Scales Fell from His Eyes

Acts 9:1-30

 

I want to wish all the mothers and grandmothers and great-grandmothers of the church a happy Mother’s Day today.  We will have some light refreshments after church in honor of your special day today. 

 

In our series examining the book of Acts, we see the beginning of the church.  The past couple of weeks, we have seen how the church saw Stephen martyred for his faith.  This week, we will be introduced to the character of Saul and his intentions to not only persecute the church but to destroy it. 

 

Let’s review some of Stephen’s last words and how the persecution began that day before we begin today’s passages. In Acts 7, Luke records Stephen’s last word: 

 

“You stiff-necked people, with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You are just like your fathers: You always resist the Holy Spirit! Was there ever a prophet your fathers did not persecute? They even killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One. And now you have betrayed and murdered Him—you who have received the law that was put into effect through angels but have not obeyed it.” – Acts 7:51-53  

 

Now these are pretty harsh words from young Stephen. 

 

When they heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” – Acts 7:54-56 

 

At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul. – Acts 7:57-58 

 

And Saul was there, giving approval to [Stephen’s] death. On that day a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. Godly men buried Stephen and mourned deeply for him. But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off men and women and put them in prison. – Acts 8:1-3 

 

Now this young man named Saul was determined to destroy the church from top to bottom. He attack not only men but women also. This shows the cruel nature of his actions. So who was this young man named Saul and where was he from? To answer where Saul has come from, Saul tells us himself in Acts 21:39: “I am a Jew, from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no ordinary city.”

 

Tarsus was a seat of Greek culture, learning, and influence rivaling Athens and Alexandria at that time. Consequently, Saul has a special background in Greek culture and education. Furthermore, as a reward for its exertions and sacrifices during the civil wars of Rome, Tarsus was made a free city by in 42 BC. Citizens of free cities weren’t subject to Roman taxation and were permitted to use their own laws, customs, and magistrates, and they were free from being subject to Roman guards. Since Paul was born in a free city, he was considered a Roman citizen. Later, Paul used his Roman citizenship to avoid being scourged by a centurion before trial. He used the rights of Roman citizenship again when he appealed to have the case against him be heard by Caesar himself. Tarsus was located in what is modern day Turkey.  

 

It can be seen here on this map and its relative location to Damascus. 

 

It show Saul’s route from Jerusalem to Damascus and then back to Jerusalem and then to Caesarea and then to Tarsus. 

 

Here is a more modern version of the map of that area.  The arrows show that Tarsus is in modern day Turkey and Damascus is still the Syrian capital. 

 

In addition to Saul’s experiences in a predominantly Greek city, we read in Acts 22 again in Saul’s own words: 

 

“I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city [Jerusalem]. Under Gamaliel I was thoroughly trained in the law of our fathers and was just as zealous for God as any of you are today.” – Acts 22:3 

 

Now, Gamaliel was one of the great Jewish teachers of that time there in Jerusalem. Saul is one of his students, advancing beyond many Jews his own age. To Saul, Christianity was a blasphemous idea. That Jesus, a friend of tax collectors and sinners, who died a shameful death on a Roman cross, could be the Son of God was absurd to him.  Saul goes on to say: 

 

“I persecuted the followers of this Way to their death, arresting both men and women and throwing them into prison, as also the high priest and all the Council can testify. I even obtained letters from them to their brothers in Damascus, and went there to bring these people as prisoners to Jerusalem to be punished.” – Acts 22:4-5 

 

In Acts 26, Saul also writes of himself: 

 

“I too was convinced that I ought to do all that was possible to oppose the name of Jesus of Nazareth. And that is just what I did in Jerusalem. On the authority of the chief priests I put many of the saints in prison, and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them. Many a time I went from one synagogue to another to have them punished, and I tried to force them to blaspheme. In my obsession against them, I even went to foreign cities to persecute them.” – Acts 26:9-11 

 

Here is a guy filled up with hatred toward the Christians. He is not going to rest until they have been completely destroyed: “I cast my vote against them…. went from one synagogue to another…. went to foreign cities” (Acts 26:10-11).  Saul is one of those foretold by Jesus in John 16:2: “Anyone who kills you will think he is offering a service to God.”  Now with that background, we begin today’s passage. In Acts 9, we read: 

 

Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord's disciples. He went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. – Acts 9:1-2 

 

Why would Saul choose Damascus? Damascus is approximately 140 to 150 miles north of Jerusalem—a six day journey back then.  It was the nearest large city outside Jerusalem. Damascus was under Roman rule and part of the Decapolis. It was located at a crossroads in the east-west and north-south trade routes, a hub for international commerce. According to Josephus, “Damascus abounded with Jews and Gentile proselytes to the Jewish religion,” and the Christians living there were generally living in peace. 

