The Acts of The Apostles

Acts was taught by Dr. James Modlish

 

Chapter Nine
(9:1-43)

Vs. 1-9

Saul is tearing up the countryside, binding and incarcerating believers wherever they can be found. He goes to the high priest and receives a letter of authorization to carry out his plans. The disciples have been scattered upon the stoning of Stephen (Acts 8:1). Paul heads for Damascus, which is located about 150 miles Northeast of Jerusalem.

At midday, a light far brighter than the sun (Acts 26:13) knocks Paul to the ground. This incident is something Paul never forgets. (Acts 22:26; 1 Cor. 15:8, Gal. 1:16)

Vs. 4

"Saul, Saul why persecutest thou me?" The statement of the Lord Jesus shows us that apparently what we call the Body of Christ has begun, for the persecution is the persecution of Jesus himself!

Notice that Paul has been bothered for quite a while it would seem by the stoning of Stephen. The pricks of-conscience have been plaguing him. A man's guilty conscience usually makes him react mote violently to that cause which he is convicted of.

Vs. 6

Saul receives directions and addresses Jesus as Lord.

Vs. 7

The whole party had been knocked to the ground (Acts 26:14). Another "contradiction" is noted by those who don't believe-the Bible.

Discrepancy: (Acts 9:7) the men heard a voice but saw no man. (Acts 22:9) - they heard not the voice that spoke. The answer to this problem lies in what they heard and what they did not hear. The men did not hear, "I am Jesus of Nazareth whom thou persecutest" (Acts 22:8). But they did hear, "Arise and go to Damascus..." (Acts 22:9; 9:6). Notice the order of events! Probably those that accompanied Paul were temporarily blinded (vs. 7) as Paul was. Paul did not recover immediately (vs. 9). Paul goes on a three day fast.

Vs. 10-16

Damascus is one of the oldest cities in the world. It is first mentioned in (Gen. 14:15) in the time of Abraham (1900 B.C.)

Vs. 10

Ananias is a Gentile proselyte to Judaism which is apparent in (Gen. 22:1) He is given a "good report" as Cornelius is in (Acts 10:22). Ananias was available, "I am here Lord" for his master's use.

Vs. 11

Tarsus used to be the capitol of Cilic and rivaled Alexandria and Athens for the arts and sciences. It is found on the East Coast of the Mediterranean.

Vs. 12

Saul receives a vision of Ananias' coming.

Vs. 13-16

Ananias is hesitant, for he knows Saul's reputation. The Lord calms his fears and tells Ananias that Saul is a chosen vessel. Notice the order of responsibility: Gentiles, Kings and Israel. Contrast this with (Matt. 10:5,6). Verse (16) gives us the impression that God gave Paul a preview of the suffering and persecution that he must endure. (2 Cor. 11:23-29; Phil. 3:10 Gal. 6:12; 2 Tim 3:12)

My name's sake, (vs. 14,15,20,21,22,27,29)

Observe in (vs. 13) the use of the word "saint", used for Jewish believers who are disciples (vs. 10). See (Dan. 7, 9,11,12)

Vs. 15

Paul's ministry is not exclusively Gentile (Gal. 2:7,8). Jerusalem Jews are excluded from Paul's commission (Acts 21:12, 23:11).

Vs. 17-22

Saul has hands laid on him exactly as the Samaritans had it done but it is only for a filling of the Holy Ghost.

Ananias calls Paul his "Brother", Saul is already a Brother before hands are laid on him. I Cor. 15:8 points to Paul's conversion at the initial confrontation (Acts 9:5-7). Saul does not speak in tongues in (Acts 9:6 or 9:17,18!)

Vs. 18

The Body of Christ did not begin with Paul. (Acts 22:16)

[1]. He persecuted the Body of Christ. (Acts 9:4)

[2]. He persecuted the church. (Gal. 1:13)

[3]. There were people in Christ before him. (Rom. 16:7)

Somewhere along here Paul receives his revelation in Arabia. Compare the verses found in (Gal. 1:12-20, Gal 2:1-4). The whole populace is shocked by the change in Paul's convictions. There is a good possibility that Paul spends some time on Mt. Sinai as did some of the others in Bible history: Moses, Elijah? John the Baptist? Jesus? Note the 40 days of fasting common amongst this most distinguished group. (Gal. 4:22-28; 1 Kings 19; Exodus 34, etc.)

Vs. 23-31

This is the first attempt to kill Paul, several follow. (2 Cor. 11:33; Josh. 2:15; 1 Sam. 19:12)

Vs. 26

Assayed - attempted, tried

The disciples are very skeptical of Paul's conversion and rightly so. Barnabas realizes that Paul must have an "in" even to get an audience with the apostles, so he personally brings Paul to them. Notice the results of Paul's filling (vs. 17) he preaches the Word boldly (vs. 27) (Acts 4:31-33)

Vs. 29

Paul's ministry is progressing very well. He must be preaching the gospel in love. In (vs. 23) the Jews plot to kill him and in vs. 29 the Grecians try to figure out how they can kill him. The brethren are fearful for his life and escort Paul to Caesarea and back to his home town, Tarsus.

Vs. 31

The local churches are multiplying, the Holy Ghost was a real companion to these folks and they are edified by the saints and are learning the Word of God. Multiplication happens under persecution.

Vs. 32-35

The attention moves from Paul back to Peter. Two miracles of healing are recorded, both are duplicated in the ministry of Paul, (Acts 14:9; 20:10).

Vs. 34

He arose immediately; (Acts 3:7) immediately his feet...received strength; (Acts 5:16) they were healed every one; (Acts 3:16) perfect soundness.

Aeneas means "praise."

Vs. 36-43

Joppa (Jonah 1:3) is the modern port of Joffa conjoined to Tel-Aviv. Tabitha is Aramaic for Dorcas. Dorcas was a believer in the Jewish sense (Acts 10:1-4 - Cornelius) full of good works.

This is a difficult miracle to reproduce by those that do "greater works" today. The Bible says she died (vs. 37) and then she was presented alive (vs. 41). Through this miracle many believed on the Lord. (Acts 13:12)

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