Turn to Acts 9

9 But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. 3 Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. 4 And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” 5 And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. 6 But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.” 7 The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one. 8 Saul rose from the ground, and although his eyes were opened, he saw nothing. So they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. 9 And for three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank.

10 Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.” 11 And the Lord said to him, “Rise and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying, 12 and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight.” 13 But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem. 14 And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name.” 15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. 16 For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.” 17 So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he 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.” 18 And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized; 19 and taking food, he was strengthened. For some days he was with the disciples at Damascus. 20 And immediately he proclaimed Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is the Son of God.” [i]

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Acts 9

1 God summoned Paul as he was heading towards Damascus to Persecute Christians V3

2 God announced who He was to Paul and the sin Paul was committing against Him. V4-5

3 God commanded Paul where to go. V6-9

4 God prepared and sent Ananias to give Paul the message of Christ, and to reveal Paul’s welcoming into God’s kingdom. V10-20

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Application

When God called you by name, He already knew the sin you had committed and the sin you were committing, and yet, was ready to welcome you to experience true freedom, forgiveness, and love.

and

His title because of God’s direct calling (Summoning, revealing of son, commandment of God, acceptance of Christ)

Title 2: Apostle

#V1B Called to be an apostle

Apostle means sent out Messenger or Sent out Ambassador.

A. Apostle is a messenger or Ambassador who was carrying out God the King’s message of redemption, the Gospel.

B. Paul did it thru writing the inspired word (13 books) and evangelizing thru God’s word.

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Teaching Point

There are only 12 Apostles, and Paul in their unique roles for the church.

Jesus called the 12 (4 gospels, Acts1)

Jesus called Paul (Acts 9)

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Application

Are there modern-day Apostles? NO.

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What about Barnabas? (Acts 14:14)

He was and Apostle, used in the sense of a “sent one” or “ambassador carrying out of the gospel, “ but not one of the original 12 or like Paul as He can be seen as “with lesser authority” than the others. Acts 4:36, Acts 9:27, Acts 15:2, 22)

Acts 4:36 Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus,[ii]

Acts 9:27 But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles and declared to them how on the road he had seen the Lord, who spoke to him, and how at Damascus he had preached boldly in the name of Jesus.[iii]

Application:

For your protection, be careful when you see people with the title of Apostle.

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Qualifications to be an apostle. (12 and Paul)

#1 Called and commissioned directly by Jesus Himself

Examples. 4 gospels, Acts 1

Peter and Andrew

A. Matthew 4:18–20 (ESV): 18 While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. 19 And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” 20 Immediately they left their nets and followed him.

Paul

B. Acts 9: 15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel.

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Qualifications to be an Apostle

#2 They were eyewitnesses of Jesus and His resurrection.

John 20:28, John 21, Acts 1

Acts 9:1-22

Acts 9 But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. 3 Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. 4 And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” 5 And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.

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Qualifications to be an Apostle.

#3 They were taught by Jesus directly.

Apostles :4 gospels-Acts 1

All of the Apostles (disciples hung out and were taught directly by Jesus)

Paul: Galatians 1:11-20

11 For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not man’s gospel. 12 For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ. 13 For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it.

Qualifications to be an Apostle.

#4 They were sent out directly by Jesus to preach with authority.

Signs and wonders accompanied them to prove their authority.

Apostles

Matthew 28:18, Acts 1

(Signs and wonders were done thru them) to prove they were apostles.

Acts 2:43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles.

Acts 2:43 ESV

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Paul

Acts 13:6-12 Blinded Elymus

Acts 14:8-10 A Man’s feet healed.

Acts 16:16-18 A Demon possessed girl delivered.

Acts 19:11-12 Sickness, diseases, and evil spirits were removed.

Acts 20:9-12 A young man (Eutychus) brought back to life

Acts 28:3-6 Spared from death that comes from a vipers bite.

Acts 28:7-10 Healed the sick.

Application

You and I can never be apostles in the sense of those who were with Jesus.

But we can be messengers who have Jesus with us!

Application

Give Jesus away freely.

No expectation of payback.

[i] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Ac 9:1–20.

[ii] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Ac 4:36.

[iii] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Ac 9:27.