Question 1

Who was Saul and why was he going to Damascus?

Accepted Answer

Saul was a strict Jew who hated the followers of Jesus. He thought he was serving God by trying to wipe out this new group. He went to the high priest to get letters so he could arrest believers in Damascus and bring them back to Jerusalem in chains. He was not just mildly opposed; the passage says he was breathing out threats and murder. His whole purpose on that trip was to hunt down men and women who belonged to “the way,” the early name for the followers of Jesus.

Question 2

What happened when Jesus met Saul on the road?

Accepted Answer

As Saul neared Damascus, a bright light from heaven suddenly shone around him, brighter than the sun. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say, “Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?” When Saul asked who was speaking, the answer was, “I am Jesus whom thou persecutest.” Jesus told him it was hard for him to kick against the pricks, like an animal hurting itself by fighting the goad. Saul was left blind and had to be led into the city, where he spent three days without sight, food, or drink, praying.

Question 3

What does “why persecutest thou me” teach about Jesus and his people?

Accepted Answer

When Jesus asks Saul, “Why persecutest thou me?” he shows how closely he is joined to his people. Saul had been attacking the disciples, not Jesus in person, yet Jesus speaks as if the harm done to them was done to him. This tells us that Jesus so identifies with his church that their sufferings are his sufferings. It comforts believers by reminding them that when they are hurt for his name, he is not distant or uncaring, but counts those blows as against himself and will deal with them.

Question 4

Why did Jesus send Ananias to Saul even though Saul was dangerous?

Accepted Answer

Ananias had heard how much evil Saul had done to the believers in Jerusalem and knew Saul had authority to arrest anyone who called on Jesus’ name. So he was afraid and questioned going to him. But the Lord told Ananias that Saul was a chosen vessel to carry his name to Gentiles, kings, and Israelites, and that Saul would suffer much for that name. Ananias obeyed, went to Saul, called him “Brother Saul,” laid his hands on him, and God used him so Saul received his sight and the Holy Spirit. This shows God can change anyone and often works through ordinary disciples.

Question 5

What is meant by Saul being a “chosen vessel” who must suffer?

Accepted Answer

When the Lord calls Saul a “chosen vessel,” it means Saul was picked out for a special task. He was to carry Jesus’ name before Gentiles, kings, and the people of Israel. This calling was not just about honor; it also included hardship. Jesus said he would show Saul how many things he must suffer for his name’s sake. So Saul’s future service and his sufferings were both part of God’s plan. His past as a persecutor would be turned around so that he became a preacher who would himself be persecuted for the same name he once tried to destroy.

Question 6

How did Saul change after his sight was restored?

Accepted Answer

After Ananias prayed, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes and he could see again. He was baptized, took food, and regained his strength. Instead of hunting believers, he stayed with the disciples in Damascus. Right away he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God. People were shocked, because they knew his old reputation as the one who destroyed those who called on Jesus’ name. Over time he grew stronger in understanding and speech, using the Scriptures to show that Jesus is the Christ, which confused those who opposed him.

Question 7

Why did the Jews in Damascus and Jerusalem try to kill Saul?

Accepted Answer

The Jews in Damascus and later in Jerusalem planned to kill Saul because he now preached the very message he once fought. He proved from Scripture that Jesus is the Christ, and many could not answer him. This stirred deep anger. In Damascus they watched the city gates day and night to catch him, so the disciples lowered him in a basket through the wall. In Jerusalem, when he spoke boldly in Jesus’ name and argued with Greek-speaking Jews, they also tried to kill him. The believers then helped him escape to Caesarea and sent him on to Tarsus.

Question 8

What is the story of Peter, Aeneas, and Tabitha in this passage?

Accepted Answer

While Saul’s story unfolds, Peter is also traveling among the believers. In Lydda he meets Aeneas, who has been paralyzed and bedridden for eight years. Peter says, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed,” and he is healed at once. Many in Lydda and Saron see this and turn to the Lord. Nearby in Joppa, a disciple named Tabitha (Dorcas), known for her good works and gifts to the poor, dies. Peter is called, prays beside her body, and says, “Tabitha, arise.” She opens her eyes and sits up, and many in Joppa believe in the Lord when they hear what happened.

Question 9

What does this passage teach about God’s grace and power to change people?

Accepted Answer

This passage shows that God’s grace can reach the person who seems farthest away. Saul was hunting believers, yet Jesus stopped him, showed him his sin, and made him into a servant and witness. The same Lord who humbled Saul also lifted up the weak and hopeless through Peter’s ministry to Aeneas and Tabitha. A persecutor becomes a preacher, a paralyzed man walks, and a dead woman is raised. It all points to God acting first, not people fixing themselves. That gives hope that God can still open blind eyes, forgive deep sin, and bring new life where there seemed to be none.

Acts 9:1

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

The Road to Damascus

Ananias Baptizes Saul

Saul Preaches at Damascus

The Escape from Damascus

Saul in Jerusalem

The Healing of Aeneas

The Raising of Tabitha

The Road to Damascus

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Acts 9:1

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

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The Road to Damascus

Ananias Baptizes Saul

Saul Preaches at Damascus

The Escape from Damascus

Saul in Jerusalem

The Healing of Aeneas

The Raising of Tabitha

The Road to Damascus

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