Paul, Apostle of the Heart Set Free (Acts 9:1-21)

A sermon preached on July 14, 2013 at Hebron Baptist Church, Denham Sprisngs, LA by Pastor Joe Alain.

Scripture Reading: Acts 9:1-21

How people face adversity can have a huge impact on us. Heroic deeds inspire us. For instance, when 19 firefighters near Prescott, Arizona lost their lives in the line of duty, we celebrated their heroism. Their everyday bravery in the face of great danger inspired us. The way that a man named Stephen died must have weighed heavily on the mind of Saul. Saul was present and gave his approval for the death of Stephen (Acts 8:1). But as Stephen was being stoned for his faith he prayed for his murderers, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them” (7:60).

A Campaign of Rage and Terror (9:1-2)
To numb the reminder of seeing Stephen’s calmness in the face of death, Saul plunged headlong into a campaign of rage and terror to blot out followers of Jesus from the earth. In 9:1 Luke tells us that Saul went on a rampage to route out “the Lord’s disciples.” Luke uses his Jewish name of Saul in this account, but we know him better by his Roman name of Paul.

Not content with persecuting believers in Jerusalem, Saul went to see the High Priest about what he sees as the ever-increasing “Christian Problem.” “The Way” as he refers to them (19:9, 23; 22:4; 24:14, 22) is a threat to Judaism. And so He seeks extradition papers from the high priest to go to the synagogues in Damascus so that if he found any “who belonged to the Way,” he could have them arrested. Damascus, about 140 miles from Jerusalem, was a place of refuge for believers who had fled the persecution of Jerusalem and there was a sizeable Christian community there.

Saul is zealous and he’s convinced that he is serving God but he is in fact opposing God. He’s moving full speed ahead into the darkness, religious but lost! You can be convinced that a way of life, a belief is correct, but if it does not align with truth, it will only lead to further darkness and confusion. Some of the most unhappy people on the planet are religious people who hold on to error. What should bring joy brings them anger. If your religion makes you angry, you need another religion!

Blinded by “The Light” (9:3-4)
On his way to Damascus to carry out his misdirected plan Saul was blinded by “a Light” which he would soon discover was “The Light” (v.5)! So that Saul could not easily dismiss what was happening to him, God used two senses (sight and hearing) to get Saul’s attention. He might dismiss one or the other, but he could not easily dismiss them both. Saul fell to the ground, how we don’t know. But he heard a voice saying, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” At this point the voice is not identified, but it is clear that Saul’s persecution of “the Lord’s disciples” (v.1) has brought him to this experience. To his surprise, Saul discovers that to persecute believers in Jesus is to persecute the Lord God Himself!

Shock and Awe (9:5-9)
When Saul asked “Who are you Lord?” (v.5) we shouldn’t understand his use of the term “Lord” to mean what we would understand it to mean. Later on Paul will record many times the signature expression of the Christian’s profession of faith, “Jesus is Lord!” (See, Rom. 10:9; Phil. 2:11), but here he’s using it in the sense of “Master,” or “Sir.” He’s not too sure “who” is speaking or “what “is happening at this point. But the Lord God made it very clear who he was, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.” The historical Jesus, the one who died and rose again, the one whose followers are being persecuted by Saul, He is alive and the one who is speaking.  I wonder what must have gone through Saul’s mind at that time.

The Lord told Saul to get up and go into the city, “and you will be told what you must do” (v.6). This was a radical change for Saul. He’s used to giving orders not taking them. The humbling of Saul continues. It’s been said that, “A Christian is a person who has ceased to do what he wants to do and who has begun to do what Christ wants him to do.” That’s a pretty good description of what it means to be a Christian – Jesus is Lord! “He’s in control of my life. It’s no longer my will, but His will be done in my life.”

Now, there were others with Saul as he traveled to Damascus and Luke tells us that they were “speechless.” I think Saul was too! These men with Saul only heard “the sound but did not see anyone.” Perhaps, Saul saw Jesus as he heard him speak (“I have appeared to you,” 26:16). The others neither saw or understood the message of the sound. How long he was on the ground we do not know, but now he gets up but when he does he can see nothing (v.8). Those with him “led him by the hand into Damascus.” Saul who was charging in to arrest believers and drag them back to Jerusalem is now being led humbly by the hand like a little child by others to Damascus. And for three days Saul was blind and he did not eat or drink anything (v.9). Saul has met his match in the risen Jesus and is in a state of shock and awe.

From Chief Persecutor to Chief Preacher (9:10-17)
But God has plans for Saul. Instead of condemning him on the spot, he will commission him. God has people in Damascus and he has a specific job to do for a disciple named Ananias (v.10). While Saul said, “Who?” Ananias said “Yes, Lord.”

