The Conversion of Saul: God's Power in Unexpected Places

In Acts 9, we encounter one of the most dramatic conversions in the Bible - Saul, who later becomes Paul, the Apostle to the Gentiles. This pivotal moment not only transformed a persecutor into a preacher but also revealed important truths about God's kingdom and His power.

Why Damascus Matters in Biblical History

Damascus is mentioned three times in the opening of Acts 9, which should prompt us to ask why this location is significant. Damascus is one of the oldest continuously occupied cities in the world and has deep biblical connections:

• Abraham rescued his kinsman Lot near Damascus (Genesis 14)
• David brought Damascus under Israelite control during his reign
• It was lost during Solomon's reign
• It was considered part of the Promised Land

This raises an important question about the parameters of the Promised Land. When God told Abraham to "arise and walk through the length and breadth of the land, for I will give it to you" (Genesis 13:7), Abraham's journey included Damascus. Later, God told Joshua, "Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon, I have given to you" (Joshua 1:3).

Damascus was part of Yahweh's territory - which explains why the disciples were there and why Saul was going there to persecute Christians. Luke, the author of Acts, wanted us to understand that this territory was under God's domain.

The Reluctant Servant: Ananias's Honest Response

When God instructed Ananias to go to Saul, his response was refreshingly honest: "Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem" (Acts 9:13).

This teaches us something valuable about prayer and obedience. It's okay to express our concerns to God when He asks us to do something difficult. God already knows our hesitations, and being honest allows Him to reassure us and provide the courage we need. Ananias eventually went, but not before expressing his legitimate fears.

Holy Ones, Not Just Saints

In Acts 9:13, Ananias refers to Christians as "saints," but the original Greek word is "hagio," which literally means "holy ones." This distinction matters because "saint" in our modern understanding often implies someone extraordinarily holy or special, while "holy ones" includes all believers.

Throughout the Old Testament, "holy ones" referred to both divine beings and human beings who belonged to God. In Leviticus 11:44, God says, "Be holy, for I am holy," but in the original Hebrew, it's plural - "be holy ones."

This reminds us that God sees all believers as His holy ones, not just a select few "saints." When God looks at us, He sees the blood of Jesus covering us, making us His holy ones despite our imperfections.

Saul's Immediate Ministry

After his conversion and healing, Saul didn't wait to begin his ministry:

"And taking food, he was strengthened. And for some days he was with the disciples at Damascus. And immediately he proclaimed Jesus in the synagogue, saying he is the Son of God." (Acts 9:19-20)

This immediate transformation amazed those who heard him. The man who had come to arrest believers was now proclaiming Jesus as the Son of God and proving He was the Christ. Saul wasn't just arguing that Jesus was the Messiah; he was preaching the full gospel - the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.

God's Power in Unexpected Places

The narrative then shifts to Peter's ministry in Lydda (or Lod), where he healed Aeneas, a man who had been bedridden for eight years. This location is significant because Lydda had connections to the Philistines and other problematic historical associations.

Both Damascus and Lydda were places with complex histories and sinister associations in Jewish thinking. Yet the gospel was powerfully at work in these locations. The point is clear: the Holy Spirit has power in all places to the same degree and for the same reason. All the world belongs to the Lord and will be reclaimed.

Life Application

This passage challenges us in several important ways:

• Recognize God's sovereignty over all places - No location is beyond God's reach or power. Even places with dark histories or reputations can be transformed by the gospel.

• Be honest with God about your fears - Like Ananias, we can express our concerns to God when He calls us to difficult tasks. He already knows our hearts and can provide the courage we need.

• Embrace your identity as God's "holy one" - You don't have to be perfect to be used by God. He sees you through the blood of Jesus and calls you His holy one.

• Don't delay in using your testimony - Saul immediately began sharing what God had done in his life. Your story of transformation has power, even if you're new to faith.

Questions to Consider:

• What "Damascus" has God called you to enter - a place or situation that makes you uncomfortable but where He wants to work through you?
• Have you been honest with God about your fears and reservations in following Him?
• Do you truly see yourself as God's "holy one," or do you feel you need to earn that status?
• Are you aware of God's presence and power in your daily life, or have you become "inoculated" to the spiritual reality around you?

This week, challenge yourself to step into an uncomfortable situation where God is calling you to be His witness. Remember that His power works in all places, even the most unexpected ones.