 

Moving on to Acts 9:3-4, we read: 

 

As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?” – Acts 9:3-4 

 

In Acts 22:6-7, Saul says: 

 

“About noon as I came near Damascus, suddenly a bright light from heaven flashed around me. I fell to the ground and heard a voice say to me, ‘Saul! Saul! Why do you persecute Me?’ – Acts 22:6-7  

 

In Acts 26:12, Saul tells King Agrippa: 

 

“On one of these journeys I was going to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests. About noon, O king, as I was on the road, I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, blazing around me and my companions. We all fell to the ground, and I heard a voice saying to me in Aramaic, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ – Acts 26:12-14 

 

The light flashed “very suddenly.” In this case, the light flashed on and did not go off. Often in illustrations and paintings of this scene, there is a very direct beam of light shining only on Saul. But that is not what was described in the book of Acts. Rather, this light was an all-encompassing light. That light shown all around them, in every direction. 

 

Because some artist have depicted Saul on the ground either falling from a horse or being knocked off a horse, many people believe that he was riding a horse; but the Biblical text doesn’t mention anything about a horse or a donkey or a camel or wagon  or carriage.  

 

Here in Acts 22 and Acts 26, Paul explains that this occurred at about noon. Jesus did not appear to Saul at night but rather at midday. They were not deceived by a bright light at night but a light which overwhelmed the sun. Revelation 22:16 says: “I, Jesus, have sent My angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.” And Ephesians 5:8 says: “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.” I John 1:7 says: “But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, His Son, purifies us from all sin.” 

 

Now, continuing on in Acts 9, we read that Jesus did not ask, “Why do you persecute My people?” Instead, He asked, “Why do you persecute Me?” This is a key point. 

 

We, all Christians reading this message, are the body of Christ. An attack on any one of us is an attack against Him.  

 

“Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked. – Acts 9:5 

 

Jesus knows Saul before Saul knows Jesus. He called Saul by name twice. Saul replies, “Who are you, Lord?” God knows us.  All the good and all the bad. 

 

In describing this event in Acts 22:10, Saul says he specifically asked the Lord, “What shall I do?” At this point, Saul has surrendered his life and is ready to do what he is told.  Back to today’s passage in Acts 9: 

 

“I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” He replied. “Now get up and go into Damascus, and you will be told what you must do.” – Acts 9:6 

 

The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone. Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything. – Acts 9:7-9 

 

Note the phrase “the men traveling with Saul.” How many men do you think were traveling with him? We don’t know for sure, but he would have to have brought enough to take all the prisoners that he captured back under guard to Jerusalem. These men are all witnesses. They could have denied what happened, but instead, it says they all saw the light, and they all fell to the ground. It gives even more detail in Acts 22:9: that they heard sounds, but could not understand or could not make out the phonics. In the same way in John 12:29, God spoke to Jesus as the triumphal entry into Jerusalem, and the crowd said it had thundered.  Here Saul is miraculously struck with physical blindness at the moment he begins to overcome his spiritual blindness. Saul now lives out three days of suspense, fasting and praying. 

 

In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, “Ananias!” “Yes, Lord,” he answered. – Acts 9:10 

 

In some translations Ananias answers, “Here I am, Lord.” 

 

Who is Ananias? Well, he is not an apostle. And, he is not mentioned again in the Bible. However, in Acts 22:12, we read that he is highly respected by all the Jews living there. He is a resident of Damascus and not a refugee from the persecution led by Saul. In other words he is a “normal” believer used by a supernatural God. 

 

The Lord told him, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.” – Acts 9:11-12  

 

Now, Saul is praying; he is no longer breathing out murderous threats. In a very dangerous and fearful situation, Jesus has given specific instructions to Ananias and Saul. 

 

“Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem. And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on Your name.” – Acts 9:13-14 

 

Ananias maybe thinking, “I’m not so sure about this!” News travels fast regardless of the era. There are no cell phones in the first century. There is no TV nightly news broadcast.  There is no internet notifications.  And yet, there are many reports of what Saul has done and what he is planning, and even whose authority Saul is working under.  

 

The body of believers in Damascus knows who Saul is and why he has come. They probably even know that Saul and the men traveling with him have arrived. Also in this passage, Ananias speaks the first occurrence of the word “saints” to describe the believers. Literally, the word saint means “holy one.” 

 

But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is My chosen instrument to carry My name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for My name.” – Acts 9:15-16 

 

Jesus chooses to calm Ananias by giving him some very specific details of what lies ahead for Saul, the one who wanted to destroy the church. Jesus has taken the leader of the persecution of the church and chose him to be His instrument to carry the Gospel to the Gentiles, their kings, and to the people of Israel.  Saul is chosen by God. In Galatians 1:15, it says Saul was set apart from his mother’s womb. In the same way, we are all chosen by Him. Romans 5:8 says: “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Psalm 139:13 says: “For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb.”  Jesus will “show him how much he must suffer.” Wow!! How would I respond if I saw the suffering that was to come? The sufferings that Saul will see are overwhelming. 

