9:1-2 Saul is a determined man. Skilled, passionate, and focused -- the problem is that he is skilled, passionate and focused on killing the apostles and their students.
9:3 Saul was so effectively persecuting the apostles that Jesus intervened. Remember that these times were the birth of Christianity, now a solid and worldwide faith, was only then a little flicker. If it had been extinguished so early, billions of people to be born would miss their opportunity to hear the message. Jesus intervened at this crucial moment in history -- now that Christianity is an established faith and available throughout the world, God's interventions are offered to those who have studied and worked to know Him.
9:4 Jesus asks Saul this question: What is your purpose and motivation for what you are doing? God's philosophy is to always inject logic into the situation. It's a good question to frequently ask ourselves in order to ensure that we are intentionally walking a path we are proud of and happy to tread.
The presence of God (and Jesus) is amazing, overwhelming even for the human on earth and really the only response we are able to muster is to fall to our knees in awe and wonder.
9:5 Even though Saul does not at first know who, specifically is speaking to him, he immediately recognizes the voice as a divine spirit. When God's spirit (or Jesus') is shown to us, there's no question of their authenticity or their prominence. The creator of everything appears and effects us as such.
Kick against the pricks: are you familiar with a "pricker bush?" The mention of these "goads" explains to Saul that his way of life is unproductive. There is no benefit (for anyone) to what he is doing. The entanglement, the chaos... there is no gain, Saul remains stuck. The friction between himself and the apostles disallows either to succeed. God always injects logic in our lives when we listen. Be productive... be on the winning side.
Kick against the pricks: are you familiar with a "pricker bush?" The mention of these "goads" explains to Saul that his way of life is unproductive. There is no benefit (for anyone) to what he is doing. The entanglement, the chaos... there is no gain, Saul remains stuck. The friction between himself and the apostles disallows either to succeed. God always injects logic in our lives when we listen. Be productive... be on the winning side.
9:6 Saul, though violent, is a brave and tough leader -- yet is reduced to pure astonishment and trembling at the appearance of Jesus. Here is Saul's choice: Jesus offers Saul a path and a purpose, he gives Saul the first direction and promises to lead him if he chooses to follow.
Working and being with God is always our choice. Saul requests from Jesus a mission and Jesus offers one -- without exception, whoever we are and whatever we have done, if we ask God for guidance, it is available to us. Remember these verses: Mark:2:17 and Luke 5:31 where Jesus teaches us that His purpose is to reach the people who most need it. Saul is a sick man -- sick with corruption, violence and hatred and it is God's pleasure to lead people out of those illnesses. Remember also: Luke 15:11-32, The Parable of the Lost Son. While God promises everything He has to His faithful children, He's overjoyed when someone who was previously lost discovered their true home (with Him) and changed and working to be home, with Him.
9:7 I cannot help but point out God's sense of humor: there they stood, proud, arrogant, bold, rough and tough men reduced to shivering, terrified little sticks. Though they had not seen Jesus, they heard the divine voice (and therefore witnessed a complete contradiction to the laws of nature they had understood).
9:8 Symbolically, Saul lost his sight. A promoter of evil and violence, he was not able "to see" in the deeper, spiritual sense. Saul was therefore unable to understand and perceive the compassionate spirit and philosophy of God. He was blinded by anger and violence. To teach this message, Saul actually loses his sight.
Recall that God's children walk not by sight but by faith (2 Corinthians 5:7), meaning that, our path and our vision is ensuring, promoting and defending the compassionate nature of God. Without that specific purpose, a person is blind.
9:9 Saul was in a state of transition, a cleansing. The symbolism of Saul fasting represents that refrained from participating in his usual antics, from deriving from violence and hatred. Saul was clearing his physical but also spiritual system out. This allowed Saul some time for clarity of thought and perspective -- he's between ways of life during these three days: his former violence life vs. the one being offered by God.
God's process of reestablishing us, stronger and wiser, more compassionate and peaceful than we were before, is to encourage us to remove ourselves from our present, broken situation. We need to be able to perceive, to think deeper and more complexly than we had been before. In order to do that, we really must view ourselves from another perspective, abstaining from the things, people, actions and ideas that define us. We need to look at ourselves and evaluate -- free from the environment which corrupted us. This was Saul's period of self-review, it would result in him needing to make a choice -- return to who he was or to change.
