Exploring the Book of Acts: PersecutionSample

One With Them

Saul, a witness to the execution of Stephen (Acts 7:58), soon became a leading force in persecuting the church (Acts 8:3). On his way to Damascus to arrest more believers, Saul encountered Jesus. Saul leaves this encounter blinded and is led by the hand to Damascus to await further instruction. Meanwhile, a disciple named Ananias receives a vision from God directing him to lay his hands on Saul to restore his sight. In this turning point in the book of Acts, the persecutor becomes persecuted in his identification with Jesus.

Read Acts 9:1-25 and then consider:

1. How does Saul’s purpose and assignment change throughout this passage? What does this show about God’s power to transform persecutors?
2. In the encounter on the road, Jesus says "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" How does this shed light on why believers are persecuted?
3. Despite his initial hesitation towards meeting Saul, the Lord tells Ananias, "I will show him how much he must suffer for my name." What do we learn about God's expectation for those he commissions to his service?
4. Reflect for a moment on Jesus’ identification with his church in persecution. Take a few minutes to pray for believers locally and globally who are facing persecution that they would know the nearness of God in their suffering.