Acts 9:1-19 The Conversion of Saul

Acts 9: 1-19

The Conversion of Saul

 

Introduction

Saul’s conversion is reported three times in Acts – chapters 9, 22, and 26

Born ~AD 5 in Tarsus in the region of Cilicia. His family moved to Jerusalem at about the age of 5. As a youth, he began his studies at the feet of Gamaliel – the most prominent rabbi of the day.

Verse 1-5

Saul requested letters of permission from the high priest to persecute Christians (see also Acts 22:4-5) at the synagogues in Damascus.

In verse 5 Jesus starts telling Saul what to do. From that point forward, Saul followed Jesus’ commands.

Verse 6-17

There is a bit of humor in what happens next:

Saul is staying at the house of Judas – a man with the same name as the disciple who betrayed Jesus

Saul’s rescuer is Ananias – a man with the same name as a disciple who was struck down for lying to the Holy Spirit.

The Lord tells Ananias to go to Saul so that he may regain his sight. Chuck Swindoll speculates that Ananias may have thought that a sightless Saul was an improvement!

Verse 18-19

After conversion he received the Holy Spirit, received his sight and was baptized.

 

The Hound of Heaven poem by Francis Thompson

 

Geography related to Saul's conversion to Paul (no other endorsement of this site's materials is implied)