Acts Chapter 9

Romans 9:1
I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost,

This is not educational enlightenment........this is instant conviction and eye opening of the Holy Spirit
Paul here does not start speaking in tongues.

In the same accounting of this event by Paul himself in chapter 22, Paul says it differently, which critics and unbelievers call a contradiction
Hearing *******A******* voice, not *******THE******* voice of the LORD (big distinction)
It is like hearing a muffled voice on the other side of a wall......you cannot testify of what or who you heard, just that it was a voice.
Anyone can hear "A" voice, even psychotics and devil-possessed people, but only those of Jesus hear HIS voice.
In Exodus 20, Moses heard God speak; Israel heard thunder and "the noise of a trumpet" and saw lightning
In Daniel 10:7, only Daniel saw the vision; not those with him
In John 12:28-29, some heard an angel, some heard thunder, some heard the Father speak to Jesus
Saul did not need to be witnessed to via a man; that had already happened to him with the stoning of Stephen. Hence the signs and wonders breaking him

His "eyes were opened".........so he was temporarily blinded, without doubt
He was blinded by the light
His spiritual eyes were opened to the light; his physical eyes were closed to the light
In other words, the heavens (spirit) were opened and the earth (flesh) was shut out, as when we walk with the LORD
The human element was not present HERE at all-it was earlier in Stephen's stoning, Saul being the witness to it, and it is unique
Spirit of God, Word of God, man of God (Stephen, just earlier)
This is a unique time in history, unrepeatable. Saul saw what Stephen saw when he was stoned by Saul, just later on
Saul already KNEW the Old Testament very well, and would have known the verses about the Messiah, the Suffering Messiah, the Returning Messiah, etc.

SAUL'S PERSONAL WITNESS BY A MAN: THE STONING OF STEPHEN

PAUL'S CONVERSION RETOLD

Acts 22:6-10
And it came to pass, that, as I made my journey, and was come nigh unto Damascus about noon, suddenly there shone from heaven a great light round about me. And I fell unto the ground, and heard a voice saying unto me, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
And I answered, Who art thou, Lord? And he said unto me, I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom thou persecutest. And they that were with me saw indeed the light, and were afraid; but they heard not the voice of him that spake to me. And I said, What shall I do, Lord? And the Lord said unto me, Arise, and go into Damascus; and there it shall be told thee of all things which are appointed for thee to do.

He did not get excited about being saved; he was totally confused, at sea, thus far
This was perhaps by design, because his personality is so excitable?

God calls people personally, by name
A similar thing happened to others in the Bible, like Abraham, Jacob, Samuel
Ananias in chapter 22 was called, "a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews"

Tourists and tourist/travel web sites still tell of and show pictures of Straight Street in Damascus, and most if not all other roads are twisted, cornered, etc.

This dream was given so that God could tell Ananias about it, to allay his fears
This was needed due to Paul's reputation as a chief persecutor

Acts 9:13
Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem:

"Are we talking the same Saul here, LORD?"
Evidently the word had traveled to Damascus how Saul was persecuting the church

Acts 9:14
And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name.

His coming to Damascus was also known, and his authority, his letters
How did Ananias know, when Saul had not yet even arrived?

Acts 9:15
But 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:

Paul is generally referred to as "the apostle to the Gentiles", but he also preached to the Jews
Paul went before Felix the governor and Agrippa
Paul was heavily trained in the Jewish faith.......and preached mainly to the Gentiles.
He did not use that training much, in either case. Just the part about the Messiah
This is why, later, he "counted them but dung".

Philippians 3:8
Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,

Romans 15:16
That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.

VES'SEL, n. [L. vas, vasis. This word is probably the English vat.]

A cask or utensil proper for holding liquors and other things, as a tun, a pipe, a puncheon, a hogshead, a barrel, a firkin, a bottle, a kettle, a cup, a dish, _c.
In anatomy, any tube or canal, in which the blood and other humors are contained, secreted or circulated, as the arteries, veins, lymphatics, spermatics, _c.
In the physiology of plants, a canal or tube of very small bore, in which the sap is contained and conveyed; also, a bag or utricle, filled with pulp, and serving as a reservoir for sap; also, a spiral canal, usually of a larger bore, for receiving and distributing air.
Any building used in navigation, which carries masts and sails, from the largest ship of war down to a fishing sloop. In general however, vessel is used for the smaller ships, brigs, sloops, schooners, luggers, scows, _c.
Something containing.
Vessels of wrath, in Scripture, are such persons as are to receive the full effects of God's wrath and indignation, as a punishment for their sins.
Vessels of mercy, are persons who are to receive the effects of God's mercy, or future happiness and glory.
Chosen vessels, ministers of the gospel, as appointed to bear the glad news of salvation to others; called also earthen vessels, on account of their weakness and frailty. VES'SEL, v.t. To put into a vessel. [Not in use.]

