Saul's Damascus Road Conversion
(Acts 22:1-21; Acts 26:1-23)
1And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, 2And 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. 3And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: 4And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? 5And 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. 6And 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. 7And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man. 8And 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. 9And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.
Ananias Baptizes Saul
10And 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. 11And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, 12And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight. 13Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: 14And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name. 15But 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: 16For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake. 17And 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 Ghost. 18And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized. 19And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.
Saul Preaches Christ at Damascus
20And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God. 21But 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? 22But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.
Saul Escapes from Damascus
(1 Samuel 19:11-24)
23And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him: 24But their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him. 25Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket.
Saul in Jerusalem
26And 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. 27But 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. 28And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem. 29And he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him. 30Which when the brethren knew, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus.
31Then 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 Ghost, were multiplied.
Peter Heals Aeneas
32And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all quarters, he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda. 33And there he found a certain man named AEneas, which had kept his bed eight years, and was sick of the palsy. 34And Peter said unto him, AEneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately. 35And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord.
Peter Raises Dorcas from the Dead
36Now 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. 37And 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. 38And 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. 39Then 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. 40But 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. 41And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive. 42And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord. 43And it came to pass, that he tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner.
King James Bible
Text courtesy of BibleProtector.com.
The Road to Damascus
(Acts 22:1–21; Acts 26:1–23)
1 But Saul, still breathing threats and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest, 2 and asked for letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. 3 As he traveled, it happened that he got close to Damascus, and suddenly a light from the sky shone around him. 4 He fell on the earth, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” 5 He said, “Who are you, Lord?” The Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.
6 But rise up, and enter into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” 7 The men who traveled with him stood speechless, hearing the sound, but seeing no one. 8 Saul arose from the ground, and when his eyes were opened, he saw no one. They led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus. 9 He was without sight for three days, and neither ate nor drank.
Ananias Baptizes Saul
10 Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias!” He said, “Behold, it’s me, Lord.” 11 The Lord said to him, “Arise, and go to the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judah for one named Saul, a man of Tarsus. For behold, he is praying, 12 and in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in, and laying his hands on him, that he might receive his sight.” 13 But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he did to your saints at Jerusalem. 14 Here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name.” 15 But the Lord said to him, “Go your way, for he is my chosen vessel to bear my name before the nations and kings, and the children of Israel. 16 For I will show him how many things he must suffer for my name’s sake.” 17 Ananias departed, and entered into the house. Laying his hands on him, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord, who appeared to you on the road by which you came, has sent me, that you may receive your sight, and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 Immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he received his sight. He arose and was baptized. 19 He took food and was strengthened. Saul stayed several days with the disciples who were at Damascus.
Saul Preaches at Damascus
20 Immediately in the synagogues he proclaimed the Christ, that he is the Son of God. 21 All who heard him were amazed, and said, “Isn’t this he who in Jerusalem made havoc of those who called on this name? And he had come here intending to bring them bound before the chief priests!” 22 But Saul increased more in strength, and confounded the Jews who lived at Damascus, proving that this is the Christ.
The Escape from Damascus
23 When many days were fulfilled, the Jews conspired together to kill him, 24 but their plot became known to Saul. They watched the gates both day and night that they might kill him, 25 but his disciples took him by night, and let him down through the wall, lowering him in a basket.
Saul in Jerusalem
26 When Saul had come to Jerusalem, he tried to join himself to the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple. 27 But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared to them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how at Damascus he had preached boldly in the name of Jesus. 28 He was with them entering into Jerusalem, 29 preaching boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus. He spoke and disputed against the Hellenists, but they were seeking to kill him. 30 When the brothers knew it, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him off to Tarsus.
The Healing of Aeneas
31 So the assemblies throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace, and were built up. They were multiplied, walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit.
32 It happened, as Peter went throughout all those parts, he came down also to the saints who lived at Lydda. 33 There he found a certain man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden for eight years, because he was paralyzed. 34 Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and make your bed!” Immediately he arose. 35 All who lived at Lydda and in Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord.
The Raising of Tabitha
(John 11:38–44)
36 Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which when translated, means Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and acts of mercy which she did. 37 It happened in those days that she fell sick, and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. 38 As Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him, imploring him not to delay in coming to them. 39 Peter got up and went with them. When he had come, they brought him into the upper room. All the widows stood by him weeping, and showing the coats and garments which Dorcas had made while she was with them. 40 Peter put them all out, and kneeled down and prayed. Turning to the body, he said, “Tabitha, get up!” She opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter, she sat up. 41 He gave her his hand, and raised her up. Calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive. 42 And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. 43 It happened, that he stayed many days in Joppa with one Simon, a tanner.
