Acts 9

Devotional by Scott Riling

Read Acts 9

Acts 9

The Conversion of Saul

9 But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. 3 Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. 4 And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” 5 And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. 6 But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.” 7 The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one. 8 Saul rose from the ground, and although his eyes were opened, he saw nothing. So they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. 9 And for three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank.

10 Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.” 11 And the Lord said to him, “Rise and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying, 12 and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight.” 13 But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem. 14 And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name.” 15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. 16 For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.” 17 So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized; 19 and taking food, he was strengthened.

Saul Proclaims Jesus in Synagogues

For some days he was with the disciples at Damascus. 20 And immediately he proclaimed Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is the Son of God.” 21 And all who heard him were amazed and said, “Is not this the man who made havoc in Jerusalem of those who called upon this name? And has he not come here for this purpose, to bring them bound before the chief priests?” 22 But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus was the Christ.

Saul Escapes from Damascus

23 When many days had passed, the Jews plotted to kill him, 24 but their plot became known to Saul. They were watching the gates day and night in order to kill him, 25 but his disciples took him by night and let him down through an opening in the wall, lowering him in a basket.

Saul in Jerusalem

26 And when he had come to Jerusalem, he attempted to join the disciples. And they were all afraid of him, for they did not believe that he was a disciple. 27 But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles and declared to them how on the road he had seen the Lord, who spoke to him, and how at Damascus he had preached boldly in the name of Jesus. 28 So he went in and out among them at Jerusalem, preaching boldly in the name of the Lord. 29 And he spoke and disputed against the Hellenists. But they were seeking to kill him. 30 And when the brothers learned this, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus.

31 So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was being built up. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it multiplied.

The Healing of Aeneas

32 Now as Peter went here and there among them all, he came down also to the saints who lived at Lydda. 33 There he found a man named Aeneas, bedridden for eight years, who was paralyzed. 34 And Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you; rise and make your bed.” And immediately he rose. 35 And all the residents of Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord.

Dorcas Restored to Life

36 Now there was in Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which, translated, means Dorcas. She was full of good works and acts of charity. 37 In those days she became ill and died, and when they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. 38 Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him, urging him, “Please come to us without delay.” 39 So Peter rose and went with them. And when he arrived, they took him to the upper room. All the widows stood beside him weeping and showing tunics and other garments that Dorcas made while she was with them. 40 But Peter put them all outside, and knelt down and prayed; and turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. 41 And he gave her his hand and raised her up. Then, calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive. 42 And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. 43 And he stayed in Joppa for many days with one Simon, a tanner.

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.

Devotional

Today, we read about one of the most monumental events in the history of the church—the conversion of Saul of Tarsus. Saul, who would become known as Paul, went from hating Christ and his church and doing everything in his power to destroy it to becoming the greatest missionary in church history. He would also go on to write almost half of the books in the New Testament. 

Paul didn’t just change his mind about Jesus, nor did he lose a debate in apologetics and decide to come over to Jesus’ side. No, his radical change went so much deeper than that. While he was still “breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord” (Acts 9:1), his encounter with Christ on his way to Damascus changed him forever! Later in the chapter, Jesus’ healing and resurrection power changed Aeneas and Dorcas through the ministry of Peter.

Paul explained the depth of change Christ brings in 2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” Jesus doesn’t just change our morality or our political or economic views. He changes us at the core of our being. 

You may not have experienced a conversion as outwardly radical or sensational as Paul’s, but it is no less profound, and you cannot simply attribute it to maturity, life experience, or intellectual reasoning. You are a new creation!

What areas of your life do you see differently now that you have come to know Christ?

30 thoughts on “Day Nine | The Book of Acts”

  1. Knowing Jesus has changed my MIND from depression to HOPE, changed my HEART from doubt to BELIEVING and changed my BODY from brokenness to HEALING. I am a NEW CREATION in Christ and I will spend the rest of my days on this earth and beyond PRAISING HIM🙏🏾❤️

    1. I remember before having a similar encounter with Jesus, I’d wake up each day with a heavy heart, in despair because all I could think about was satisfying my flesh. But thanks be to God for the way He’s given me new cravings and new desires and has sent me to His Word for satisfaction! No longer the same!

      1. I love your sweet testimony Durrell and you live out your love for Jesus publicly as you lead US to deeper worship each Sunday. You are dearly loved

    3. I love your testimony, Lorraine. He did a work in me that others saw right away! A changed life, changed priorities, changed friends, radical change in behavior, thoughts and goals. He truly refashioned me and everything about me. My parents weren’t sure exactly what happened, but they knew something drastic had taken place in my life. Like you, I will spend the rest of my life thanking and praising Him!

