Aug 24, 2014
Acts 9:1-9


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Outline:


Before we transition from Acts 8 to 9 I’d like to point out something unique to chapter 8. For the first 7 chapters of Acts the church has remained motionless. However, in chapter 8 you can’t help but noticed the incredible amount of activity taking place in this early church. 


In Acts 8:1, initiated by this “great persecution,” believers from Jerusalem were “all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria” most notably being Philip who “went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them” (Acts 8:5). 


Following word of the incredible work in Samaria, the Apostles “sent Peter and John to them” (Acts 8:14). Then, after praying for these new believers to receive the Holy Spirit and dealing with Simon the Sorcerer, Luke tells us Peter and John head back to Jerusalem “peaching the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans” (Acts 8:25). 


We’re also told that while this was taking place Philip “arose and headed south towards the road that connected Jerusalem and Gaza” (Acts 8:26). As we examined last Sunday because of his obedience a seeking Ethiopian received Christ, was baptized, and “went on his way rejoicing” while Philip was horizontally raptured, “was found in Azotus, and passing through preached in all the cities till he came to Caesarea” (Acts 8:39-40).


Here’s the point… A living faith is an active faith! 


This is why the Bible is full of “activity terms” when it comes to describing our relationship with Jesus: “Take up your cross and follow Me,” “Walk worthy of the calling,” “Walk in the Spirit,” “Run with endurance the race set before you,” “Go and make disciples,” “As each one had received a gift, minister it to one another,” “Pray without ceasing,” “In everything give thanks,” “Hold fast what is good,” “Love one another…” Lots of activity!


It’s true in the physical and spiritual realms that inactivity is a good indicator of death and/or dying while activity is a strong proof of life. With this in mind we should all consider… Is there any active evidence of Jesus working in your life? Are you “alive in Christ” or are you “dead in your sins and trespasses?”




While Acts 8 records a church on the move, Acts 9 opens with Satan making a move of his own. Acts 9:1-2, “Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.” 




Before we dive into the particulars of Saul’s conversion, I want to take a few minutes and develop a detailed profile of this man’s life for the following reasons…


1. Understanding the man behind the name is important for, beginning with chapter 13, the story of his life will dominate the remainder of the book of Acts. 


2. The particulars of his upbringing will help us understand why he ultimately ended up being the perfect man to carry the Gospel throughout the unbelieving, gentile world.


3. His education in Judaism explains why he was best equipped to write the majority of our Christian doctrine by penning 13 books of the New Testament.


4. The events leading up to and immediately following his conversion shed an important light on the radical nature of his devotion to Jesus.




What do we know of Saul?



1. Saul was a Hebrew of the tribe of Benjamin.


In Philippians 3:5 Saul would say he was “circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews…” No doubt he was named after another descendent of the tribe of Benjamin, Saul the first King of Israel. Note: “Saul” or “Saulos” in the Greek means “desired one.”



2. Saul was originally from Tarsus.


In Acts 21:38 Saul reiterates that he was “a Jew from Tarsus, in Cilicia.”


With a history dating back some 6,000 years, Tarsus (located in Southern Turkey) is one of the oldest cities on earth. Because the city had been quick to embrace Greek language and culture, Tarsus not only became a significant hub for the Grecian Empire but also served as the capital city of the Roman province of Cilicia. 


Known widely as a “university city,” as well as the economic center for the region, historian Howard Clark Kee remarked that during the Roman Empire “Tarsus ranked even above Athens and Alexandria as a center of intellectual life.”


Understand, only the elite were allowed to live in Tarsus. Because Saul was from this notable city it is not a stretch to conclude he was born into wealth, power, and notoriety. In addition, Saul grew up in a city known for its Hellenistic culture. Though Jewish, he would have been very familiar with Greek thought, culture, philosophy, and customs.


Because of her strategic importance and rich history, Historian Robert Picirilli says that “Tarsus was awarded, by the Roman senate, the privileged standing of Libera Civitas.” This meant Tarsus was not only a “free city” allowed to govern herself, but her residences were also bestowed the benefits of full Roman citizenship.


In Acts 22:25-28 Paul not only affirms he was a Roman citizen, but says he “was born a citizen” which afforded him perks like the opportunity to appeal a case to Caesar.


Non-Ethnic Romans had two names: The first indicated their heritage with the second signifying their Roman acceptance. It is likely Saul’s official name was “Saulos Paulus.” 


Understand: Saul didn’t change his name to Paul. Instead he choose to be known by his Roman surname instead of his ethnically Jewish one because he was trying to reach the Gentile world. In Acts 13:9 Luke tells us “then Saul, who also is called Paul.”




3. Saul was a devoutly religious man.


In Acts 23:6 Saul declared to be “the son of a Pharisee.” Though he grew up in a Hellenistic culture and global intellectual center, there is no doubt he was also raised in accordance to the Jewish customs and protocols laid out in the Mishnah. 


At the age of 5 Saul would have started studying the Pentateuch.


