By Jay T. Robertson, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Systematic Theology, University of Mobile
CALLING
Acts 9:3–16
Acts is the unfolding story of the people of God filled with the Spirit of God engaging in the mission of God. The more the gospel spread, the greater the opposition became. In our lesson this week, we learn about the conversion of Saul, a Pharisee who passionately persecuted the followers of Jesus.
As he traveled to the city of Damascus to arrest Christians, Christ arrested him. Jesus called him to salvation and service. The persecutor of Christians became a gospel globetrotter.
Saul confronted (3–4)
Saul was concerned that the religion called the Way was spreading. It had started in Jerusalem and had spread through Judea and even into Samaria. He had heard that it had even taken root in Damascus, about 120 miles north of Jerusalem. This could not be allowed to take place. Receiving authority from the chief priests, he headed north to put an end to this threat to Judaism.
As he approached Damascus, he was surprised by a light from heaven that flashed around him. Saul testified that the light was an intense light, brighter than the sun at noon (26:13).
He and his traveling companions fell to the ground, but only he understood the voice that spoke to him in Aramaic (26:14). Saul had to have been shocked more than ever before in his life as he heard the voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?”
Jesus identified (5–9)
Knowing this was no human encounter, Saul replied, “Who are you, Lord?” Saul used the title “Lord” to indicate reverential respect. The voice responded, “I am Jesus, the One you are persecuting.” In his account before King Agrippa, Saul announced that Jesus had appeared to him so that he could be a witness of what he had seen (26:16). But how could it be?
Jesus had been publicly crucified and buried. Truly, His body was missing, but how could this be possible unless what His followers were saying was true?
The men traveling with Saul were speechless during this holy encounter. They had seen the blazing light and had heard the sound, but they did not see anyone. This account agrees with Saul’s later testimony in Acts 22 and 26. Although his companions did not comprehend exactly what was happening, their testimony adds weight to its authenticity.
Jesus commanded Saul to proceed to the city of Damascus, and then he would be instructed what he must do. When Saul stood up, he was unable to see anything.
At this point, he had to walk by faith and not by sight. His companions took him by the hand and led the blind Saul into Damascus.
Purpose given (10–16)
The Lord appeared to Ananias, a faithful disciple of Jesus, and commanded him to go to Saul. The Lord told him He had prepared his way by giving Saul a vision of a man named Ananias coming to him and laying his hands on him to restore his sight.
Saul’s reputation preceded him and created fear in Ananias. The Lord assured Ananias by revealing to him that Saul was His “chosen instrument to take My name to Gentiles, kings and Israelites.”
Jesus called Saul to salvation and to service. He is still calling people from spiritual death to salvation. And the people He calls to salvation He also calls to share the gospel with the lost who desperately need His forgiveness.
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