  3. Yes!🙌 I am so grateful, and joyful for the gift of new eyes and, new heart to see, love and live and continue to grow in Him.

  4. My love for the Lord grows stronger every day as does my joy🙏 Being a light in a dark world provides me with hope and confidence that our Lord is still in control! We are all overcomers when we seek to do the Lord’s will and to show God’s love to others through our lives and actions. Amen and Amen 🙏❤️‍🩹🙏

  5. I grew up in a works based relationship with Christ, I always was involved in my church but was desperately trying to please God through all my work! I was very legalistic about my denominations traditions and laws, I had not idea what it meant to be in a relationship with Jesus, I saw My role was to do good work for HIm. I seldom opened the Bible since it was not encouraged to spend time in the word. I went to Colorado Christian University for my undergrad degree and there i had to take Bible classes, and through those studies i began to realize that I was not living in relationship with Jesus. I had a baptist neighbor named Shirley who prayed for me for several years and when I was saved she told me she had been praying for my salvation for all those years. When i turned my life over to Christ my life began to change radically.

    1. Halleluyahhhhh 🙌 What a great testimony. We thank God for Sis. Shirley that didn’t stop praying for you.

  6. I used to be a church goer, I was a volunteer/ worker in children & sanitation ministry in my former church but i didn’t know HIM. I remember when HIS the truth of Word lightened my heart, I became a changed person from inside out. I began to enjoy the joy of Lord through my daily fellowship with HIM. Before I had zeal for the work of God just like saul with knowledge and understanding of who HE is,

    I was practically religious without relationship or intimacy with my FATHER, i felt empty and couldn’t figure out my purpose here on earth but when I started having my quiet time with HIM and also received the Baptism of The Holy Spirit I realized I have been spiritually blind but now I can see by HIS Grace…🙏

    One of the lessons I learnt from this chapter, is how the Lord intercept the devil. All these while he had been using Saul as his toy to persecute the Church but the darkness that was operating in Saul could not withstand The Great Light he saw on his way to Damascus.
    i believe saul thought he was fighting for God, but never knew he was promoting the kingdom of darkness until he encountered the Great Light . That’s why the Bible says The Light shines in darkness and darkness cannot comprehend it. And the Bible says we are not fighting against the flesh and blood but against principalities and powers…

    I believe this chapter should encourage us as Christians that our FATHER can use the worst sinner or unbeliever in our family, neighborhood or at our place of work, provided we don’t give up on them by continually praying for them to encounter Jesus and showing them the love of Christ .

    I pray just as the plan and purpose of God for bro. Paul came to fulfillment by HIS Mercies and Grace, so the Lord will do much more for us this year and beyond, only HIS counsel will stand over our lives and loved ones in Jesus Mighty Name…🙏

    Have a wonderful day in HIS Presence🙏

  7. New eyes, new heart, new mindset! All miraculous and wonderful gifts from God through my relationship with Jesus.🙏🏾❤️

  8. Today we heard the testimonies of Thai prisoners who have been radically changed by Jesus- just like Saul they now disciple others in their prison. Yesterday 13 teens prayed to receive Christ in a juvenile detention center here in Thailand. God is still in the business of changing people!

  10. I’m impacted by the immediacy of Paul’s impact. He knew that he was saved to serve and he was faithful immediately…making an impact in Damascus & Jerusalem. We’ve been saved to serve & today is a good day to make a difference!

  11. i remember before my salvation that my whole life was always about me. Satisfying our body’s earthly cravings. Then i was saved and all I wanted to do was to share what Christ had done for me and for everyone in dying on the cross and being our salvation. Talking about radical changes, what a heathen I was in my worldly ways and then the Holy Spirit does His work on my heart, mind and soul. Praise God for His love and forgiveness that we certainly don’t deserve.

  12. Love Paul’s conversion story. When I came to faith in High School, Jesus really did change everything-my language, my friends, my pursuits, time and how I used it, my insides, my outsides, He made me a new creation. Looking back on it, still amazed that God rescued me when He did- if you are a Christ follower He rescued you from sin and yourself. Grateful beyond words- JESUS CHANGES EVERYTHING. MY CHAINS ARE GONE.

  13. This devotion takes on a special meaning for me because it was written by Dr. Riling. I have witnessed the life of this man go through painful trials but he has persevered and brought glory to God. He is the real deal. Thank you, Scott. May God bless you this very day.

