Acts 9:19
and after taking some food, he regained his strength. And he spent several days with the disciples in Damascus.
and after taking some food
This phrase marks a significant turning point in Saul's physical and spiritual journey. The Greek word for "food" here is "trophē," which implies nourishment necessary for life. Saul, having been blinded and fasting for three days (Acts 9:9), is now partaking in sustenance, symbolizing not only the restoration of his physical strength but also the beginning of his new life in Christ. This act of eating can be seen as a metaphor for spiritual nourishment, as Saul is about to embark on a mission that requires both physical and spiritual vigor.

he regained his strength
The Greek word for "strength" is "ischys," which denotes power and might. Saul's regaining of strength is not merely a return to physical health but also an empowerment for the mission God has set before him. This moment signifies the restoration and preparation of Saul for his future role as Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles. It is a reminder that God equips those He calls, providing them with the necessary strength to fulfill His purposes.

And he spent several days
The phrase "several days" indicates a period of time that Saul spent in fellowship and learning. The Greek word "hēmera" for "days" suggests a time of preparation and transition. This period was crucial for Saul, as he was being integrated into the community of believers and receiving instruction and encouragement. It highlights the importance of community and discipleship in the Christian faith, where new believers are nurtured and equipped for service.

with the disciples
The term "disciples" refers to the followers of Jesus in Damascus. The Greek word "mathētēs" means a learner or pupil. Saul's association with the disciples marks his acceptance into the Christian community, despite his past as a persecutor of the church. This acceptance is a testament to the transformative power of God's grace and the unity of believers in Christ. It underscores the theme of reconciliation and the breaking down of barriers within the body of Christ.

in Damascus
Damascus, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, serves as the backdrop for Saul's conversion and early Christian experience. Historically, Damascus was a significant cultural and commercial center, and its mention here emphasizes the spread of the Gospel beyond Jerusalem. Saul's presence in Damascus is symbolic of the Gospel's reach to the Gentiles and the fulfillment of God's plan to make His name known among all nations. This setting foreshadows Saul's future missionary journeys and the expansion of the early church.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Saul (Paul)
Former persecutor of Christians who encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus, leading to his conversion.

2. Disciples in Damascus
Early followers of Jesus who were initially wary of Saul due to his past but later accepted him as a brother in Christ.

3. Damascus
An ancient city where Saul was headed to persecute Christians but instead became a believer himself.

4. Ananias
A disciple in Damascus who, following God's command, visited Saul, laid hands on him, and restored his sight.

5. Conversion Event
Saul's transformative encounter with Jesus, which led to his baptism and acceptance into the Christian community.
Teaching Points
The Power of Spiritual Nourishment
Just as Saul regained physical strength through food, spiritual nourishment through fellowship and the Word is essential for believers.

The Importance of Community
Saul's integration into the community of disciples in Damascus highlights the role of Christian fellowship in spiritual growth and support.

Transformation and Acceptance
Saul's acceptance by the disciples demonstrates the transformative power of Christ and the importance of welcoming new believers, regardless of their past.

Obedience to God's Call
Ananias's obedience to God's command to help Saul shows the importance of trusting God's plan, even when it seems challenging or risky.

The Role of Discipleship
Saul's time with the disciples underscores the importance of discipleship in equipping and strengthening new believers for their mission.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Saul's physical nourishment after his conversion parallel the spiritual nourishment we receive as believers?

2. In what ways can we, like the disciples in Damascus, support and integrate new believers into our faith communities?

3. Reflect on a time when you had to trust God's plan despite initial fears or doubts. How did that experience strengthen your faith?

4. How can Saul's transformation encourage us to view others through the lens of God's potential for their lives, rather than their past actions?

5. What steps can we take to ensure that we are actively participating in discipleship, both as learners and as mentors to others?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Acts 9:1-18
Provides the context of Saul's conversion, including his encounter with Jesus and Ananias's role in his healing and baptism.

