Acts Chapter 9 - Radical Transformation: From Persecutor to Proclaimer

Today we are studying Acts Chapter 9. In this chapter, we witness one of the most powerful transformations in all of Scripture. Saul, a fierce persecutor of Christians, encounters Jesus on the road to Damascus and is completely changed. His life shifts from opposing Christ to boldly proclaiming Him. We also see Ananias obey God’s call to minister to Saul, and Peter continues to perform miracles through the power of Jesus. Acts 9:15 says, “But the Lord said to him, ‘Go, for this man is My chosen instrument to take My name to Gentiles, kings, and the Israelites.’” This chapter reminds us that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace. 

Transcript

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It's a blessing to know that God's word continues to guide people in every season of life. This reminds me of Proverbs chapter 30, verse 5. Every word of God is pure. We want to take a moment to say hello to our listeners in Edinburgh, Texas, United States, Kiev, Kiev City, Ukraine, Mukwanago, Wisconsin, United States, Minsk, Minsk City, Belarus, and Gangsogu Busan, South Korea. We're grateful you've joined us today. Thank you for being part of this mission. It means so much to have you listening.

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Welcome to Giving God Praise. This is a podcast where we walk through the entire Bible, book by book and chapter by chapter. Our desire is to discover not only what God's Word says, but what it means to praise God in our daily life. In each episode, we explore a promise to claim, a response to make, an attitude to change, an instruction to obey, a sin to confess, and an example to follow. So let's go ahead and grab our Bibles and dive into today's teaching. Today we are studying Acts chapter 9. In this chapter, we witness one of the most powerful transformations in all of Scripture. Saul, a fierce persecutor of Christians, encounters Jesus on the road to Damascus and is completely changed. His life shifts from opposing Christ to boldly proclaiming him. We also see Ananias obey God's call to minister to Saul, and Peter continues to perform miracles through the power of Jesus. Acts 9 15 says, But the Lord said to him, Go, for this man is my chosen instrument to take my name to Gentiles, kings, and the Israelites. This chapter reminds us that no one is beyond the reach of God's grace. Let's begin reading Acts chapter 9. Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord. He went to the high priest and requested letters from him to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any men or women who belonged to the way, he might bring them as prisoners to Jerusalem. As he traveled and was nearing Damascus, a light from heaven suddenly flashed around him. Falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? Who are you, Lord? he said. I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting, he replied. But get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do. The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the sound, but seeing no one. Then Saul got up from the ground, and though his eyes were open, he could see nothing. So they took him by the hand and led him into Damascus. He was unable to see for three days, and did not eat or drink. There was a disciple in Damascus named Ananias, and the Lord said to him in a vision, Ananias, here I am, Lord, he said. Get up and go to the street called straight, the Lord said to him, to the house of Judas, and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, since he is praying there. In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and placing his hands on him, so he can regain his sight. Lord, Ananias answered, I have heard from many people about this man, how much harm he has done to your saints in Jerusalem, and he has authority here from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name. But the Lord said to him, Go, for this man is my chosen instrument to take my name to Gentiles, kings, and the Israelites. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name. So Ananias left and entered the house. Then he placed his hands on him and said, Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road you were traveling, has sent me, so that you can regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit. At once something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he got up and was baptized, and after taking some food, he regained his strength. Saul was with the disciples in Damascus for some days. Immediately he began proclaiming Jesus in the synagogues, He is the Son of God. But all who heard him were astounded, and said, Isn't this the man who, in Jerusalem, was destroying those who called on this name and then came here for the purpose of taking them as prisoners to the chief priests? But Saul grew more capable, and kept confounding the Jews who lived in Damascus, by proving that this one is the Messiah. After many days had passed, the Jews conspired to kill him, but their plot became known to Saul. So they were watching the gates day and night intending to kill him, but his disciples took him by night and lowered him in a large basket through an opening in the wall. When he arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to associate with the disciples. But they were all afraid of him, since they did not believe he was a disciple. Barnabas, however, took him and brought him to the apostles, and explained to them how Saul had seen the Lord on the road and that he had talked to him, and how in Damascus he had spoken boldly in the name of Jesus. Saul was coming and going with them in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord. He conversed and debated with the Hellenistic Jews, but they attempted to kill him. When the brothers found out, they took him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus. So the church throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace, being built up and walking in the fear of the Lord and in the encouragement of the Holy Spirit. And it increased in numbers. As Peter was traveling from place to place, he also came down to the saints who lived in Lidda. There he found a man named Aeneas, who was paralyzed and had been bedridden for eight years. Peter said to him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and make your bed. And immediately he got up. So all who lived in Lidda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord. In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha, which is translated Dorcas. She was always doing good works and acts of charity. In those days she became sick and died. After washing her, they placed her in a room upstairs. Since Lida was near Joppa, the disciples heard that Peter was there, and sent two men to him who begged him, Don't delay in coming with us. So Peter got up and went with them. When he arrived, they led him to the room upstairs. And all the widows approached him, weeping and showing him the robes and clothes that Dorcas had made while she was with them. Then Peter sent them all out of the room. He knelt down, prayed, and turning toward the body, said, Tabitha, get up! She opened her eyes, saw Peter, and sat up. He gave her his hand and helped her stand up. Then he called the saints and widows and presented her alive. This became known throughout Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. And Peter stayed on many days in Joppa with Simon, a leather tanner. Let's take a moment to quiet our minds and focus our attention on the Lord. Heavenly Father, thank you for the truth of Acts chapter 9, and the powerful reminder of your transforming grace. Thank you that no one is too far gone for you to reach and restore. Lord, help us to surrender fully to you, open our eyes to see your truth, and lead us in the path you have prepared for us. Give us the courage to follow you and the faith to trust your plan. In Jesus' name we pray.

