Acts 9:23–43 - BibleStudy.ph

These are the original teaching notes from this passage.

Acts 9:1-22

Salvation of Saul…
- Meeting Christ…
  - When SAUL ran out of DISCIPLES in Jerusalem to persecute and imprison…
  - He went to the High Priest and asked for permission to hunt them in Damascus…
  - But as he came near to the city – he was surrounded by a BRIGHT light [noon day sun]
  - Jesus asked him: Saul why are you persecuting Me – Matthew 25:42
  - It was hard for Saul to kick against the GOAD [death] – I Corinthians 15:57
  - God BLINDED Saul – to show him he was SPIRITUALLY blind – John 9:39
- Chosen vessel…
  - God came to a disciples called ANANIAS [God is Gracious]
  - And gave him exact details – to go and pray for Saul to receive his sight…
  - ANANIAS had doubts – because Saul had a reputation for persecuting Christians…
  - But God said – He had chosen Saul to be an Apostle [twelfth] to the Gentiles…
  - And when ANANIAS prayed for him – he did receive his sight – and was BAPTIZED [before eating]
  - Immediately SAUL began to preach that Jesus is the Christ [Messiah]!
1^st – Impossible to stop… vs. 23-25
- 1^st – Plot to kill… vs. 23
  - Pleasing men…
  - Saul had served beside the Jews under a RELIGIOUS system they both cherished…
  - He advanced beyond all his peers – working harder than them all – Philippians 3:5-6
  - So that by following the rules – he had become FAMOUS among the Jews…
  - But FAMOUS among men – but it did NOTHING to make him right with God!
  - RELIGION is NOT about pleasing God – it is all about LOOKING good…
  - Wearing the right clothes – saying the right words – following the right traditions…
  - It is all to IMPRESS those around us – but it CANNOT save us from our sin!
  - Pleasing God…
  - Now after many days were past the Jews plotted to kill him!
  - The very same men who had PRAISED Saul when he was a Jew…
  - Now sought to KILL him because he was preaching Jesus Christ…
  - Saul rejected RELIGION – realizing it kept him from SERVING Christ!
  - Galatians 1:10 – “If I still pleased men I would not be a bondservant of Christ.”
  - People prefer RELIGION to a relationship with Jesus…
  - Because RELIGION can be used to justify their sin…
  - They can do what they want the rest of the week – so long as they go to church on Sunday!
- 2^nd – Protected by God… vs. 24-25
  - No worries… vs. 24
  - But their plot became known to Saul!
  - [δέ] BUT – their PLAN was made [passive] KNOWN [γινώσκω] to Saul…
  - Saul had no reason to be worried of concerned – the Lord was watching out for him!
  - ANXIETY and WORRY come from thinking about things we have NO control over [future]
  - We spend countless hours – trying to work out what we should do [but have no answers]
  - The irony about worrying about our problems – is it does NOT help…
  - Because we focus on the PROBLEM – rather than the SOLUTION…
  - The answer is Jesus – He see EVERYTHING – and lets us KNOW [passive] what to do!
  - Philippians 4:6 – “Do not worry about anything – instead pray about everything.” [NLT]
  - Helping hand… vs. 24-25
  - And they watched the gates day and night to kill him.
  - Then the disciples took him by night and let him down through the wall in a large basket!
  - The Jews were constantly watching [imperfect] the gates of the city…
  - They even asked the governor to guard it with soldiers – II Corinthians 11:32
  - Day and night they were there – hoping [subjuntive] to KILL Saul…
  - Therefore – the ONLY way out of the city was over the wall [in a BASKET]
  - But Saul could NOT do this himself – he needed others to HELP…
  - The DISCIPLES [μαθητής] came to his aid – and made sure he got out safely…
  - What a twist – the people Saul used to trust as friends – were trying to KILL him…
  - The people Saul used to try and KILL – were the ones who SAVED his life!
  - When we chose to LIVE for Jesus – those in the world will NOT like it…
  - We may lose friends – people who used to LOVE us – now HATE us…
  - Because we are NO longer living by their RULES – we are following Christ…
  - And since they do NOT want Jesus – they will reject us!
  - John 15:19 – “If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world – but I chose you out of the world – therefore the world hates you!”
2^nd – Impossible to silence… vs. 26-31
- 1^st – Bad reputation… vs. 26
  - Not convinced…
  - When Saul had come to Jerusalem he tried to join the disciples.
  - But they were all afraid of him – and did not believe that he was a disciple!
  - When Saul returned to Jerusalem – he TRIED [imperfect] to join in the DISCIPLES [μαθητής]
  - [δέ] BUT – they were ALL [πᾶς] – including the Apostles – afraid [imperfect] of him…
  - Because they did NOT believe [πίστις] he was a DISCIPLE [μαθητής]!
