The Conversion of Saul Acts 9:1-4

Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 2 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.3 As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven.

Acts 9:1-4 4 Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, " Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?"

Who was Saul? though I also might have confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so:5 circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; 6 concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. Philippians 3:4-6

Who was Saul? Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 2 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. Acts 9:1-2

Who was Saul? 6 concerning zeal, persecuting the church; Philippians 3:6a Then Paul, looking earnestly at the council, said, " Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day.“ Acts 23:1

What he did. 3 As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. 4 Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, " Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?"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."

What he did. 6 So he, 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.“ Acts 9:3-6

What he did. Then the Lord said, " I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.“ Acts 9:5b

What he did. But your iniquities have separated you from your God… Isaiah 59:2a

What he did. And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord. ‘ Acts 22:16

What he did. Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Romans 6:4

What he did. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Galatians 3:27

What he did. 6 So he, 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."7 And the men who journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice but seeing no one.

What he did. 8 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. Acts 9:6-8

What he did. And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, " Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit." 18 Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized. Acts 9:17-18

Who he became. But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. 8 Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ

Who he became. 9 and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; Philippians 3:7-9

Who he became. if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus:22 that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, 23 and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:21-24

Who he became. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. 1 Timothy 1:15

Who he became. Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God Romans 1:1 Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, 1 Corinthians 1:1a

Who he became. But the Lord said to him, " Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. 16 For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name's sake.“ Acts 9:15-16

Who he became. Then he said, 'The God of our fathers has chosen you that you should know His will, and see the Just One, and hear the voice of His mouth. 15 For you will be His witness to all men of what you have seen and heard. Acts 22:14-15

Conclusion 1. Saul is an example of the change that is possible in the heart of man. 2. Shouldn’t the gospel have the same effect on you today?