9:10 Similarly to how Philip was led to the man in the chariot in the previous chapter, God orchestrates for one of His children, one of Jesus' apostles to find Saul.
The moment God requests his help, Ananias is there and ready, offering himself to God's mission. These is a beautiful trait God's fellow-workers have because as we all know as humans, when we need help... we need it as fast as we can get it. Be someone God can count on to rescue and lead His children who are sick or lost or hurt, there is no more rewarding or fulfilling purpose to have.
9:11 God directs Ananias to the street named "Straight" which actually translates to from "Euthus" meaning straight forward, upright, true, sincere. It's fitting (and symbolic) that Ananias would be led here as his mission was to provide a straightforward path toward truth to Saul.
It is imperative that we give our attention to the end of this verse: Saul is praying. Saul is sincerely reaching out to God and God is alert and prepared to answer him, without hesitation. Your prayers are received with the same speed, passion and efficiency -- be perceptive in order to receive your answer.
9:12 Ananais receives a vision from God; the metaphorical vision represents this: Ananais specifically reaching Saul, and with his hand (the tool with and through which we express and perform our thoughts and beliefs) reaches out to Saul with God's philosophy. Upon receiving, absorbing and accepting, Saul receives his sight, physically and spiritually.
God has a detailed plan for you also, if you want it. He has a willing angel, apostle, a kind spirit at the ready to reach you and deliver the vision God has for you -- but it's a mutual effort, you must work with God to heal yourself.
9:13-14 Ananias communicates with God that Saul is a bad, feared man -- widely known as a deadly enemy of God's children. Moreover, Ananias is aware of Saul's permission from the high priest (leader in the region) to arrest any apostle he encounters.
9:15 God ensures Ananias that His plan for Saul is not only necessary but also good for the world. God explains to Ananias that Saul is a chosen vessel through which God's philosophy will reach many, many people. Saul is a brave, passionate and working spirit -- God is well aware that Saul is lost and on a crooked path, but God also knows that it is within Saul to change and to be good. God gives Saul the opportunity to better himself and he trusts (knows) that Saul will not only welcome the opportunity but will also fulfill his purpose on earth brilliantly and full of brazen faith.
And what a testimony for the world to see! A violent man changed in his ways. A persecutor of Christians become a Christian himself. Your life is a testimony, what are you speaking out to the world? Saul's life makes people consider their own actions: Saul changed his lifestyle, exhibiting to a multitude of people that he tried to live against God and decided it was not the better, smarter or more rewarding option. Saul's life exhibiting to powerful love and guidance of God.
9:16 Something that subsequently occurs when we awaken to our actions is that we have to face the repercussions and sometimes the shame and disappointment in ourselves. But we grow from those moments of humility. Saul, upon entirely absorbing promoting God's word received God's complete forgiveness and love, but Saul will struggle at first as he realizes the harm he has caused. These are growing pains.
9:17 Ananias fulfills the vision and mission God gave to him. Ananias reaches Saul and works with him by offering the word of God, the wisdom of the holy spirit and therefore his spiritual sight (along with his actual sight).
9:18 This verse explains to us that Saul received perception, the ability to distinguish wisdom from folly. Through Ananias, God helped Saul to understand the senselessness of his previous way of life. Saul looked with wisdom and logic rather than hatred or bias and determined (evaluated, calculated) that God's purpose for him was the right choice.
Saul's authentic, genuine change of heart, change of mind, transition from evil to good enabled him to be baptized, recognized and welcomed as another of God's hard-working children. Remember that Saul, in the midst of living violently was confronted with the powerful, amazing presence of God and Jesus -- it tore him out of his twisted reality and forced him to look at life from a difference perspective. The truth changed him. He created compassionate within himself when he realized that compassion was the force of God, the creator of all things.
9:19 Now, having abstained from food (his metaphorical fast, the period of his self-review) Saul is able to eat, symbolizing that he is reaching to begin again, this time deriving strength and purpose from God rather than from evil (which he had abstained from during his self-review). Saul begin to nourish his body, mind and soul with God's wisdom and purpose. He was strengthened -- in mind, body and soul. Allow yourself to be strengthened by God. Saul spends some time with the disciples, he has been inducted and needs to understand how their mission operates (how they distribute the teachings among them, the humility with which they teach, etc.)
It is imperative that we give our attention to the end of this verse: Saul is praying. Saul is sincerely reaching out to God and God is alert and prepared to answer him, without hesitation. Your prayers are received with the same speed, passion and efficiency -- be perceptive in order to receive your answer.
