SAUL’S (PAUL) LIFE

CHANGING ENCOUNTER

WITH JESUS!

ACTS 9: 1 - 31

INTRODUCTION: 4 “CHUNKS” OR PARTS:

1. Conversion (Accepting Jesus into his heart) = 9: 1 – 18

2. Calling = 9: 19 – 22

3. Cost = 9: 23 – 25 and II Corinthians 11

4. Covering = 9: 26 – 31

Conversion:

• Saul breathing out murderous threats against

the Lord’s disciples

• A letter from Chief Priests giving him the right

to arrest men and women in Damascus

belonging to the Way ( John 14: 6)

• As he neared Damascus, a great light from

heaven flashed around him – Saul fell to the

ground

• A voice from heaven, “Saul, Saul why do you

persecute Me?”

• Saul responded, “Who are You, Lord?”

• Jesus replied, “I am Jesus, Whom you

persecute, now get up and go into the

city and you will be told what you must

do.”

• The men traveling with Saul were

speechless – they heard the sound but

did not see anyone

• Saul was blinded by the light

• They led him by the hand into the city

and there Saul stayed for 3 days – fasting

and praying

• V10-19 The Lord speaks to Ananias, “Go

and ask for Saul of Tarsus, he is praying

and in a vision he sees you, Ananias,

coming and laying hands on him to

restore his sight…”

• Ananias replies, “You know who he is

and why he has come here…”

• BUT the Lord said, “Go! This man is My

chosen instrument to proclaim My

name to the Gentiles…I will show him

how much he must suffer for My name”

Calling:

• Ananias went, placed his hands on Saul, Saul was filled with the Holy

Spirit, and immediately scales fell from his eyes – Saul was healed; he

got up was baptized in water; ate and began to regain his strength

• Saul started preaching in the Damascus synagogue that Jesus is the Son

of God and the Messiah; debating with some Hellenistic Jews. They

determined to kill Saul.

Cost: vv23 – 25 and II Cor 11: 22 – 29

• Only the beginning of what S/Paul would experience: Jews conspired to kill

him – the believers lowered him over the city wall to escape

II Corinthians 11 – I am a Jew of all Jews! Descendant of Abraham – yet

• I have been flogged 5Xs –by my own people – the Jews

• 3Xs beaten with rods, once pelted with stones

• 3Xs shipwrecked –spent 1 night and day floating in the sea

• I have been constantly moved from place to place

• In danger from my own people, from the Gentiles, in the city, in the country,

danger at sea, from false believers, I have worked very hard, without sleep,

without food and water, cold and without proper clothing … but worst of all

• I faced the daily worry about the health of the church and believers…

• Covering: 9: 26 – 31

• Saul returned to Jerusalem and tried to meet with the Disciples – but

could not… they were afraid of him…

• BUT Barnabas took him and spoke on behalf of Saul, telling them of

Saul’s conversion and actions in Damascus, Saul was able to stay with

the Disciples…freely moving around in Jerusalem preaching Jesus and

debating with the leaders of the Temple.

• They were determined to kill Saul, so the Disciples sent Saul to Caesarea

and on to Tarsus (Saul’s hometown).

• And the “baby” Church continued to fear (honor) the Lord and

encouraged in the Spirit continued to grow in peace

Picture of Saul’s

travels

• Have you accepted Jesus into your heart? Is He your Lord and Savior?

What would it take for the “worst” Deaf person in our community to

become a Christian?

• How would we respond if s/he showed up at BDA?

• Do we have a Barnabas or are you a Barnabas who would “cover” that

person with your reputation?

• What cost are you willing to pay to be known as a Christian?