Acts Chapter 9 – Follow The FIRE – 9/40

Pray Today

Day 9: Acts Ch.9. Saul, a Jewish Pharisee who is passionately persecuting Christians, has a dramatic encounter with the risen Savior while on the road to Damascus. We also read the story of Tabitha being raised to life by Peter. Pray for the church to grow physically, spiritually, and emotionally, and for others to be compelled to change because of our example.

JESUS today YOU will SAVE me.

Eat This Book

Read Proverbs Chapter 18

Acts 9

And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,

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

And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?

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.

And 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.

And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man.

And 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.

And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.

10 And 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.

11 And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth,

12 And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.

13 Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem:

14 And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name.

15 But 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:

16 For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake.

17 And 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.

18 And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.

19 And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.

20 And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.

21 But 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?

22 But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.

23 And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him:

24 But their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him.

25 Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket.

26 And 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.

27 But 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.

28 And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem.

29 And he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him.

30 Which when the brethren knew, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus.

31 Then 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.

32 And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all quarters, he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda.

33 And there he found a certain man named Aeneas, which had kept his bed eight years, and was sick of the palsy.

34 And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately.

35 And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord.

36 Now 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.

37 And 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.

38 And 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.

39 Then 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.

40 But 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.

41 And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive.

42 And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord.

43 And it came to pass, that he tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner.

27 thoughts on “Acts Chapter 9 – Follow The FIRE – 9/40

  1. So Ananias went…..

    Saul’s momentum was up now and he plowed straight into the opposition…….

    Aeneas did it—jumped right out of bed……

    Tabitha opened her eyes and sat up…..

    All of these people were Following the Fire. We too must go with momentum, jumping right up and opening our eyes to the opportunities we are being given. ReVIVE and Follow the Fire!

  2. 31 Then 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.

    I am thankful that I live in a country that does not oppose the Christian doctrine. However the freedom religion in this country and many others, opens the door for deception. Due to freedoms we experience, we can become the person God wants us to be.

  3. Acts 9:40-41[amp] But Peter put them all out [ of the room] and knelt down and prayed;then turning to the body he said,Tabitha,get up ! And she opened her eyes,and when she saw Peter she raised herself and sat upright.

    41] And He gave her his hand and lifted her up, Then calling in God’s people and the widows he presented her to them alive.

    Peter knelt down,prayed for her,and told her to arise. She opened her eyes and sat up. These miracles caused many to believe.

    Arise,Revive, and Follow the Fire.

  4. 5“Who are you, lord?” Saul asked.And the voice replied, “I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting! 6Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”

    Many continue to ask this question today. They don’t know who Jesus is, they’ve heard of the name, but neglect him. Let’s be in the position to ask God, “how can I serve you.”

  5. 18. And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.

    Lord, remove the scales of deception and tradition from the eyes of those around us so that they may see and Love The Truth, and be baptized in JESUS Name, amen!

  6. 10 And 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.

    With all of the wonderful stories in the Bible and all of the great things that the apostles were able to accomplish for the Lord, Ananias sticks out to me as someone in a unique fashion because he did something nobody else would do. Saul was feared among many people because of the decree that he had issued to put Christians to death. Now He needed to be witnessed to And the Lord needed somebody that aint got trust to do just that, despite a overwhelming fear this would have caused. Ananias Was the one that the lord he was willing to risk it all and his faith to be able to help saul convert. There aren’t many scriptures about Anonias but this speaks volumes of the type of man he was

  7. que Bello es saber que aun sin ver creemos y que a pesar de nuestros errores DIOS nos sigue amando y fortificando.

  8. Acts 9:15,16

    But 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: For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake.

    We are chosen too and must Go and spread the gospel.

  9. 18 And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.

    19 And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.

    20 And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.

    21 But 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?

    Saul had above average knowledge of the scriptures and when the “scales” were removed from his eyes, he had perfect understanding of who Jesus was according to the scriptures. He was then a minister of the truth! We may see people from other faiths born again in our churches, who God is ready to use immediately to win souls, whether by preaching or teaching. Saul, later Paul, was used greatly and I pray we have more Sauls born again and added to the kingdom for the endtime harvest and revival.