The Road to Damascus
(Acts 22:1–21; Acts 26:1–23)
1 Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the disciples of the Lord. He approached the high priest 2 and requested letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any men or women belonging to the Way, he could bring them as prisoners to Jerusalem.
3 As Saul drew near to Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?”
5 “Who are You, Lord?” Saul asked.
“I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” He replied. a 6 “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”
7 The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless. They heard the voice but did not see anyone. 8 Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could not see a thing. b So they led him by the hand into Damascus. 9 For three days he was without sight, and he did not eat or drink anything.
Ananias Baptizes Saul
10 In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord spoke to him in a vision, “Ananias!”
“Here I am, Lord,” he answered.
11 “Get up!” the Lord told him. “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. 12 In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.”
13 But Ananias answered, “Lord, many people have told me about this man and all the harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem. 14 And now he is here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on Your name.”
15 “Go!” said the Lord. “This man is My chosen instrument to carry My name before the Gentiles and their kings, and before the people of Israel. 16 I will show him how much he must suffer for My name.”
17 So Ananias went to the house, and when he arrived, he placed his hands on Saul. “Brother Saul,” he said, “the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here, has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”
18 At that instant, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and his sight was restored. He got up and was baptized, 19 and after taking some food, he regained his strength. And he spent several days with the disciples in Damascus.
Saul Preaches at Damascus
20 Saul promptly began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, declaring, “He is the Son of God.”
21 All who heard him were astounded and asked, “Isn’t this the man who wreaked havoc in Jerusalem on those who call on this name? And hasn’t he come here to take them as prisoners to the chief priests?”
22 But Saul was empowered all the more, and he confounded the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Christ.
The Escape from Damascus
23 After many days had passed, the Jews conspired to kill him, 24 but Saul learned of their plot. Day and night they watched the city gates in order to kill him. 25 One night, however, his disciples took him and lowered him in a basket through a window in the wall. c
Saul in Jerusalem
26 When Saul arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple. 27 Then Barnabas brought him to the apostles and described how Saul had seen the Lord, who spoke to him on the road to Damascus, and how Saul had spoken boldly in that city in the name of Jesus.
28 So Saul stayed with them, moving about freely in Jerusalem and speaking boldly in the name of the Lord. 29 He talked and debated with the Grecian Jews, d but they tried to kill him. 30 When the brothers learned of this, they took him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus.
The Healing of Aeneas
31 Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria experienced a time of peace. It grew in strength and numbers, living in the fear of the Lord and the encouragement of the Holy Spirit.
32 As Peter traveled throughout the area, he went to visit the saints in Lydda. 33 There he found a man named Aeneas, who had been paralyzed and bedridden for eight years. 34 “Aeneas,” Peter said to him, “Jesus Christ heals you! Get up and put away your mat.” Immediately Aeneas got up, 35 and all who lived in Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord.
The Raising of Tabitha
(John 11:38–44)
36 In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which is translated as Dorcas), e who was always occupied with works of kindness and charity. 37 At that time, however, she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upper room. 38 Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples heard that Peter was there and sent two men to urge him, “Come to us without delay.”
39 So Peter got up and went with them. On his arrival, they took him to the upper room. All the widows stood around him, weeping and showing him the tunics and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them.
40 Then Peter sent them all out of the room. He knelt down and prayed, and turning toward her body, he said, “Tabitha, get up!” She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter, she sat up. 41 Peter took her by the hand and helped her up. Then he called the saints and widows and presented her to them alive.
42 This became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord. 43 And Peter stayed for several days in Joppa with a tanner named Simon.
Footnotes:
5 a TR includes “It is hard for you to kick against the goads.”
8 b Literally he could see nothing or he could see no one
25 c Literally through the wall ; see 2 Corinthians 11:33.
29 d Or Hellenists
36 e Tabitha in Aramaic and Dorcas in Greek both mean gazelle .
