Acts 9

The Conversion of a Religious Fanatic!

Acts 9:1-9

I.The Fanatic

A. Saul’s Frightening Disposition

¹ Then Saul (at the same time Philip was doing his evangelistic work), still breathing (here carries the idea of bursting out or snorting out) threats (the same word is used of a horse who smells the approach of battle and begins an excited snorting) and murder (premeditated massacre, annihilation, genocide ) against the disciples (gospel believers) of the Lord (Jesus Christ),

[Luke gives a] fearsome portrayal of Paul in his pre-conversion state: everything Paul thinks, says, and does is dominated by his desire to destroy the followers of Jesus.[1] He is a possessed man, blinded by his religious zeal.

B. Saul’s Alarming Yearning

^1b[Saul] went to the high priest (which could have been Caiaphas but it appears to be Annas this time according to verse 14) ² and asked letters (not of permission, but letters from the highest order of the Sanhedrin commanding Saul to carry out an official duty—he’s asking for orders like a military commander would give), from him to the synagogues of Damascus (the ancient capital of Syria that contained a large Jewish colony), so that if he found any who were of the Way (gospel believers), whether men or women, he might bring them bound (as his prisoners) to Jerusalem.

The description of Christianity as the Way appears several times in Acts (19:9, 23; 22:4; 24:14, 22). It apparently derives from Jesus’ description of Himself as “the way, and the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). The Way is an apropos title for Christianity, since it is the way of God (Acts 18:26), the way into the

Place (Heb. 10:19–20), and the way of truth (2 Peter 2:2).^[2]

Why would the Jews in Jerusalem want to persecute Christians as far away as Damascus? There are several possibilities:

(1) to seize the Christians who had fled;

(2) to prevent the spread of Christianity to other major cities; and

(3) to keep the Christians from causing any trouble with Rome.

The letters requested by Saul would not only introduce him, but they would provide him with the high priest’s authorization to seize followers of Christ and bring them back to Jerusalem.^[3]

Having obtained the necessary papers, Saul and his entourage set out for Damascus. The normal route north and east would cause them to pass through Samaria. The revival there, led by Philip, Peter, and John, may have infuriated Saul all the more.^[4]

II. The Conversion of the Fanatic

A. A Sudden Intervention

³ (With letters in hand) As he journeyed (with his entourage, presumably at full speed) he came near Damascus, and suddenly

B. A Supernatural Illumination

^3b a (blazing glory of) light shone around him from heaven (bringing Saul to an unexpected and sudden halt).

C. An Immediate Prostration

⁴ Then he fell to the ground (Acts 26:14 tells us that they, “ALL had fallen to the ground…” ——- Acts 26:6 say it was “about noon”—— Acts 26:13 says that the light shone, “above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed with me.”)

Think about this. In just a fraction of a moment, the confident, powerful and terrifying Saul, snorting out threats and murders, is rendered feeble, terrified and speechless.

D. A Fearful Confrontation

^4b and [Saul alone though] heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul (saying his name twice adds intensity – just like it did when our dad or mom called us twice), why are you persecuting (oppressing, harassing) Me?”

Who initiates the contact in order to save Saul? God. Who initiated it with Adam and Eve? God. What does God’s pattern of leading someone to salvation tell us about what our pattern for doing the same should be? We need to initiate. That is why our Lord Jesus, tells us to “go.”
Who is being persecuted in verse 4b? Jesus. How can that be possible when it is gospel believers Saul is incarcerating?! Matthew 24:9 – “they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake.
(I want you to listen very closely to me now.) When we are persecuted for our faith, Jesus, because of His intimacy with and for His church, Jesus takes it very personally and is grieved and angered by it.

E. A Terrifying Recognition

⁵ And he (Saul) said, “Who are You, Lord?” (Saul’s question was not one of naivety, but one of seeking confirmation as to who Saul feared was confronting him, Jesus Himself.)

Then the Lord said (affirming Saul’s nightmare), “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting (you persecute My bride, you deal with Me).

