INTRODUCTION
Outline.
1. Saul's Clash with Christ
2. Saul's Call by Christ
3. Saul's Conversion to Christ
Introductory Remarks.
1. Today's lesson will discuss the theme: "Saul of Tarsus' Conversion." What will be evident in this lesson is that Saul's conversion followed the same "pattern of conversions" as depicted in the Book of Acts. Saul's salvation would be consistent with the other converts we discussed in previous lessons. Saul's acts of faith and obedience are similar to those of Pentecost, the Samaritans, and the Ethiopian treasurer. There are no differences between Saul's conversion experiences to Christ and any others mentioned in the Book of Acts. We make no apology for our firm stand on this truth! We encourage you to follow along with us in the lesson.
2. First, we will note Saul's clash with Christ. By clash, I mean: "a short, fierce encounter, verbal or physical, with another person or group." In this case, it was with Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and all the believers "in the way." We will look closely at all the events on the Damascus highway. We will review his actions, from the appearance of the Lord to him, his journey into the city, and the instructions received to be saved. Saul said, "I thought I should do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth." We thank God he was "obedient unto the heavenly vision."
3. Second, we will consider the reason for the Lord's calling of Saul into the faith. We will notice the work that Saul was being called to do for Jesus Christ. Ananias said: "The Lord that appeared to thee in the way sent me to restore thy sight and that ye should be filled with the Holy Ghost." Further, "he is a chosen vessel, to bear the name of the Lord before the Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. And how great things he must suffer for his name's sake."
4. Finally, we will describe Saul's conversion to Christ in detail. Our purpose will be to explain vividly that he was saved in Damascus and not on the highway, as many religious leaders contend today. The Lord told him to arise and go into the city; he would be instructed what to do there. Three days later, the answer came. Therefore, Saul was not saved or converted before the visit of the man of God. Ananias, speaking by the Holy Spirit, told Saul what to do. His instructions were "to arise and be baptized and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord." All the time between him going into the city until the man of God visited with him was time Saul spent in prayer and fasting. This kind of prayer and fasting was typical for a repentant Jew. However, it was not a sign that he was saved or the way to receive the "forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Ghost." He, too, had to follow the same "pattern of conversion" as others have done up until this time in the Book of Acts. With this introduction, let's notice Saul's clash with Christ.
BODY OF LESSON
I SAUL'S CLASH WITH CHRIST
A. Saul's clash with Christ. Luke writes: "And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest," Acts 9:1. Luke picks up the persecution and slaughter of the saints by Saul of Tarsus. Remember, Stephen's stoning and burial had just taken place, and the saints were "scattered abroad, going everywhere preaching the word" Acts 8:4. Notice:
1. Saul consented to the death of Stephen and other disciples, Acts 8:1-2.
2. He was wrecking the church. "Having men and women committed them to prison," Acts 8:3.
3. He had "great zeal in persecuting the church," Philippians 3:6.
4. He said: "How beyond measure I persecuted the church of God and wasted it, and profited in the Jews' religion above many of my nations, being exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers," Galatians 1:13.
5. He said also: "I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth," Acts 26:9.
6. He was zealous toward God. He says: "I am certainly a man who am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye all are this day. And I persecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women," Acts 22:1-4.
B. Saul desired letters. Paul: "Desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem," Acts 9:2. He relentlessly persecuted the church with great zeal and tenacity.
a. He desired more authority. He sought Sanhedrin's approval for his actions. He needed their endorsement for his persecution of "the church." Wicked men and women desire the approval of others for their evil doings. Saul wanted the religious leaders to be guilty of his destructive actions.
b. These letters were necessary, for they would extend his reach into Damascus, some 200 miles away, in search, capture, and imprisonment of those he "found to be in the way."
c. There is something about "the way:"
1) It is the way spoken of in prophecy, Isaiah 35:8.
2) It is the way that John the Baptist preached, Matthew 3:3.
3) It is the way of life, Matthew 7:13-14.
4) It is the way of salvation, Acts 16:17.
5) It is the way of truth, John 14:6; 2 Peter 2:2.
6) It is the way once persecuted by Saul, Acts 22:4.
C. Saul's confrontation. Paul, "As he journeyed, coming near to Damascus: suddenly (a bright) light shined round about him from heaven: And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And he said, who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks," Acts 9:3-5. There are some points of interest we must consider in these verses. Notice some crucial facts during this encounter with Jesus:
1. As he drew near Damascus, a light from heaven shone around him.
2. He fell to the earth (he was not knocked off his horse by the light).
3. He heard a voice saying, "Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?"
4. Saul replied: "Who art thou, Lord?"
5. The Lord said: "I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks." ILLUSTRATION: The pricks—a sharp stick used to gore an ox.