Saul's Damascus Road Conversion
(Acts 22:1-21; Acts 26:1-23)
1And Saul, yet breathing of threatening and slaughter to the disciples of the Lord, having gone to the chief priest, 2did ask from him letters to Damascus, unto the synagogues, that if he may find any being of the way, both men and women, he may bring them bound to Jerusalem. 3And in the going, he came nigh to Damascus, and suddenly there shone round about him a light from the heaven, 4and having fallen upon the earth, he heard a voice saying to him, 'Saul, Saul, why me dost thou persecute?' 5And he said, 'Who art thou, Lord?' and the Lord said, 'I am Jesus whom thou dost persecute; hard for thee at the pricks to kick;' 6trembling also, and astonished, he said, 'Lord, what dost thou wish me to do?' and the Lord said unto him, 'Arise, and enter into the city, and it shall be told thee what it behoveth thee to do.' 7And the men who are journeying with him stood speechless, hearing indeed the voice but seeing no one, 8and Saul arose from the earth, and his eyes having been opened, he beheld no one, and leading him by the hand they brought him to Damascus, 9and he was three days without seeing, and he did neither eat nor drink.
Ananias Baptizes Saul
10And there was a certain disciple in Damascus, by name Ananias, and the Lord said unto him in a vision, 'Ananias;' and he said, 'Behold me, Lord;' 11and the Lord saith unto him, 'Having risen, go on unto the street that is called Straight, and seek in the house of Judas, one by name Saul of Tarsus, for, lo, he doth pray, 12and he saw in a vision a man, by name Ananias, coming in, and putting a hand on him, that he may see again.' 13And Ananias answered, 'Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how many evils he did to Thy saints in Jerusalem, 14and here he hath authority from the chief priests, to bind all those calling on Thy name.' 15And the Lord said unto him, 'Be going on, because a choice vessel to Me is this one, to bear My name before nations and kings -- the sons also of Israel; 16for I will shew him how many things it behoveth him for My name to suffer.' 17And Ananias went away, and did enter into the house, and having put upon him his hands, said, 'Saul, brother, the Lord hath sent me -- Jesus who did appear to thee in the way in which thou wast coming -- that thou mayest see again, and mayest be filled with the Holy Spirit.' 18And immediately there fell from his eyes as it were scales, he saw again also presently, and having risen, was baptized, 19and having received nourishment, was strengthened, and Saul was with the disciples in Damascus certain days,
Saul Preaches Christ at Damascus
20and immediately in the synagogues he was preaching the Christ, that he is the Son of God. 21And all those hearing were amazed, and said, 'Is not this he who laid waist in Jerusalem those calling on this name, and hither to this intent had come, that he might bring them bound to the chief priests?' 22And Saul was still more strengthened, and he was confounding the Jews dwelling in Damascus, proving that this is the Christ.
Saul Escapes from Damascus
(1 Samuel 19:11-24)
23And when many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel together to kill him, 24and their counsel against him was known to Saul; they were also watching the gates both day and night, that they may kill him, 25and the disciples having taken him, by night did let him down by the wall, letting down in a basket.
Saul in Jerusalem
26And Saul, having come to Jerusalem, did try to join himself to the disciples, and they were all afraid of him, not believing that he is a disciple, 27and Barnabas having taken him, brought him unto the apostles, and did declare to them how in the way he saw the Lord, and that he spake to him, and how in Damascus he was speaking boldly in the name of Jesus. 28And he was with them, coming in and going out in Jerusalem, 29and speaking boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, he was both speaking and disputing with the Hellenists, and they were taking in hand to kill him, 30and the brethren having known, brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus.
31Then, indeed, the assemblies throughout all Judea, and Galilee, and Samaria, had peace, being built up, and, going on in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied.
Peter Heals Aeneas
32And it came to pass that Peter passing throughout all quarters, came down also unto the saints who were dwelling at Lydda, 33and he found there a certain man, Aeneas by name -- for eight years laid upon a couch -- who was paralytic, 34and Peter said to him, 'Aeneas, heal thee doth Jesus the Christ; arise and spread for thyself;' and immediately he rose, 35and all those dwelling at Lydda, and Saron saw him, and did turn to the Lord.
Peter Raises Dorcas from the Dead
36And in Joppa there was a certain female disciple, by name Tabitha, (which interpreted, is called Dorcas,) this woman was full of good works and kind acts that she was doing; 37and it came to pass in those days she, having ailed, died, and having bathed her, they laid her in an upper chamber, 38and Lydda being nigh to Joppa, the disciples having heard that Peter is in that place, sent two men unto him, calling on him not to delay to come through unto them. 39And Peter having risen, went with them, whom having come, they brought into the upper chamber, and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing coats and garments, as many as Dorcas was making while she was with them. 40And Peter having put them all forth without, having bowed the knees, did pray, and having turned unto the body said, 'Tabitha, arise;' and she opened her eyes, and having seen Peter, she sat up, 41and having given her his hand, he lifted her up, and having called the saints and the widows, he presented her alive, 42and it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed on the Lord; 43and it came to pass, that he remained many days in Joppa, with a certain one, Simon a tanner.
