అపొస్తలుల కార్యములు అధ్యాయం 9 | | సౌలు ఎలా పౌలుగా మారాడు | దమస్కు మార్గంలో యేసు ప్రత్యక్షం

"Acts Chapter 9 | | How Saul Became Paul | Jesus Appears on the Road to Damascus" "JESUS ​​WORD" Acts Chapter 9 is one of the most powerful chapters in Christian history. In this chapter, it is clearly seen how great God's grace is, and how God can turn even an enemy into his servant. The main theme of this chapter is the transformation of a man named Saul, who persecuted the church of Jesus Christ, into the great apostle Paul, who preached the gospel to the world. It also includes miraculous events such as healings performed by Peter, the resurrection of Tabitha, and the expansion of the church. Saul's Persecution of the Church After the death of Stephen, Saul began a fierce persecution of Christians. He had a life of arresting, imprisoning, and killing Jesus' disciples. He was angry at the very mention of the name of Jesus. Saul went to the high priest and got letters to the synagogues in Damascus. He decided to bring any men or women who followed the Way of Jesus, bound, to Jerusalem. Here is a great thing to note. Saul did not think he was working against God. He thought he was working for God. But religious zeal without the true knowledge of God is dangerous. Jesus Appears on the Road to Damascus As Saul was traveling to Damascus, suddenly a great light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground. Then a voice said to him: “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” It was the voice of Jesus. Saul was startled and asked, “Who are you, Lord?” Then Jesus said: “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.” This was a very powerful moment. Saul thought he was persecuting the disciples. But Jesus said, “You are persecuting me.” Because the church is the body of Christ. Persecuting believers is persecuting Jesus. This incident changed Saul’s life completely. From spiritual blindness to true light Saul opened his eyes but could not see anything. He remained blind for three days. He did not eat or drink. He spent his time in prayer. This was not just physical blindness. Saul had been blind spiritually for all this time. Now Jesus was showing him true light. This is what happens in many lives. We think we know the truth. But true light only comes when Jesus enters our lives. Ananias’ obedience There was a disciple in Damascus named Ananias. God called him in a vision and told him to go to Saul. Ananias was afraid. Because everyone knew that Saul was persecuting Christians. But God said: “This man is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles.” God can change anyone. God can use even those who seem impossible to men. Ananias obeyed God and laid his hands on Saul. Immediately Saul regained his sight. He was filled with the Holy Spirit. He was baptized. From Saul to Paul Saul immediately began to preach about Jesus. The very man who had wanted to destroy the name of Jesus all this time was now proclaiming that “Jesus is the Son of God.” The people were amazed. “Isn’t this the one who persecuted the Christians?” they asked. This is what true repentance is. A complete change of life. In today’s world, many people say that they are converted with just words. But true salvation changes everything in our thoughts, words, and actions. The Plot to Kill Saul Saul boldly preached Jesus, and the Jews were angry and decided to kill him. They watched the city gates day and night. Then the disciples lowered Saul in a basket through the wall. God saves his servants. Here is what we need to know — there are always difficulties in serving God. But God will be with us. Barnabas’ Love and Encouragement When Saul came to Jerusalem, the disciples did not believe him. They were afraid. Then Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He explained to them that Saul had truly changed. Barnabas was a true encourager. We also need people like this in our churches. We must have a heart to welcome back the lost. Church Growth The church grew peacefully in Judea, Galilee, and Samaria. The believers grew with the comfort of the Holy Spirit. Three things are necessary for a church to grow: God