D. Saul's submission. "And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?" See Acts 9:6a. This encounter brought Saul to his senses. Hearing and seeing Jesus caused him to rethink his actions. The Lord appeared to him in this clash of wills and actions. This experience will be discussed twice as he defends his preaching of Christ (Acts 22; Acts 26). He would experience great persecution as a result of his calling and election. However, Saul would never infer that because Jesus spoke to him "in the way," he was saved. The answer to his request was later by a man, not the Lord or an angel. Recall the Ethiopian's reply to Philip's question about understanding what he was reading. He answered: "How can I, except some man should guide me?" See Acts 8:31.
E. The Lord's instruction.
1. Saul's experience: "And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do," Acts 9:6b. Those with him did not understand the event. Note: "And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man," Acts 9:7. The instruction would occur in the city. It was not given to him on the Damascus highway.
2. Saul's account of this experience: "And I said, what shall I do, Lord? And the Lord said unto me, Arise, and go into Damascus; and there it shall be told thee of all things which are appointed for thee to do," Acts 22:10.
3. What did the Lord tell Saul to do? Go into the city, and it will be told thee what thou must do! Saul asked the Lord: "How do I correct this great evil I have committed against thee?" He knew some accountability was in order!
4. He would later write to the Galatians this: "But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb and called me by His grace. To reveal his son in me, that I might preach Him among the heathen, immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood. Neither went I up to Jerusalem," Galatians 1:15-19.
ILLUSTRATION: The Revelation of Christ, Galatians 1:11-12. Beloved, at this time, let's look at Saul's call by Christ.
II SAUL'S CALL BY CHRIST
A. His time in Damascus. Notice: "And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus. And he was three days without sight, and neither did (he) eat nor drink," Acts 9:8-9. It's interesting to note that the Lord had to blind him that he might see! Saul, like all the other "blind guides," could not see the "light of Jesus Christ."
ILLUSTRATION: Blind Guides, Matthew 15:14.
1. "Woe unto you, ye blind guides, which say, whosoever shall swear by the temple, it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the gold of the temple, he is a debtor!" See Matthew 23:16.
2. "Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel," Matthew 23:24.
3. Wickedness, disobedience, and unrighteousness blind the "eyes of those who believe not," 2 Corinthians 4:3-4.
4. This would be a perpetual blindness that will plague Israel "until the fullness of the Gentiles come in (appear)," Romans 11:25.
B. The Lord's call to Ananias.
1. Ananias' call by the Lord. Luke writes: "And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord," Acts 9:10.
2. The Lord's directions. Notice: "And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight," Acts 9:11-12.
ILLUSTRATION: The Lord's vision will be the same for all participating.
a. Ananias knew of Saul's blindness.
b. Saul knew of Ananias' coming to heal his blindness.
3. Ananias' fear of Saul. Notice: "Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name," Acts 9:10-14. He expressed genuine fear for this man who was called Saul.
C. The Lord said unto him: "Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake," Acts 9:15-16. He would become the apostle to the Gentiles, Galatians 2:7-10.
D. Saul's call to be an apostle of Christ. The most loving and grateful expressions of this calling are seen in Paul's Letter to Timothy. Notice how he describes it: "And I thank Christ Jesus for our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant with faith and love, which is in Christ Jesus. This is a faithful saying, worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. Howbeit for this cause (reason), I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting," 1 Timothy 1:12-16. Let's summarize his calling into the office:
1. First, it was with thanksgiving unto the Lord.
2. Further, he states that the Lord:
a. Enabled me. (Gr: endynamoô) means also to strengthen, equip, to be made strong. His calling and apostleship were made possible by the grace of Jesus Christ, Romans 1:5; Philippians 4:13; 2 Timothy 4:16-18. By the "revelation of Jesus Christ," he was granted an understanding of the "Mystery of Christ," Galatians 1:11-12; Ephesians 3:1-7; Romans 16:25-26.
b. Counted me faithful.
1) Count me. (Gr: hegeomai) means to consider, account, or deem something to be so. Christ counted him faithful for this work and ministry through grace and his calling as an apostle.
2) Faithful. (Gr: pistos) means one who is trustworthy, reliable, and faithful to an office. Saul would be faithful to his calling as an apostle of Christ, 1 Corinthians 4:1-2; 2 Corinthians 4:1-2.
c. Put him into the ministry. (Gr: tithemi) means to set, put in place, appoint, or ordain to an office. Saul was set in the church as an apostle, 1 Corinthians 12:28; 2 Timothy 1:11.
3. Next, Paul declared himself a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a dangerous person.
4. Consider, but he obtained mercy because he did it ignorantly in unbelief. Many today do what they do "ignorantly in unbelief," not "knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God," Matthew 22:29.