The Dramatic Conversion of Saul
¹ Saul, still consumed by hatred and threats of murder against the followers of Jesus, went to the high priest. ² He requested letters addressed to the synagogues in Damascus, authorizing him to arrest anyone following “the Way,” both men and women, and bring them bound to Jerusalem. ³ As Saul journeyed and neared Damascus, a brilliant light from heaven suddenly shone around him. ⁴ He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?”
⁵ “Who are You, Lord?” Saul asked.
“I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” the voice replied. ⁶ “Now get up and go into the city, and there you will be told what you must do!”
⁷ Saul’s traveling companions were left speechless. They heard the voice but saw no one. ⁸ Saul rose from the ground, but when he opened his eyes, he was blind. His companions led him by the hand into Damascus. ⁹ For three days he remained there, unable to see and refusing both food and water.
Ananias’ Divine Appointment
¹⁰ Now in Damascus, there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord spoke to him in a vision, “Ananias!”
“Yes, Lord,” he replied.
¹¹ The Lord instructed him, “Go to Straight Street, to the house of Judas, and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. ¹² He has seen a vision of a man named Ananias coming to lay hands on him so he may regain his sight.”
¹³ Ananias hesitated and said, “Lord, I’ve heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem. ¹⁴ And he’s here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on Your name!”
¹⁵ But the Lord said to him, “Go! This man is My chosen instrument to proclaim My name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. ¹⁶ I will show him how much he must suffer for My name.”
¹⁷ So Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road, has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” ¹⁸ Instantly, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He rose and was baptized, ¹⁹ and after eating some food, he regained his strength.
Saul Preaches in Damascus
²⁰ Saul immediately began to proclaim in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God! ²¹ All who heard him were astonished and asked, “Isn’t this the man who raised havoc in Jerusalem among those who called on this name? Hasn’t he come here to take them as prisoners to the chief priests?” ²² But Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Messiah.
²³ After many days had passed, the Jews conspired to kill him, ²⁴ but Saul learned of their plan. Day and night they kept close watch on the city gates to kill him. ²⁵ But his followers took him by night and lowered him in a basket through an opening in the wall.
Saul in Jerusalem
²⁶ When Saul arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing he was truly a disciple. ²⁷ But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He explained how Saul had seen the Lord on the road and how the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus. ²⁸ So Saul stayed with them and moved freely in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord. ²⁹ He talked and debated with the Hellenistic Jews, but they tried to kill him. ³⁰ When the believers learned of this, they took him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus.
The Church Grows
³¹ Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace and was strengthened. Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers.
Peter Heals Aeneas and Raises Tabitha
³² As Peter traveled about the country, he went to visit the Lord’s people who lived in Lydda. ³³ There he found a man named Aeneas, who had been paralyzed and bedridden for eight years. ³⁴ “Aeneas,” Peter said to him, “Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and roll up your mat!” Immediately Aeneas got up. ³⁵ All those who lived in Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord.
³⁶ In Joppa, there was a disciple named Tabitha (in Greek her name is Dorcas); she was always doing good and helping the poor. ³⁷ About that time, she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room. ³⁸ Lydda was near Joppa; so when the disciples heard that Peter was in Lydda, they sent two men to him and urged him, “Please come at once!”
³⁹ Peter went with them, and when he arrived, he was taken upstairs to the room. All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them. ⁴⁰ Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, “Tabitha, get up!” She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter, she sat up. ⁴¹ He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. Then he called for the believers, especially the widows, and presented her to them alive. ⁴² This became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord. ⁴³ Peter stayed in Joppa for some time with a tanner named Simon.
Footnotes:
9:2: “The Way” was an early term used to describe the followers of Jesus, representing the new way of life they embraced in following Christ.
9:3: The light from heaven symbolizes God’s powerful and divine intervention in Saul’s life, marking the beginning of his transformation.
9:18: The “scales” falling from Saul’s eyes represent not only his physical healing but also the spiritual opening of his eyes to the truth of Jesus as the Messiah.
9:27: Barnabas played a critical role in vouching for Saul and helping him integrate into the early Christian community, despite their initial fear of him.
9:31: The church’s growth and peace during this period of respite show how the Holy Spirit continually empowered and expanded the early Christian movement.
9:35: The miraculous healing of Aeneas brought about a turning point in the lives of many, as it was a sign of God’s active work among the people.
9:42: Tabitha’s resurrection is a powerful testimony to the life-giving power of Jesus, conveyed through the apostle Peter’s faith and obedience.
