Acts 9:1-19

9:1 | Evidently Luke thought that Paul’s conversion was important because he records it two times in Acts besides this chapter (22:6-16; 26:12-18). The story occupies more space in the NT than any other, except for the events surrounding the crucifixion, burial, and resurrection of Christ.

9:2 | Five times in the Book of Acts, early Christians are called followers of the Way (19:9,23; 24:14,22; John 14:6).

9:4 | Saul heard Jesus call his name twice and immediately fell under conviction. Because Jesus spoke to him in the Hebrew language, this helped Saul immediately identify that he was talking to Jesus of Nazareth, who had been crucified on a cross – yet was alive!

9:5-6 | Saul asked the Lord Jesus the two most important questions anyone could ever ask of Him: Who are You? And What do You want me to do? The desire to obey is a consequence of a heart changed by an encounter with Christ. He gives those who know Him divine assignments.

9:5 | A goad was a long pole with a sharp metal tip used by an ox-driver to force an ox to pick up the pace. Sometimes the animal, when jabbed with the goad, would kick at it with a powerful hind leg, an action that only dug the metal tip in deeper, intensifying its pain. The goad Saul was kicking against was probably his own conscience, the sense of conviction he felt over what he had done to the Christians.

9:10-12 | In antiquity, God used visions to communicate to His people. With the completion of the canon of Scripture however, His clear Word is available, so Christians should not expect visions from God.

9:13-14 | Ananias’ response was much like Jonah’s when he was sent by God to preach to the wicked Ninevites: he could not comprehend why he should be asked to help an enemy of God. Yet God had been preparing Saul for this meeting, as He often does before He prompts a believer to talk to somebody about Christ (1 Pet. 3:15).

9:15-16 | Saul was chosen to suffer for Jesus Christ, just as he was called to serve Him. Saul’s suffering would begin immediately.

9:15 | God called Saul a vessel, a piece of pottery chosen to carry Jesus’ name to the world. Just as Saul was a chosen vessel for service, so is every believer.

9:17 | When Saul became a Christian, his former enemies became his friends and his former friends became his enemies. This still happens today when sinners accept Christ as Savior.

9:18 | Baptism always followed conversion in the early church. It was a public statement of commitment to Christ, made to the entire community, believers and unbelievers alike.

9:19 | The desire to fellowship with other Christians is one evidence that a person has been born again.