Saul’s Conversion
Acts 9:1–19
Overview
Without question, the story of Saul’s “conversion” is one of the most important events, if not the most important event, that Luke records in Acts. It has contacts with previous accounts, in that by the end of this story Saul is evangelizing in Damascus without the direction or permission of the Jerusalem church, as was also the case with Philip in Acts 8. Yet Acts 9 is closer to Acts 10, as we will see, in that both recount a crucial conversion narrative involving two visions and the overcoming of considerable obstacles, first in the case of the future primary missionary to the Gentiles, Saul, and next of the prominent Gentile, Cornelius. The importance of Saul’s conversion in Luke’s mind is shown by the fact that Luke gives the story no less than 3 full treatments, from three slightly different angles, with the latter narratives in Acts 22 and 26 supplementing the basic third-person account in Acts 9. (Witherington & Ralston)
Background
Threats — The way the Greek words of apeiles [threats] and phonou[murder] are written indicates that threatening and slaughter had come to be the very breath that Saul breathed, like a warhorse who sniffed for the smell of battle. He breathed on the remaining disciples the murder that he had already breathed in from the death of the others. He exhaled what he inhaled. (Robertson)
Damascus — The King of the Nabateans, who governed Damascus at this time, cooperated with Saul. His name was Aretas IV (9 B.C.-A.D. 40). Damascus stood about 135 miles to the north-northeast of Jerusalem, about a week’s journey away. It was within the Roman province of Syria and was one of the towns of the Decapolis, a league of 10 self-governing cities. (Constable & Bruce) Lying on main route from Egypt to Mesopotamia, it became a major commercial center.
Straight Street — Certain localities are shown as the site of those scriptural events which specially interest us in its history. Queen’s Street, which runs straight through Damascus from east to west, may be the street called Straight (Acts 9:11). The house of Judas and that of Ananias are shown, but little confidence can be placed in any of these traditions.
The Way — This was one of the earliest designations of Christianity (cf. 19:9, 23; 22:4; 24:14, 22), and it appears only in Acts. It meant the path characterized by life and salvation. This title may go back to Jesus’ teaching that He was the way and that His way of salvation was a narrow way (John 14:6; Matt. 7:14). (Constable) It is worth noting that the Qumran community (a first century Jewish community) also referred to itself using this phrase. (Witherington)
Key Ideas
Paul’s Calling — This passage holds the story of Paul receiving his calling. Paul was to be God’s instrument of election, “to bring my name before Gentiles and kings and for the people of Israel.” The order of this list is no doubt intentional, and it anticipates what is said to Saul directly in Acts 22:15 and 26:16–18. By this remark, Luke indicates the comprehensive scope of Saul’s commission, involving as it does both Gentiles and Jews, the fact that a special focus will be on Gentiles, and that he will be testifying before authorities as well. As Tannehill points out, there are not only close parallels between the statement about Saul’s commission and what is said in Acts 22 and 26, but one also must compare Paul’s own statement about his mission in 13:46–47 and in 20:18–35. These five different texts include several repeated elements: 1) Paul was chosen by the Lord; 2) Paul is sent as a witness to both Jews and Gentiles; 3) Paul’s mission will encounter rejection and require suffering; 4) Paul will bring light; 5) Paul will preach repentance; 6) Paul’s witness will be based on his Damascus Road experience — what he has seen and heard. (Witherington)
People
Saul — Much of what we need to know about Paul at this point in the Acts narrative can be found in Paul’s letter to the Philippians. He writes, “I was circumcised when I was eight days old. I am a pure-blooded citizen of Israel and a member of the tribe of Benjamin — a real Hebrew if there ever was one! I was a member of the Pharisees, who demand the strictest obedience to the Jewish law. I was so zealous that I harshly persecuted the church. And as for righteousness, I obeyed the law without fault.” Other than being from Tarsus and overseeing the death of Stephen, this is all we know about Saul before his conversion.
Ananias — He is a disciple who lived in Damascus. The word disciple used to describe Ananias is typically used by Luke to describe a believer. It’s clear that Ananias is a Christian disciple, and he is apparently one who has always lived in Damascus, for he has only heard about Saul’s persecution of Christians in Jerusalem, not experienced it. We do not know how Ananias first heard about Jesus, but he is probably not one of those who fled from Jerusalem because of the persecution of Christians there. (Witherington) “The choice of Ananias for this task made it clear that Saul of Tarsus was not dependent upon the Twelve, and also that an apostle was not required for bestowing the Spirit (as might have been concluded from the case in Samaria).” (Kent)
Quotes
“In this passage we have the most famous conversion story in all history.” -Barclay
“This was a radical change of religious direction, and it was accompanied by a radical change of action: the active persecutor became an even more active preacher and evangelist.” -Barrett
“The conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch was in a chariot; the conversion of Saul of Tarsus was down in the dust.” -McGee
“He who had intended to enter Damascus like an avenging fury was led by the hand into that city, blind and helpless as a child.”-Barclay
“Saul became God’s primary instrument in taking the gospel to the Gentile world.” -Constable
Possible Discussion Points
- Jesus’ interaction with Paul shows the awareness and attention Jesus gives to his people. When we are in the midst of suffering or pain, how does the awareness of and partnership with Jesus contribute to our perseverance? How has he personally comforted you?
- Paul receives his calling in this passage and begins to take steps forward in obedience to God from day one. Many of us are on our own personal journey into the idea of calling. Where are you on that path? Have you received your calling yet? Are you beginning to follow your calling? Have you been working out your calling for some time now? Discuss your experience with the idea of a calling from God with your group.
- This story about the conversion of Saul shows the way that God uses unlikely people to carry out His purposes. In what ways has God used you in unlikely ways or used your weaknesses to bring glory to His name?
Side note — if you find yourself at a point in your life where you are interested in learning what your calling is, the Underground offers a fantastic resource to help you with this pursuit. Visit the Calling Lab to get started.
