Workers For Jesus Online Bible Study Table of Contents

About this Bible Study........The King James Version of the Bible is written in a beautiful form of the English language. It can be hard for modern English readers to understand.  In this study, you will find notes and summaries in brown just above the the verses from the Bible. We recommend that you read the notes and summaries first, and then read the verses in their KJV form. 



Timeline of the Bible


God creates the world. --- God destroys the world with the flood, but saves  Noah and his family.---
 God chooses Abraham and his descendants to His people. ---Abraham's grandson, Jacob, has 12 sons who lead the 12 tribes of Israel.--- The Israelites become slaves in Egypt.--- God helps the Israelites escape and leads them to Canaan. ---The Israelites fight in wars and take control of Canaan.---Judges lead the Israelites, but the Israelites want to have kings instead of judges. --- David is Israel's greatest king. --- Israel divides into 2 parts: Israel and Judah.--- The people of Israel and Judah continue to sin and worship false gods.--- God allows the Assyrians and the Babylonians to take the Israelites out of Israel and Judah.---   The Israelites (Jews) live in Babylonia and then Persia. --- When Persia defeats the Babylonians, the Jews go back to Judah.--- The Jews build God's Temple in Jerusalem again.--- Greece defeats Persia, and the Greeks control Judah (also now called Israel).--- The Jews become independent for 100 years.-- The Romans take control of Israel.--- Jesus is born. At age 30, Jesus begins his ministry. ---Jesus is crucified and then is resurrected.      This book of the Bible happens between theses times  A Roman named Saul is converted to Christianity and becomes Paul.--- Christianity spreads. --- ◄        Paul write letters to Christians in other places. In the year, 70 A.D., God's Temple in Jerusalem is destroyed again.

 

The Book of  Acts

Acts tells the story of the early Christian church and how Christianity spread to other parts of the world. It covers the first years of the Christian church. Most people who study the Bible feel that Jesus' disciple, Luke, was the author of Acts. They feel that the Book of Luke and the Book of Acts were meant to be together. They also feel that Luke may have planned to write a third book.

The 2 important people in the Book of Acts are Peter and Paul.  Some important events that happen in Acts are the coming of the Holy Spirit, the persecution of Christians, the conversion of Saul (Paul), and the spread of Christianity to other parts of the world.

 


Acts 7 - 9

Stephen is stoned to death.
Saul persecutes people who believe in Jesus.
Philip converts a eunuch from Ethiopia.
Saul is converted on the road to Damascus.
Saul goes to Jerusalem and meets the apostles.
Peter heals people in Lydda and Joppa.
 

 

Acts 7


After his arrest, Stephen tells the history of the Jews.
 

The high priest was questioning Stephen after he was arrested. He asked Stephen if the things he was saying were true.
[1] Then said the high priest, Are these things so?

 

Stephen addresses the council.

From FreeBibleImages.org

Stephen answered. He said that God appeared to Abraham when Abraham lived in the area named Mesopotamia. He lived there before he lived in Charran.  God told Abraham to leave his country and his family. He should go to the land that God would show him.
[2] And he said, Men, brethren, and fathers, hearken; The God of glory appeared unto our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Charran,
[3] And said unto him, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and come into the land which I shall shew thee.


Abraham came out of the land of the Chaldaeans and lived in Charran. After his father died, he moved to the land of Canaan (which is now Jerusalem where they are now).
[4] Then came he out of the land of the Chaldaeans, and dwelt in Charran: and from thence, when his father was dead, he removed him into this land, wherein ye now dwell.


God did not give Canaan to Abraham, but He promised that He would give it to him for his children and descendants. At that point, Abraham had no children.
[5] And he gave him none inheritance in it, no, not so much as to set his foot on: yet he promised that he would give it to him for a possession, and to his seed after him, when as yet he had no child.


God told Abraham that his descendants would live in a strange place. He told Abraham that they would be slaves. For 400 years, they would be treated badly.
[6] And God spake on this wise, That his seed should sojourn in a strange land; and that they should bring them into bondage, and entreat them evil four hundred years.
 

God said He will judge the nation who treats Abraham's descendants badly.  Then, they will escape and serve Him in this place.
[7] And the nation to whom they shall be in bondage will I judge, said God: and after that shall they come forth, and serve me in this place.


God made a covenant with Abraham -- circumcision. Then, Abraham had a son, Isaac, and circumcised him when he was 8 days old. Isaac grew up and had Jacob. Then Jacob grew up and had 12 sons. They were the patriarchs.
[8] And he gave him the covenant of circumcision: and so Abraham begat Isaac, and circumcised him the eighth day; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat the twelve patriarchs.