  - No words…
  - It had been THREE years since Saul had chosen to follow Jesus – Galatians 1:18
  - Rumors had spread the great persecutor of the church got SAVED…
  - But most did NOT believe the man who hunted them to death – was a Christian…
  - Rather they FEARED it was a ploy to draw them out – and ARREST them…
  - And NOTHING Saul said could convince them – they needed to SEE the CHANGE!
  - I knew a man whose wife was a believer – and prayed for his salvation EVERY day…
  - Driving home DRUNK one night – he almost crashed his car…
  - In that moment he called out to Jesus to SAVE him – and became a Christian…
  - He immediately ran home to tell his wife the GREAT news – but God stopped him…
  - The Lord spoke to his heart – do not TELL your wife – SHOW her!
  - After we believe in Jesus – people will naturally be skeptical…
  - They will say we are NOT different – we are still the same old sinner…
  - And there is NOTHING we can SAY to change their mind…
  - We do NOT need to TELL people we believe in Jesus – we need to SHOW them…
  - No matter who we were – they will NOT be able to argue with a transformed life!
- 2^nd – New definition… vs. 27
  - Barnabas…
  - But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles!
  - [δέ] But – Although everyone else FEARED Saul – Barnabas believed he had CHANGED…
  - This is the same Son of encouragement [Barnabas] we read saw – Acts 4:26
  - He took Saul to the Apostles – only Peter and James were there – Galatians 1:18
  - All Jesus…
  - He declared to them how he had seen the Lord on the road and that He had spoken to him.
  - And how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus!
  - Barnabas told the APOSTLES – how Jesus had MET and SPOKE to Saul – Acts 9:4
  - And how Saul had boldly spoken in the name of Jesus in Damascus…
  - Notice he NEVER made any references to his past [persecuting the church]
  - He only pointed out what Jesus had done in his life…
  - Because Barnabas did NOT see who SAUL was – he saw what JESUS could do!
  - We are NOT to judge each other by our MISTAKES…
  - We are not DEFINED by our PAST – we are NEW creations in Jesus – II Corinthians 5:17
  - We are now DEFINED by our Father in heaven – the righteousness of Christ!
- 3^rd – Bolding preaching… vs. 28-30
  - Another plot… vs. 28-29
  - So he was with them at Jerusalem coming in and going out.
  - And he spoke boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus.
  - And disputed against the Hellenists but they attempted to kill him!
  - So [καί] – Saul became part of the church in Jerusalem [going in and out]
  - He CONTINUED [imperfect] to speak BOLDLY in the name of the Lord [κύριος] Jesus…
  - AND [καί] – he began [imperfect] to DISPUTE [συζητέω] with the Hellenists!
  - The same Greek speaking Jews who had DISPUTED [συζητέω] with Steven – Acts 6:9
  - Like Steven – Saul wanted them to believe in Jesus – but had SIMILAR results…
  - The men plotted to KILL Saul – the same way they had KILLED Steven…
  - These men did had NOT learned – you CANNOT kill the Gospel message…
  - If you knock down one messenger – God will just send another!
  - Voltaire was one of the most vocal critics of the Bible during the Enlightenment [late 1700]
  - The Bible is what fools have written – what imbeciles commend – Philosophical Dictionary
  - His house would one day be purchased by Geneva Bible Society!
  - The Gospel is NOT some idea of men – it is powered by God – and unstoppable!
  - I Peter 1:25 – “The word of the LORD endures forever.”
  - Called to Gentiles… vs. 30
  - When the brethren found out they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him out to Tarsus!
  - It was NOT the believers who discovered the PLOT against Saul…
  - They got him out of the city – and took him to Caesarea [port city]
  - From there they sent him back to his home in the city of Tarsus…
  - Where he will stay until Barnabas comes to get him to help in Antioch – Acts 11:25
  - But it is worth noting – the PLOT to kill Saul – was revealed by Jesus!
  - Acts 22:18-21 – “I saw a vision of Jesus saying to me: Hurry! Leave Jerusalem for the people here will not accept your testimony about me… The Lord said to me: Go – for I will send you far away to the Gentiles!”
  - Saul wanted more than anything to be able to reach the JEWS – Romans 9:3
  - He assumed that because of his PAST – his PERSECUTION of the church…
  - That he had consented to the DEATH of Stephen – the Jews would believe him…
  - But God told him they would REJECT him – because they did NOT want Jesus…
  - Therefore – God would instead use Saul to share the good news with the GENTILES!
