A Brand New Man

Bradley Johnson • March 10, 2023

Acts 9:19-31

Experiences change us. Whether it is the birth of a baby, the death of a loved one, a career change, or a sudden medical diagnosis, life events have the potential to change and shape us personally. However, nothing will change our lives like a personal encounter with Jesus. Acts 9:1-31 describes the Apostle Paul’s encounter with the risen Jesus Christ. While we may not audibly hear and physically encounter Jesus on the Damascus Road quite like Saul (Paul), our encounter with Jesus is no less real. It is a spiritual encounter that will radically change and transform our lives. While Saul’s conversion is undoubtedly unique, some aspects are true of all conversions. This passage teaches us several true characteristics of those who have met the risen Savior. In preparation for worship on Sunday morning, read and pray over Acts 9:1-31. We will be reflecting on how Jesus changes and transforms our lives.

  • Prepare by Reading Scripture

    Acts 9:19-31 ESV


    19 and taking food, he was strengthened.


    Saul Proclaims Jesus in Synagogues

    For some days he was with the disciples at Damascus. 20 And immediately he proclaimed Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is the Son of God.” 21 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?” 22 But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus was the Christ.


    Saul Escapes from Damascus

    23 When many days had passed, the Jews[a] plotted to kill him, 24 but their plot became known to Saul. They were watching the gates day and night in order to kill him, 25 but his disciples took him by night and let him down through an opening in the wall,[b] lowering him in a basket.


    Saul in Jerusalem

    26 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. 27 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. 28 So he went in and out among them at Jerusalem, preaching boldly in the name of the Lord. 29 And he spoke and disputed against the Hellenists.[c] But they were seeking to kill him. 30 And when the brothers learned this, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus.


    31 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.