Ironically, the last person till then to have seen the resurrected, glorified Christ was Stephen. … [This is truly] a testimony to the power of God’s grace that the man involved in Stephen’s death would be the next to see Jesus Christ.^[5]

Have you ever wondered why Jesus didn’t come in all of His brightness and authority when everyone was about to stone Stephen (other than to Stephen himself)? Wouldn’t that have been better timing? Not according to God’s omniscience.

^5b It is hard for you to kick against the goads (to resist and oppose your reprovers…….the more you resist, the more pricks and knockings you get).”

F. A Transformed Condition

⁶ So he (Saul, now), trembling (in fear) and astonished (overwhelmed), said, “Lord, what do You want me to do?” (It’s no longer about Saul and what he wants to do! Saul goes from “Who are You” to “What do You want me to do.” Saul is saying here, I surrender to You…..I am without excuse…..Guilty as charged…..I am Yours to command……Saul is saved.)

Then the Lord said to him, “Arise and (continue to) go into the city (of Damascus), and you will be told what you must do.”

“If you have to be reasoned into Christianity, some wise fellow can reason you out of it. But if you come to Christ by a flash of the Holy Ghost … no one can ever reason you out of it.” —A. W. Tozer^[6]

G. A New Supervision

⁷ And the men who journeyed with him stood speechless (dumb, mute with amazement, zombie like), hearing a voice but seeing no one. ⁸ Then Saul arose from the ground, and when his eyes were opened he saw no one (he was blind as a bat, physically ……. But he had 20/20 vision spiritually—His religion had just turned into a relationship). But (because of Saul’s blindness) they led him by the hand (God leaves Saul, for the time being, in a helpless childlike condition) and brought him into Damascus (I wonder if they kept looking over their backs or if they looked like shell-shocked soldiers half bent over and limbs all tucked in thinking another shell was coming. Saul was going to Damascus, and now he is being brought to Damascus). ⁹ And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank (probably fasting and praying, realizing how wrong he was about gospel believers, as well as what he had done to some of them. Jesus, simply with His presence, voice and message, crushed the great Saul. It will be the same for all who stand before our Lord in judgment, lost in their sin. They will be in their own nightmare, but it will be too late for them to do anything about it).

A CHANGED LIFE

Saul’s conversion was undeniable:

He went storming out of Jerusalem in a huff; he came stumbling into Damascus in humility (9:8–9).
He went to arrest Christians; he ended up being arrested by Christ (9:1–5).
He began the trip determined to wipe out the message of Christ; he ended the trip devoted to the cause of taking that message to the ends of the earth (9:19–22).
He went from being a persecutor to being a persecuted one (9:23–25).

In short, Saul’s whole mind-set and belief system were turned upside down. He realized that Christ was not dead, but alive. Christ was not merely a Nazarene rabble-rouser; he was the Messiah, the Son of God.^[7]

III. The Transformation of the Fanatic

A. His New Resource: Believers edifying one another

¹⁰ Now there was a certain disciple (of Christ’s) at Damascus named Ananias (which means “Jehovah has dealt graciously”—Acts 22:12 says that Ananias was “deeply devoted” and “well regarded by all the Jews of Damascus.” If Ananias was so devout and well known, Saul would have assumedly made his capture a high priority); and to him (Ananias) the Lord said in a vision (whether this was in a dream at night or in a trance during the day we aren’t told), “Ananias.”

And he (quickly and obediently) said, “Here I am, Lord.” (What do You need Lord Jesus?)

B. His New Practice: praying in the name of the Lord

¹¹ So the Lord said to him, “Arise and go (there is urgency in the Lord’s words, don’t delay, go quickly) to the street called Straight (Ok – That street is still in Damascus by the way and is a main thoroughfare.), and inquire at the house of Judas (still, Ok) for one called Saul (you know, Saul) of Tarsus (whoa, not Ok!), for behold, he is praying (Certainly you mean “preying!” and not “praying.” – But Jesus meant praying. Saul is talking with me, Jesus is telling Ananias.). ¹² And in a vision (I gave Saul, Jesus says) he has seen a man named Ananias (that’s you) coming in and putting his hand on him, so that he might receive his sight.” (Ok, Ananias, up and Adam; let’s go do some healing.)