At the age of 10 Saul would have advanced to studying the Mishnah (the traditions). 


At the age of 13 Saul would have graduated to a formal rabbinical school. 


More than likely this is when Saul would have left Tarsus in order to continue his studies in Jerusalem. According to Saul’s own words in Acts 22:3, while born in Tarsus, he “was brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel (renown rabbi introduced in Acts 5), taught according to the strictness of our fathers' law, and was zealous toward God.”


All of this suggests that Saul was incredibly bright, proven worthy to receive the best theological training available in Judaism, excelled at his studies, and possessed a earnest attitude concerning the things of God. Saul took obedience to the Law very seriously. 


In Galatians 1:14 he said, “I advanced in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries in my own nation, being more exceedingly zealous for the traditions of my fathers.”




4. Saul was a Pharisee who served as a member of the Sanhedrin.


In Acts 23:6 and Acts 26:5 Saul declared “that according to the strictest sect of our religion I lived as a Pharisee.” He mentions this affiliation a third time in Philippians 3:5.


Understand, the Pharisees were a “political party” that rose to prominence during the Second Temple period following the failed Maccabean Revolution. They were the “conservatives” or the “fundamentalists” of the day believing in a literal interpretation of Scriptures. First-century historian Josephus wrote, “The Pharisees were considered the most expert and accurate expositors of the Jewish law.”


Saul was more than a religious man, he was a religious leader. He was a expert in the Scriptures, modeled a life lived in accordance to the law, and was esteemed by all.


Because Saul mentions in Acts 26:10 that during this period of Christian persecution he “cast his vote against” the believers having them “put to death,” it seems as though he had risen to prominence by becoming a member of the Jewish Sanhedrin.




5. Saul defended the religious system of Judaism.


It’s interesting that some 5 years since the church was born on Pentecost, these followers of Jesus were simply referred to as those “who were of the Way."


This phrase “the Way” or “hodos” in the Greek is the earliest term used to describe the followers of Jesus and is used 5 times in Acts (9:2, 19:9, 19:23, 22:4, 24:22). 


What makes this title so interesting is that it not only expressed a mere belief, but defined this belief as a way of living. In John 14:6 Jesus said, “I am the way (hodos), the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”


While Gamaliel had argued that a passive approach be taken towards this new movement, Saul believed he could no longer sit idly by and allow this growing heresy to gain momentum. Something had to be done. Judaism had to be defended. In the end he broke ranks with his elders and initiated a “great persecution” towards the Christians. 


In Act 7:58 as “they cast Stephen out of the city and stoned him. The witnesses laid down their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul.” Then in Acts 8:1-3 we’re told “Saul was consenting to his death” and “made havoc of the church, entering every house, dragging off men and women, committing them to prison.” 


What we find described in this passage is a maddened animal tearing into it’s prey. Not only was Saul enraged towards these men and women, but he took pleasure and satisfaction in the vicious work he was doing!


Now, after a year on the march, we’re told Saul is “still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord” (Acts 9:1). The KJV translates this as “breathing out threatenings and slaughter.” Literally, the “threatenings and slaughter towards these believers were the elements from which he drew his breath.” 


Destroying this movement started by Jesus drove Saul. It was his lifeblood! Saul would say in Galatians 1:13, “For you have heard of my former conduct in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it.”


One can reason that Saul’s reaction to “the Way” centered around the threat it posed to his entire way of life. As a devout Jew he understood that his entire worldview was under assault. His entire religious system was under assault.


If salvation came by faith through Jesus, his religious zeal was meaningless. 


If salvation was a gift of God, his sacrifice to obey the law was pointless. 


If Jesus was “the only Way” to the Father, his whole religious system was worthless. 


If Jesus was the Messiah, his rejection of Jesus would be his own undoing.


Understand… Saul was backed into a corner. He either accepted that everything he had devoted his life to no longer mattered, or he could lash out and crush this movement in an act of pure self-preservation. He chose religion over a relationship with Jesus!


Sadly, according to both Acts 22 and 26, Saul would justify his murderous actions as being spawned by a “zealousness toward God” and a deep conviction that “he must do things contrary to the name of Jesus.” Always understand that a genuine act done in the name of God doesn’t always guarantee the act itself has been sanctioned by God.




6. Saul was resisting his own conscious.


From the account that has already been provided by Luke, it would appear the driving force behind Saul’s violent campaign towards Christians stemmed not only from religious zeal and fanaticism, but more deeply from a resistance towards the truth of Jesus. 


First, there was Stephen’s debates with members of the “Synagogue of the Freedmen.” Because this was a prominent synagogue with a branch in Cilicia (of which Tarsus was the capital) it is likely Stephen’s debates had been with Saul. Now what makes this interesting is that in Act 6:10 we’re told in response to these conversations “they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke.”


Secondly, there was Stephen’s sermon in Acts 7 of which Saul had heard himself. In response to his sermon Stephen accuses them of “resisting the holy Spirit.” Then we’re told in verse 7, “When they heard these things they were cut to the heart.” 