  - Just because we REALLY want someone to be saved – does NOT mean they will listen…
  - God wants more than anything for EVERYONE to be saved – but it is their choice – II Peter 3:9
  - All we can do is open the door – it is up to the person to choose to step through!
- 4^th – Growing church… vs. 31
  - Built up…
  - Then the churches throughout all Judea – Galilee – and Samaria had peace and were edified!
  - As a RESULTS of the SALVATION of Saul – and his acceptance into the CHURCH…
  - ALL of the churches: Judea – Galilee – and Samaria [that is as far as they had spread]
  - Had [imperfect] PEACE [εἰρήνη] – the man who led the persecution was now saved…
  - EDIFIED [οἰκοδομέω] – meaning to build [δῶμα] a home [οἶκος]
  - They were BUILT up – because God had done the IMPOSSIBLE…
  - God had taken their greatest ENEMY – and make him a BROTHER!
  - When we realize that God can make a murderer – into a righteous saint…
  - When we see that NOTHING is too difficult to God – no one too hard to save…
  - Then we will have PEACE in life – because we understand Jesus has it all under control!
  - Multiplying…
  - Walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit – they were multiplied!
  - And because the church was WALKING [present]
  - In the FEAR of the Lord – whom they saw could do ANYTHING…
  - And the COMFORT [παράκλησις] of the HOLY Spirit – who could change ANYONE…
  - The Lord [passive] was continually [imperfect] MULTIPLYING the church!
  - When the church BELIEVES – that NOTHING is impossible for God…
  - When we understand – that He can save ANYONE…
  - We are going to step out in FAITH – and reach out to EVERYONE…
  - And the results is going to be the Lord [passive] MULTIPLIES His Church!
3^rd – Nothing is impossible… vs. 32-43
- 1^st – Encouraging churches… vs. 32-35
  - Seeing the need… vs. 32-34
  - Now it came to pass as Peter went through all parts of the country.
  - That he also came down to the saints who dwelt in Lydda.
  - There he found a certain man named Aeneas.
  - Who had been bedridden eight years and was paralyzed. And Peter said to him:
  - Aeneas Jesus the Christ heals you. Arise and make your bed. He arose immediately!
  - After the departure of Saul – the story shifts back to Peter – Acts 10-12
  - Who went down to visit ALL [πᾶς] the churches…
  - AND [καί] – when he came to the city of Lydda [near Tel Aviv]
  - There he met AENEAS [praise worthy] – he had been PARALYZED [passive] for EIGHT years…
  - Peter said to him – Jesus is healing [present] you [indicative] – STAND up [imperative]
  - IMMEDIATELY – the man stood up – and was HEALED!
  - We are NOT told HOW Peter knew Jesus was healing this man…
  - What we do know is that Peter was out walking – so he saw the NEED!
  - We do NOT know WHO or WHEN God might want to do a work…
  - But we do know that as we are LOOKING – going out to encourage others…
  - We will be ready and available whenever and whenever God comes calling!
  - Turning to God… vs. 35
  - So all who dwelt at Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord!
  - EVERYONE [πᾶς] who lived in Lydda and the surrounding region of Sharon [שָׁרוֹן]
  - TURNED to the Lord [κύριος] when the SAW [εἶδον] the miracle!
  - It ONLY takes a SPARK – to set a forest on FIRE…
  - In the same way – ONE miracle – can start a REVIVAL!
  - People go about their lives with MUNDANE routine [wake up – work – sleep]
  - What they need is for someone to help them SEE – that there is MORE to this life…
  - As we step out in FAITH – see the NEED – and believe God does MIRACLES…
  - We can be used to OPEN their eyes – bring REVIVAL to a dying world!
- 2^nd – A good woman… vs. 36-37
  - Disciple… vs. 36
  - At Joppa there was a certain disciple named Tabitha – which is translated Dorcas.
  - This woman was full of good works and charitable deeds which she did!
  - In the city of JOPPA [יָפוֹה] – meaning beautiful [modern day Tel Aviv]
  - There was a DISCIPLE [μαθήτρια] – only women given this title in NT…
  - Here name was TABITHA [צְבִיָּה] or DORCAS [Δορκάς] – both mean gazelle…
  - She was ALWAYS [imperfect] going GOOD [ἀγαθός] – and showing MERCY [ἔλεος]
  - HELPING out the poor – she even knitted clothes for all the women!
  - Death… vs. 37
  - But it happened in those days that she became sick and died.
  - When they had washed her they laid her in an upper room!
  - BUT [δὲ] – Tabitha got sick – and then DIED…
  - They washed her body [preparation for burial] – and put her in an UPPER room – Acts 1:13
  - I am sure many people asked – why did God let such a GOOD woman die!