C. His New Authority: a chosen vessel of the Lord’s

¹³ Then (in response to the Lord’s command) Ananias answered, “Lord, (you can almost imagine a long pause here, and a big swallow) I have heard from (not a few, but) many (probably from some gospel believers who fled from Jerusalem when the wholesale persecution started) about this man (Are You keeping in perspective this mans horrifying reputation, Lord Jesus, concerning), how much (in number and degree) harm (evil, hurtful things) he has done to Your saints (it’s interesting that Ananias doesn’t just say “the saints” but “Your saints.”) in Jerusalem (where the good news of Your resurrection began to be received—This could just be a scheme of Saul’s Lord). ¹⁴ And (on top of that) here he (the Saul of Tarsus) has (orders and the) authority (to carry them out) from the chief priests to bind (arrest and put in chains) all who call on Your name (who profess saving faith in You).”

So Ananias said in effect, “Lord, do You know what You are asking?” The request no doubt appeared to him to be suicidal. His life was at stake, and so was the ministry he had in the church. He was asking if the Lord really meant to end both.^[8]

¹⁵ (The Lord didn’t interrupt Ananias, and let him have his say) But the Lord said to him (when he was done), “Go (Ananias), for he (Saul of Tarsus) is a chosen vessel (instrument) of Mine (not meaning here “chosen to salvation” but “chosen to an office of service” which is)

D. His New Assignment: Testify of the Lord to the Gentiles

to bear (to wear and testify of) My name before Gentiles (of which prior to his salvation Saul would have had nothing to do with), kings (who for the most part were evil, corrupt), and the children of Israel (as well as the Jews).

THE SNOWFLAKE PRINCIPLE

Saul was perfect for the task given him by God: thoroughly versed in Jewish theology, language, and culture; a native of Tarsus and, thus, equally at home in Greek culture; a citizen of the Roman Empire; trained in the secular trade of tentmaking, thus able to support himself financially. This is a great example of the truth that God has a tailor-made ministry for each Christian. It’s the snowflake principle. We’re all different. No one else would have been suited to do what Paul did. And no one else can do what you can do. No one else has your circle of friends, your abilities, your situations. In a sense, each believer has an apostolic call. God wants to send you out, to commission you to do something significant. You may not play a prominent or highly visible role, but God has a fulfilling plan for you that will bring him glory by building his church.^[9]

E. His New Experience: To be the persecuted rather than the persecutor

¹⁶ For I will show him (as you are now feeling yourself) how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake (how persecution follows those who live for and testify of Me, the Lord Jesus).”

Corrie Ten Boon tells the story about her father Caspar ten Boon. When the Jews were forced to wear the “Star of David,” Casper lined up for one. He wore it because he wanted to identify himself with the people for whom he and his family had been praying for all those years.

He was prepared to be so completely identified with the Jews that he was willing to wear a sign of shame and suffer persecution for the sake of the people he loved.

He didn’t have to wear the Star but chose to.

F. His New Awareness: That Christ is God the Son

¹⁷ And (after Jesus finished) Ananias (obediently) went his way (without further questions – unlike Moses at the burning bush – unlike Gideon and the fleece) and entered the house (and he didn’t find a ferocious man, but a humbled, broken man – like the tamed wild stallion who can now be useful to his master); and laying his hands on him (not resisting or protesting the Lord’s work in saving Saul—like Jonah) he said, “Brother Saul (Ananias’ brother in Christ now – Ananias demonstrates genuine love now instead of fear), the (same) Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came (as you headed to Damascus), has sent me (You don’t see Jesus right now Saul, but He is still working in your life. – Ananias is like Daniel who could tell Nebuchadnezzar his dream as well as the interpretation of it) that you may receive your sight (back – if the Lord took it, He can certainly give it back)

G. His New Power: The enabling of the Holy Spirit

^17b and be filled with the Holy Spirit (The Holy Spirit was already at work in Saul’s life convicting him of his sin, saving him, and placing him into the family of God, so the filling here is probably meant in the sense of empowering Saul for his special service to the Lord).” ¹⁸ Immediately (after Ananias put his hands on Saul and said these things) there fell from his eyes something (physical) like scales, and (following their removal) he received his sight at once (another affirmation to Saul that Jesus was alive and well and in complete command);

H. His New Identification: Baptized

and he arose and was baptized (making his personal profession of faith in Christ public—Saul’s enemies now became his friends, and his friends became his enemies).