The idea is that Saul was “resisting” or “striving against” what he knew to be true, and that the truth of Stephen’s message “cut” deep into the depths of his soul.


You see, Luke’s narrative seems to indicate Saul knew the truth of Jesus, but still chose to resist because he could not accept the implications it would have for his life!




7. Saul’s main problem was Saul.


If you strip away his religious fanaticism, you will find at the core of Saul problem self-righteousness. He was a smart man, a wealthy man, a religious man, a discipline man. Saul took pride and found satisfaction in his ability to obey the Law. In Philippians 3:6 he would say that “concerning the righteousness which is in the law” he was “blameless.”


You see Saul’s fundamental problem wasn’t those who followed “the Way,” his problem was with “the Way” itself! Saul rejected Jesus because he resisted what Jesus stood for… Man’s need of a Savior - Salvation by grace through faith! 


Saul was so pridefully wedded to his own moral righteousness that he had always been unwilling to humble himself… To admit he wasn’t good enough and rely on Christ.




With all this in mind let’s continue with our text… Acts 9:3-4, “As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. (Acts 22 places the time of day at noon.) “Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him (Acts 26 says the voice was in Hebrew), “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” 




It’s never a good thing when “a light from heaven” knocks you to the ground, knows your name, and then asks “why are you persecuting Me!” It’s clear from His question to Saul that persecuting believers is actually a persecution against Jesus Himself.


“Saul, Saul…” It’s interesting that Jesus repeats his name twice. While you could imagine Jesus had every justifiable reason to address Saul in a strong tone, in every instance we find this repetition of a person’s name God is doing so in a very compassionate way. 


“Abraham, Abraham” Genesis 22, “Jacob, Jacob” Genesis 46, “Moses, Moses” Exodus 3, “Jerusalem, Jerusalem” Matthew 23, “Simon, Simon” Luke 22, “Martha, Martha” Luke 10.




Acts 9:5, And he said, “Who are You, Lord?” Then the Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.” 




“Who are You, Lord?” - Though Saul is disoriented by this light and you can imagine he’s in a state of pure horror, he understands he’s having an encounter with the Living God.


Imagine the sinking feeling when Saul heard the answer… “I am Jesus!” The implications were unmistakeable. (1) Jesus was alive. (2) Jesus was God. (3) And Saul had pitted himself against the God of the universe by persecuting His followers.


“It is hard for you to kick against the goads…” A goad was a spear or staff used to heard cattle. It was used to lead an animal in the direction the master wanted. The implications were that God had been leading Saul, but that he had been fighting against it.


Once again the tenderness of Jesus is evident… He’s not standing in judgment. He’s not levying a series of charges against him. Instead you can hear a plea in his voice asking Saul to stop resisting the work He wanted to do in his life. “It is hard” Saul!




Acts 9:6, So Saul, trembling and astonished, said, “Lord, what do You want me to do?” Then the Lord said to him, “Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” 




To his credit Saul asked a relevant question… “Lord, what do You want me to do?” which was similar to saying, “I surrender. Jesus you are Lord! What now?” It is my opinion that it was in this moment Saul became a genuine convert.


I love Jesus’ response because it wouldn’t have been what a good Pharisee would have expected. There is no doubt Saul would have expected to be given a set of penitences - a list of things he could do to right his wrongs. And yet, what does Jesus say… “Arise and go into the city.” All Jesus gives him was a set of instruction for today.




Acts 9:7-9, And the men who journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice but seeing no one. Then Saul arose from the ground, and when his eyes were opened he saw no one. But they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank.”




For three days God allowed Saul to sit in darkness wrestling with the implications of what he had just encountered. The resurrected Christ had just radically intervened in his life and he knew nothing would ever be the same! I’m sure his mind raced… 


How would his peers respond? What kind of impact would this have on his family? Would the church he had persecution ever accept him as one of their own? 


In a very real sense Saul would sit in the darkness of his own death for three days chewing these things over before experiencing a glorious resurrection!




Before we close I want to share three simple observations about Saul:




God never gives up on any of us.


I am convinced that Saul’s interactions with Stephen had not been his first encounter with Jesus. In three different passages we’re told of Jesus’ interactions with a “Rich Young Ruler” who I believe is actually a young Saul. See if this fits the profile…


Matthew 19:16-22, “Now behold, one came and said to Him, "Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?" So He said to him, "Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments." He said to Him, "Which ones?" Jesus said, "You shall not murder, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, Honor your father and your mother, and, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 


“The young man said to Him, "All these things I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack?" Jesus said to him, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me." But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.”


If this was indeed Jesus’ first interaction with Saul, I take great solace in knowing it wasn’t His last. Though he wasn’t ready to let go of his pride and self-righteousness in this instance, and while he would consistently resist the pricking of his conscious by the Spirit on more than one occasion, and though he would do everything in his power to kick against the will of God… In the end Jesus would find a way to get through!




You can’t fight against Jesus for ever.




No man is beyond the reach of God’s saving grace.

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