The Lord gave Ananias some specific instructions (vv.11-12).
    – The specific address to go to, “the house of Judas on Straight Street.” He won’t need a GPS, God tells him exactly where Saul will be.
    – The specific words to say when you arrive, “ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying.” It’s interesting that we are told that Saul was praying. I’m sure his prayer life was greatly enhanced by this whole experience. There are some things that happen in life that will make even the hardest man humble and prayerful. Telling Ananias that Saul is praying may also be a way to ease the moment for Ananias. Praying people generally are less likely to kill you!

All of this is good and well, but now Ananias chimes in (vv.13-14), “Lord, . . . I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your saints in Jerusalem.” Emphasis on “many reports” and “all the harm he had done,” meaning “I’m not too sure if you realize what you are asking me to do. Haven’t you heard?” Furthermore, I know that this man has come with “authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name” (v.14). Ananias is doing what we sometimes do when we’re not sure we really want to do what he’s asking us, he’s attempting to inform the Lord.

Here’s the Lord’s response (v.15), “Go!” “Don’t argue with me, don’t lean on your own understanding. I know what you are telling me and I know what I’m doing” (v.15). Ouch! God has seen in Saul what neither Saul or Ananias have yet to see, that Saul will be God’s “chosen instrument to carry” the Lord’s “name before the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel.” That’s a pretty tall order, but with God all things are possible. God is going to take the chief persecutor and make him the chief preacher.

Maybe what God says in verse 16 would also be an encouragement to Ananias and the other believers in Damascus. Saul is going to suffer greatly, but in an ironic twist, he will “suffer” for the very name of Jesus, the one he is persecuting! The people he sees as his enemies will become his greatest friends. This is the reconciling power of the Gospel! The people he hated, he will come to know and love. Only God can do that!

Apparently this satisfied Ananias and he went to where Saul was staying (v.17). He addressed Saul as a brother in the Lord, “Brother Saul.” He also makes it clear that it was the Lord Jesus who appeared to him on the way to Damascus and it was the same Jesus who sent him to lay hands on him so that he would be able to “see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit” (v.17).

Once I Was Blind, But Now I Can See (9:18)
When Ananias carried out God’s plan, “Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see” (v.18). Seeing and being filled with the Holy Spirit is synonymous with salvation. And in salvation (reconciliation with God) God removes the blinders so that we can truly see. Paul was blinded by his rage, his hatred of believers, and his religious zeal. Now, Jesus has opened his eyes to see. Once I was blind, but now I can see!

Paul is a new man, a man who has been set free, free from himself, from his hatred, and from his empty religion! Immediately Saul was baptized, baptism showing the radical nature of repentance and change of direction in his life. Saul has begun for the first time in his life to do what Jesus wants him to do. And baptism says “I am showing that in my life, I am doing what God wants me to do.” The amazing change of Saul is seen in verse 20 where Luke says, “At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God” (v.20). No wonder the people were astonished at the change in Saul. He really is a new man in Christ.

Life Applications:
1. God uses circumstances in your life to bring you to the truth.
God used circumstances in Saul’s life to cause him to be dependent upon him and the very people he hated. This was a humbling experience but we too must become humble before we are willing to get to the place where we will truly say, “Jesus is Lord of my life.” Sometimes you have to get to the end of yourself before you are ready to trust the Lord. And God will use the circumstances of your life to draw you to himself and to help you see others in a different light. What if you had to trust with your life the very people that you don’t like? What if God used that to bring you to the truth?

2. The Lord of love and light can conquer any hatred you might have.
Love conquers hatred. Hatred only takes you to the dark side. The cure for rage and hatred (which is darkness) is yielding to the Lordship of Christ (to walk in the light). Only the Lord of light can calm the raging dark storm of your soul. Only Jesus can set you free from the darkness of hatred and bring you into the light of love.

The reconciling power of the Gospel is on display in Saul’s life. He has become a “brother” to those whom he hated. Paul will later write that it is Jesus who is our peace, He’s the one who breaks down the walls that separate us (Eph. 2:14). Only love can do that.

3. Where you are now is not an indicator of where you could be.
God has plans for your life and your present life circumstances are not indicators of your future circumstances. Who would have ever in a million years said “Saul is going to be the greatest missionary of the Gospel!” He’s full of hatred, darkness, and thoughts of murder occupy his mind. And yet God had a plan for Saul and his present circumstances, rather than indicating his future will be a platform for him to use to help others who are also in darkness. He will share his testimony around the world, a testimony we still share! God never wastes anything. Your life experiences, what God has brought you to and through, He will use in your life if you will allow Him to.

4. Will you believe in a God who is big enough to do anything?
Ananias did. He followed the Lord’s instructions by faith. It didn’t make sense to do what he did, and it took great courage, but he went anyway by faith believing God is big enough to do anything. What would happen if we began to see what God sees. What would happen if we pray for the conversion of people who may be the most opposed to Christianity today? God can change anyone. Do you believe that? If you do, you will pray for people.

Will you do what God wants you to do rather than what you want to do? Saul did. Ananias did. Will you? This is what it means to be a Christian and to be truly free!



For His Glory!
Pastor Joe