Acts 9:16
For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.

Paul will suffer.........be persecuted, and then do great things
Jesus does not say what great things he will DO, but must SUFFER
He is suffering for the NAME of Jesus Christ

Acts 9:17
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.

Through faith, Ananias went his way......like Abraham
Ananias accepts Saul as his brother in Christ, meaning Ananias knew he was saved
Neither Ananias nor Saul speak in tongues here
Saul was not told to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, just to be filled (controlled by) by the Holy Ghost
Saul was previously saved when he saw Christ, not here.

1 Corinthians 15:8
And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.

Acts 9:18
And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.

Spiritually seeing, now also again physically seeing
Ananias gets to baptize Saul
No sense wasting time. Baptism, preaching the Gospel

Acts 9:19
And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.

He was building the Damascus Church
As a Messianic Jew, Saul could bring a certain perspective to the Gentiles from the Old Testament

PAUL'S DIRECT REVELATIONS OF THE GOSPEL

Galatians 1:15-24
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 to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days. But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord's brother. Now the things which I write unto you, behold, before God, I lie not. Afterwards I came into the regions of Syria and Cilicia;

Acts 20:24
But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.
And was unknown by face unto the churches of Judaea which were in Christ: But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed. And they glorified God in me.

Called before he was in the womb, or he attributes God with his first birth
Apostle to the Gentiles
Conferred not with man, apostles, disciples
Went to the wilderness, desert for direct revelation from Jesus Christ
Returned to Damascus
After three years, meets with Peter

Acts 9:20
And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.

This would have not gone too well with the leadership
"Son of God" is a title of deity

Luke 22:70-71
Then said they all, Art thou then the Son of God? And he said unto them, Ye say that I am. And they said, What need we any further witness? for we ourselves have heard of his own mouth.

John 10:30-36
I and my Father are one. Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him. Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me?
The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God. Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods?
If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken; Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God?

John 19:7
The Jews answered him, We have a law, and by our law he ought to die, because he made himself the Son of God.

Acts 9:21
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?

They knew what he was and what Saul did
They knew why Saul came
This was not the first time, nor the second, apparently

Acts 9:22
But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.

This increase was in his ability to expound on the Old Testament using the Scriptures
Using the sword correctly yields such

Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

CONFOUNDED, pp.

Mixed or blended in disorder; perplexed; abashed; dismayed; put to shame and silence; astonished.
Enormous; as a confounded tory. [Vulgar.]

Acts 9:23
And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him:

This wanting to kill him would result from them being confounded!
They could not answer him using their Scriptures
This is a classic case of "if you can't stand the message kill...the messenger"

Acts 9:24
But their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him.

This is religious fervor at its highest
Wanting so desperately to kill an innocent man who was part of your side previously

Acts 9:25
Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket.

It was not his time to die yet. Not even close
They persecuted Paul in Acts 13, tried to stone him in Acts 14, Acts 17, Acts 19, and here in verse 29 also (the Greeks)

2 Corinthians 11:22-28
Are they Hebrews? so am I. Are they Israelites? so am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? so am I. Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft.
Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren;
In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.

THE BASKET LOWERING, RETOLD

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.

Acts 9:26
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.

His reputation had traveled this far, but it was so strong as a persecutor, it was too hard to accept that he was now a convert.
Perhaps they thought he was not trying to join them, but rather infiltrate them

Acts 9:27
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.

Sometimes it takes a trusted person to unite others of the same group with a person who is not trusted.
Barnabas is doing the job of a mediator, like Jesus is ti the Father for us

Acts 9:28
And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem.

This shows how accepted he really was-fellowship

Acts 9:29
And he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him.

He disputed. Argued. Debated truth with them. They believed in evolutionism for their origins.
In return, when one cannot succeed in defeating truth..... just kill the messenger.
Uncompromising boldness, combined with truth, will draw blood then as now.

Acts 9:30
Which when the brethren knew, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus.

They were used of God because Paul's time was not yet up.
Paul is about to preach in his own hometown

Acts 9:31
Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.

The lion has been turned into a lamb, so there is a rest
The spiritual aspect is the fear of the LORD and comfort of the Holy Ghost
The phrase "the fear of the LORD" is used 30 times in Scripture, 14 in Proverbs, often associated with wisdom and knowledge of the LORD

Acts 9:32-33
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.

Focus switch

Acts 9:34
And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately.

Peter did not say "I make you whole"
Peter did not say, "Be healed! Now give me some money"
Peter did not ask to be worshipped, have his feet or ring kissed, nor draw attention to himself in any way
Peter did not even lay hands on him, and neither Peter, nor Aeneas, nor anyone else spoke in tongues before, during or after

Acts 9:35
And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord.