I. His New Friends: More disciples of Christ

¹⁹ So when he had received food (as he had been fasting and praying since his vision), he was strengthened (first spiritually and then physically). Then Saul spent some days with the disciples (other gospel believers) at Damascus.

Witnessing the inconceivable salvation and transformation of Saul, it is easy for us to miss the tremendous lesson that Ananias shows us! (Prodigal sons)

This was a tremendous test for Ananias.

Ananias was a man tuned in to the voice of God, deeply devoted and had a wonderful testimony.

Yet God asked Ananias:

To do something that made no sense
To do something that was in total contradiction to his personal will and feelings
To do something that threatened his personal welfare
To do something that required absolute trust

Ananias responded by:

Sharing his opinion
Going immediately thereafter
Fulfilling his Lord’s request completely

D. L. Moody has expressed it so well: “. . .Joy flows right on through trouble; joy flows on through the dark; joy flows in the night as well as in the day; joy flows all through persecution and opposition. It is an unceasing fountain bubbling up in the heart; a secret spring the world can’t see and doesn’t know anything about. The Lord gives His people perpetual joy when they walk in obedience to him”

The stories of both Ananias and Saul illustrate the truth that the transformed life demands service to Christ. As Saul was later to write, “Let a man regard us in this manner, as servants of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God” (1 Cor. 4:1).^[10]

J. His New Message: He witnessed the Christ

He witnessed with his tongue

Saul Preaches Christ

²⁰ Immediately he preached (proclaimed) the Christ in the synagogues (rather than denouncing Christ and persecuting His followers), that He (Christ) is the (bona fide) Son of God. (deity)

2. He witnessed with his life

²¹ Then all who heard were amazed (dumbfounded, both the believers and Judaizers), and said, (correct me if I’m wrong, but) “Is this not he (Saul, Saul of Tarsus) who (viciously snorted out threats and murders and thus) destroyed those who called on this name in Jerusalem, and has come here for that purpose (with orders from the chief religious monkey monks), so that he might bring them (our gospel believing brothers and sisters) bound to the chief priests?”

Saul is not only talking a different talk, he’s walking a different walk.

3. He witnessed with his mind

²² But (far from turning on the gospel believers and pouncing upon them, which to some degree they were expecting—thinking this might be some scheme of Saul’s) Saul (instead) increased all the more in strength (meaning in his new found convictions about Christ as well as in Saul’s ability to proclaim these truths), and (in doing so, this Ivey League scholar) confounded the Jews (still in Judaism) who dwelt in Damascus, proving that this Jesus is the Christ. (In the Greek, the verb prove actually means to bring together many parts from which a person is able to draw a conclusion. Paul brings together numerous Old Testament passages and proves the teaching that Jesus of Nazareth is the Messiah.^[11])

[Saul] had the finest education first-century Judaism could offer, and they could not hope to match his knowledge of the Scripture. Once he understood who Jesus was, he had the key that unlocked the whole Old Testament. He was then able to use his vast knowledge of those Scriptures and his Spirit-controlled brilliance, as well as the truth of Jesus’ miracles, words, death, and resurrection, to prove that this Jesus was indeed the long-awaited Messiah.^[12]

K. His New Problem: the wrath of former friends

²³ Now after many days were past (we are not told the exact amount time that passed, but Saul spent some considerable time in Nabatean Arabia, which was a ways SE of Damascus—and when he returned to Damascus)[13], the (orthodox) Jews plotted to kill him. ²⁴ But (because of God’s watch care over, Saul) their plot became known to Saul. And they watched the gates day and night, to kill him. ²⁵ Then the disciples (knowing now that Saul’s faith is for real) took him by night and let him down through the wall in a large basket.[14]

Saul was led into Damascus as a blind man, and had to be smuggled out as a wanted man.

