Acts 9:28-30 So Saul stayed with them and moved about freely in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord. 29 He talked and debated with the Grecian Jews, but they tried to kill him. 30 When the brothers learned of this, they took him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus.
 
THESE verses are at the center of a four-act story that reveals the way God works his gracious good to advance the gospel.   
   Act 1 in this story goes back to Acts 6. We remember there the Greek-speaking Jews from various provinces including Cilicia (remember this name). They charged Stephen before the Sanhedrin. Saul was closely associated with them because he was from Tarsus of Cilicia.
   Act 2 is in the first two verses above. Acts 9:28-29 tells us Saul is now a Christian. He talked and debated with the Grecian Jews – his former associates. Saul knows them! He wants them to be saved! Saul knew they could hate him in the same way they had hated Stephen. But even more Saul knew the deadly danger to their souls. He boldly debated them. Saul wanted the Lord to break into their lives as Jesus had come into Saul’s life. But the Grecian Jews wanted to kill him, too. Once again it was time to leave for a safer place.
   Act 3. Acts 9:30 tells us Saul went to Tarsus, his hometown. Later In Acts 22:17 Saul (now known as Paul) explained going to Tarsus was Jesus’ command. “When I returned to Jerusalem and was praying at the temple, I fell into a trance 18 and saw the Lord speaking. ‘Quick!’ he said to me. ‘Leave Jerusalem immediately, because they will not accept your testimony about me.’ 19 “‘Lord,” I replied, 'these men know that I went from one synagogue to another to imprison and beat those who believe in you. 20 And when the blood of your martyr Stephen was shed, I stood there giving my approval and guarding the clothes of those who were killing him.’ 21 “Then the Lord said to me, ‘Go; I will send you far away to the Gentiles.’”
   Saul had been doing God’s work. And he seemed to have no desire to leave Jerusalem. But Saul was Jesus’ “chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel.” (Acts 9:15) Jesus sent him back to his home in Tarsus. Why?
   Act 4. Galatians 1:21 Later I went to Syria and Cilicia. From his home in Tarsus in Cilicia, Saul began to preach the gospel. Yes, this is where many of Stephen’s and Saul’s persecutors came from. Saul ministers in power in Cilicia. Acts 15:41 He went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.
    This 4-Act salvation drama illustrates the Bible’s story. Through many people and circumstances, even those that are extremely difficult, God has shown us how he moves salvation’s revelation from one point to another. From Acts 6:9 to Acts 9:28-29 to Acts 9:30 and Acts 22:28 to Galatians 1:21 and Acts 15:41 we can understand God is a planner. He will accomplish his plans in his time. Let’s be thankful he’s called us to join his plan to boldly tell his story.
 
Job 42:2 “I know that you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted.”

Acts 9:23-27 After many days had gone by, the Jews conspired to kill him, 24 but Saul learned of their plan. Day and night they kept close watch on the city gates in order to kill him. 25 But his followers took him by night and lowered him in a basket through an opening in the wall. 26 When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. 27 But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus.
 
WHEN Jesus instructed Ananias to go to Saul, Jesus emphasized Saul’s suffering future: Acts 9:16 “I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.” Very soon after that Saul became the object of hatred and murderous plots among the Jews. The apostles also suspected Saul’s motives. But Barnabas (introduced in Acts 4 as a faithful encourager) and others in the church who knew Saul protected and encouraged him. Many years later when Saul – then known as Paul – neared the end of his life, he experienced the same isolation: 2 Timothy 4:16 At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them. He wrote this awaiting his execution in Rome. It had been a long, hard journey from Acts 9 to 2 Timothy. Paul describes his physical suffering in 2 Corinthians 11:24-38 Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, 26 I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers. 27 I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. 28 Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. Jesus, indeed, had shown him how much he must suffer.
   What was the reason for his suffering? Think about this. He truly loved the Lord with his heart, mind, soul and strength. Paul loved Jesus so deeply he was willing to confront every earthly obstacle that attempted to keep him from Jesus’ mission. Paul wouldn’t have suffered in Damascus nor suffered the apostles’ rejection if he had kept his faith to himself. There would have been no beatings, starvation and sleepless nights through the years if he had said, “I have a quiet faith.”
   Paul’s zealous love for Jesus modeled Jesus’ passion for us. After all it was Jesus’ passion for the Father’s will and his zeal for your salvation that led him to suffer the cross.
   Loving Jesus is also the reason countless zealous Christians through the ages became martyrs. They knew one must take up the cross to follow Jesus into eternal life. Suffering for Jesus opens the way for many to be saved.
 
