Blinded by the Light Viewing Acts Chapter 9 Prepared by: Soon Siak. March 2010

Odd 1 out The one with the best marks will be the winner. People had difficulty identifying Saul as a Christian, and for a while he didn’t seem to belong.

The Conversion of Saul (9:1-22) The Book of Acts hasn’t said much about Saul at this point, though from now on he will be a key character. We know he was young (7:58), opposed to Christianity (8:1), and quite actively involved in stamping out this new movement (8:1-3). But some changes were about to be made. What caused them (v1-6)? As Saul travelled to Damascus to further persecute church members, a bright light from heaven stopped him and Jesus spoke to him. Note the details especially the conversation between him and Jesus.

The Conversion of Saul (9:1-22) Now as he journeyed he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed about him. And he fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”

The Conversion of Saul (9:1-22) “ He is a chosen instrument of Mine to carry My Name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel; for I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of My Name.” (v15,16)

The Conversion of Saul (9:1-22) Saul was part of a group at the time. Could the others confirm what had happened to him (v8,9)? They could hear a sound and knew something had happened, but the message was directed to Saul alone. Obviously, they would have noted his changed behaviour. Can other people confirm your own conversion to Christianity? Explain.

The Conversion of Saul (9:1-22) After such a dramatic encounter, how did Saul know he hadn’t been hallucinating? He was blinded and had to be led into Damascus. Meanwhile, Jesus also appeared to a man named Anania. If you had been Ananias, how do you think you would have responded to the Lord’s request (v10-15)? Why? Saul already had a reputation, and had come to town for the sole purpose of arresting Christians [or worse]. It had to be a terrifying proposition to be the first person to walk up to him and say, “So, I hear you’re one of us now.”

The Conversion of Saul (9:1-22) It took a little convincing, but Ananias finally went. What was the result of this first encounter (v17-19)? Something like scales fell from his eyes and he could see. He rose and was baptised, ate and stayed with the disciples at Damascus for several days. He proclaimed Jesus in the synagogues. When you became a Christian, were you able to “see” anything more clearly than you had previously? If so, explain.

Saul flees from Damascus (9:23-25) What was the reaction of the Jewish religious leaders to Saul’s conversion (v20-26)? They staked out the city of Damascus, hoping to find and kill him. Why do you think they reacted so strongly? Saul was an intelligent, well trained, strong person who had been intent on exterminating this new Christian “sect.” To have him join their ranks must have been not only embarrassing, but threatening as well.

Saul Visits Jerusalem (9:26-31) Why weren’t the Christians glad to see him (v26)? Because Saul was smart and had been so ruthless, it was only normal to think that he might be setting a trap. At this point, he had lost the support of his old friends and had not yet made new Christian friends. Did you experience any similar problems in transition when you became a Christian? It is not unusual to lose some of our old friends when we commit ourselves to Christ.

Saul Visits Jerusalem (9:26-31) So how did Saul “break into” the church group at Jerusalem (v27-31)? As Ananias had done in Damascus, Barnabas courageously received him and introduced him to the other Christians. Why could they trust Barnabas? He was accepted by the apostles as one who was trustworthy (he gave the proceeds from the sale of his field 4:37) and accepted as a prophet (13:1).

Saul Visits Jerusalem (9:26-31) From Damascus to Jerusalem. “…they took Saul to Caesarea and sent him away to Tarsus (v30).

Aeneas the Paralytic Made Whole Peter was still active as well. What kinds of things was he doing to the glory of God (v32- 43)? He healed a man who had been paralyzed for eight years, and he even raised a woman from the dead. What were the effects on the people? When they saw what happened, they believed in the Lord. These healings were really designed to bring many to Christ. These miracles were not just a marvel; it was a sign.

Missionary work by Peter Peter came a visiting at Lydda and Joppa (v32- 43).

View from Jaffa, the ancient Joppa, to Tel Aviv

Dorcas Raised to Life (9:36-43) Peter raised Tabitha from the dead at Joppa (v36- 43).

A Tanner (9:43)? The trade of a tanner was held as abominable by the Jews. Reason being that he was in touch with the skinning of dead animals. Fancy Peter was now staying with such a man. God was preparing him for what is to come. Coming next!!!

SPM 2007 Section B Question In what ways did Saul try to destroy the church? (2 marks) Give an account of how Saul met Jesus on the road to Damascus. (6 marks) Give an account of how God prepared Ananias to help Saul. (5 marks) What impact did Saul's conversion have on the church? (2 marks)

The 11th National Postal BK Quiz Nature of Quiz : Written paper of 45 minutes with 2 parts : I ) 20 fill-in-the-blanks quotations 2) 30 objective questions Text to be quizzed : The book of Luke, chapters The book of Genesis, chapters 12 – 15 Participants will be awarded the MCSC (Malayan Christian Schools’ Council) certificate for their participation and those who score 40% and above will be acknowledged in their certificates. When? 18 th April, 2010