9:12 Ananais receives a vision from God; the metaphorical vision represents this: Ananais specifically reaching Saul, and with his hand (the tool with and through which we express and perform our thoughts and beliefs) reaches out to Saul with God's philosophy. Upon receiving, absorbing and accepting, Saul receives his sight, physically and spiritually.
God has a detailed plan for you also, if you want it. He has a willing angel, apostle, a kind spirit at the ready to reach you and deliver the vision God has for you -- but it's a mutual effort, you must work with God to heal yourself.
9:13-14 Ananias communicates with God that Saul is a bad, feared man -- widely known as a deadly enemy of God's children. Moreover, Ananias is aware of Saul's permission from the high priest (leader in the region) to arrest any apostle he encounters.
9:15 God ensures Ananias that His plan for Saul is not only necessary but also good for the world. God explains to Ananias that Saul is a chosen vessel through which God's philosophy will reach many, many people. Saul is a brave, passionate and working spirit -- God is well aware that Saul is lost and on a crooked path, but God also knows that it is within Saul to change and to be good. God gives Saul the opportunity to better himself and he trusts (knows) that Saul will not only welcome the opportunity but will also fulfill his purpose on earth brilliantly and full of brazen faith.
And what a testimony for the world to see! A violent man changed in his ways. A persecutor of Christians become a Christian himself. Your life is a testimony, what are you speaking out to the world? Saul's life makes people consider their own actions: Saul changed his lifestyle, exhibiting to a multitude of people that he tried to live against God and decided it was not the better, smarter or more rewarding option. Saul's life exhibiting to powerful love and guidance of God.
9:16 Something that subsequently occurs when we awaken to our actions is that we have to face the repercussions and sometimes the shame and disappointment in ourselves. But we grow from those moments of humility. Saul, upon entirely absorbing promoting God's word received God's complete forgiveness and love, but Saul will struggle at first as he realizes the harm he has caused. These are growing pains.
9:17 Ananias fulfills the vision and mission God gave to him. Ananias reaches Saul and works with him by offering the word of God, the wisdom of the holy spirit and therefore his spiritual sight (along with his actual sight).
9:18 This verse explains to us that Saul received perception, the ability to distinguish wisdom from folly. Through Ananias, God helped Saul to understand the senselessness of his previous way of life. Saul looked with wisdom and logic rather than hatred or bias and determined (evaluated, calculated) that God's purpose for him was the right choice.
Saul's authentic, genuine change of heart, change of mind, transition from evil to good enabled him to be baptized, recognized and welcomed as another of God's hard-working children. Remember that Saul, in the midst of living violently was confronted with the powerful, amazing presence of God and Jesus -- it tore him out of his twisted reality and forced him to look at life from a difference perspective. The truth changed him. He created compassionate within himself when he realized that compassion was the force of God, the creator of all things.
9:19 Now, having abstained from food (his metaphorical fast, the period of his self-review) Saul is able to eat, symbolizing that he is reaching to begin again, this time deriving strength and purpose from God rather than from evil (which he had abstained from during his self-review). Saul begin to nourish his body, mind and soul with God's wisdom and purpose. He was strengthened -- in mind, body and soul. Allow yourself to be strengthened by God. Saul spends some time with the disciples, he has been inducted and needs to understand how their mission operates (how they distribute the teachings among them, the humility with which they teach, etc.)
9:20 Saul is immediately ready to preach about Jesus, who Saul had personally interacted with. Saul could personally attest to the guidance and healing offered by God. It changed his life, magnificently and he, this time, directed his courage, passion and focus to upholding that which God had given him.
9:21-22 Saul's testimony indeed shakes the region. It's so wonderful to consider the impact our lives can have on the world. Who we are and what we do matters. Who and what we are reverberates around the world in more ways than we can conceive of. Our lives impact so many others; what we choose to promote and do for others all added together makes up our world. In your own life, your individual actions influence and either brighter or darken those around you. With purpose and good-intention, influence and brighten the environment of the people around you.
9:21-22 Saul's testimony indeed shakes the region. It's so wonderful to consider the impact our lives can have on the world. Who we are and what we do matters. Who and what we are reverberates around the world in more ways than we can conceive of. Our lives impact so many others; what we choose to promote and do for others all added together makes up our world. In your own life, your individual actions influence and either brighter or darken those around you. With purpose and good-intention, influence and brighten the environment of the people around you.