The patriarchs were jealous of their brother, Joseph. They sold him, and he went to Egypt. But God was with him. God saved him from his troubles.

[9] And the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt: but God was with him,
[10] And delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him favour and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt; and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house.


There was a famine in Egypt and Canaan. It was very bad, and the Jewish ancestors had no food.  Jacob heard that there was corn in Egypt. He sent his sons there.
[11] Now there came a dearth over all the land of Egypt and Chanaan, and great affliction: and our fathers found no sustenance.
[12] But when Jacob heard that there was corn in Egypt, he sent out our fathers first.
 

The second time Jacob's sons went to Egypt, he told his brothers who he was. Joseph told Pharaoh who his brothers were. Then Joseph asked for his father, Jacob, to come to him. All of his family came, too. There were 75 of them.
[13] And at the second time Joseph was made known to his brethren; and Joseph's kindred was made known unto Pharaoh.
[14] Then sent Joseph, and called his father Jacob to him, and all his kindred, threescore and fifteen souls.


Jacob went to Egypt, and he died there. The Jewish ancestors also died there in Egypt. Later, Jacob's bones were taken out of Egypt to Shecham. They were buried in a sepulchre (place for burial like a cave). Abraham had bought that sepulchre from the descendants of a man named Emmor. He was the father of Shechem.

[15] So Jacob went down into Egypt, and died, he, and our fathers,
[16] And were carried over into Sychem, and laid in the sepulchre that Abraham bought for a sum of money of the sons of Emmor the father of Sychem.


God had made a promise to Abraham. The time came closer for God to keep His promise. The descendants of Jacob multiplied in Egypt. 
[17] But when the time of the promise drew nigh, which God had sworn to Abraham, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt,
 

Later, there was a new king of Egypt. The new king did not know Joseph. He treated the Jewish ancestors badly.  He caused them to put their babies out so that they died.
[18] Till another king arose, which knew not Joseph.
[19] The same dealt subtilly with our kindred, and evil entreated our fathers, so that they cast out their young children, to the end they might not live.


During this time, Moses was born. He was a pretty baby. His parents took care of him at home for 3 months. Then, they put him out. Pharaoh's daughter took him to her home. She took care of him like he was her own son.

[20] In which time Moses was born, and was exceeding fair, and nourished up in his father's house three months:
[21] And when he was cast out, Pharaoh's daughter took him up, and nourished him for her own son.


Moses was taught the ways of the people in Egypt. He was strong in his words and his actions.
[22] And Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and in deeds.


When Moses was 40 years old, he felt in his heart that he should visit the Israelites. When he saw one of them suffering, he fought for him.  He killed the Egyptian who was hurting him.
[23] And when he was full forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brethren the children of Israel.
[24] And seeing one of them suffer wrong, he defended him, and avenged him that was oppressed, and smote the Egyptian:


Moses thought his Israelite brothers would see that God was going to use him to free them. But they did not understand.
[25] For he supposed his brethren would have understood how that God by his hand would deliver them: but they understood not.


The next day, Moses went to see the Israelites. Two of them were fighting with each other.  Moses reminded them that they were brothers. He asked them why they were fighting.  One man pushed Moses away.  He asked him who made Moses a ruler and a judge over them.  He asked him if he will kill him the same as he killed the Egyptian the day before.
[26] And the next day he shewed himself unto them as they strove, and would have set them at one again, saying, Sirs, ye are brethren; why do ye wrong one to another?
[27] But he that did his neighbour wrong thrust him away, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a judge over us?
[28] Wilt thou kill me, as thou diddest the Egyptian yesterday?



Moses heard this, and then he left Egypt. He stayed in Midian. While he was there, he had 2 sons.

[29] Then fled Moses at this saying, and was a stranger in the land of Madian, where he begat two sons.


40 years went past. Then Moses saw the burning bush. He was in the wilderness of Mount Sinai. An angel of the Lord was in the fire. Moses saw the bush and went closer to look at it.   He heard God's voice. God said that He was the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.  Then Moses shook and was afraid to look at the bush. God told him to take his shoes off because he was standing on holy ground.
[30] And when forty years were expired, there appeared to him in the wilderness of mount Sina an angel of the Lord in a flame of fire in a bush.
[31] When Moses saw it, he wondered at the sight: and as he drew near to behold it, the voice of the Lord came unto him,
[32] Saying, I am the God of thy fathers, the God of Abrham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. Then Moses trembled, and durst not behold.
[33] Then said the Lord to him, Put off thy shoes from thy feet: for the place where thou standest is holy ground.


