Acts 9 - Summary

Historical setting

Acts 9 is set in the decade or decades following Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection, which occurred in Jerusalem under Roman rule. The Jewish authorities hold power over religious life and can authorize arrests within synagogues. The disciples are scattered between Jerusalem and cities further north: Damascus, where this chapter opens, lay about 150 miles northeast of Jerusalem on the border of the Roman province of Syria. Jews lived in Damascus in substantial numbers, as verse 2 makes plain by mentioning "the synagogues" there. Saul comes from Tarsus (verse 11), a major city in Cilicia in what is now southern Turkey. The chapter spans a period when the young church is expanding and facing organized opposition from Jewish authorities who see followers of Jesus as a threat.

Life and customs

A person could obtain authorization from the high priest in Jerusalem to arrest others in distant synagogues and bring them back for trial, because the Jewish religious authorities had jurisdiction over their own community within the Roman empire. A "light from heaven" and a voice would be understood as a divine communication or theophany, a recognized form of encounter with God in Jewish tradition. Being "blind" for three days (verses 8-9) was taken as a sign of God's judgment and transformation. Laying on of hands (verse 17) accompanied the bestowal of spiritual gifts in early Christian practice. Baptism (verse 18) marked entry into the Christian community. A "basket" used to lower someone "by the wall" (verse 25) suggests a woven container large enough to hold a person, lowered by rope from the city wall at night to escape pursuers. Streets in Damascus did have proper names: "the street which is called Straight" (verse 11) is the street of that name still known in Damascus today.

What the text says

Verse 1: Saul, still "breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord," goes to the high priest. Verses 2: He asks for letters authorizing him to arrest followers of "this way," men and women, in Damascus synagogues and bring them bound to Jerusalem. Verses 3-5: On the journey near Damascus, a light from heaven flashes around him. He falls and hears Jesus asking why he persecutes him, then identifies himself: "I am Jesus whom thou persecutest." Verse 6: Jesus tells him to go into the city and wait to learn what he must do. Verses 7-8: His traveling companions hear the voice but see no one. Saul rises and cannot see, though his eyes are open; they lead him by hand to Damascus. Verse 9: He is blind and neither eats nor drinks for three days.

Verses 10-12: A disciple named Ananias receives a vision calling him to find Saul in the house of Judas on Straight Street. Saul has already seen in a vision that a man named Ananias will come lay his hands on him to restore his sight. Verses 13-14: Ananias expresses fear, recounting Saul's persecution of Jerusalem believers and his authority from the chief priests. Verses 15-16: The Lord tells him Saul is "a chosen vessel" to carry his name to Gentiles, kings, and Israel, and will suffer greatly for that name. Verse 17: Ananias obeys, addresses Saul as "Brother," and states that Jesus sent him so Saul will receive sight and be filled with the Holy Ghost. Verse 18: Scales fall from Saul's eyes, he sees, arises, and is baptized. Verse 19: He eats and gains strength, then remains days with the Damascus disciples.

Verses 20-22: Saul immediately preaches in synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God. Hearers are amazed, remembering he came to arrest believers, but Saul grows in strength and confounds the Jews by proving this is the Christ. Verses 23-25: After many days, Jews plot to kill him and watch the gates; disciples lower him in a basket through the wall at night. Verses 26-27: In Jerusalem, the disciples fear him and do not believe he is a disciple until Barnabas brings him to the apostles, testifying that he saw the Lord on the road, spoke with him, and preached boldly in Damascus. Verse 28: He is with them coming and going. Verses 29-30: He speaks boldly, disputes with Hellenists (Greek-speaking Jews), and they seek to kill him. The brethren send him to Caesarea and then to Tarsus.

Verse 31: The churches throughout Judaea, Galilee, and Samaria have peace, are strengthened, walk in the fear of the Lord, and multiply through the Holy Ghost's comfort. Verses 32-35: Peter visits Lydda and heals a paralyzed man named Aeneas with the word "Jesus Christ maketh thee whole." All in Lydda and Sharon turn to the Lord. Verses 36-37: At Joppa, a disciple named Tabitha (Dorcas) full of good works dies. Her body is washed and laid in an upper chamber. Verses 38-40: The disciples ask Peter to come at once. He kneels, prays, and addresses the body: "Tabitha, arise." She opens her eyes and sits up. Verses 41-42: Peter presents her alive to the saints and widows. The news spreads through Joppa and many believe. Verse 43: Peter stays many days in Joppa with Simon a tanner.

Takeaways

• Saul's reversal from persecutor to proclaimer happens through a direct encounter with the risen Jesus, not through human persuasion or argument.
• A recognized leader in the new community, Barnabas, was crucial to gaining the trust of suspicious believers when Saul arrived in Jerusalem.
• The narrative shows the church growing and finding peace when intense opposition was removed by Saul's departure and conversion.