Acts 9
1 And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,
Saul, who will later be changed to "Paul" seeks out Christians because he hates them with every being on his mind and body.
2 And 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.
Saul's requesting letters of authority to go to Damascus and to the synagogue there. He is going to look for those following the way of Jesus Christ. He wants to bring them back in chains.
3 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:
Saul, later be changed to "Paul" has the attention of God for Gods purpose.
4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
Because Saul was looking for Christians to put in chains, he had the attention of God. Because of his actions he persecutes God.
5 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.
"it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks" = You're only hurting yourself.
6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.
Saul is waking up. Many today have things happen that should bring them to see, yet still want to ignore The Way.
7 And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man.
These men believe Saul has lost his mind I'm sure. Then again that's what most that are blind to The Truth believe with those that follow Christ.
8 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.
Saul has been blinded to the world. A blind person will enhance their other senses. Saul = Paul is about to be someone very useful to God.
9 And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.
He just couldn't get over what was happening to him. It would be hard to eat knowing you just talked to The Lord, thinking about all you had done and now your blind.
10 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.
This is the second "Ananias" in the Hebrew = "whom God has graciously given". God will use this seconnd Ananias to give Saul back his sight and educate him.
11 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,
Ananias is going to look for Saul = Paul and he will find him praying. He has a lot to pray about considering the things he had done to Christians.
12 And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.
13 Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem:
Ananias knows God is sending him to Saul and by faith goes knowing the evil he has been doing to Christians.
14 And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name.
Ananias is just looking for reassurance that this Saul is the right man he is to look for.
15 But 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:
Saul had such a life of experiences, God will make him of great use. God chose Saul = Paul to be one of His elect to serve His will.
16 For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.
It's like if you have ever starved or been homeless, you understand more about your blessings and helping others than someone that hasn't.
17 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 Spirit.
Ananias had faith and knew The Power of God. He was a faithful servant. Saul is going to see The Power and faith firsthand.
18 And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.
Saul is a believer.
19 And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.
Meat for the flesh is one thing and Meat for your soul is another. God's Word feeds you in ways you could never imagine until you study and see for yourself.
20 And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.
Saul being feed The Meat of The Word is lead to feed others of The Truth of Christ.
21 But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests?
They see the change in Saul and question what their eyes see and ears hear.
22 But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.
The people were able to see one of their own that fought against Christians is now a Christian himself and a strong one at that.
23 And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him:
These people are going to stick with satan over The Truth they hear about Christ, this coming from one of their own that hated Christians but is now awake.
24 But their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him.
Saul knew they wanted him murdered. He knew they are waiting for him at every exit .
25 Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket.
26 And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple.
Only a foolish person wouldn't question the motives of someone that followed evil. God has given us all common sense for a reason.
27 But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.
Barnabas is letting The Apostles know he has witnessed Saul preach Christ. He lets them know about Saul's change of heart.
28 And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem.
29 And he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him.
Saul isn't going to debate or sugar coat The Truth in his spreading of God's Word and many hate him for it.
30 Which when the brethren knew, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus.
The Apostles could see things getting out of hand and took him to Tarsus.
31 Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, were multiplied.
"fear" should be translated "love" because those that follow The Lord have nothing to fear. It should read, "walking in the love of the Lord".
32 And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all quarters, he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda.
Lydda was a place of nothing but strife.
33 And there he found a certain man named Aeneas, which had kept his bed eight years, and was sick of the palsy.
8 in biblical numerics = new beginnings and this one bedridden for 8 years is about to have one.
34 And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately.
Christ Jesus made me whole and he can do the same for all that accept and believe in Him. It's a change of life, a new beginning †
35 And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord.
36 Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.
This is a woman of God. She is a student of His Word and has the actions to prove it if she had to. She did things to help others without wanting anything in return.
37 And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber.
38 And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them.
39 Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them.
These people lacked faith but could hold the clothing and coats Dorcas made for them in high regard. Sad people hold things to a higher standard than God.
40 But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up.
Peter ran the doubters out and God sent Tabitha back. Spiritually this would be the church coming back to life.
41 And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive.
Just like Tabitha received life again, the church in Lydda of Joppa receiveds life in Christ Jesus sent for all to receive.
42 And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord.
43 And it came to pass, that he tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner.
As Peter stayed in Joppa teaching The Word, the people grew as the church in knowledge and wisdom. That's what The Word does † It make everything new.