God told Moses that He had seen His people, the Israelites, suffering in Egypt. He had heard their groaning. He had come to free them.  He said He would send Moses to Egypt.
[34] I have seen, I have seen the affliction of my people which is in Egypt, and I have heard their groaning, and am come down to deliver them. And now come, I will send thee into Egypt.


Earlier, the Israelite had asked Moses who made him a ruler and judge. Now, God is sending Moses to be a ruler and free the Israelites. He is giving him the message by the angel in the bush.
[35] This Moses whom they refused, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a judge? the same did God send to be a ruler and a deliverer by the hand of the angel which appeared to him in the bush.


Moses showed miracles and signs in Egypt, the Red Sea, and the wilderness for 40 years. He brought the Israelites out of Egypt.
[36] He brought them out, after that he had shewed wonders and signs in the land of Egypt, and in the Red sea, and in the wilderness forty years.


Moses told the Israelites that God would raise up another prophet for them. He would be an Israelite, like Moses, and they would hear him.
[37] This is that Moses, which said unto the children of Israel, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear.


Moses was with the angel in the wilderness and on Mt. Sinai. He received the words from the angel to give to the Israelites.
[38] This is he, that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers: who received the lively oracles to give unto us:


The Jewish ancestors would not obey Moses. They wanted to go back to Egypt.
[39] To whom our fathers would not obey, but thrust him from them, and in their hearts turned back again into Egypt,


They told Aaron to make false gods. They did not want to follow Moses anymore.

[40] Saying unto Aaron, Make us gods to go before us: for as for this Moses, which brought us out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him.


They made a calf statue and made sacrifices to it. They worshiped things they had made.

[41] And they made a calf in those days, and offered sacrifice unto the idol, and rejoiced in the works of their own hands.


God turned away from them. They worshiped the stars. In the book of the prophets, God said that the Israelites did not offer sacrifices to him while they were in the wilderness. They worshiped false gods like Moloch and Remphan and statues they made.  God said He would carry them away to Babylon.
[42] Then God turned, and gave them up to worship the host of heaven; as it is written in the book of the prophets, O ye house of Israel, have ye offered to me slain beasts and sacrifices by the space of forty years in the wilderness?
[43] Yea, ye took up the tabernacle of Moloch, and the star of your god Remphan, figures which ye made to worship them: and I will carry you away beyond Babylon.
 

Stephen continued. He said that the Israelites' ancestors had a tabernacle (large tent) in the wilderness. God told Moses to make the tabernacle.  God told Moses to make the tabernacle like what he had seen.
[44] Our fathers had the tabernacle of witness in the wilderness, as he had appointed, speaking unto Moses, that he should make it according to the fashion that he had seen.


The Jewish ancestors brought the tabernacle with them when they entered Canaan.  They entered Canaan with Jesus (Joshua). God drove out the people who were living in Canaan so the Israelites could enter.  They kept the tabernacle until the days of David. God loved David, and David wanted to find a good place for God.
[45] Which also our fathers that came after brought in with Jesus into the possession of the Gentiles, whom God drave out before the face of our fathers, unto the days of David;
[46] Who found favour before God, and desired to find a tabernacle for the God of Jacob.


Solomon was David's son, and Solomon built the temple for God.
[47] But Solomon built him an house.


God does not live in temples made with hands. The prophet says that heaven is God's throne, and the earth is His footstool.  God asks what kind of house people can build for Him. He asks where He can rest. His hands made everything.
[48] Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as saith the prophet,
[49] Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool: what house will ye build me? saith the Lord: or what is the place of my rest?
[50] Hath not my hand made all these things?


Stephen said that they were stiffnecked (too proud) and uncircumcised in their hearts and ears. They worked against the Holy Spirit like their ancestors did. 
[51] Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye.


Their ancestors treated the prophets badly. They killed the prophets who told about the Just One (Jesus). Now, they have betrayed and killed Jesus.  They have received the law from the angels, but they have not kept the law.
[52] Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers:
[53] Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it.


When the council members heard what Stephen said, they were very upset and angry.
[54] When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth.


Stephen was full of the Holy Spirit. He looked up into heaven and saw the glory of God. He saw Jesus standing on God's right side.
[55] But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,


Stephen said that he saw the heavens open and that Jesus was standing on God's right side.
[56] And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.
 

From FreeBibleImages.org

Stephen is stoned to death.


The council started yelling loudly. They covered their ears, and all attacked Stephen. They put him out of the city and threw rocks at him.  The men who witnessed against him took off their coats. They laid down their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul.

