Acts 9:1-19

Teaching Notes

In Acts 9:1–19, we witness the powerful story of Saul’s encounter with the risen Christ, a story that reminds us of the radical grace and transforming power of God. Saul is a man consumed with anger, determined to destroy the followers of Jesus. He is breathing threats, hunting down believers, and carrying authority from the high priest to arrest anyone who belongs to the Way. From every angle, Saul looks like the last person who would ever become a follower of Jesus. And yet, it is on the very road to carry out his persecution that Jesus meets him.

A light from heaven suddenly flashes around Saul, and he falls to the ground. He hears the voice of Jesus calling his name: “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” In that moment, Saul realizes the truth—Jesus is alive, and all of Saul’s opposition has been against the very One who is Lord of all. The encounter leaves Saul blind and helpless, needing to be led by hand into Damascus. For three days he sits in the dark, fasting and waiting, brought to a place of complete dependence on God.

At the same time, God is preparing another servant, a disciple named Ananias. The Lord calls him to go lay hands on Saul so that his sight might be restored. Ananias resists at first—he knows Saul’s reputation, the pain he has caused, and the danger he represents. Yet God assures him that Saul is His chosen instrument, set apart to carry the name of Jesus before nations and kings. In obedience, Ananias goes, enters the house, and calls Saul “brother.” With that simple word, he welcomes the former persecutor into the family of God. He lays hands on him, Saul’s sight is restored, he is filled with the Holy Spirit, and immediately baptized.

This passage reveals that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace. The very man who set out to destroy the church becomes one of its greatest messengers. It also reminds us that God often works through ordinary people, like Ananias, who are willing to listen and obey even when it feels risky. The Spirit-filled life is not about comfort or control, but about availability—trusting God enough to go where He sends us and do what He asks of us. Saul’s story is a testimony that God can take the hardest heart and turn it toward Himself, and that He uses the obedience of His people to bring about life-changing transformation.