Galatians 1:15-18
Paul reflects on his conversion and the time he spent in Damascus, emphasizing the divine calling and revelation he received.

Philippians 3:4-11
Paul discusses his past as a Pharisee and his transformation, valuing his relationship with Christ above all else.

1 Timothy 1:12-16
Paul acknowledges his past as a persecutor and the grace he received, serving as an example of God's mercy.
A Sudden ConversionActs 9:3-19
An Inspired VisionS. Chapman.Acts 9:3-19
ConversionE. B. Pusey.Acts 9:3-19
Conversion by the Vision of ChristActs 9:3-19
Conversion of St. PaulW. H. Hutchings, M. A.Acts 9:3-19
Conversions May be Quite Sudden in Their BeginningsH. W. Beecher.Acts 9:3-19
God's Method of Converting MenActs 9:3-19
Paul's Conversion a Type of the ReformationK. Gerok.Acts 9:3-19
Saul Meets with JesusH. R. Haweis, M. A.Acts 9:3-19
Saul of Tarsus ConvertedD. J. Burrell, D. D.Acts 9:3-19
Saul's ConversionC. S. Robinson, D. D.Acts 9:3-19
Saul's ConversionR. Watson.Acts 9:3-19
Saul's Conversion God's GlorificationM. Luther.Acts 9:3-19
The Battle of DamascusK. Gerok.Acts 9:3-19
The Completeness of St. Paul's ConversionC. H. Spurgeon.Acts 9:3-19
The Conversion of PaulC. Hodge, D. D.Acts 9:3-19
The Conversion of SaulH. J. Van Dyke.Acts 9:3-19
The Conversion of SaulD. Thomas, D. D.Acts 9:3-19
The Conversion of SaulD. Thomas, D. D.Acts 9:3-19
The Conversion of SaulJ. Parker, D. D.Acts 9:3-19
The Conversion of SaulJ. Parker, D. D.Acts 9:3-19
The Conversion of SaulJ. Parker, D. D.Acts 9:3-19
The Conversion of SaulM. G. Pearse.Acts 9:3-19
The Conversion of St. PaulJ. O. Dykes, D. D.Acts 9:3-19
The Conversion of St. PaulJ. Wolff, LL. D.Acts 9:3-19
The Conversion of St. PaulC. Hodge, D. D.Acts 9:3-19
The Difficulties in the NarrativeT. Binney.Acts 9:3-19
The Great Day of DamascusK. Gerok.Acts 9:3-19
The Heavenly LightWeekly PulpitActs 9:3-19
The Progress of St. Paul's ConversionJaspis.Acts 9:3-19
The Proud Rider UnhorsedT. De Witt Talmage.Acts 9:3-19
When Need is Greatest God is NearestK. Gerok.Acts 9:3-19
Baptism of St. PaulR.A. Redford Acts 9:10-19
Saul and AnaemiasE. Johnson Acts 9:10-19
A Parable in Things SpiritualP.C. Barker Acts 9:17-19
Christian BrotherlinessJ. W. Burn.Acts 9:17-23
Divine BrotherhoodJ. W. Munday.Acts 9:17-23
Saul ConvertedW. H. Davison.Acts 9:17-23
And Straightway He Preached ChristActs 9:19-20
Conversion Leads to Christian ActivityThe Quiver.Acts 9:19-20
Damascus to CaesareaT. Binney.Acts 9:19-20
Evidences of ConversionC. S. Robinson, D. D.Acts 9:19-20
Paul's Ministry At DamascusD. Thomas, D. D.Acts 9:19-20
Saul PreachingO. Winslow, D. D.Acts 9:19-20
Saul Preaching ChristT. D. Witherspoon, D. D.Acts 9:19-20
StraightwayA. Raleigh, D. D.Acts 9:19-20
The First Essay of a Warrior of ChristK. Gerok.Acts 9:19-20
The Marks of True ConversionJ. P. Lange, D. D.Acts 9:19-20
The New ConvertDean Vaughan.Acts 9:19-20
The Probation Years in the Ministerial OfficeK. Gerok.Acts 9:19-20
The Society of the GoodWeekly PulpitActs 9:19-20
The Testimony of ChristK. Gerok.Acts 9:19-20
The New Convert Proving His SincerityR.A. Redford Acts 9:19-22
Saul At DamascusE. Johnson Acts 9:19-25
The Texture of Human LifeW. Clarkson Acts 9:19-30
People
Aeneas, Ananias, Barnabas, Dorcas, Grecians, Judas, Lud, Peter, Saul, Simon, Tabitha
Places
Azotus, Caesarea, Damascus, Galilee, Jerusalem, Joppa, Judea, Lydda, Samaria, Sharon, Straight Street, Tarsus
Topics
Damascus, Disciples, Got, Kept, Meat, Nourishment, Received, Regained, Saul, Several, Spent, Stayed, Strength, Strengthened
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Acts 9:19

