Acts 9

Acts 9:1-31

The Witness of Paul’s Conversion – In Acts 9:1-31 Luke records the conversion and early ministry of Paul the apostle. One important outcome of this event is that the wave of Jewish persecutions against the Church ceased (Acts 9:31). Outline – Here is a proposed outline:

1. The Witness of Saul’s Conversion and Divine Commission — Acts 9:1-192. Saul’s Early Ministry in Damascus — Acts 9:20-25 3. Saul’s Ministry in Jerusalem — Acts 9:26-31

Acts 9:20-25

Saul’s Early Ministry in Damascus – In Acts 9:20-25 we have the account of Paul’s early ministry as he began to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ in Damascus. Acts 9:20 — Comments - The message that Jesus Christ is the Son of God is the foundational message of the Christian faith. The Gospel of John builds its theme around this foundational truth.

Acts 9:26-31

Saul’s Ministry in Jerusalem – In Acts 9:26-31 we have the account of Saul’s ministry in Jerusalem after he flees Damascus because of his testimony.

Acts 9:32-10

The Witness of Peter’s Ministry Beyond Jerusalem – In Acts 9:32 to Acts 10:48 we have the testimony of Peter’s ministry beyond Jerusalem. In these passages he heals Aeneas (Acts 9:32-35), he raises Dorcas from the dead (Acts 9:36-43) and he preaches to the household of Cornelius (Acts 10:1-48). Outline – Here is a proposed outline:

1. Witness of Peter in Lydda — Acts 9:32-352. Witness of Peter in Joppa — Acts 9:36-433. Witness of Peter in Caesarea — Acts 10:1-48

Acts 9:36-43

The Witness of Peter in Joppa - In Acts 9:36-43 we have the account of Peter raising Dorcas from the dead in Joppa. Acts 9:36 Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did. Acts 9:36 — Comments - Because of the grace of the deer, women were named after them. The Aramaic name “Tabitha” and its Greek equivalent “Dorcas” mean “gazelle.” The grace of the deer is referred to in the wisdom literature and poetic books of the Old Testament. Proverbs 5:19, “Let her be as the loving hind and pleasant roe; let her breasts satisfy thee at all times; and be thou ravished always with her love.” Son 2:9, “My beloved is like a roe or a young hart: behold, he standeth behind our wall, he looketh forth at the windows, shewing himself through the lattice.” Son 4:5, “Thy two breasts are like two young roes that are twins, which feed among the lilies.” Son 7:3, “Thy two breasts are like two young roes that are twins.” Son 8:14, “Make haste, my beloved, and be thou like to a roe or to a young hart upon the mountains of spices.”