Acts 9

Jesus

And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: Acts 9:3–6

The resurrected Jesus appears to Saul in light from heaven and speaks to him by name. By saying "why persecutest thou me," He shows that attacking His disciples is attacking Him.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• the same event in Acts 22:6-10 — Paul's retelling to the Jerusalem crowd.
• the same event in Acts 26:13-18 — Paul's retelling before Agrippa.
• the same event in 1 Corinthians 15:8 — "Last of all he was seen of me also."

Jesus

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. Acts 9:10–16

The Lord Jesus (identified in verse 17) speaks to Ananias in a vision. He calls Saul a chosen vessel to carry His name to the nations, and says Saul will suffer for that name.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• the same event in Acts 22:12-15 — Paul recounts Ananias' visit and commission.

Jesus

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. Acts 9:17

Ananias makes it plain that "the Lord" who appeared on the road is Jesus, and that Jesus sent him to restore Saul's sight so he could be filled with the Holy Ghost.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him

• the same event in 1 Corinthians 9:1 — "Have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord?"

Son of God

Christ — the Anointed One, the Messiah

And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God. Acts 9:20–22

The former persecutor now testifies that Jesus is the Son of God and proves from the scriptures that He is the very Christ, the promised Messiah.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him · a Church study aid lists it

• the same event in Galatians 1:15-16 — God revealed His Son in Paul that he might preach Him.

Jesus

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. Acts 9:27–29

Barnabas vouches that Saul saw the Lord, who spoke with him, and that Saul now preaches boldly in the name of Jesus.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• the same event in Galatians 1:18 — Paul's first visit to Jerusalem after his conversion.

Jesus Christ

And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately. Acts 9:34–35

Peter gives no credit to himself. It is Jesus Christ who heals Aeneas, and the healing turns a whole region to the Lord. The command to rise and make his bed echoes Jesus' own healing of a man with palsy.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him

• alludes to Mark 2:11-12 — Jesus to the man with palsy: "Arise, and take up thy bed."
• the same title in Acts 3:6 — "In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk."

His ministry continued through His servants

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. Acts 9:40–42

Peter does exactly what he watched Jesus do with Jairus's daughter. He puts everyone out, then says "Tabitha, arise" (nearly Jesus' "Talitha cumi"). Peter prays first, showing the power belongs to the Lord, and many believe in Him.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• alludes to Mark 5:40-42 — Jesus puts them all out and says "Talitha cumi... arise."