  14. As a forensic scientist I was always testing and hypothesizing theories and presenting my results as “likelihood or probability “. No one has ever seen God so it was easier for me to be agnostic. Jan 29, 2014, in a phone call with my doctor, I learned I had a brain tumor. It was that call that sent me on a path to understanding what happens when you die. I found CFBC and a small group who invested in my life and pointed me to Jesus. I had to let go of scientific theories, and put my faith in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. You hear the “cliche” all the time from people who have faced life threatening conditions, “they wouldn’t change a thing because of the good that resulted”. It’s so true, I found God, a great church and a pet therapy ministry called Angel Paws that has allowed me to use my journey to share my faith. God never waste anything we go through. God created us to know Him and for us to help build his heavenly kingdom.

    1. So thankful for your Angel Paws ministry, Debbie. You brought light and hope to my teenage son when he was hospitalized for 2 weeks after 2 major back surgeries. CFBC ministry team was so faithful to visit us each day during a very difficult time. Without my relationship with Jesus and our church family, I’m not sure either of us would have made it through such a trying experience.

    1. I have noticed that I am happier in my life. I noticed I don’t worry as much like I use to. I feel the love that the Lord has for me. I am so glad he is with me every day. Praise the Lord our GOD!! AMEN!!📖🙏⛪🙏

  16. Knowing Christ is helping me to show more grace and mercy to other people. My day to day journey is different because I don’t keep my focus on things that I can’t change. Knowing Christ helps me to stay busy in life seeking the characteristics of what it means to be Christ like. Surely, things come up but because I know who Christ is my response isn’t like it use to be.

  17. The Lord has been a part of my life since I was eight years old. But as I have grown in his knowledge and power, every aspect of my life has changed. Not always overnight, but through the study of his word, life experiences and complete faith and belief in Him and his promises.

  18. I love this part of verse 31. “And walking in the fear of the Lord and the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it multiplied” (many were saved). These are our directions for witnessing.

  19. I became a new person when I was 59. I had believed I was a Christian at 12 years old. I believe I knew I didn’t want to go to hell, but I didn’t understand about Jesus. I went to church all of my life, but one Sunday morning the Holy Spirit spoke to me in such a way that I knew that I didn’t have a personal relationship with Jesus. He was my Savior, but He was not the Lord of my life. From that day forward I was a changed person. It was just as Pastor Charles Stanley said “It is like you are going forward and you do an “about face” and turn and you are a new soul in Jesus Christ. I am a new person through the shed blood of Jesus Christ, my Savior, and my Lord.

  20. For many years of my young life, I lived for me! But in 1971, all that changed when I met my Savior and Lord after a concert by Campus Crusade for Christ. My life changed forever!

    The first person I tried to witness to when I went home from college was my father. He was always a gruff man and I was afraid of him. Still, I mustered up the courage to share the four spiritual laws tract that I read when I prayed to receive Christ. I did so in fear and trembling. About halfway through the tract, my father stopped me and informed me he didn’t believe God would send anyone to Hell. He told me to stop where we were that day, and I respected his request. But, that didn’t mean I didn’t stop praying for his salvation and lived my new life in Christ before him and my mother. When I returned to college, I wrote my father a letter which included the plan of salvation. Later on, I received a letter back from him restating his previous answer but that he appreciated my love and concern for him. The letter had tear stains on it. For the next thirty years, I prayed for his salvation hoping someday he would repent and believe. I truly had given up any hope he would ever become a Christian. But God was not through with him. Over time, my father realized how he had hurt my mother, brother and me, and made amends with us. Later on, his health declined until he was diagnosed with liver cancer. He elected to not receive treatment and let the cancer take his life. The Christmas before he passed away my family and I visited him in Dallas before returning home to Houston. I knew this would be the last chance to talk to him about Jesus. So, Cindy took my mother into another room while I talked with my dad. I reminded him of the conversation we had years before, and asked him if he would like to ask Jesus to save him. With tears streaming down his face, he nodded yes! That day, my dad became born again!!! One month later, he died on the first day of the Gulf War. Don’t ever count anyone out that God can reach for His kingdom! I’ll see my dad in Heaven one day!

  21. “He changes us at the core of our being.” This is such a profound and powerful statement from today’s devotional. Knowing Christ has changed me in ways that I could’ve never done without Him.

  22. What an amazing chapter! So full of God’s miracles! He can, and does, use anyone to share His Word. He has a plan for me. I pray that I carry through with His plan with the same zeal and fervor that was shown by the Bible Giants in this chapter!

  23. What areas I see differently is that sometimes in life, God is not always going to give us a choice, because we tend to treat him like a genie and that is where we should avoid trying to test his hand when he is going to put us in a situation where it is similar to you making the same frustration to how God is going to teach you about why you shouldn’t force his hand.

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