Acts 9:1-20 ~ And for three days

Acts 9:1-20

English Standard Version, David Cochran Audio


1 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 flashed 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.

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.”

The passage of Saul/Paul's conversion is of a godly man, upwardly mobile in his top drawer Temple career discovering Jesus. Saul was godly and became a follower of God's Son. But godly and Christ follower are two different situations.

Recently, we looked at John the Baptist – in the 3rd and first chapters of John’s Gospel – it reveals John the Baptist did not know Jesus as Lord for years. John the Baptist spent considerable time looking, observing the workings of God and the lack of response from man.

Yet the Spirit of God, breathing out truth, has the same salvation, miracle of God component:

John 3:34-35
34 For he whom God has sent utters the words of God, for he gives the Spirit without measure. 35 The Father loves the Son and has given all things into his hand.

With both men, their lives were transformed. The disciples were amazed, astonished, afraid, watchful, bickering over their places, but still able to run away and hide. God wasn't brain washing them. After Thomas had declared he would go with Jesus to see what He would do for Lazarus, Thomas said he would die with Jesus - yet push comes to shove and fear did reign.

Did Jesus condemn the disciples. No.

I recently saw a Facebook photo someone published - it was of a mournful woman looking over a beautiful pink sunset. The quote said, "Every day I disappoint Him. Yet I know His overwhelming love forgives and carries me. I will focus on His mercy." Come on. That sounds like an abusive relationship. Sorrow is not about Christianity. Jesus Christ is a Gift. He gives the Spirit without measure.

These Scripture passages are about SEEKING Him. Not perfect people - how many times have you been in such spiritual distress you fasted for 3 days. Not me. I've fasted, certainly. But thank God Almighty, my spiritual dilemmas come away much better. I know I am not worthy, but I know - I AM God's child.

To me to be God's child means - I am covered. Not the most deserving person in this life, but by the grace of God - I can strive for the compassion God gives to me to give to others. I know God loves me and I know everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required. I am bought with a price. I will honor God. When I fail, and I will, I know I am saved and loved and go forward to try again. The steadfast love of God, higher than the clouds, the overwhelming love of God is for me.

Being God's child is comfort. Being God's child is resting after giving Him my concerns.

Jesus didn't leave people in fear. Jesus doesn't let them stay in fasting. Jesus asks for us to seek Him first, pray continually. And be grateful. Love your neighbor.

Jesus gave them more of what they needed for Salvation. The gift of the Holy Spirit. After Jesus was gone, they were marched through the Temple, right up to the people who they had been raised to respect as the God authority on earth, the people who had condemned Jesus and still preach and praise for Jesus.

Salvation comes at all different times for people. Salvation is a gift of God and occurs in God’s time. Consider the 10 lepers Jesus healed. Only one returned to give thanks and praise.


Father God, when You healed, You told mankind to get up and get going. Help the people who are already called as Children of God to be empowered to be Your Light, each day. Help the people like Peter, who are falling down and feeling fearful, to remember You lifted Peter and did not let Peter go. When we feel uncertain or afraid, help us to remember You are the Son of God. And we will cast our cares, upon You. You Love us. In Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.


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