“you Are Under Arrest”

“YOU ARE UNDER ARREST”

Acts 9:1-19

Introduction

The apostle Paul refers to his first encounter with Jesus in terms that are similar to an arrest, or as being apprehended by Jesus. For example, in Philippians 3:12, Paul writes, “Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.” By the way, this word “apprehended” appears only in the KJV; although it literally means to seize or take hold. In other words, Paul says, “I press on to take/lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus took/laid hold of me.”

On careful examination, one can see the irony of Paul’s encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus. He was going there to apprehend Christians, take/lay hold of them and dragging them off to jail. However, Jesus got a hold of Paul’s life and never let go. Let me remind all of us that Jesus wants to get a hold of our lives as well, and that is what I would like to talk about today. God wants to put a stop to our old way of living so that we might experience His restoration and know His love.

Read: Acts 9:1-19

Saul’s Conversion

9 Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest

2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way,

whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem.

3 As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him.

4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”

5 “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied.

6 “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.

10 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 holy people in Jerusalem.

14 And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.”

15 But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to

the people of Israel.

16 I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.”

17 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.

I. Busted

Read: Acts 9:3

3 As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him.

Ah-oh, Saul is busted for heading down the wrong road. He had been fighting against God’s will. His teacher, Gamaliel, had warned, in Acts 5:38-39, to “…leave these men alone…if this is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.”

It appears that Saul did not listen very well. On his way to Damascus, he found that he had indeed been fighting against the Lord. Saul thought he was doing something great for God, but Jesus gave him a reality check. Not only had he NOT been helping the God of Israel, but also he had been persecuting the Messiah, Jesus.

It is interesting how Jesus phrases His words. He asked Saul, “Why are you persecuting Me?” This may sound strange, unless we look back to what Jesus said inMatthew 25:40, “…whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for Me.” It appears clear that Jesus linked the treatment of even the lowest of His brothers with the personal treatment of Him.