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main priority is the Gentiles (verse 15). His ministry begins with the Gentiles and eventually
leads to a few opportunities to minister to the Jews.

In this chapter, Saul becomes the twelfth apostle.

SAUL’S PERSECUTION OF CHRISTIANS

Act 9:1 Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord,
went to the high priest

In 1 Timothy 1:12-15, Saul refers to himself as the worst of all sinners because of his early
persecution of the church. Prior to his conversion, his name is the same as that of King Saul
of the Old Testament. Just as King Saul was possessed with hatred for David, this Saul is
possessed with hatred for the church and is breathing out his anger against it.

Act 9:2 And 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.

And desired of (from) him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this
way (5:20: “. . . this life”), whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto
Jerusalem.

Damascus is 150 miles north of Jerusalem. This shows Saul’s dedication to arrest Christians and
put them in jail.

A LIGHT FROM HEAVEN

Act 9:3 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about
him a light from heaven:

The light mentioned in this verse is the glory of God manifesting, and it causes Saul to fall to the
ground.

Act 9:4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest

thou me?

Saul was so stubborn Jesus had to lay him on his back to get his attention. When Saul
persecutes the church, he is persecuting the Lord Jesus himself. Jesus did not say, “Why are
you persecuting Christians?” (See Matthew 25:40).

JESUS SPEAKS

Act 9:5 And 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.

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