This chapter gives us the remarkable conversion of Saul of Tarsus. Because he persecuted the believers in Christ, he considered himself to be the chief of sinners (1 Timothy 1:15), but God had mercy on him. His hatred for the Lord’s people led him as far as Damascus, where he intended to bind the men and women and bring them to Jerusalem. However, the Lord’s eye was upon him, as it is upon each one of us, every moment of the day. Do you think we can ever do anything and hide it from God? As Saul pursued his evil course, a light from heaven was followed by a voice that said, “Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou Me?” Saul replied, “Who art Thou, Lord?” The answer must have astounded this religious man. He had plenty of time to think about it because he lost his sight for three days and didn’t eat or drink. The Lord told Ananias to go to Straight Street and inquire for Saul in the house of Judas. Then Saul was given his sight and the Holy Spirit. Thus strengthened, he immediately began to preach that Christ was the Son of God. The Jews in Damascus didn’t like this and went about to kill Saul. However, the Lord had a work for Saul to do, and he escaped out of their hands. Isn’t it comforting to know that our lives are in His hands?
The Apostle Peter performed a miracle in Lydda for a man named Eneas, and when the people saw it, they all turned to the Lord. Then Peter went to Joppa where a woman named Dorcas had just died. She was full of good works and made things for all the widows. After Peter prayed to the Lord, Dorcas came to life again, and, as a result, many in Joppa believed in the Lord. What great joy there must have been in Lydda, Saron and Joppa. Have you ever experienced this joy in your life?
1. If Saul found any of “this way” (Christians) in the synagogues of Damascus, what did he want to do with them? __________ Acts 9:___
2. When Saul asked, “Who art Thou, Lord?” what was the reply? __________ Acts 9:___
3. Ananias would find Saul in the house of Judas, who lived on a street called Straight. What was Saul doing? __________ Acts 9:___
4. What did Saul preach in the synagogues about Christ? __________ Acts 9:___
5. All the widows showed Peter samples of the types of things that Dorcas had made. What were they? __________ Acts 9:___