ACTS 9 1-20

[  ] references {  } thots, a reading & study, verses R paraphrased N.T. in a year

Book of the Acts of the First Believers

1 - (Pharisee) Saul was still breathing out threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord. He went to the high priest 2 and asked for letters to the synagogues of Damascus, saying if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he could arrest them and bring them to Jerusalem.

     3 Later on his way to Damascus, a bright light suddenly shone all about him. 4 It was so bright he fell to the ground. And he heard a voice saying, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?”

     5 And Saul said, “Who are you?” And the voice said, “I’m Jesus, the one you’re persecuting! 6 Get up now and go into the city, and you’ll be told what to do.”

     7 The others who were traveling with him were speechless, for they had heard the voice but didn’t see anyone. 8 Saul got up, and although his eyes were open, he couldn’t see a thing. So they led him into Damascus. 9 He wasn’t able to see for three days, during which time he didn’t eat or drink.

     10 Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias, and the Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.”

     Ananias said, “Here I am, Lord.” 11 And the Lord said, “Go to the street they call Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul. He’s praying 12 and has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay hands on him so he might see.”

     13 But Ananias said, “Lord, I’ve heard about this man! How much evil he’s done to the believers at Jerusalem. 14 And now I hear he has authority from the leading priests {authorities of the nation} in Jerusalem to arrest all who call on your name.”

     15 But the Lord said to him, “Don’t worry, he’s a chosen vessel of mine to bring my name to the nations, before kings, and also to the children of Israel. 16 I’ll show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name [onoma - name, authority, cause].”

     17 So Ananias went and entered the house. Then laying his hands on him said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road has sent me to you so you may regain your sight, and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” {The Presence of God.}

     18 And immediately the darkness fell from his eyes, and he could see. Then Saul rose up and was baptized, 19 and taking food, he was strengthened.

      For some days he stayed with the disciples at Damascus. 20 And right away he went to the synagogues and proclaimed Jesus, saying, “He’s the Son of God!”

Next - 9:21-43