1. Paul’s First Steps on the Journey Acts 9:10-22

2. 10 There was a disciple in Damascus named Ananias. And the Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias!” “Here I am, Lord!” he said. 11 “Get up and go to the street called Straight,” the Lord said to him, “to the house of Judas, and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, since he is praying there. 12 In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and placing his hands on him so he can regain his sight.” Acts 9:10-12

3. 13 “Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard from many people about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem. 14 And he has authority here from the chief priests to arrest all who call on Your name.” 15 But the Lord said to him, “Go! For this man is My chosen instrument to take My name to Gentiles, kings, and the Israelites. 16 I will show him how much he must suffer for My name!” Acts 9:13-16

4. 17 So Ananias left and entered the house. Then he placed his hands on him and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road you were traveling, has sent me so that you can regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 At once something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he got up and was baptized. Acts 9:17-18

5. 19 And after taking some food, he regained his strength. Saul was with the disciples in Damascus for some days. 20 Immediately he began proclaiming Jesus in the synagogues: “He is the Son of God.” Acts 9:19-20

6. 21 But all who heard him were astounded and said, “Isn’t this the man who, in Jerusalem, was destroying those who called on this name and then came here for the purpose of taking them as prisoners to the chief priests?” 22 But Saul grew more capable and kept confounding the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that this One is the Messiah. Acts 9:21-22

7. The Reluctant Disciple Ananias was first a follower of Jesus. He was relatively unknown. He knew about Saul and was concerned God presents opportunity for obedience every day.

8. The Chosen Witness From man’s perspective Saul would not be the likely candidate for apostleship. From God’s perspective Saul was perfect for the task. You, too, are chosen for a task.

9. The Changed Man His sight was restored. His spirit was made alive. He regained his strength. He stayed with believers.

10. The Relentless Apostle He began to preach immediately. The change seen in Saul caused people to be amazed. He continued to grow in Christ. All of us must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. (2 Peter 3:18)

11. Paul’s First Steps on the Journey Acts 9:10-22