August 20: Called to Preach (Acts 9:10-20)

To engage the learners in a study of the Scripture text:

Read the background information found in the Standard Lesson Commentary (SLC) marked “Lesson Background: Saul.”

Then have your group read Acts 9:1-9, which isn’t included in the lesson text, and discuss the following question.

1. What do you suppose Saul was thinking and feeling at this point?

Have your group read Acts 9:10-16 and discuss the following questions.

2. What two visions does this passage include?
3. Why was it important that Ananias was designated by name in Saul’s vision?

As the SLC notes, the arrival of a man with that very name would be evidence for the divine source of the vision. And Saul would also be able to inform the owner of the house of the pending arrival of Ananias so that the visitor would not be denied entrance.

4. How do you think you would feel if you were Ananias?

Note: The SLC points out that the Bible records no other facts about the particular Judas mentioned here. It is very unlikely that he is a Christian, but rather is one of the Jews in the city who expects to receive Saul and support his assignment from the high priest. Ananias, as a Christian of Jewish background, likely knows of “the house of Judas” since the location of the man’s house on an important street is likely an indicator of his prominence and wealth.

5. What effect would the Lord’s response in verses 15 and 16 have on Ananias?

Have your group read Acts 9:17-20 and discuss the following questions.

6. Who does Ananias focus on in his message to Saul?
7. What happened to Saul physically when Ananias prayed for him? What happened to him spiritually?
8. How did Saul’s heart change in this story?
9. How did Ananias’s heart change in this story?

To encourage personal application:

Consider dividing into groups of three or four persons for this time of sharing and prayer.

1. Have you considered some people to be beyond God’s reach? How does this story confront that assumption?
2. Who do you know who was like the apostle Paul—seemingly beyond reach when they came to Christ?
3. Who have you found to be intimidating in regard to sharing your faith?
4. Spend some time praying together for those persons, as well as for others who may seem to be beyond God’s reach.