Acts 9: Applications

  • Jesus and the Church: (9.4) —Saul persecuted the church; Jesus said, “Why are you persecuting Me?”
  • Anyone can be saved (9.10-19); Saul even killed Christians.
  • A Certain Disciple (9.10)
    • Just an ordinary disciple
    • He was available and the Lord used him (See 22.12).
  • Hurdles: Saul faced a tough road
    • The Jews plotted to kill him
    • He sneaked out of town in a basket at night
    • He was rejected initially by the Christians
    • Get up and keep trying
  • The Importance of the Church Family
    • Newborn creatures require continual attention
    • God provided this care through a spiritual family, the church.
    • The mortality rate of new Christians is great
    • Christians are “born again” (John 3.5), is added to the family…the church         (Acts 2.47).
    • Paul spoke of the “household of God” which is the church of the living God (1 Tim.3.15)
  • Increasing in Strength
    • Babes in Christ must grow stronger through studying God’s Word
      • 2 Tim.3.15; 2 Tim.2.15; Acts 17.11;
  • Use What You Have To Do What You Can (9.36-43)
    • Some of us, because we cannot do great things for the Lord, do nothing.
    • If we cannot be like Peter, we will be nobodies.
    • 2 Men came to Peter (9.38)…they were messengers who used their legs and mouth
    • They had a disposition to use what they had
    • Dorcas:
      • She may not have been multi-talented
      • She had a needle, thread, some material, and the ability to sew
      • She had an attitude of doing what needs to be done without being asked
      • Gal.6.10: “As we have opportunity, let us do good to all people…”
    • Simon the Tanner:
      • Tannic acid used to tan skins affects the people who use it
      • His house smelled; tanners had to live at least 50 yards outside the city.
      • He offered Peter a place to stay; “he stayed many days with him…”