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Amen.

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Now that we've read God's Word and prepared our hearts in prayer, let's begin our praise study and listen to what God wants to say to our hearts today. In Acts chapter 9, we see a powerful promise to claim in the truth that God can completely transform a life. Saul went from persecuting believers to proclaiming Jesus. This reminds us that no one is beyond God's grace. No matter our past, God can redeem and restore us. We also see the promise that God has a purpose for every life. Saul was chosen for a specific mission. This shows us that God has a plan for us as well. This promise gives us hope and direction. The response to make in this chapter is to surrender to Jesus and follow him fully. Saul did not resist, he obeyed. Our response should be the same. When God reveals himself to us, we are called to submit and follow. We also respond with obedience like Ananias. Even when it was uncomfortable, he trusted God and acted. This chapter calls us to respond with surrender and faith. We are called to change our attitude from resistance to obedience. Saul began in opposition but was transformed into obedience. We must be willing to let God change our hearts. Another attitude to change is from fear to trust. Ananias was hesitant, but he trusted God's word. We also need to change from doubt to confidence in God's power. A changed attitude believes that God can do the impossible. The instruction to obey in this chapter is to follow God's direction and share the truth of Jesus. We are instructed to go where God sends us. We are also instructed to proclaim Christ boldly. Another instruction is to trust God's plan even when we don't understand it. Obedience means stepping forward in faith. The sin to confess in this chapter is resisting God's will. Saul was actively opposing God before his encounter. We must confess when we push against what God is doing. Another sin to confess is fear that holds us back. We also need to confess doubt. When we question God's ability, we limit our faith. Confession brings us back to trust and obedience. The example to follow in this chapter is Saul's transformation. He responded fully and immediately to Jesus. We also see the example of Ananias. He obeyed even when it was difficult. Peter also demonstrates faith and obedience through miracles. These examples show us what it means to trust God completely. Acts chapter 9 reminds us that God can transform any life and use anyone for his purpose. It calls us to surrender, trust, and follow him fully. Take time today to reflect on your walk with God. Have you fully surrendered to him? Are you trusting his plan for your life? Are you willing to follow wherever he leads? If this message encouraged you, share it with someone who needs to be reminded of God's transforming power. Let's close today by bringing our hearts before the Lord in prayer. Heavenly Father, we are so grateful that our listeners chose to spend their time with us in your word today. Thank you for the truth of Acts chapter 9 and the reminder that you transform lives. Lord, help us to surrender fully to you and to follow your calling. Give us courage to obey and faith to trust your plan. Strengthen us to live boldly for you. We pray that this message would encourage every listener and draw them closer to you. May God bless you and keep you in his grace. In Jesus' name we pray, amen.

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