Throughout [the remainder of] his life, the great apostle was hated, hunted, and plotted against by both Jews and Gentiles (“in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles”—2 Cor. 11:26, nkjv). As you read the Book of Acts, you see how the opposition and persecution increase, until the apostle ends up a prisoner in Rome (Acts 13:45, 50; 14:19; 17:5, 13; 18:12; 20:3, 19; 21:10–11, 27ff). But he counted it a privilege to suffer for the sake of Christ, and so should we. “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution” (2 Tim. 3:12).^[15]

L. His New Affirmation: he is accepted by the Apostles

²⁶ And when Saul had come (back) to Jerusalem (he didn’t go and report to the chief priest, but), he tried (lit. “kept trying”) to join the (fellowship and vision of the) disciples; but they were all afraid of him (it was the early days of Damascus all over again—they thought Saul a wolf in sheep’s clothing), and did not believe that he was a disciple (so they kept ducking and dodging Saul). ²⁷ But Barnabas (meaning “son of encouragement, a Levite from Cyprus–Luke in Acts 11:24 describes Barnabas as “a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith”—and in contrast to the fearful disciples) took him (in as a friend) and brought him (personally) to the apostles (forcing them to face their fears). And he declared to them how

he (Saul) had seen the Lord on the road, (Christ had revealed Himself to Saul)

and that He (Christ) had spoken to him, (Christ had confronted Saul with his sin)

and how he (Saul) had preached boldly (with confidence and courageously) at Damascus (Christ had transformed Saul)

in the name (Person and honor) of Jesus. (Christ had won Saul)

²⁸ So (the disciples fears were settled) he (Saul) was with them (a part of their lives and witness) at Jerusalem, coming in and going out (moving about freely without anymore suspicion).

M. His New Person: his precision and boldness is increasing

²⁹ And he spoke boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus (in Jerusalem as he did in Damascus) and (following now in Stephen’s footsteps) disputed (debated, argued) against the Hellenists, but they (rather than considering Saul’s arguments) attempted to kill him (as they successfully did with Stephen. A closed mind can be a very dangerous thing).

N. His New Arrangement: moving to different areas

³⁰ When the brethren found out (about the Hellenists plot), they brought him (Saul) down to Caesarea (by the Sea) and sent him out to (his home town) Tarsus.

³¹ Then (because of some changes in the political and religious arenas like Pontius Pilate being replaced by Vitellius and the High Priest Caiaphas being replaced by Jonathan and a year later, he, by his brother Theophilus) the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified (strengthened, built up). And walking in the fear of the Lord (meaning here that they feared or dreaded doing anything that would be unlike or dishonoring to the Lord – These gospel believers were living out their daily lives conscious of the Lord’s presence with them.) and (walking) in the comfort of the Holy Spirit (His aid in encouragement, direction, and comfort. As the other Paraclete promised by Jesus, he acted as one called to the side of the believers in order to help them in every way. This presence of the Spirit is always mediated through the Word by means of which he speaks to us and keeps us encouraged and strong in the faith. The early Christians did not listen to the spirit of the world and of the flesh.^[16]), they were multiplied.

Peter’s Example of Fulfilling the Great Commission

I. God’s Part: which is bringing events to pass

³² Now it came to pass, (during the lull of persecution, which God was orchestrating)

Psalm 37:5 – Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass.

Bring what to pass? Your way, your journey.

II. Peter’s Part: which is taking advantage of those divine events; what God brings to pass in your journey of life.

A. Peter went:

as Peter went (Peter is fulfilling the great commission to “Go, and make disciples) through all parts of the country, that he also came down to the saints who dwelt in Lydda (OT Lod, a largely Gentile city 25 miles northwest of Jerusalem, at the intersection of the highways from Egypt to Syria and from costal Joppa to Jerusalem).

“Go into all the world and make disciples…” Matt. 28:18-19

So must we go in order to fulfill the great commission too.