  10. “But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.” Then 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 as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, and after taking some food, he regained his strength. Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus.”

    ‭‭Acts‬ ‭9‬:‭15‬-‭19‬ ‭NIV‬‬

    Have we been fearful of obeying the Lord today? Who can we be an Ananias to today?

  11. 5“Who are you, lord?” Saul asked.And the voice replied, “I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting! 6Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”

    Many have heard of Jesus, but continue to ask who is Jesus. When He said, “I am Jesus,” Saul knew exactly which Jesus spoke. In all probability, Saul heard Jesus teach in Jerusalem; and as a likely member of the Sanhedrin, Saul sat in judgment of Jesus in the trial before His crucifixion. Let’s get to know who Jesus really thru prayer and reading the Word.

  12. 10

    ”Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and to him the Lord said in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.”“
    ‭‭

    Ananias was ready and available to be used by God. We never know when we will be called by God, but we must always be ready to say”here I am Lord”

  13. And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,

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

    And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?

    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.

    And 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.

    Saul had his own agenda, but God had a different agenda. We must not get so caught up in our own agenda, that we miss what God has for us.  Seeking the Kingdom of God first each day will assist us in operating on God’s agenda instead of our own.  He will multiply our time, He will direct our steps and He will lead us where He wants us to go, but we have to ask!

  14. REVIVE

    And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest

    If Jesus can save Saul he can save anybody. If Jesus can save me, he can save anyone. God totally flipped Saul’s whole life upside down. Even his prideful name “Saul” was changed to “Paul”. Being named Saul, he was more than likely named after the first king of Israel (Since they were both from the tribe of Benjamin). He would take on the name Paul which translated means “humble” or small.

  15. 3As Saul drew near to Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him

    ————-

    …Suddenly, yes suddenly things can

    changed, when we think we are in the right track, when we think we are doing the right thing, things can take a turn

    … But God( had another plan)

    this is why it’s very important to be in the Holy Ghost in tune with God, in his presence. His guidance in our lives at all times.

    Are my decisions being influenced by Gods Holy Spirit or by my flesh?.

    🙏🏼

    God is good!!!

  16. Acts 9:31 (NLT), “The church then had peace throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria, and it became stronger as the believers lived in the fear of the Lord. And with the encouragement of the Holy Spirit, it also grew in numbers.”

    The Church went through a difficult season as Saul was persecuting the Church/Christians, BUT once Saul was Converted/Saved, the Church now had Peace; It was Stronger; and It Grew In Number.

    POFW has been through a difficult season, BUT I believe it is over. It is NOW Time to have PEACE, Be STRONGER, and to GROW In Number. IT’S REVIVAL TIME!!

  17. REVIVE

    FOLLOW THE FIRE – THE ESCAPE ROUTE

    23 And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him:

    24 But their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him.

    25 Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket.

    In a season of uncertain and pressure, this new convert Saul was threatened and his church family came together to help him escape death.

    Saul had to be willing to FOLLOW THE FIRE of unorthodox paths to escape death before his time. I pray JESUS help me to be sensitive to FOLLOW THE FIRE to help others escape the threats of their past.

    1 Corinthians 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

    • iRepent
    • iPraise
    • iPray
    • iWork
    • iLove
    • iLive
    • iGive
    • iReap
    • iGo
    • iBlessYouInTheNameOfTheLordJESUS
  18. vs-2

    And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of the way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.

    “The Way”  Early Christianity was considered a sect of Judaism. Christians called themselves adherents of ( the way). Their critics identified them as “the sect of the Nazarenes”

  19. 27 But 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.

    28 And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem.

    🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️🕯️

    The disciples were declaring that Saul had seen the light, that he was a changed man, but it was hard for the apostles to believe. They had to see how he had changed, to be sure it wasn’t an act or a trick. They were with him daily coming and going, they were watching him closely, I’m sure.     We have many in the churches today who declare they are Christians; they’ve been changed and no longer were in sin. But if you spent time with them, you would see, who they hung out with, what kind of language they used out in public. What they wear or how they spend their time, what they spend their money on. So many ways that are not becoming to a child of God. Yet there are those who are sincere and really like Saul who became Paul had an experience on the road to Damascus, they encountered Jesus and was changed for life.   

