READING: Acts 9
Saul, an approving witness of the martyrdom of Stephen (7:58; 8:1–3), was a young Pharisee who zealously ravaged the church in his opposition to followers of Jesus. Not content with persecuting those who believed in Jesus in Judea, Saul obtained authority to go to Damascus to bring these followers of Jesus to trial in Jerusalem. His life was radically and permanently changed after his encounter with the resurrected Jesus on the road to Damascus, and he soon began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues as the Son of God. Saul (later called Paul) ministered for a time in Jerusalem until he was endangered and sent away to Tarsus.
The narrative switches back to Peter and relates the story of his healing of Aeneas in Lydda and his raising of Tabitha from the dead in Joppa.
Prayer
Lord, no one can oppose Your purposes and prevail. The Lord Jesus has all authority in heaven and earth, and His name will be proclaimed in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations until He comes to judge the world and reign in righteousness.
Meditation passage: verses 15–16, 31