Acts 9:3–9,15–20

Explore the Bible
Assistant Professor of Christian Ministries, University of Mobile

Converted

Acts 9:3–9,15–20

The Confrontation (3–6)

Saul was a devout Jew — a member of the Pharisees. Jerusalem was the site of the persecution that happened in the previous chapter, but Saul’s zeal committed him to tracking down Christians outside of the city. 

As he neared the city of Damascus a blinding light appeared, causing Saul to fall to the ground. Jesus spoke to Saul and those around him heard the sound but did not understand it. Jesus commanded Saul to go into the city where he would be told what to do.

Having had such a traumatic experience, Saul was transformed. In fact he would reference his conversion experience at several points in the future, because this was what changed his life. The same should be said for us today. 

Each Christian has a testimony of what God has done in our lives. The work of God should be so transforming in our lives that we ought to live in a way that proves this, and it should naturally be a part of our conversation and life. Saul, whose name was changed to Paul, verified the saving and transforming power of the gospel. We ought to do the same.

In the King James Version, Jesus tells Saul, “It is hard for thee to kick against the pricks” (v. 9). This statement comes from Acts 26:14 where Paul recounts his conversion story to King Agrippa. It is likely a scribe in ancient times added this phrase back into Acts 9 recognizing that it was an actual part of Saul’s conversion story.

The Companions (7–9)

It is important to note that others were with Saul when this happened. They couldn’t understand the voice, but they knew something had happened. The impact of Saul’s meeting with Christ was so harrowing that he did not eat or drink for three days. No doubt he was deep in thought and prayer at what had just happened. 

The Commission (15–20)

The Lord told Ananias to go find Saul because God was going to use him to present the gospel to the Gentiles, to kings and to the Jews. He also revealed to Ananias that Saul would suffer for Jesus. 

This was a terrifying thought for Ananias — Saul was a known persecutor of Christians. Ananias was going to have to go and aid someone who was an enemy of the Church. But he was obedient. 

This is a key element for Christians. We need to be listening to the Holy Spirit’s leading and we need to obey what He tells us to do. It is not always what makes logical sense — often God’s calling goes against logic, such as the case with Ananias. But God’s ways are always better than our ways, even when being obedient leads us into danger or discomfort.

Ananias placed his hands on Saul and reported to him that he would be filled with the Holy Spirit and regain his sight. 

Saul was then baptized, showing his solidarity with Jesus, and spent time with the believers in Damascus being discipled. Saul then preached in synagogues recounting how Christ was the Jewish Messiah. 

True to the Word of God that came to Ananias, eventually Saul preached the gospel to the Gentiles, to kings and to the Jews. He also would suffer much for the name of Christ, so much that it would eventually cost him his life at the hands of the Roman emperor Nero. Imagine how different Saul’s life might have been if Ananias hadn’t been obedient.