Sermon notes to come.

For some days he was with the disciples at Damascus. And immediately he proclaimed Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is the Son of God.” And all who heard him were amazed and said, “Is not this the man who made havoc in Jerusalem of those who called upon this name? And has he not come here for this purpose, to bring them bound before the chief priests?” But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus was the Christ.

When many days had passed, the Jews plotted to kill him, but their plot became known to Saul. They were watching the gates day and night in order to kill him, but his disciples took him by night and let him down through an opening in the wall, lowering him in a basket.

And when he had come to Jerusalem, he attempted to join the disciples. And they were all afraid of him, for they did not believe that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles and declared to them how on the road he had seen the Lord, who spoke to him, and how at Damascus he had preached boldly in the name of Jesus. So he went in and out among them at Jerusalem, preaching boldly in the name of the Lord. And he spoke and disputed against the Hellenists. But they were seeking to kill him. And when the brothers learned this, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus.

So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was being built up. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it multiplied.

Now as Peter went here and there among them all, he came down also to the saints who lived at Lydda. There he found a man named Aeneas, bedridden for eight years, who was paralyzed. And Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you; rise and make your bed.” And immediately he rose. And all the residents of Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord.

Now there was in Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which, translated, means Dorcas. She was full of good works and acts of charity. In those days she became ill and died, and when they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him, urging him, “Please come to us without delay.” So Peter rose and went with them. And when he arrived, they took him to the upper room. All the widows stood beside him weeping and showing tunics and other garments that Dorcas made while she was with them. But Peter put them all outside, and knelt down and prayed; and turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. And he gave her his hand and raised her up. Then, calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive. And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. And he stayed in Joppa for many days with one Simon, a tanner.—Acts 9:19b–43

Sermon Discussion Questions 

Main Point: Marvel at how Christ builds his church through the saving of sinners and continues to do so even today. 

Outline

1. Jesus Transforms an Enemy Into an Evangelist (Acts 9:19b–31)
   • Saul’s Ministry in Damascus & Arabia (Acts 9:19b–25)
   • Saul’s Ministry in Jerusalem (Acts 9:26–31)
2. Jesus Sends Peter to Manifest Signs & Wonders (Acts 9:32–43)
   • Peter’s Ministry in Lydda & Sharon (Acts 9:32–35)
   • Peter’s Ministry in Joppa (Acts 9:36–43)
3. Three Applications

Launching Question: When you assess the state of our world and society, do you feel optimistic, pessimistic, or neutral about the future? Why? 

Discussion Questions

• Why were all amazed who heard Saul proclaim Jesus as the Son of God? Drawing upon earlier passages, why would this have been a stunning transformation?
• Why were the disciples afraid of Saul? How did Saul go from the persecutor to becoming the persecuted?
• Acts 9:31 describes the state of the church in that region. How is this state a marked difference from Acts 8, and what does it communicate about Jesus’ work to advance his church?
• The miracles of Peter’s healing of Aeneas and Dorcus are reminiscent of Jesus’ healings of the paralytic man and Jarius’s daughter in Luke 5:17–26 and 8:40–42, 49–56. What are the similarities and differences? 
• Why does Luke highlight how Saul immediately goes on mission for Jesus and elaborates on Peter’s growing mission in the broader region? How does this passage prepare for what will later unfold in Acts?

Application Questions

• As you read of Saul’s zeal and boldness for Jesus, what prevents you from taking steps of faith to share Christ with others? Why?
• As you read of Peter’s miracles of healing and raising the dead, how can you take ordinary steps of faith by the power of the Spirit to advance Christ’s church?
• As we marvel at how Christ advances his church, despite persecution and opposition, how should we pray for the advance of the gospel and the growth of the church?
• As we see the stunning transformation of Saul, can you think of a few unlikely individuals for whom you can pray, that they will experience a “Damascus road” conversion?
• What is one simple and tangible thing you can do to participate in the mission of God in proclaiming the name of Jesus?

Prayer Focus 
Praise God for the continued work of the risen and exalted Lord Jesus Christ to advance and build his church. When you consider the Great Commission, confess any sins of doubt, despondency, or disobedience. Thank God for the forgiveness of sins that is offered to all of his children and freely extended to those not yet in Christ. Ask God for a holy zeal to make him known to others.