     7024   church, nature of

Acts 9:1-19

     8131   guidance, results

Acts 9:1-30

     5108   Paul, life of

Acts 9:3-19

     5109   Paul, apostle

Acts 9:19-20

     7456   synagogue

Library
'This Way'
'Any of this way.'--ACTS ix. 2 The name of 'Christian' was not applied to themselves by the followers of Jesus before the completion of the New Testament. There were other names in currency before that designation--which owed its origin to the scoffing wits of Antioch--was accepted by the Church. They called themselves 'disciples,' 'believers, 'saints,' 'brethren,' as if feeling about for a title. Here is a name that had obtained currency for a while, and was afterwards disused. We find it five times
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

A Bird's-Eye view of the Early Church
'So the Church throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria had peace, being edified; and, walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, was multiplied.'--ACTS ix. 31 (R.V.). A man climbing a hill stops every now and then to take breath and look about him; and in the earlier part of this Book of the Acts of the Apostles there are a number of such landing-places where the writer suspends the course of his narrative, in order to give a general notion of the condition of the
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

Grace Triumphant
'And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, 2. And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them hound unto Jerusalem. 3. And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: 4. And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou Me? 5.
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

Copies of Christ's Manner
'And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed.... 40. But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down and prayed; and, turning him to the body, said, Tabitha, arise.--ACTS ix. 34, 40. I have put these two miracles together, not only because they were closely connected in time and place, but because they have a very remarkable and instructive feature in common. They are both evidently moulded upon Christ's miracles; are distinct imitations of what Peter had
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

Directions to Awakened Sinners.
Acts ix. 6. Acts ix. 6. And he, trembling and astonished, said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do. THESE are the words of Saul, who also is called Paul, (Acts xiii. 9,) when he was stricken to the ground as he was going to Damascus; and any one who had looked upon him in his present circumstances and knew nothing more of him than that view, in comparison with his past life, could have given, would have imagined him one of the most miserable creatures that ever lived upon earth, and would have expected
Philip Doddridge—Practical Discourses on Regeneration

Paul's First Prayer
First, our text was an announcement; "Behold, he prayeth." Secondly, it was an argument; "For, behold, he prayeth." Then, to conclude, we will try to make an application of our text to your hearts. Though application is the work of God alone, we will trust that he will be pleased to make that application while the word is preached this morning. I. First, here was AN ANNOUNCEMENT; "Go to the house of Saul of Tarsus; for behold, he prayeth." Without any preface, let me say, that this was the announcement
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 1: 1855

Paul a Pattern of Prayer
"Go and inquire for one called Saul of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth."--ACTS ix. 11. "For this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show forth all long-suffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on Him to life everlasting."--1 TIM. i. 16. God took His own Son, and made Him our Example and our Pattern. It sometimes is as if the power of Christ's example is lost in the thought that He, in whom is no sin, is not man as we are. Our Lord took Paul, a man
Andrew Murray—The Ministry of Intercession

