Acts 9: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Acts 9 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Saul, known for persecuting Christians, travels to Damascus with orders to bind any followers of 'the Way' (vv. 1-2). On his way, a light from heaven blinds him and he hears Jesus asking, 'Why do you persecute me?

Key verse

“But the Lord said to him, “Go your way, for he is my chosen vessel to bear my name before the nations and kings, and the children of Israel.”
Acts 9:15 (WEB)

Outline

Acts 9:1–9 Saul's Threats and Conversion
Acts 9:10–19 Ananias and Saul's Healing
Acts 9:20–31 Saul's Preaching and Opposition
Acts 9:32–43 Peter's Miracles and Ministry

Discussion questions

In v6, what does the voice tell Saul to do after he falls?
What does Ananias call Saul in v17 when he lays hands on him?
Saul's sight being restored in v18: what does the imagery of 'scales' suggest about his transformation?
In v15, why does the Lord describe Saul as 'my chosen vessel'?
When have you felt called to interact with someone you were afraid of, like Ananias with Saul?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Acts 9: Acts 22, Acts 26, Galatians 1.

Before next time: read Acts 10.