Acts 9:1-31 February 19, 2015 1. Begin by reading Acts 9:1-9. Apart from the life, death, and resurrection of Christ, the conversion of Saul is one of the most important events in the history of the Christian church. Saul has called himself the chief of sinners. According to Acts 9:1-2 and Acts 8:1-3, what are a few of Saul s sins? What other information do you learn about Saul in the following portions of scripture? Acts 13:9 Galatians 1:11-24 1 Timothy 1:12-16 2. What is Saul s purpose for traveling to Damascus in verses 1 and 2 of Acts 9? While on the road to Damascus, how did God reveal Himself to Saul? What did God say to Saul? Why do you think this question would have puzzled Saul? 3. In verse 5, how does God answer Saul s question, Who are You, Lord? Describe how you imagine Saul must have felt upon hearing God s response.
Acts 9:1-31 February 19, 2015 Page 2 4. According to verses 8-9, how was Saul affected by his meeting with Jesus while on the road to Damascus? Think of some ways this blindness could work for good in Saul s life. Record your thoughts. How did Saul respond to being blind? Look ahead to Acts 9:11 for further insight. Recall a time in your life when you were isolated from the distraction of the world. How did you respond to that isolation? Did your isolation cause spiritual growth or regression? 5. Continue by reading Acts 9:10-19. We are introduced to Ananias in verse 10. What is the only information Luke records about Ananias? How does Ananias respond when God calls him by name? What can you conclude about Ananias by his response? List the specific instructions God gives Ananias in verses 11 and 12. What do the concerns of Ananias in verses 13 and 14 tell us about the attitude of the Jewish leaders? Describe what God had planned for Saul s future in verses 15 and 16. Reread verses 15-19. What is the significance of God using Ananias to carry out Saul s transformation?
Acts 9:1-31 February 19, 2015 Page 3 6. Read Acts 9:19b-25. After his conversion, Saul remained in Damascus for a period of time. How soon did he begin to preach the gospel? List the different responses to his message in Damascus. 7. After his daring escape from the angry Jews in Damascus, Saul travels to Jerusalem. Read Acts 9:26-31. How was he received by the disciples in Jerusalem? According to verse 27, who smoothed the way for Saul in Jerusalem? What did we learn about Barnabas in Acts 4:34-37? 8. God s plan to send the gospel of Christ out to all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth is well on its way. Read Acts 9:31. In what two ways are Saul, Ananias, and Barnabas able to remain faithful to God s call to action? Give some examples of how living in those two ways brings you peace and encouragement. 9. What truths in Acts 9:1-31 have encouraged you this week? 10. Do you have a personal prayer request to share with your small group?
February 19, 2015 To be continued A Study of Acts And the Award Goes To Acts 9:1-31 Best Apostle in a Leading Role... Saul Acts 9:1-9 Other than the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, the conversion of Saul is one of the most important events in the history of Christianity. Saul of Tarsus became Paul the apostle, and his life and ministry have influenced people and nations ever since. -Saul had a face to face meeting with Jesus on the road to Damascus. -When Saul s physical eyes were blinded, his eyes were opened to God s truths. -Saul, with new found, became God s chosen instrument. God s Plans for us are bigger than our past sins. Best Supporting Christian Award Ananias Acts 9:10-19 Although an unknown to most, Ananias, an obedient follower of Christ, was used by God to perform an extraordinary miracle. -Ananias God s call to service. -Ananias God s call to service. -Ananias God s call to service. Carrying out God s plan is about being faithful, not being famous. Special Achievement Award Barnabas Acts 9:20-30 Known as the son of encouragement, God used Barnabas to encourage the apostles to accept Saul, the former persecutor of Christians, as one of their own. -Barnabas was called to be a among the early believers -Barnabas testified to Saul s conversion. Encouraging unity among believers causes the gospel to spread to unbelievers. Lifetime Achievement Award All Christians Acts 9:31 As followers of Christ, God uses our service, large or small, to carry the Gospel of Jesus to a lost world. -We are called to keep peace and unity within the church. -We are called to walk in the fear of the Lord. -When we have been called by God, we will be and comforted by the Holy Spirit. Our behind-the-scenes service is no less important than another s very public service. Key: spiritual, humility, heard, questioned, accepted, leader, guided
Acts 9:1-31 Verse Sheet / February 19, 2015 Deuteronomy 21: 22-23 And if a man has committed a crime punishable by death and he is put to death, and you hang him on a tree, his body shall not remain all night on the tree, but you shall bury him the same day, for a hanged man is cursed by God. 2 Corinthians 10:10 For they say, His letters are weighty and strong, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech of no account. 1 Timothy 1:12-15 I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am foremost. 2 Timothy 2:20-21 Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable. Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work. Galatians 1:15-18 But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone; nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia, and returned again to Damascus. Then after 3 years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas and remained with him fifteen days. Galatians 1:11-12 For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not man s gospel. For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ. Romans 12:4-8 For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophesy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.