the inspired Word of the living and true God.
There is no doubt that a tremendous and unspeakable change took place in the heart and mind of Saul. For three sightless days, he went over his life of religious zeal but relentless enmity with Christ and his precious members on the earth — the poor Christians. He was so ashamed, confused, and humiliated because of his great wickedness, then so delighted and astonished by the abundant grace of Jesus — now his Lord — that he could not even think about food or drink, nor want them — instead, he prayed.
“And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord. And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight”(Acts 9:10-1210And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord. 11And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, 12And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight. (Acts 9:10‑12)).
The Lord who knows and directs everything always has His chosen instrument on hand for any purpose of His sovereign grace. There was a humble disciple in Damascus that walked, evidently, in sweet and intimate communion with the Lord, since he was not surprised when a vision of the Lord appeared to him. What surprised him was the Lord’s command: “Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to Thy saints at Jerusalem: And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on Thy name” (Acts 9:13-1413Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: 14And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name. (Acts 9:13‑14)). Ananias, in his simplicity, believed that the Lord was not abreast of the situation and that it was his job to inform him about Saul’s intention. But Jesus, very graciously, answered him: “Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto Me, to bear My name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for My name’s sake” (Acts 9:15-1615But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: 16For I will show him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake. (Acts 9:15‑16)).
Thus, the Lord Jesus converted His most relentless enemy into the most blessed instrument of His grace, making him a “minister” of the church, “minister” of the mystery of Christ, and “minister” of the dispensation of the grace of God — a ministry that included the Gentiles along with the believing Jews as “fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ by the gospel” (Col. 1:2424Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church: (Colossians 1:24); Eph. 3:1-71For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, 2If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: 3How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, 4Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) 5Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; 6That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: 7Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power. (Ephesians 3:1‑7)).
“And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized. And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus” (Acts 9:17-1917And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. 18And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized. 19And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus. (Acts 9:17‑19)).
That case was special in every aspect, including what was written later in Acts about the baptism of Saul of Tarsus:
“And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:1616And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord. (Acts 22:16)). Saul was pardoned by the Lord Jesus three days before; his sins were already washed before God forever: “And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more” (Heb. 10:1717And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. (Hebrews 10:17)). In addition to that, Saul was immediately commissioned by the Lord Jesus (read Acts 26:15-1815And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest. 16But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; 17Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, 18To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me. (Acts 26:15‑18)). But there is another aspect of the matter to be considered: Saul did not yet enjoy a good testimony before men. He was well known exactly as Ananias had described him on answering the Lord: a man that had done much evil to the poor Christians among the Jews. Having said that, Saul, being baptized, was identified with the Lord and His cause, also placing himself alongside of the Christians that he had previously persecuted. Thus Paul washed his sins before men — before God they had already been pardoned.
Then, considering this, those that want to draw out of this Scripture the doctrine of the soul’s salvation through baptism with water have no base for their false doctrine. This doctrine degrades the work of Christ, who washed us from every sin with His precious blood — not with water.
“Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus. And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God. But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests? But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ” (Acts 9:19-2219And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus. 20And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God. 21But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests? 22But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ. (Acts 9:19‑22)).
How did Saul confound the Jews? By telling the people all about his miraculous conversion? We do not believe so. Then, how? Was it not through the same method that Apollos “convinced the Jews, and that publicly”? Yes, since he showed “by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ” (Acts 18:2828For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publickly, showing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ. (Acts 18:28)). But, how did Saul possess such a knowledge of the “person of the Son of God” as was revealed in the Old Testament? We are going to read Galatians chapter one: “But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called me by His grace, To reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood: Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus. Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem” (Galatians 1:15-1815But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace, 16To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood: 17Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus. 18Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days. (Galatians 1:15‑18)).
The most natural thing for Saul would have been to return from Damascus to Jerusalem and join himself with the apostles and the other brothers. But, directed by the Lord, he went away to the Arabian desert. There, during approximately three years, he stayed by himself, reading and studying the Old Testament by the light of the Holy Spirit that was dwelling in him and was teaching him all that the Scriptures said about the Son of God — the great Messiah of Israel and the Savior of the Gentiles as well. Afterwards, on returning to Damascus, he knew the Old Testament very well and could confound those that opposed the truth about the person of Christ, the Son of God.
Saul — who had previously cruelly persecuted the Christians — was now the one who was persecuted by his countrymen, the unbelieving Jews: “whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap” (Gal. 6:77Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. (Galatians 6:7)). However, not just the Jews but also the Gentiles in Damascus were trying to kill him, since the Jews always incited the Gentiles to persecute the apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ. We read in 2 Corinthians 11:32-3332In Damascus the governor under Aretas the king kept the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desirous to apprehend me: 33And through a window in a basket was I let down by the wall, and escaped his hands. (2 Corinthians 11:32‑33): “In Damascus the governor under Aretas the king kept the city of the damascenes with a garrison, desirous to apprehend me: And through a window in a basket was I let down by the wall, and escaped his hands.”
“And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus. And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem. And he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Acts 9:26-2926And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple. 27But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus. 28And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem. 29And he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him. (Acts 9:26‑29)).
We see here that every believer who was not previously known, on going to one church or Christian assembly to another, required a personal recommendation from others, either by a trustworthy word or by a letter. Apollos, a great public speaker and a very talented man, did not go from Ephesus to Achaia without taking a letter of recommendation with him. Phoebe, a deaconess, or servant of the church in Cencrea, took a letter of recommendation — incorporated into the epistle to Paul written to the believers in Rome (see Acts 18:2727And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace: (Acts 18:27); Rom. 16:1-21I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea: 2That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succorer of many, and of myself also. (Romans 16:1‑2)). Saul could not go in among the believers in Jerusalem unless he had a trustworthy testimony of his faith and practice.