2 Timothy 1:8 So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, 9 who has saved us and called us to a holy life - not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, 10 but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.  
          

Acts 9:17-19 Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, 19 and after taking some food, he regained his strength. Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus.
 
ANANIAS had been very afraid of Saul. But notice he calls him, “Brother.” Just hours before  this, Ananias had called Saul, “Enemy.”
   Obeying Jesus does remarkable things for us, doesn’t it? Ananias could have remained suspicious and even hateful of Saul. He might have known people Saul dragged off to put in prison. Would Ananias have been justified to tell Jesus, “No. I won’t help Saul. Saul is my enemy.”
   But Jesus was commanding Ananias to live into Jesus’ teachings: Matthew 5:44 “But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.”
   “A Christin is to love all kinds of people – no matter what faith, nationality, or personality, enemies included. If you love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, you truly show that Jesus is Lord of your life.” (Life Application Bible Commentary)
   Ananias had to decide what we all must decide: Do we follow Jesus, or do we follow the old ways of our sin nature? With great uncertainty and fear, Ananias would have wanted to stay home and tend to his own business that day. Who would blame him?
   But he realized the Lord would rightfully blame him for his disobedience. Ananias’ response is our example. Put aside your fears, so you can live in Jesus’ way. Saul was no longer an enemy, he had become a brother to all belonging to the Way.
   When you wonder, “How do I respond to my enemies?” remember Jesus and Ananias. Jesus instructed. Ananias obeyed. As Saul regained his vision, do you think Ananias also gained new vision to see the world through God’s eyes?
 
Romans 12:14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

Acts 9:19-22 and after taking some food, he regained his strength. Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus. 20 At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God. 21 All those who heard him were astonished and asked, “Isn’t this the man who raised havoc in Jerusalem among those who call on this name? And hasn’t he come here to take them as prisoners to the chief priests?” 22 Yet Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Christ.
 
THIS is a most remarkable transformation. Saul’s purpose had been to cleanse the Jews of any person who claimed Jesus is Messiah. He had passionately believed with all his heart they were committing blasphemy. God’s law demanded they be stopped.
   But suddenly it seems he was just as passionately proving Jesus is Messiah. How had Saul so quickly learned the truth?
   Apparently Jesus’ church members had discipled Saul to learn the essential gospel. As he spent several days with the disciples – (any who followed Jesus) – in Damascus, Saul had time to hear, learn and believe Jesus is Messiah, Son of the Living God.
   This was much different than Jesus’ original 12 disciples. Their learning occurred over three years to know who Jesus is. What was the difference between Saul’s and the original 12 disciples’ timeline for understanding?   
   It was the Holy Spirit revealing the truth of Jesus’ resurrection. When Jesus came his disciples in their locked room, he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” (John 20:22) The Spirit opened their minds to the truth. Each could truly confess to Jesus, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28) as Thomas did. There were no more questions or debates about Jesus. Everything he had told them became absolutes in their lives. No longer did any doubt, fear and ignorance of Jesus’ deity stop them. The Holy Spirit filled them with unwavering devotion to the gospel.
   This was true for Saul. The evidence of the resurrection became suddenly clear in Saul’s encounter with Jesus. Saul had seen Jesus, spoken to him and experienced his power. Jesus blinded him. Jesus healed him. Saul recognized his sin against Jesus and his church. He rejected his past and focused on the future. All that he had learned about God’s law and the prophets quickly became the basis for the growing strength of his preaching about God’s salvation.
   People may study the Bbile for years and ask many questions. But only when the Holy Spirit reveals the truth of Jesus’ resurrection will one confesses Jesus is “My Lord and my God!” will he fully know the truth.
           

