Acts 9 NLT

Talk about "divine appointments". Saul was headed to Damascus for the purpose of arresting people who followed "the Way" but instead he encounters the living Jesus on the road: "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" (Saul didn't know who he was.) "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting...now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do." (vs 4-6) Jesus was setting up a meeting! In Damascus, He spoke to a disciple named Ananias and told him to go meet Saul. 

Sometimes the Lord asks us to do things that, on the surface do not make sense. 

I love the honest prayer of Ananias in verses 13-14, essentially telling Jesus that this little meet-up wasn't such a good idea. God's response? "Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles..." (vs 15) In other words, Ananias, you don't understand the bigger picture, but I do, so just trust me and do what I said. To his credit, Ananias obeyed the Lord and played a huge role in history by praying with Saul to restore his sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit! 

Prayer: Lord, give me the courage to step out in faith when I know you are calling me to do or say something that I don't want to do or say. And give me the wisdom to clearly discern when it is YOUR voice that is calling me.

Saul wasted no time switching teams: "Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Messiah." (vs 22) He traveled back and forth between Damascus & Arabia primarily focusing on preaching to the gentiles. 

Finally, Saul felt it was time for him to connect with the apostles. "Then after three years, I went up to Jerusalem to get acquainted with Peter..." (Gal 1:18) However....

"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." (vs 26) CRAZY. Have you ever felt misunderstood? 

Enter Barnabas. This guy is one of the unsung heroes of the early church. He paved the way for Saul and helped him with his introduction to the church leaders, like Peter. 

"Barnabas took him (Saul) 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...." (vs 27) So Saul was accepted by the apostles in Jerusalem. 

Acts 9 closes with an account of Peter raising a woman from the dead in Joppa. His ministry has greatly expanded and now this incredible miracle results in "many people" believing in the Lord. (vs 30-42)

The chapter closes with Peter staying in Joppa "for some time" (vs 43) which I totally understand because this was another amazing place to be - as we experienced two years ago. Good place for a little rest Peter!