Prov. 22:06 the Duties of Parents
"Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it."--Prov. 22:6. I SUPPOSE that most professing Christians are acquainted with the text at the head of this page. The sound of it is probably familiar to your ears, like an old tune. It is likely you have heard it, or read it, talked of it, or quoted it, many a time. Is it not so? But, after all, how little is the substance of this text regarded! The doctrine it contains appears scarcely known, the duty it puts
John Charles Ryle—The Upper Room: Being a Few Truths for the Times

"To Me to Live is Christ"
PHILIPPIANS i. 21. In connection with ACTS ix. 1--18. THERE is no more significant sign of the days in which we live than the interest society seems to be taking in the biographies of great men. Almost all the more popular recent books, for instance--the books which every one is reading and has to read--come under the category of biography; and, to meet the demand, two or three times in each season the market has to be supplied with the lives, in minute detail, of men who but for this would perhaps
Henry Drummond—The Ideal Life

The Future of Christ's Kingdom First Group of Epistles the First and Second Epistles to the Thessalonians Introduction to the Epistles of Paul +Epistolary Writings. + --The
STUDY VII THE FUTURE OF CHRIST'S KINGDOM FIRST GROUP OF EPISTLES THE FIRST AND SECOND EPISTLES TO THE THESSALONIANS INTRODUCTION TO THE EPISTLES OF PAUL +Epistolary Writings.+--The New Testament is composed of twenty-seven books, twenty-one of which are Epistles. Of this latter number thirteen are ascribed to Paul. It is thus seen how largely the New Testament is made up of Epistles and how many of these are attributed to the Great Apostle. In the letters of men of great prominence and power of any
Henry T. Sell—Bible Studies in the Life of Paul

The New Testament Text and Its History.
The history of the New Testament text naturally falls into two main divisions, that of the manuscript text, and that of the printed text. A few remarks will be added on the principles of textual criticism. See PLATES at the beginning of this book. [Transcriber's Note: Transcriptions of the Plates are at the end of this e-book.] I. THE MANUSCRIPT TEXT. 1. The preservation of the primitive text of the gospels from all essential corruptions, additions, and mutilations has already been shown
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible

Sharon. Caphar Lodim. The Village of those of Lydda.
Between Lydda and the sea, a spacious valley runs out, here and there widely spreading itself, and sprinkled with villages. The holy page of the New Testament [Acts 9:35] calls it Saron: and that of the Old calls the whole, perhaps, or some part of it, 'the plain of Ono,' Nehemiah 6:2, 11:35; 1 Chronicles 8:12... The wine of Sharon is of great fame, with which they mixed two parts water: and remarkable is that they say concerning the houses of Sharon. R. Lazar saith, "He that builds a brick house
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

Caphar Tebi.
And this village neighboured upon Lydda, situate on the east of it. "R. Eleazar had a vineyard of four years' growth; on the east of Lydda, near Caphar Tebi." Of it there is this mention also:-- "They sometime brought a chest full of bones from Caphar Tebi, and they placed it openly in the entrance to Lydda. Tudrus the physician and the rest of the physicians go forth"--(namely, that they might judge, whether they were the bones of men or no; and thereby, whether they were to be esteemed clean or
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

Sources and Literature on St. Paul and his Work.
I. Sources. 1. The authentic sources: The Epistles of Paul, and the Acts of the Apostles 9:1-30 and 13 to 28. Of the Epistles of Paul the four most important Galatians, Romans, two Corinthians--are universally acknowledged as genuine even by the most exacting critics; the Philippians, Philemon, Colossians, and Ephesians are admitted by nearly all critics; the Pastoral Epistles, especially First Timothy, and Titus, are more or less disputed, but even they bear the stamp of Paul's genius. On the coincidences
Philip Schaff—History of the Christian Church, Volume I