  - If an ELDERLY person dies it was their time – if a BAD person dies they deserved it…
  - Yet if the person is YOUNG or KIND dies – we tend to think of it as a tragedy!
  - But for the believer that could not be farther from the truth…
  - Sometime God lets GOOD people die – because he wants to bring them HOME…
  - He knows that life in heaven – is far better than anything here on earth!
  - Isaiah 57:1 – “The righteous pass away. The godly often die before their time… no one seems to understand that God is protecting them from the evil.”
- 3^rd – Bold prayer… vs. 38-40
  - Come quickly… vs. 38
  - Since Lydda was near Joppa – and the disciples had heard that Peter was there.
  - They sent two men to him imploring him not to delay in coming to them!
  - The DISCIPLES [μαθητής] heard that Peter was in the nearby city of Lydda…
  - So they sent two men to ask [παρακαλέω] for him to come QUICKLY…
  - Tabitha had LOVED the people – so the people were willing to do anything for her!
  - Often we look for others to take care of our needs – but there is no connection…
  - It is when we care for others – that then in turn care for us!
  - Everybody out… vs. 39-40
  - Peter arose and went with them. When he had come they brought him to the upper room.
  - And all the widows stood by him weeping.
  - Showing the tunics and garments which Dorcas had made while she was with them.
  - But Peter put them all out!
  - When Peter came into the UPPER room – where Tabitha has been laid…
  - ALL [πᾶς] of the widows showed him the CLOTHES she had made for them…
  - BUT [δὲ] – Peter kicked them ALL [πᾶς] out – perhaps DOUBTING what would happen!
  - There was an evangelist named Smith Wigglesworth [early 1900s]
  - He was asked to pray for a DEAD man – he picked him up out of his coffin…
  - Commanded him to STAND – he slumped to the ground [two times]
  - The THIRD time the man slumped down half way – then stood up!
  - I am NOT sure I would have the confidence to pray for someone who has DIED…
  - Much less try a THIRD time – if the first TWO did not work…
  - But praise God – it does not take perfect faith for God to do a work – just a step of faith…
  - If we have the faith of a mustard seed – nothing is impossible – Matthew 17:20
  - Seen this before… vs. 40
  - [He] knelt down and prayed – and turning to the body he said: Tabitha arise.
  - And she opened her eyes and when she saw Peter she sat up!
  - Peter knelt down and PRAYED – then turned to the BODY [she was dead]
  - He commanded her to RISE [imperative] – it was not a question – there was NO more doubt…
  - And she OPENED her eyes – saw Peter – and say up!
  - If I has been Peter – I would have come to COMFORT the church for their loss…
  - But Peter came and PRAYED for Tabitha to come back to LIFE – and she DID…
  - Why did Peter believe she could be resurrected – because he had seen it before…
  - When Jesus went into the house of Jairus and said – little girl get up – Mark 5:41
  - It is easy for us to DOUBT what we have NEVER seen…
  - We can look at the circumstances and conclude it is IMPOSSIBLE…
  - Jesus had given us VICTORY over DEATH – I Corinthians 15:57
  - But if we do NOT know His WORD – we will NOT have FAITH – and miss out on the miracles…
  - It has been said SEEING is believing – but that is NOT true…
  - It is when we BELIEVE God can do the IMPOSSIBLE – that we get to SEE!
- 4^th – Greater work… vs. 41-43
  - Many believed… vs. 41-42
  - Then he gave her his hand and lifted her up.
  - And when he had called the saints and widows he presented her alive.
  - It became known throughout all Joppa – and many believed on the Lord!
  - Peter called for the SAINTS [ἅγιος] – and presented Tabitha ALIVE…
  - EVERYONE heard what happened – and MANY came to the Lord…
  - But what was even more amazing – was what happened NEXT!
  - The tanner… vs. 43
  - So it was that he stayed many days in Joppa with Simon a tanner!
  - It came to pass that Peter STAYED [μένω] in the house of a TANNER…
  - According to the Law – a tanner was an UNCLEAN profession – Leviticus 11:35
  - Therefore it was VERY unusual for Peter [a Jew] to choose to stay in his home…
  - The reason was God was preparing Peter for an even GREATER work…
  - God had used Peter to heal a lame man – and even to raise the dead…
  - Now God was going to use Peter to bring the Gospel to the unclean Gentiles!
  - John 14:12 – “He who believes in Me the works I do he will do also – and greater works than these he will do.”
  - God wants to do a GREAT WORK through our lives…
  - What could be greater than healing the sick – raising the dead…
  - If you heal they will get sick again – if you raise the dead they die again one day…
  - The greater work – is giving the Gospel – bringing eternal life that never fades away!