B. Peter found: something as he went

³³ There he found a certain man named Aeneas (ih—nee—uhs, which means “praiseworthy”), who had been bedridden eight years and was paralyzed.

Where will we find the Aeneas’ today? “The master told his servant, ‘Go out to the roads and country lanes and (when you find the Aeneas’) compel them to come in, so that my house will be full.” Luke 14:23 (NIV)

C. Peter said: after he found the Aeneas’

³⁴ And Peter said to him,

Peter initiated a conversation. He cared enough to reach out to Aeneas.

“How shall they hear without a preacher?” (Rom. 10:14b)

How will the Aeneas’ hear unless we care enough to speak up today!?

D. Peter acted in Jesus name:

^34b “Aeneas, Jesus the Christ (not Peter) heals you.

God commands us in Colossians 3:17 that “Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” (Colossians 3:17)

There is no place in the great commission for personal selfish accolades. Our attitudes and motivation are to be driven by Christ and for Christ.

E. Peter believed in God’s promise:

^34c Arise and make your bed.” Then he arose immediately. (As Aeneas was healed instantly and completely)

God has given us a powerful and glorious promise in fulfilling AHIs great commission in Acts one.

“You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)

You “shall receive” therefore, you “shall be.”

F. Peter reaped his reward:

³⁵ So all who dwelt at Lydda and Sharon saw him (the healed Aeneas) and turned (OT term for repentance) to the Lord.

Peter’s reward was seeing Christ in others.

Colossians 1:24–29 – I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for the sake of His body, which is the church, ²⁵ of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God which was given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God, ²⁶ the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints. ²⁷ To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. ²⁸ Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. ²⁹ To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily.

3 John 4 – I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.

“Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” (Galatians 6:9)

Peter’s Example of Glorifying God

A man walking along a California beach was deep in prayer when all of a sudden he said aloud, “Lord grant me one wish”. The sky clouded and a booming voice said, “Because you have tried to be faithful I will grant you one wish.” The man said, “Build a bridge to Hawaii so I can drive over anytime I want to.”
The Lord answered, “Your request is very materialistic and self glorifying. Think of the logistics of that kind of undertaking; the supports that would be required to reach the bottom of the Pacific; the concrete and steel it would take. I can do it, but it is hard for me to justify your desire for worldly things. Take a little more time to think of another wish, a wish you think would honor and glorify me”.
The man thought for a long time and finally said, “OK, Lord, I wish that I could understand women. I want to know what they feel inside, what they are thinking when they give me the silent treatment, why they cry, what they mean when they say ’nothing’, and how I can make a woman truly happy?”
God replied, “How many lanes would you like on that bridge?”

I. What God Brought to Pass

³⁶ At Joppa (the ancient seaport for Jerusalem, 35 miles away) there was a certain disciple (gospel believer) named Tabitha, which is translated Dorcas (which means “gazelle” the emblem of grace and beauty). This woman was full (abounding in a variety, an artesian well) of good works (beneficial works in general) and charitable deeds (merciful deeds towards the poor specifically) which she did (inferring it was completely voluntary). ³⁷ But it (divinely) happened in those days (when Peter was in Lydda) that she became sick and died (as a result of her sickness). When they had washed her (in preparation for burial, which was customary, but then they would anoint the body, but here they didn’t but), they laid her in an upper room (which was not according to custom either, as the body was usually buried right away. So what’s going on? What are they thinking of?! We find the probable reason for this in the next verse).

II. Peter Had a Testimony that Glorified God

³⁸ And since Lydda was near Joppa (10 miles away), and the disciples (the gospel believers at Joppa) had heard that Peter was there (in Lydda), they sent two men to him, imploring him (urgently begging him not only to come, but) not to delay in coming to them.

III. Peter Had a Time Schedule that Glorified God

³⁹ Then Peter arose (right there and then) and went with them.

C.S. Lewis said, “In commanding us to glorify Him, God is inviting us to enjoy him.” God wants our worship to be motivated by love, thanksgiving and delight not duty.

This was not an interruption to Peter.