The Knight of God
Heinrich Suso Acts ix. 16 As the song of him who singeth, Playing on a harp of gold, So to me was Christ's evangel In the days of old. Thus across the lake of Constance Went I forth to preach His Word, And beside me sat the squire Of a noble Lord. None in all the ship so knightly, None so bravely dight as he-- "Tell me," I besought, "thine errand Yonder o'er the sea." "I go forth," he said, "to gather Many a knight and noble bold; They shall tilt at joust and tourney, Whilst fair eyes behold.
Frances Bevan—Hymns of Ter Steegen, Suso, and Others

Such, we May Believe, was that John the Monk...
21. Such, we may believe, was that John the Monk, whom the elder Theodosius, the Emperor, consulted concerning the issue of the civil war: seeing he had also the gift of prophecy. For that not each several person has a several one of those gifts, but that one man may have more gifts than one, I make no question. This John, then, when once a certain most religious woman desired to see him, and to obtain this did through her husband make vehement entreaty, refused indeed this request because he had
St. Augustine—On Care to Be Had for the Dead.

Whether any Preparation and Disposition for Grace is Required on Man's Part?
Objection 1: It would seem that no preparation or disposition for grace is required on man's part, since, as the Apostle says (Rom. 4:4), "To him that worketh, the reward is not reckoned according to grace, but according to debt." Now a man's preparation by free-will can only be through some operation. Hence it would do away with the notion of grace. Objection 2: Further, whoever is going on sinning, is not preparing himself to have grace. But to some who are going on sinning grace is given, as is
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether the Form of this Sacrament Is: "I Absolve Thee"?
Objection 1: It would seem that the form of this sacrament is not: "I absolve thee." Because the forms of the sacraments are received from Christ's institution and the Church's custom. But we do not read that Christ instituted this form. Nor is it in common use; in fact in certain absolutions which are given publicly in church (e.g. at Prime and Compline and on Maundy Thursday), absolution is given not in the indicative form by saying: "I absolve thee," but In the deprecatory form, by saying: "May
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether one Ought to Dispute with Unbelievers in Public?
Objection 1: It would seem that one ought not to dispute with unbelievers in public. For the Apostle says (2 Tim. 2:14): "Contend not in words, for it is to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers." But it is impossible to dispute with unbelievers publicly without contending in words. Therefore one ought not to dispute publicly with unbelievers. Objection 2: Further, the law of Martianus Augustus confirmed by the canons [*De Sum. Trin. Cod. lib. i, leg. Nemo] expresses itself thus: "It is
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

The Beginning of the New Testament
[Illustration: (drop cap T) Coin of Thessalonica] Turn to the list of books given in the beginning of your New Testament. You will see that first come the four Gospels, or glimpses of the Saviour's life given by four different writers. Then follows the Acts of the Apostles, and, lastly, after the twenty-one epistles, the volume ends with the Revelation. Now this is not the order in which the books were written--they are only arranged like this for our convenience. The first words of the New Testament
Mildred Duff—The Bible in its Making

The Doctrine of the Church i. Definition; Distinctions.
1. OLD TESTAMENT. 2. NEW TESTAMENT. 3. THE CHURCH; CHRISTENDOM; KINGDOM. II. THE FOUNDING OF THE CHURCH. 1. IN PROPHECY AND PROMISE. 2. HISTORICALLY FOUNDED. III. MEMBERSHIP IN THE CHURCH. Conditions of Entrance; Characteristics. 1. REPENTANCE AND BAPTISM. 2. FAITH IN THE DEITY OF JESUS CHRIST. 3. REGENERATION. 4. PUBLIC CONFESSION OF CHRIST--BAPTISM. 5. ADHERENCE TO THE APOSTLES' DOCTRINE. 6. CHARACTERISTICS. IV. FIGURES UNDER WHICH THE CHURCH IS PRESENTED. 1. THE BODY OF CHRIST. 2. THE TEMPLE OF
Rev. William Evans—The Great Doctrines of the Bible

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