9:23 Saul is doing such a beautiful and passionate job of spreading God's words that his former friends plot to have him killed. There is another lesson here: do you want to participate with a group of people who only care about you under certain conditions? God loves all of His children, and even when we greatly disappoint and sadden Him, He offers His love and guidance to us; He always works to save our lives. Saul's former crowd wants to end his life. Saul, the individual is not important to them -- he only mattered to them when they gained something for them. Even when Saul was violently against them, the apostles never wanted to kill him. In fact, Stephen asked God to forgive Saul and his friends for killing him: Acts of the Apostles 7:60.
9:24-25 Saul's new (and natural) family works to save and ensure his life against enemies.
9:24-25 Saul's new (and natural) family works to save and ensure his life against enemies.
9:26 The disciples in Jerusalem had no yet heard of Saul's transition and they were worried when he appeared before them; they expected him to arrest or evil kill them.
9:27-30 Another disciple, Barnabas, familiar with Saul's change of spirit and heart informs the other disciples of Saul's bold and compassionate preaching and they gladly welcome him. In fact, Saul's preaching has been so effective, they have to continue to move him and hide him from his enemies. It's essential that he retain his life because his specific and passionate testimony is reaching so many. They protect him as a sibling because we are all of the same family, we are siblings.
9:27-30 Another disciple, Barnabas, familiar with Saul's change of spirit and heart informs the other disciples of Saul's bold and compassionate preaching and they gladly welcome him. In fact, Saul's preaching has been so effective, they have to continue to move him and hide him from his enemies. It's essential that he retain his life because his specific and passionate testimony is reaching so many. They protect him as a sibling because we are all of the same family, we are siblings.
9:31 Christianity (not yet named as such) began the thrive throughout region after region. It's such a compassionate and healing message that it resonates with people; we quickly and deeply welcome it into our lives. So many were walking in reverence* and of God and were comforted by His philosophy and His spirit with them in the world.
*This word "fear" or "phobos" (quite ironically) translates with two meanings: fear and also reverence. This double-meaning translation is especially fitting because we can either choose to love or fear God -- there is no in-between. Either we are on His side or we are on the losing side.
*This word "fear" or "phobos" (quite ironically) translates with two meanings: fear and also reverence. This double-meaning translation is especially fitting because we can either choose to love or fear God -- there is no in-between. Either we are on His side or we are on the losing side.
9:32-35 This man, Aeneas* is healed after years of being paralyzed. This is a metaphorical lesson because so many of us live our lives "frozen" or "stuck" and we only truly begin to move throughout our lives with spiritual purpose when we welcome God inside of ourselves to heal and lead us.
*Aeneas means "laudable" and indeed those who are healed by God are deserving -- they have committed their lives to compassion and therefore they receive His love and are worthy of it because they promote it, encourage it, create it in the places and people who need it.
*Aeneas means "laudable" and indeed those who are healed by God are deserving -- they have committed their lives to compassion and therefore they receive His love and are worthy of it because they promote it, encourage it, create it in the places and people who need it.
9:36-41 This disciple, Tabitha, was beloved for her effective, passionate work of healing and guiding, comforting and supporting God's children. Her work was so necessary and so good that when she died (earthly death), her fellow disciples reached out to Peter to heal her. (Remember that God had given Peter the full power and ability of His spirit to do such things). Peter, through God, returns Tabitha to the earth (from the spirit) to continue her work on earth for humanity.
God will ensure that we are where we need to be, when we need to be there in order to do the most good. Simultaneously, He reminds us that we, His children are victims of nobody and vulnerable to no thing. We continue to rise against tribulations and ailments -- He is the commanding force of life.
9:42-43 The fact and truth that God had healed Tabitha, through Peter, served as another powerful testimony of God's ability and love. In more ways than we realize, how we endure the bumps in our road inspires other people to seek the same divine being who protects and guides us over those bumps.
God will ensure that we are where we need to be, when we need to be there in order to do the most good. Simultaneously, He reminds us that we, His children are victims of nobody and vulnerable to no thing. We continue to rise against tribulations and ailments -- He is the commanding force of life.
9:42-43 The fact and truth that God had healed Tabitha, through Peter, served as another powerful testimony of God's ability and love. In more ways than we realize, how we endure the bumps in our road inspires other people to seek the same divine being who protects and guides us over those bumps.