5. Notice that the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant with faith and love, which is in Christ Jesus. This is a faithful saying, worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.
a. He calls himself the "chief" sinner. He considered himself to be the worst of all sinners.
b. Least of all apostles. Notice: "For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God, I am what I am," 1 Corinthians 15:9-10. Where sin abounded: "grace did much more abound," Romans 5:20.
c. Lease of all saints, Ephesians 3:8.
6. Finally, howbeit for this cause, he obtained mercy.
a. That in him first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering.
b. For a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to everlasting life.
E. Saul suffered for Christ. To his son Timothy, he writes: "Yea and all that will live godly, shall suffer persecutions," 2 Timothy 3:12.
1. Here, the Lord shares with Ananias the great trials and suffering Saul would endure for the "name of the Lord." Beginning in Damascus and Jerusalem, Acts 9:21-25; Acts 22:18.
2. This would be true of Paul's work for Christ, 2 Corinthians 11:21-28.
ILLUSTRATION: Paul's Persecutions for Christ.
3. Paul's thorn in the flesh, 2 Corinthians 12:7-10. This thorn enabled him to remain humble and dependent upon the Lord. Let's now notice Saul's conversion experience.
III SAUL'S CONVERSION TO CHRIST
A. Ananias went his way. Luke writes: "And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost," Acts 9:17. Let's notice the chain of events:
1. Ananias went his way and entered the house where Saul was residing.
2. Ananias puts his hand on Saul and calls him Brother. Notice:
a. The "putting on of hands." Ananias puts his hands on Saul so that he might receive his sight. Remember, Philip the Evangelist was able to perform miracles (heal the sick, blind, etc.) but could not impart the Holy Ghost (spiritual gifts) to the Samaritans.
ILLUSTRATION: The apostles Peter and John had to go to Samaria to grant them "spiritual gifts," Acts 8:14-17. Later, Paul would perform the same thing to some disciples of John the Baptist near the city of Ephesus, Acts 19:1-7.
b. Calling him "Brother" was a standard greeting among the Jews. (Some religious leaders affirm Saul's salvation and fellowship with the saints today because Ananias called him brother).
c. This, however, is a misstatement. Notice the term "men and brethren" in these verses: Acts 2:29, Acts 13:15; Acts 23:1, Acts 23:5, and Acts 23:6.
d. Paul addressed the Sanhedrin council as "men and brethren"; indeed, they were not converts of Jesus Christ!
e. Each had reference to their Jewish heritage and not as a disciple of Christ. Ananias addressed him as "brother" because of his heritage as a Jew, not because he was a Christian at this time. Saul could not be called a "brother" until he had become a "child of God," John 1:11-12; Galatians 3:26-29; Galatians 4:5-7.
3. Ananias tells Saul why he was there before him:
a. First, he states to Saul, who sent him. "The Lord, even Jesus, has sent me." To be clear regarding this matter, it was "that same Jesus that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest." That same Jesus that spoke to you has spoken to and sent me unto you.
b. Further, "That thou mightiest receive thy sight." As Ananias put his hands on Saul, he immediately received his sight.
c. Finally, "And be filled with the Holy Ghost." Another reason for Ananias' visit was to enable Paul to be filled with the Holy Ghost. This empowerment would come from the Lord and not Ananias. The hands of Saul would wreak the signs of an apostle, who then would be called "Paul," Acts 19:11; 2 Corinthians 12:12; and Galatians 3:5. See also Romans 15:19; and 1 Thessalonians 1:5.
B. Immediately, his eyes. Notice: "And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith," Acts 9:18a. Ananias, putting his hands on Saul, gave him his sight.
C. And he arose and was baptized. Luke adds: "and (he) arose, and was baptized," Acts 9:18b. Let me stress at this time that this verse and the subsequent behavior of Saul points out that it was in the city of Damascus he was saved. He would mention later:
1. Ananias instructed him: "And now why tarriest thou? Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord," Acts 22:16. Note the instruction came to Saul three days after his confrontation with the Lord on the Damascus highway.
2. Was Baptism part of his conversion experience? The question that stands before us now is this: "Did Saul's baptism in Damascus grant him the remission of sins and the gift of the Holy Ghost?" See Acts 2:38 and Acts 5:32. God is "no respecter of persons," Romans 2:11. Therefore, Saul's act of faith and obedience would have to follow the same "pattern of conversions" as others in the Book of Acts.
3. Before King Agrippa, Paul stated: "I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision," Acts 26:19. Clearly, the idea here is that Saul, like the "great company of priests (he too) was obedient to the faith," in the same fashion as them, Acts 6:7; Romans 1:5.
