Acts 9:1 to 9:22 Jesus has the power to transform even his fiercest enemies into his most devoted messengers through his grace. Understand why Saul was traveling to Damascus with arrest warrants. Discover what happened when the risen Jesus appeared to Saul in blinding light. See how Ananias showed courage to welcome and pray for former persecutor Saul as a brother. Saul of Tarsus was a zealous young Pharisee who considered followers of Jesus dangerous heretics, hunting them down in Jerusalem and beyond. A Flash of Blinding Light Saul was breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord. He obtained letters from the high priest authorizing him to arrest any believers in the city of [Damascus](/bible/explorer/place/damascus). As he journeyed close to Damascus around noon, suddenly a light from heaven, brighter than the midday sun, flashed around him! Saul fell to the ground in terror. Saul, Saul, Why Do You Persecute Me? A voice called out: 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?' Trembling, Saul asked: 'Who are you, Lord?' The answer shook him to the core: 'I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.' The men traveling with him stood speechless, hearing a sound but seeing no one. When Saul opened his eyes, he was completely blind! Led by the hand into Damascus, he did not eat or drink for three days, praying in deep repentance. Brother Saul and a Chosen Instrument The Lord told a faithful disciple named Ananias to go lay hands on Saul. Ananias was afraid because he knew Saul's reputation, but the Lord assured him: 'Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel.' Ananias obeyed, found Saul, laid hands on him, and said: 'Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you has sent me that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.' Scales fell from Saul's eyes, he was baptized, and immediately began proclaiming in the synagogues: 'Jesus is the Son of God!' And immediately he proclaimed Jesus in the synagogues, saying, He is the Son of God. Acts 9:20 What happened to Saul as he approached Damascus? A storm blew away his letters A bright light from heaven flashed around him and Jesus spoke to him He got lost in the desert Roman guards arrested him A bright light from heaven flashed around him and Jesus spoke to him A radiant light from heaven shone around Saul, and the risen Jesus spoke directly to him. What did Jesus say when Saul asked, 'Who are you, Lord?' I am an angel of mercy I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting I am a prophet of old I am the emperor I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting Jesus identified himself and showed that persecuting his followers is persecuting Jesus himself. What did Saul immediately begin preaching in the synagogues after his sight was restored? That Rome was right That Jesus is the Son of God That Pharisees should rule That everyone should stop praying That Jesus is the Son of God Transformed by grace, Saul boldly proclaimed that Jesus is the Son of God. Pray for someone who is unkind or hostile toward faith this week, asking God to soften their heart and show them Jesus' love. Lord Jesus, you have the power to change any heart by your grace. Thank you for transforming Saul into a bold apostle. Change our hearts, forgive our sins, and use us as your chosen instruments to share your light. Amen. Why was it so courageous of Ananias to visit Saul and call him 'Brother Saul'? How does Saul's conversion prove that no one is too far from God's grace to be saved? Celebrate the life-transforming power of the risen Christ in the conversion of Saul. Turn on a very bright flashlight in a dim room to illustrate the blinding light that knocked Saul to the ground. Why did Jesus say 'Why are you persecuting me' when Saul was attacking other people? Explain that Jesus is so closely united to his church that hurting a Christian is hurting Christ himself. 5 minutes hook, 15 minutes narrative, 10 minutes discussion, 10 minutes prayer.