IV. Peter Had an Attitude and Motivations that Glorified God

^39b When he had come, they (immediately) brought him to the upper room (where Dorcas’ body lie). And all the widows (probably everyone of them ministered to by Dorcas) stood by him (Peter) weeping, showing the tunics and garments which Dorcas had made (probably the ones they were wearing, given to them) while she was with them. (while Dorcas was alive) ⁴⁰ But Peter put them all out (asked everyone to leave—there would be no showmanship—Peter was following Jesus’ example of healing Jairus [Mat. 9:25]),

V. Peter had a Dependence that Glorified God

and (Peter) knelt down and prayed. (Peter knew he had no ability to raise Dorcas from the dead, so he called upon the Lord)

Philip Yancey, in one of his books wrote, “Dr. Paul Brand was speaking to a medical college in India on “Let your light so shine before men that they may behold your good works and glorify your Father.” In front of the lectern was an oil lamp, with its cotton wick burning from the shallow dish of oil. As he preached, the lamp ran out of oil, the wick burned dry, and the smoke made him cough. He immediately used the opportunity. “Some of us here are like this wick,” he said. “We’re trying to shine for the glory of God, but we stink. That’s what happens when we use ourselves as the fuel of our witness rather than the Holy Spirit. Wicks can last indefinitely, burning brightly and without irritating smoke, if the fuel, the Holy Spirit, is in constant supply.”

If we live for and depend upon ourselves, we will stink concerning spiritual matters.

VI. Peter had Practical Faith that Glorified God

And (after seeking the Lord) turning to the body (as that was all that was there at the moment) he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up.

D.L. Moody: Behind every work of God you will always find some kneeling form.^{^[17]}

Prayer is the work involved towards every spiritual God glorifying goal!

VII. Peter had a Heart Towards the Saints that Glorified God

⁴¹ Then he (Peter) gave her his hand and lifted her up (to her feet); and when he had called the saints and widows, he presented her alive.

I think Peter was more excited to give Tabitha back to them, than he was about the miracle of her resurrection.

VIII. Peter had a Bondservant Mentality that Glorified God

⁴² And (the purpose of the miracle was that) it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed on the Lord (as it was He, the Lord, who got the credit and praise for the miracle).

It’s John Piper who so insightfully said, “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him.”

IX. Peter had a Maturing Faith that Glorified God

⁴³ So it was that he stayed many days in Joppa with Simon, a tanner (which is interesting as the Jews considered those in this occupation to be ceremonially unclean).

The general population may have avoided Simon, for the tanning materials and the dead animals and their hides created [quite] a stench. Moreover, the Jews considered the occupation of the tanner to be ceremonially unclean. Shunned by the Jews in the local synagogue, Simon was accepted by the members of the Christian church. Peter’s decision to live with Simon the tanner reflects his readiness to separate himself from Jewish legalism and engage in mission work among the Gentiles. …his residence with Simon the tanner [also] prepares him for his call to proclaim the gospel in the home of Cornelius the Roman centurion.^[18]

Halfway through a rehearsal, with trumpets blaring, drums rolling, and violins singing their rich melody, the piccolo player muttered to himself, “What good am I doing? I might as well not be playing. Nobody can hear me anyway.” So he placed his instrument to his lips but made no sound. Within moments the conductor cried, “Stop the music! Stop the music! Where’s the piccolo?” Perhaps many people did not realize that the piccolo was missing, but the conductor did. We play chiefly to please him. And if we achieve that, the audience benefits greatly. So it is in the Christian life. We strive to please the Master. He is glorified and others benefit. God knows when we do not play the part assigned to us, even if others do not.