4. Paul would preach the same gospel he obeyed unto the Jew and Gentile nations "for their obedience of (to the) faith," Romans 10:16-18; Romans 15:18-19; Romans 16:19; and Romans 16:25-26. Remember, we "obey out of the heart that form or pattern of doctrine, which makes us free from our sin," Romans 6:17-18. Notice that form of doctrine:
a. The word "form" (Gr: typos) means: "the teaching which embodies the sum and substance of religion and represents it to the mind, manner of writing, the contents and the form of a letter."
b. In this case, it means that "form of the doctrine" (i.e., a model for imitation), which makes one "free from their sin."
c. This "form" is the replication of the teaching and practice, which yields the same results (i.e., "repent and be baptized for the remission of sins"), Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16; John 8:21-32, 36.
5. Paul later speaks of his and the Corinthians' baptism into the "body of Christ," 1 Corinthians 12:13.
6. Saul was "added to the church" by the Lord, just like those on Pentecost and other believers, Acts 2:41, 47; Acts 5:13-14 and Acts 11:24.
D. And he received meat. Notice: "And when he had received meat, he was strengthened," Acts 9:19. Remember now, he had not eaten for three days and nights. After obeying the gospel of Christ, Ananias placed food before him, and he ate and was physically strengthened. Like the other converts, Saul rejoiced, believing in God, Acts 8:39; Acts 16:34.
E. And he preached Christ. Finally: "Then was Saul, on certain days, with the disciples at Damascus. And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God," Acts 9:20-22. Paul's preaching of Jesus was that "He is the Son of God."
1. Saul also preached the message of Christ in Jerusalem. He could "join himself with the disciples" because of Barnabas' influence in the church there, Acts 9:26-29.
2. He preached Christ in Jerusalem until he was sent to Tarsus by the brethren, Acts 9:30.
3. Then the churches rest. Luke said: "Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied," Acts 9:31.
4. Saul was "unknown by face unto the churches of Judaea which were in Christ: But they had heard only, that he who persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he (ravaged) destroyed. And they glorified God," Galatians 1:22-23.
5. Saul's conversion brought great joy and rest to the churches of Christ. As I conclude this lesson, let's review what we have discussed.
CONCLUSION
A. Outline.
1. Saul's Clash with Christ
2. Saul's Call by Christ
3. Saul's Conversion to Christ
B. Summarize main points.
1. First, we noted Saul's clash with Christ. By clash, I mean: "a short, fierce encounter, verbal or physical, with another person or group." In this case, it was with Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and the believers "in the way." We looked closely at all the events on the Damascus highway. We reviewed his actions, from the appearance of the Lord to him, his journey into the city, and the instructions he received to be saved. Saul said, "I thought I should do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth." We thank God he was "obedient unto the heavenly vision."
2. Second, we considered the reason for the Lord's calling of Saul into the faith. We noticed the work that Saul was being called to do for Jesus Christ. Ananias said: "The Lord that appeared to thee in the way sent me to restore thy sight and that ye should be filled with the Holy Ghost." Further, "he was a chosen vessel, to bear the name of the Lord before the Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. And how great things he must suffer for his name's sake."
3. Finally, we described Saul's conversion to Christ in great detail. Our purpose was to explain that he was saved in the city vividly and not on the Damascus highway, as many religious leaders contend. Recall that the Lord told Saul to arise and go into the city, and it would be there, and he would be instructed on what to do. Three days later, the answer came. Therefore, Saul was not saved or converted before the visit of the man of God. Ananias, speaking by the Holy Spirit, told Saul what to do. His instructions were "to arise and be baptized and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord." All the time between his going into the city until the man of God's visit with him was time Saul spent in prayer and fasting. This kind of prayer and fasting was typical for a repentant Jew. However, it was not a sign that he was saved or the way to receive the "forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Ghost." He, too, had to follow the same "pattern of conversion" as others have done up until this time in the Book of Acts.
C. Invitation. Present God's pattern of conversion. Jesus said: "Come unto me all ye that labor," Matthew 11:28-30. [Explain the POC, i.e., hearing and believing the gospel; repentance of all past sins, Luke 24:44-47; confessing faith in Christ, as the Son of God, Matthew 10:32-33; and then, by obeying the gospel, Romans 10:16-18; Romans 6:17-18; that is to: "repent and be baptized, in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost," Acts 2:38; Acts 5:31-32; Ephesians 1:13-14].
D. Exhortation. "The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved," Jeremiah 8:20.
E. Motivation. Do as Peter directed: "Save thyself," Acts 2:40; Acts 2:36-39; Acts 2:41.
This sermon was updated by Ron Freeman, Evangelist on 9/10/2024