  20. Acts 9

    As Saul was going to Damascus, he had an encounter with Jesus. Jesus had blinded him and fasted for 3 days. Ananias had heard how evil Saul had been to the Jewish people.

    15″But 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.”

    16 For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake.

    The scales had fallen off Sauls eyes and he was baptized right away and received the Holy Ghost! Saul was then with the disciples preaching that Christ is the Son of God.

    Thank you Jesus for this day.

    Rosalind Ayers-Clark

  21. ”Then had the churches rest throughout all Judæa 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.“
    ‭‭Acts‬ ‭9‬:‭31‬ ‭KJV‬‬

    Hallelujah Jesus 🙌

    It is the will of OUR LORD JESUS for the church to have rest(peace) comfort and strength. As long as we continue to walk in reverence and obedience we will continue to see revival in the midst of POFW/LPDFW.

  22. 17 And 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.

    I would like to highlight the obedience of Ananias. Sometimes we can feel a little afraid that our lives are in danger. Either by going to a dangerous place or near people who do not have a good reputation, just like what happened to Ananias. He did not question what God told him to do, but he obeyed the Lord. Many times it is not about how many things we do for the kingdom of God or how many sacrifices we believe we make, when we are able to obey what God tells us to do that will be more than enough. God always knows what he is doing and will never abandon us, much less leave us adrift to do something that he sends us to do. God is always faithful and obedience brings countless blessings to our lives.

  23. And 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.7 And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man.8 And 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.9 And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.10 And 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.11 And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth,12 And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.

    Paul was a strong, zealous, strong willed, an independent man. Likewise, many other people are; however, there comes a time where God has to teach us to depend on others. To be lead and aided a humbling experience if you will, that we can too learn that we cannot do it or accomplish anything without him.

  24. 13 Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem:

    14 And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name.

    15 But 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:

    The story of Saul’s transformation into Paul is indeed captivating, but what struck me even more was Ananias’s courage in following the Lord’s instructions despite his fear. It’s a reminder that sometimes fear can hold us back from sharing the message of God’s love with others.

    Lord bring forth individuals who, like Saul, have once persecuted the church. May You transform their hearts and open their eyes. Lord, please equip me with the confidence to effectively communicate Your word, exemplifying Your grace and mercy in every interaction.

  25. Paul Vs 1-30. Vs 1 Saul had previously been involved with the stoning of Stephen (7:58). Whether he actually participated in the killings of other believers is unknown, but this verse implies that he might. Vs 4) God says Why Saul? Why persecutest thou me? (My prayer) “God, Help me to stay focused on my relationship with you, not my performance but teach me to trust you in all circumstances and to find joy in your love above all else! Amen!” Vs 17-18) See Rom. 8:9-11 and Rev. 19:3-6. Vs 26-27) Barnabas 11:19-21. Vs 30) Phil. 3:4-14. Vs 36-42 Dorcas. How can I serve God with my talents?

  26. 11 And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth,

    12 And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.

    13 Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem:

    14 And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name.

    15 But 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:

    16 For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake.

    The passage in verse 16 has me thinking on something you said:Pastor:

    about GOD can’t use us till there’s 

    been a shaking up till we have

    Experienced some hardship:

    that someone else: is “experiencing”

    and how very true that is: I had

    to suffer some deep pain before

    I really got some things that

    I sure didn’t see coming:

    that hit me like a STROM:But i

    know had it not, of been for my

    suffering: GOD couldn’t have

    used me the way HE did in a

    very heart wrenching🥲 situation:

    And I’m so thankful I was ready

    to help to be there to pray!

    to say GODS got this: and HE

    did: and that very situation has

    turned such pain. and not know

    ing: Into JOY and that same

    somebody that didn’t want to hear

    anything about GOD: is reaching

    for “GOD” “Hallelujah” TO “JESUS”

    “BE ALL THE “GLORY” WE got

    to stay ready cause we don’t know

    what can HAPPEN???😳

    IT took Paul being in total darkness

    TO WAKE UP 😳

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