So what did I discover about this term glory from the Bible:

* I discovered that in many Old Testament references we are told by Scripture to give God the glory that is due His name.
* I discovered that heaven is filled with the glory of God and the angels sing about it.
* I discovered that when God shows up so does His glory.
* I discovered that sin causes the glory of the Lord to depart from an individual’s life and a nation’s life.
* I discovered that many Saints in the Bible saw and beheld the glory of God in their lives.
* I discovered that miracles point to God’s glory and are done to glorify God.
* I discovered that when we produce fruit for the Kingdom of God we in turn glorify God.
* I discovered that those who do good and live righteous lives bring glory to God.
* I discovered that as I grow and mature in my faith I glorify God.
* I discovered that I am promised to share in God’s glory if I choose to suffer for the Kingdom like Jesus did.
* I discovered that the spread of grace brings God glory.
* I discovered that when you experience the glory of God others will see it in your face.
* I discovered that some people are afraid of the glory of the Lord.
* I discovered that we are to do everything for God’s glory.
* I discovered that the world does not understand or even see the glory of God because Satan has blinded them.
* I discovered that if we look at Creation itself we can see the glory of the Lord.
* I discovered that if I believe then I will experience the glory of God.
*I discovered that if I pray and ask God for things then when I receive the answer to my prayer it glorifies God

^[1] Kistemaker, S. J., & Hendriksen, W. (1953-2001). Vol. 17: New Testament commentary : Exposition of the Acts of the Apostles. New Testament Commentary (328). Grand Rapids: Baker Book House.

^[2] MacArthur, J. (1994). Acts (265). Chicago: Moody Press.

^[3]^{Barton, B. B., & Osborne, G. R. (1999). Acts. Life application Bible commentary (152). Wheaton, Ill.: Tyndale House.}

^[4]^{MacArthur, J. (1994). Acts (265). Chicago: Moody Press.}

^[5]^{MacArthur, J. (1994). Acts (265). Chicago: Moody Press.}

^[6]^{Barton, B. B., & Osborne, G. R. (1999). Acts. Life application Bible commentary (154). Wheaton, Ill.: Tyndale House.}

^[7]^{Barton, B. B., & Osborne, G. R. (1999). Acts. Life application Bible commentary (154). Wheaton, Ill.: Tyndale House.}

^[8]^{MacArthur, J. (1994). Acts (271). Chicago: Moody Press.}

^[9]^{Barton, B. B., & Osborne, G. R. (1999). Acts. Life application Bible commentary (157). Wheaton, Ill.: Tyndale House.}

^[10]^{MacArthur, J. (1994). Acts (272). Chicago: Moody Press.}

^[11]^{Kistemaker, S. J., & Hendriksen, W. (1953-2001). Vol. 17: New Testament commentary : Exposition of the Acts of the Apostles. New Testament Commentary (348). Grand Rapids: Baker Book House.}

^[12]^{MacArthur, J. (1994). Acts (275). Chicago: Moody Press.}

[13] Galatians 1:11–18 – ¹¹ But I make known to you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me IS NOT ACCORDING TO MAN. ¹² For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but IT CAME THROUGH THE REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST. ¹³ For you have heard of my former conduct in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it. ¹⁴ And I advanced in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries in my own nation, being more exceedingly zealous for the traditions of my fathers. ¹⁵ BUT WHEN IT PLEASED GOD, who separated me from my mother’s womb and called me THROUGH HIS GRACE, ¹⁶ to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately confer with flesh and blood, ¹⁷ nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me; but I WENT TO ARABIA, and returned again to Damascus. ¹⁸ Then AFTER THREE YEARS I WENT UP TO JERUSALEM to see Peter, and remained with him fifteen days.

[14] 2 Corinthians 11:32–33 – In Damascus the governor, under Aretas the king, was guarding the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desiring to arrest me; but I was let down in a basket through a window in the wall, and escaped from his hands.

^[15]^{Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Ac 9:20). Wheaton, Ill.: Victor Books.}

^[16]^{Lenski, R. C. H. (1961). The Interpretation of the Acts of the Apostles (380–381). Minneapolis, MN: Augsburg Publishing House.}

^[17]^{Barton, B. B., & Osborne, G. R. (1999). Acts. Life application Bible commentary (167). Wheaton, Ill.: Tyndale House.}

^[18] Kistemaker, S. J., & Hendriksen, W. (1953-2001). Vol. 17: New Testament commentary : Exposition of the Acts of the Apostles. New Testament Commentary (363). Grand Rapids: Baker Book House.

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