IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

Daily Bread

Saul’s Conversion

Date: Aug. 19, 2025

Passage

Acts 9:1-19 (ESV)

But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.” The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one. Saul rose from the ground, and although his eyes were opened, he saw nothing. So they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. And for three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank.

10 Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.” 11 And the Lord said to him, “Rise and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying, 12 and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight.” 13 But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem. 14 And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name.” 15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. 16 For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.” 17 So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized; 19 and taking food, he was strengthened.

For some days he was with the disciples at Damascus.

Daily Bread

Key Verse: 9:5

And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.

Saul went to Damascus to arrest the Christians there. His zeal to destroy Christianity was fierce. Suddenly a bright light appeared and he fell to the ground. Jesus humbly spoke to Saul asking him why he was persecuting him? Jesus’ voice also appeals to us, asking why do we rebel against him? Jesus’ humble appeal drew Saul in. And, Saul called him Lord, recognizing his power and authority. Saul wanted to know who he was. And, Jesus told him, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.” When Saul persecuted Christians, he was persecuting Jesus himself. Yet, Jesus did not treat him as his sins deserved. Rather, Jesus visited him and revealed himself to Saul. How amazing is Jesus’ grace to a sinner like Saul!

After this vision, Saul had become blind, helpless, and humbled. God called Ananias to pray for Saul and restore his sight. Ananias had to overcome his fear and personal resentment and trust that Jesus could change even a man like Saul. The Lord proclaimed that Saul would be his chosen instrument to bring the gospel to the Gentiles and to suffer for Jesus’ name. Ananias obeyed and went, and prayed for Saul to be restored and filled with the Holy Spirit.

Prayer: Father, thank you for converting Saul – and a sinner like me. Help me to bring the gospel to others and suffer for your name.

One Word: Jesus converts Saul

Daily Bread

In the End, Have Faith in God

Genesis 49:29-50:26

Key Verse: 49:50:24

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Intro Daily

Today's Question

What benefits in this life go with or come from justification, adoption, and sanctification?

See answer and references