 

2 Corinthians 11:23-29 says: 

 

“Are they servants of Christ? (I am out of my mind to talk like this.) I am more. I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again.  Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one.” – 2 Corinthians 11:23-24    

 

This was done so that they would never exceed the maximum of 40 lashes of the law described in Deuteronomy 25:2-3: 

 

If the guilty man deserves to be beaten, the judge shall make him lie down and have him flogged in his presence with the number of lashes his crime deserves, but he must not give him more than forty lashes. If he is flogged more than that, your brother will be degraded in your eyes. – Deuteronomy 25:2-3 

 

Saul goes on to say: 

 

Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers.  I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked.  Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches.  Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn? – 2 Corinthians 11:45-29 

 

But over twenty years later, he will be able to say in Acts 20: 

 

However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace. – Acts 20:24  

 

Back to today’s passage: Ananias’s test of faith. Luke writes: “Then Ananias went to the house and entered it.” (Acts 9:17a) 

 

There are two verbs in this sentence. It may imply that Ananias went to the house and paused. Here he is on Straight Street. For the moment, he is safe. But walking into that house could mean imprisonment, torture, and maybe death. 

 

We don’t know what was going through his mind. But what we do know is what matters.  That is he went into the house of Judas as Jesus instructed him.  

 

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. – Acts 9:17b-18a 

 

So with or without fear, Ananias lays his hands on Saul. He is not holding back, standing in the shadows ready to run. Ananias calls him “Brother Saul,” accepting Saul into the body of Christ.  And to be sure, there is no question: Ananias actually names the name of Jesus. Saul had wanted to imprison all who called on the name of Jesus, and now he is greeted by the name of Jesus. 

 

Saul’s companions saw his blindness and they may even witnessed healing. They had seen the light and heard the voice on the Damascus road. Even though they didn’t understand the words, they knew it was a voice.  It is interesting; there is no record of their denial of these events. Later in Jerusalem and before King Agrippa, when Saul relates his testimony, no one comes forward to confront or deny these miracles. It has happened. The miracles are real. Saul has been turned from death to life.  

He got up and was baptized, and after taking some food, he regained his strength. – Acts 9:18b-19a 

 

Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus.  At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God.  All those who heard him were astonished and asked, “Isn’t he the man who raised havoc in Jerusalem among those who call on this name? And hasn’t he come here to take them as prisoners to the chief priests?”  Yet Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Christ. – Acts 9:19b-22 

 

After many days had gone by, the Jews conspired to kill him, but Saul learned of their plan. Day and night they kept close watch on the city gates in order to kill him. But his followers took him by night and lowered him in a basket through an opening in the wall. – Acts 9:23-25 

 

When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus. So Saul stayed with them and moved about freely in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord.  He talked and debated with the Grecian Jews, but they tried to kill him. When the brothers learned of this, they took him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus. – Acts 9:26-30 

 

Saul responds as a true believer. He was baptized immediately, like the Ethiopian that Carl talked about last week.  

 

This is nothing short of a miracle.  A 180-degree change has happened in Saul’s life in a very short time. He is no longer a persecutor. Soon he will be numbered among those who are being persecuted. Before, Saul cast his vote against them. Now, Saul is one of them.  Before, Saul went from synagogue to synagogue to have them punished and to force them to blaspheme. Now, Saul will go from synagogue to synagogue to reach out to other Jews and bring them to Christ. 

 

Before, Saul went to foreign cities to persecute Christian. Now, Saul will go to foreign cities led by the Holy Spirit to bring many to Jesus.  Before, there was hatred and death. Now, there is joy and eternal life.  Saul will go on to write 13 books of the 27 books of the New Testament. Some scholars also attribute authorship of the book of Hebrews to Saul, which would make 14 of the 27 New Testament Books.  Half of the New Testament (more or less) was written by Saul of Tarsus.  

 

Some people mistakenly think that Saul changed his name to Paul, but that was not the case.  In Acts 13:9, Luke writes that Saul was also called Paul.  Saul was his Hebrew name and Paul was his Roman name. Other than when Saul was recounting Jesus calling him “Saul” and when Ananias addressed him as “Brother Saul,” Paul went by “Paul” from when he received the Holy Spirit on. 

 

Well, how can we apply this passage to our own lives? There are a number of ways that come to mind. 

 

Persecution against any believer is an attack against the body of Christ, against Jesus Himself. Go to Him in times of trouble. Cast your cares on Him.  Be like Ananias. Always be listening.  Always be ready to answer.  All believers are chosen by God. He loves us. He has died for us.  If God reveals something to you, if His Spirit prompts you, do it. It may not be easy, but the reward will be great. There is peace and joy in doing the Lord’s work. 

 

Whatever stage of life you are in, regardless of your maturity, we need to do what God has given us to do next. Some examples of what He asks all believers to do are: get baptized, pray regularly, fellowship with other believers often, have regular quiet times, share your faith (both with believers and unbelievers), prepare your testimony, and perform acts of service.  You may also want to search the Word and ask the Lord to give you a life verse. Let’s pray.