The word “Grecian” here, just like in Acts 6:11And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. (Acts 6:1), does not refer to Gentiles of that race, but rather to the Jews born in a part of Greece who were called “Hellenists.” In Jerusalem, there were a number of them, men and women, who had returned to their own native land.
Saul gave a faithful testimony to his Lord, not only in Damascus, but also in Jerusalem, and awoke enmity against the name of Jesus. His brothers in the faith loved him very much and took care of him, sending him, according to the wisdom that God gave them, to his native people of Tarsus. Thus, the great Apostle of the Gentiles, personally commissioned by the Lord Jesus Himself, not only took a time of refuge in Arabia, but also another time of refuge in Tarsus, where there is no doubt that he preached the gospel to his parents and brothers and fellow citizens, in keeping with the word of the Lord: “Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee” (Mark 5:1919Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee. (Mark 5:19)). From all of this, we discern that it is the will of the Lord to send His harvest laborers out well prepared. Saul (or rather, Paul) had much preparation before he was sent out by the Holy Spirit (see Acts 13:1-41Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. 3And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. 4So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus. (Acts 13:1‑4)).
Once the wild religious beast, Saul of Tarsus, was converted and tamed, the Christian assemblies among the Jews, Galileans, and Samaritans (1) “had peace,” (2) “were built up,” (3) “walking in the fear of the Lord;” and (4) “with the consolation of the Holy Spirit” (5) “they were multiplied.”
“And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all quarters, he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda. And there he found a certain man named Aeneas, which had kept his bed eight years, and was sick of the palsy. And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately. And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord” (Acts 9:32-3532And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all quarters, he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda. 33And there he found a certain man named Eneas, which had kept his bed eight years, and was sick of the palsy. 34And Peter said unto him, Eneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately. 35And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord. (Acts 9:32‑35)).
While the Lord Jesus was preparing Saul for his ministry to the church, from Acts 9:3232And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all quarters, he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda. (Acts 9:32) to 11:18, we have the story of the ministry of the Apostle Peter beyond Jerusalem — the unbelieving city that had rejected the whole testimony of God about His beloved Son Jesus, even going as far as blocking their ears and stoning Stephen, eye-witness of Christ in the heavenly glory (see Acts 7:56-6056And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. 57Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, 58And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul. 59And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. 60And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep. (Acts 7:56‑60)).
The ministry of Paul was by the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus had said to the twelve apostles: “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on Me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto My Father” (John 14:1212Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. (John 14:12)). They could do greater works for the simple reason that the Holy Spirit was sent by the Father and the Son (see John 14:26; 15:2626But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. (John 14:26)
26But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me: (John 15:26)).
Thus, Peter, as an instrument of God and by the power of the Holy Spirit — not by any power that he had — was able to heal Aeneas, a paralytic. Seeing the miracle, everyone who lived in Lydda and Saron converted to the Lord. That was an admirable work without precedent: two entire cities converted to the Lord!
The miracles done in those days — at the beginning of the Christian witness in the Judaic or pagan world — were done with the divine purpose of giving certainty to everyone that it was the work of the living and true God. The same God of “Abraham, of Isaac and of Jacob,” the fathers of the Israelite race, as it is written in 1 Corinthians 14:2222Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe. (1 Corinthians 14:22) “for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not” (or doubt).
Today there are many who call themselves Christians and servants of God and claim to do miracles and healing works among the believers. However, there is not even one single passage in the Christian epistles where it tells us that any apostle healed a believer. On the contrary, Paul did not heal his beloved companion in the work of the gospel, Timothy, but rather prescribed him medicine (see 1 Tim. 5:2323Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities. (1 Timothy 5:23)). Nor did he heal Trophimus, but rather left him “sick” in Miletus (2 Tim. 4:2020Erastus abode at Corinth: but Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick. (2 Timothy 4:20)). It is true that, “the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up,” but this is not saying that the Lord has to do a clear miracle; He can use medical methods prescribed by “Luke, the beloved physician” (Col. 4:1414Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you. (Colossians 4:14)) or another doctor. Just like the prophet Isaiah did when he prescribed a “cake of figs” to put on King Hezekiah’s sore (Isa. 38:2121For Isaiah had said, Let them take a lump of figs, and lay it for a plaster upon the boil, and he shall recover. (Isaiah 38:21)). Healings were done in unbelievers, as we have said, to be an effective testimony.
Man always likes to see or experience a great miracle, but he does not want his soul to be exercised in the presence of God about his sins — which is the essential object of the dealings of God with men and their children, is it not?
“Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did. And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber. And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them. Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them. But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up. And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive. And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord. And it came to pass, that he tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner” (Acts 9:36-4336Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did. 37And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber. 38And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them. 39Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and showing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them. 40But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up. 41And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive. 42And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord. 43And it came to pass, that he tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner. (Acts 9:36‑43)).
Even more marvelous than the miraculous healing of Aeneas was Dorcas being brought back to life. She was the seventh person brought back to life that is mentioned in the Bible. In Acts 20, the eighth person, Eutychus, is the last one to be mentioned. The number eight is the number of resurrection, since the Lord rose from the dead on the first day of the week, or rather, the eighth day.
Peter heard the widows weeping and saw Dorcas’ cold body, but what could he do? In the presence of Death, he realized that he was nothing and had no power to rescue the victim. He had to turn everyone out so that he could be alone with God in prayer. Then, receiving the answer in his spirit, he said with total confidence to the dead girl, “Tabitha, arise.” Immediately, she sat up.
What was the blessed result? “Many believed in the Lord.”