Shared Word Translation
Acts 9
The Conversion of Saul
But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked from him letters to Damascus for the synagogues, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, both men and women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.
And as he was going, it happened that he drew near to Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him, and falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?”
And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But rise and enter into the city, and it will be told to you what you must do.”
And the men traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one. And Saul rose from the ground, but though his eyes were open, he saw nothing; and leading him by the hand, they brought him into Damascus. And he was three days without sight, and he neither ate nor drank.
Saul’s Sight Restored
Now there was a certain disciple in Damascus named Ananias, and the Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Behold, I am here, Lord.” And the Lord said to him, “Rise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying, and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in and laying hands on him so that he might regain his sight.”
But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints in Jerusalem, and here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call upon your name.”
But the Lord said to him, “Go, for this man is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel; for I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.”
And Ananias went and entered into the house, and laying his hands on him, said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road by which you came, has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight, and rising, he was baptized, and taking food, he was strengthened.
Saul Proclaims Jesus in Damascus
And immediately in the synagogues he was proclaiming Jesus, that this one is the Son of God.
And all those hearing were amazed and were saying, “Is this not the one who was ravaging in Jerusalem those who call upon this name, and had come here for this purpose, that he might bring them bound before the chief priests?” But Saul was increasing all the more in strength and was confounding the Jews dwelling in Damascus, proving that this one is the Christ.
Saul Escapes from Damascus
And when many days had passed, the Jews plotted together to kill him, but their plot became known to Saul. And they were watching the gates also day and night so that they might kill him; but his disciples took him by night and let him down through the wall, lowering him in a basket.
Saul in Jerusalem
And coming to Jerusalem, he was attempting to join the disciples, and they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles and described to them how he had seen the Lord on the road and that he had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had spoken boldly in the name of Jesus.
And he was with them, going in and out in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord. And he was speaking and disputing with the Hellenists; but they were attempting to kill him. And the brothers, learning it, brought him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus.
So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace, being built up, and walking in the fear of the Lord and in the encouragement of the Holy Spirit, it was multiplying.
Peter Heals Aeneas
And it happened that as Peter was traveling through all regions, he came down also to the saints dwelling in Lydda. And he found there a certain man named Aeneas, who had been lying on a mat for eight years, for he was paralyzed. And Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you; rise and make your bed.” And immediately he rose. And all those dwelling in Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord.
Dorcas Restored to Life
Now in Joppa there was a certain disciple named Tabitha, which translated means Dorcas; she was full of good works and acts of charity. And it happened in those days that she became sick and died; and having washed her, they laid her in an upper room.
And since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him, urging him, “Do not delay to come to us.” And Peter arose and went with them. When he arrived, they brought him to the upper room, and all the widows stood by him weeping and showing tunics and garments that Dorcas made while she was with them.
But Peter, putting them all outside, knelt down and prayed, and turning to the body, he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and seeing Peter, she sat up. And giving her his hand, he raised her up, and calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive.
And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. And it happened that he stayed many days in Joppa with a certain Simon, a tanner.