Acts 9:10-16 In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, “Ananias!” “Yes, Lord,” he answered. 11 The Lord told him, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. 12 In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.” 13 “Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your saints in Jerusalem. 14 And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.”
 
WHEN he said, “Yes, Lord.” Ananias did not know why God called his name. What a privilege and joy this would be. It is interesting to note Ananias knew God was speaking to him. Perhaps he was accustomed to talking with the Lord. Or Jesus could have shown himself in some very clear vision.
   But the Lord’s instruction jolted Ananias. Suddenly his “Yes, Lord.” became, “This man has come to arrest us!” Ananias did not want to do what the Lord told him to do. No one who followed the Way wanted to meet Saul!
   But there he was in Judas’ house on Straight Street. What was he doing there, blind and hungry, waiting on God? He was praying. Could this be the first mark of Saul’s spiritual transformation to a new life as the apostle Paul? Saul had trained to be a Pharisee, highly educated in the law. Apparently he had learned an essential truth of God: Nahum 1:7 The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him. Perhaps Saul used his vast knowledge of Scripture to confront God’s stunning entrance into his life.   
   Do you see how God began to care for Saul? He gave him a very specific vision. Saul knows a man named Ananias will come and place his hands on him to restore his sight. This is most remarkable. The Lord has literally and figuratively knocked Saul from his authority. The Lord has blinded Saul. He has put him in a house to fast and to wait. And then the Lord graciously showed to Saul that Ananias would come to heal him!
   Ananias also needed to know God is a refuge in times of trouble. He was justly afraid of Saul. But God confirmed his commands for Ananias and his purpose for Saul.
 
Acts 9:15 “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel. 16 I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.”
 
God is in control. He wants everyone to know it. Ananias and the other Christians in Damascus must trust what God is doing. Saul, too, had no choice. God is changing him from a man of power to a man under God’s power, even to the point of suffering for Jesus’ name.
   When you read the Bible, you learn God speaks very plainly. He wants you to know his will, so you will have no excuses, only action to do what he says, even if you object.
   

What You Must Do
 
Acts 9:6-9 “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” 7 The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone. 8 Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. 9 For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything.
 
JESUS chose a very dramatic, hard way to introduce himself to Saul. Suddenly it was of no consequence that Saul was under the high priest’s authority. He had a new Master to obey. Is this what Saul wanted?
   There seems to be a common teaching that God will never make you do what you don’t want to do. That teaching does not match the Bible. We look back into the Bible’s  history: Joseph didn’t want to be kidnapped. Moses didn’t want to go to Egypt. Gideon didn’t want to attack a huge Midianite army with 300 men carrying torches, trumpets and clay jars. God told these men and many others to do things they didn’t want to do. They responded to their circumstances with a focus on God’s leading. Our LORD advanced his salvation purpose through them. Acts 9 also confirms God commands in various ways, “You will be told what you must do.”
   What could Saul do but obey? Jesus had blinded him. His supporting guard was speechless and helpless against this unknown force. The only thing they could do was lead Saul to a room in Damascus. There he stayed, blind and without food and water for three days. It’s as if Jesus had put him into a grave for three days to prepare him for a resurrected life of faith and worship of the LORD God.
    What about you? If you have a saving relationship with Jesus, your sin nature did not want to submit to Jesus. But one day the Spirit changed your heart. In some form of his power, whether subtle to dramatic, God told you what you must do to be saved.  
   Being Jesus’ disciple means he often confronts you with things you don’t want to do. For example, do you refuse to forgive someone? You know Jesus commands you, “But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” (Matthew 6:15) Yes, you might believe you have a choice to reject this or other of Jesus’ commands. But you really don’t. Jesus very plainly said, “If you love me, you will obey what I command.” (John 14:15) A deepening love for your Lord will conform your heart to say, “Yes, Lord.” to all he commands. Your objection to forgiveness will become a generous heart to forgive. You will want to know for certain what Jesus tells you to do, so you can lovingly obey him. 
   As God calls you, “Son. Daughter.” be eternally grateful he has made you do what you did not naturally want to do.
   Next we’ll meet Ananias, who was very afraid to do what God told him to do