This place was simply prepared to receive the Gospel
Contrast this with Jesus when He could do no miracles because of a lack of faith

Matthew 13:58
And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief.

Acts 9:36
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.

Joppa is today called Jaffa or Tel Aviv, the largest metropolitan area to day in Israel
Also known as Japho, Joppe, el-Qal'a, Tel Aviv, 'Yafa, Yafa el-'Atiqa, Yafo
The name means "beauty", for the sunshine reflected off of the houses
It is one of the oldest fishing ports in the world
It was used by Huram king of Tyre as a port to bring Solomon the items to build and furnish the temple
This was repeated in the rebuilding, with Ezra, with the people of Tyre getting cedars from Lebanon
Jonah went there to flee from the LORD
During most times, especially during Turkish rule, it was THE main way to enter Israel

2 Chronicles 2:16
And we will cut wood out of Lebanon, as much as thou shalt need: and we will bring it to thee in floats by sea to Joppa; and thou shalt carry it up to Jerusalem.

Ezra 3:7
They gave money also unto the masons, and to the carpenters; and meat, and drink, and oil, unto them of Zidon, and to them of Tyre, to bring cedar trees from Lebanon to the sea of Joppa, according to the grant that they had of Cyrus king of Persia.

Jonah 1:3
But Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD, and went down to Joppa; and he found a ship going to Tarshish: so he paid the fare thereof, and went down into it, to go with them unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD.

Acts 9:37
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.

This was similar to 1 Kings 17:17-22 with Elijah, John 16 with Lazarus
It may be that some people die in the body, but their soul does not leave the earth (it just leaves their body, only to return) to Heaven, as they have no stories like Paul did of seeing heaven
In other words, Paul saw Heaven without dying (ie. as some visions of Ezekiel), while they died without seeing Heaven

2 Corinthians 5:8
We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.

1 Kings 17:17-22
And it came to pass after these things, that the son of the woman, the mistress of the house, fell sick; and his sickness was so sore, that there was no breath left in him. And she said unto Elijah, What have I to do with thee, O thou man of God? art thou come unto me to call my sin to remembrance, and to slay my son? And he said unto her, Give me thy son. And he took him out of her bosom, and carried him up into a loft, where he abode, and laid him upon his own bed. And he cried unto the LORD, and said, O LORD my God, hast thou also brought evil upon the widow with whom I sojourn, by slaying her son? And he stretched himself upon the child three times, and cried unto the LORD, and said, O LORD my God, I pray thee, let this child's soul come into him again. And the LORD heard the voice of Elijah; and the soul of the child came into him again, and he revived.

John 11:38-44
Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it. Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days.
Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God? Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me. And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.

2 Corinthians 12:1-3
It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven. And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;)

Acts 9:38
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.

This is very similar to the Gospel account of Jairus's daughter

Luke 8:49-56
While he yet spake, there cometh one from the ruler of the synagogue's house, saying to him, Thy daughter is dead; trouble not the Master. But when Jesus heard it, he answered him, saying, Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole. And when he came into the house, he suffered no man to go in, save Peter, and James, and John, and the father and the mother of the maiden.
And all wept, and bewailed her: but he said, Weep not; she is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn, knowing that she was dead. And he put them all out, and took her by the hand, and called, saying, Maid, arise. And her spirit came again, and she arose straightway: and he commanded to give her meat. And her parents were astonished: but he charged them that they should tell no man what was done.

Acts 9:39
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.

Not sure what the purpose of showing Peter her wares, but perhaps emotions overtook them, being all widows

Acts 9:40
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.

Apparently their unbelief would be a problem.
The pattern is first prayer, followed by action or a word. He had spent time with Jesus, again

Luke 22:56
But a certain maid beheld him as he sat by the fire, and earnestly looked upon him, and said, This man was also with him.

Acts 4:13
Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.

Acts 9:41
And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive.

Imagine the excitement!
Jesus took Jairus's daughter by the hand, had her arise by His Word and either took her to show everyone that she was again alive also, or she walked out on her own. HE then commanded they feed her (Matthew 5, Luke 8)

Acts 9:42
And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord.

This is a resurrection, and Jesus is the Resurrection and the life, as He said to Mary and Martha, about Lazarus

John 11:25
Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:

Acts 9:43
And it came to pass, that he tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner.

To be a tanner was like being a fisherman............not well liked, not very popular; it was a "dirty job".

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Links to studies by book or topic are on the top menu.

Acts chapter 10

INTRODUCTION:

Acts Chapter 9: FROM SAUL TO PAUL

THE WAY

SAUL'S PERSONAL WITNESS BY A MAN: THE STONING OF STEPHEN

PAUL'S CONVERSION RETOLD

PAUL'S DIRECT REVELATIONS OF THE GOSPEL

THE BASKET LOWERING, RETOLD