Bible Study Notes 8/18/2026

WORD ALIVE! BIBLE STUDY ^©2026

Journey To Bethlehem and Beyond – Spring/Summer Series

Concord Baptist Church of Boston in Milton – Conley Hughes, Jr., Senior Pastor

Quiet Time: Max Lucado, Because of Bethlehem:  Love Is Born, Hope Is Here, 2020

Lesson 30

 18 Aug.  2026

Acts 9:1-19 NLT: The conversion of Saul to a new life in Jesus Christ remains the turning point of the Christian movement to a faith which can be embraced by all people. The risen Lord, Jesus Christ took the worst adversary toward the faith and set him apart to be its greatest defended and missionary. This event which occurred in the early century of the Christian faith, is evidence that the mission and journey of Jesus went and continues to go far beyond Bethlehem. The Apostle Paul suffered much for the cause of Christ. Every encounter glorified God!

Verses & Explanations for Acts 9:1-19, NLT:

Observe     Interpret     Apply

(Verses 1-2): Persecution of Christians:

¹ Meanwhile, Saul was uttering threats with every breath and was eager to kill the Lord’s followers. So he went to the high priest. ² He requested letters addressed to the synagogues in Damascus, asking for their cooperation in the arrest of any followers of the Way he found there. He wanted to bring them—both men and women—back to Jerusalem in chains.

(Verses 3-4): The Lord stops a terrorist mission:

³ As he was approaching Damascus on this mission, a light from heaven suddenly shone down around him. ⁴ He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?”

(Verses 5-6): To harm followers is to attack Jesus:

⁵ “Who are you, lord?” Saul asked. And the voice replied, “I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting! ⁶ Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”

(Verses 7-9): The judgement of the Lord brings fear:

⁷ The men with Saul stood speechless, for they heard the sound of someone’s voice but saw no one! ⁸ Saul picked himself up off the ground, but when he opened his eyes he was blind. So his companions led him by the hand to Damascus. ⁹ He remained there blind for three days and did not eat or drink.

(Verse 10): The Lord reserves people for His purpose:

¹⁰ Now there was a believer in Damascus named Ananias. The Lord spoke to him in a vision, calling, “Ananias!” “Yes, Lord!” he replied.

(Verses 11-12): Repentance can bring change:

¹¹ The Lord said, “Go over to Straight Street, to the house of Judas. When you get there, ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul. He is praying to me right now. ¹² I have shown him a vision of a man named Ananias coming in and laying hands on him so he can see again.”

(Verses 13-16): The Lord changes people and uses us for His purpose:

¹³ “But Lord,” exclaimed Ananias, “I’ve heard many people talk about the terrible things this man has done to the believers in Jerusalem! ¹⁴ And he is authorized by the leading priests to arrest everyone who calls upon your name.” ¹⁵ But the Lord said, “Go, for Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel. ¹⁶ And I will show him how much he must suffer for my name’s sake.”

(Verses 17-19): The saving of the soul is the saving of life. The strength that’s regained is for a new purpose:

¹⁷ So Ananias went and found Saul. He laid his hands on him and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road, has sent me so that you might regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 

¹⁸ Instantly something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he got up and was baptized. ¹⁹ Afterward he ate some food and regained his strength.

Saul stayed with the believers in Damascus for a few days.

The Key Idea

What We Believe!    

1. “Your word is a lamp to my feet  and a light to my path!” – Psalm 119:105