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  Acts 8:32-35 The eunuch was reading this passage of Scripture: “He was led like a sheep to the slaughter, and as a lamb before the shearer is silent, so he did not open his mouth. 33 In his humiliation he was deprived of justice. Who can speak of his descendants? For his life was taken from the earth.” 34 The eunuch asked Philip, “Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?” 35 Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus. 
THE man was reading from a scroll of a portion of the prophet Isaiah that we know today as Isaiah 53. The entire chapter foretells Jesus’ humiliation, suffering, death, burial and triumph over death. For those with open eyes, it is plain to see Jesus fulfills Isaiah’s words.
   God has opened the door for the Ethiopian to enter into a saving faith in Jesus. In some particular God-ordained way, the man came to possess the scroll. The Spirit had instilled in the Ethiopian a desire to read and a yearning to understand. The Ethiopian was then humble to implore Philip, “Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about.” How good it is when people want to know God’s Word.
   And how good it is when they have someone to teach them. Philip responded. He taught the eunuch that Isaiah’s hard description of a man’s life became the good news of Jesus, Lord and Savior.
   Philip told the Ethiopian that the lamb led like sheep to the slaughter became the Good Shepherd, who leads us to life. The one who did not open his mouth, is now the one who has declared, “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.” (Revelation 1:8) The one unjustly condemned affirms he is the true judge. John 8:16 But if I do judge, my decisions are right, because I am not alone. I stand with the Father, who sent me.” And the one numbered with the transgressors now intercedes for the transgressors.
   Jesus has suffered to save you, so he can be Lord of your life. He leads you, prays for you and teaches you. You are his own. He wants you to be actively engaged with him because he is actively engaged with you. Know Jesus’ triumph is your victory: Isaiah 53:11 After the suffering of his soul, he will see the light of life and be satisfied; by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many, and he will bear their iniquities. 12 Therefore I will give him a portion among the great, and he will divide the spoils with the strong, because he poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors. For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors

Acts 8:29-31 The Spirit told Philip, “Go to that chariot and stay near it.” Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. “Do you understand what you are reading?” Philip asked. 31 “How can I,” he said, “unless someone explains it to me?” So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.
 
IN faithful anticipation of God’s good work, Philip runs to the eunuch.  A true disciple represents the Lord’s will to those God has chosen. He knows what he must do. And he does so with joy.
   Yes, Philip has an advantage over most of us. God has spoken audibly and directly to him. How good it would be to have those explicit instructions each day! We could know and then go with absolute certainty, “This is God’s assignment today!”
   There are many examples of God doing this for his leaders, prophets and disciples. These specific instructions were to demonstrate to the Jews that God is very intentional to do his will as he says he will.
   The Spirit seldom tells us directly what to do. But God has taught us to live under Jesus’ commands. Consider his sermons. Understand his teachings. His will is that we be faithful, be salt, be light, be obedient, be sacrificial, be loving and more. We may often be uncertain of how we specifically fulfill these commands. But we do know what to do when we filter each circumstance through the Bible’s lessons.
   The apostles and evangelists had learned from Jesus, and  they lived for him. They had the advantage of seeing God’s remarkable work come upon Israel. There was nothing that kept the church from a joyful response to Jesus’ commands.
   The same must be true for each of us today. Very few of us have heard God speak audibly. None of us have touched the resurrected Jesus. No tongues of fire have come upon us. Still, we have the Spirit’s anointing us to faith. He opens God’s Word to you, so you can understand what you are reading. The apostle Paul prayed each member of Jesus’ church would personally understand the power of a glorious relationship with God: Ephesians 1:18 I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength 20 which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms.
   God’s life power has not diminished since Pentecost. When we listen to his Word we will know enough to go where he is pointing us to go. With each step, our purpose will become more clear. Be as Philip. Eagerly run where the Spirit tells you to go.