From Persecutor to Preacher

N.t.#846 "From Persecutor to Preacher"

August 3, 2026 

Acts 9-Part 2

LET IT GLOW 

Have you had an eye opening experience? Saul certainly did!

In the meantime, across town, a believing Jew named Ananias had a vision from the Lord Jesus. His instructions were:

• Ananias was told to go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and call for the man Saul of Tarsus, for he is praying there. Saul was the guy who put Christians in prison. 
• Saul saw in a vision you coming in, placing your hands on him, and his sight returning. 
• Ananias was cautious because Saul's making believers suffer, for the chief priests gave Saul authority to do the same in Damascus. (verse 14) 
• Lord Jesus informed Ananaias Saul's purpose for the Lord to bear His name to the Gentiles, kings, and Israel, for he was a chosen vessel. (verse 15)
• The Lord was going to show Saul the great things he must suffer for His sake. (verse 16)

• Get up and go. Well, I feel his reluctance. That sounded like a good reason to avoid Saul, yet Ananias obeyed God even though it could have meant his life. 
• God can use even the most obscure saint for kingdom work. Faithfulness is more important than fame. This was an extraordinary thing that happened to Saul. We may not know how valuable a person is when saved.  

LET IT GROW

 Ananias didn't know what an influence Saul was going to have for generations to come. Truly, Paul was a chosen vessel yielded to God's will not his own. He wrote 2/3 of the New Testament. Saul was a well-educated Roman citizen, a Jew, and knew the Greek language. He was a pharisee to the top degree. Yet he was humbled by the Lord Jesus for 3 days without sight until Ananias came.

What happened to saul?

• In verse 17, Ananias explains that Jesus sent him to Saul.
• Ananias laid hands on him. Probably prayed, but Luke doesn't say so.
• Saul received his sight as well as the Holy Spirit. (verse 17)
• Scales fell from Saul's eyes, he arose and was baptized.
• Saul ate meant, was strengthened, then stayed in Damascus a few days.
• He preached in the synagogues, Christ, the Son of God.

What a changed man! From persecutor to preacher.  This changed heart couldn't but share the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

LET IT GO 

                                and let God.