[57] Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord,
[58] And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul.


They threw rocks at Stephen. He called out to God and asked Lord Jesus to receive his spirit.

[59] And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.


Stephen kneeled down and prayed to God loudly. He asked God not to blame the people who were killing him. Then he died.
[60] And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
 

 

 


 



Acts 8


Saul persecutes Jesus' believers.



Saul gave permission for the men to kill Stephen. At that time, the people in Jerusalem who believed in Jesus were being persecuted (punished, attacked).  Believers were scattered through the areas of Judea and Samaria. But, the apostles were in Jerusalem.

[1] And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.
 

Some devoted men carried Stephen to his grave and buried him. They cried very hard for him.
[2] And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him.


Saul made things very hard on the church and the believers. He went into every house and arrested them. He sent them to prison.
[3] As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.

 



Philip preaches to large crowds in Samaria.



The believers who left Jerusalem were preaching about Jesus everywhere they went.

[4] Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.


Philip went to the city of Samaria and preached about Jesus.
[5] Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them.


The crowds of people who heard Philip paid attention to what he said. They heard and saw the miracles he did.
[6] And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.


Many people were healed of their physical disabilities. Many people who had unclean spirits in them were healed. The unclean spirits came out of them and yelled with loud voices.
[7] For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed.


Many people in the city felt great joy.

[8] And there was great joy in that city.

 



A man in Samaria named Simon wants to pay money for the Holy Spirit.


There was a man in Samaria named Simon. In the past, he had used witchcraft.  He fooled the people in Samaria. He said he was a great person, and they believed him.  From the least person to the greatest person, they said he was a man with God's great power.

[9] But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one:
[10] To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God.


The people always listened to Simon when he used his witchcraft. 
[11] And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries.


But the people heard Philip preach about Jesus and God's kingdom. They believed what he said. Men and women were baptized.
[12] But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.


Simon, too, believed what Philip said about Jesus. He was baptized. Then he stayed close to Philip and watched the miracles and signs that Philip did.
[13] Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.


The apostles in Jerusalem heard that people in Samaria had received the word of God.  They sent Peter and John to them.

[14] Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:


When Peter and John got to Samaria, they prayed for the people there. They prayed that they would receive the Holy Spirit. Before this time, the Holy Spirit had not been on anyone there. They had been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus, but had not received the Holy Spirit.
[15] Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:
[16] (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)


Peter and John laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.

[17] Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.


Simon saw the Holy Spirit come after Peter and John laid their lands on people. Simon offered Peter and John some money. He wanted to have the same power. He wanted the Holy Spirit to come when he laid his hands on people.
[18] And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,
[19] Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.


Peter told him that his money will die with him if he thinks he can pay money to get God's gifts.
[20] But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.


Peter said that Simon has no part in this. God sees that his heart is not right.

[21] Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.


Simon should repent and pray for God to forgive him.
[22] Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.


Peter can see that Simon is bitter and evil.
[23] For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.


Simon asked Peter to pray for him. He wanted Peter to pray for him so that none of the bad things Peter talked will happen to him.
[24] Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me.


After Peter and John preached God's word, they returned to Jerusalem.  On the way, they preached the gospel in small towns in Samaria.
[25] And they, when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.

 



Philip teaches an Ethiopian eunuch about Jesus.
 

"The Baptism of the Eunuch" by Rembrandt
From
wikipaintings

An angel of the Lord talked to Philip. He told him to get up and go south on the road that goes from Jerusalem to Gaza (in the desert).
[26] And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert.


Philip obeyed God and went on the road that went south. He met a man from Ethiopia. The man worked for the queen of Ethiopia. The queen's name was Candace. The man was a eunuch. He was in charge of the queen's treasures. He had been to Jerusalem to worship.
[27] And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship,

The Ethiopian eunuch was on his way back to Ethiopia. He was sitting in his chariot. He was reading the words of the prophet Isaiah.
[28] Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet.


The Holy Spirit told Philip to go near to the Ethiopian eunuch's chariot.
[29] Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.


Philip ran near to the eunuch. He heard him reading the words of Isaiah. Philip asked him if he understood what he read. The man said he couldn't understand unless someone helped him. He asked Philip to come and sit with him.
[30] And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?
[31] And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.

The scripture that the man was reading was Isaiah 53:7-8. It said:

He was led like a sheep going to be killed.  He said nothing like a lamb who is being shaved.  He was humiliated and did not have a fair trial.  No one could have imagined what would happen to him. His life was taken away because of the sinful things people did.
[32] The place of the scripture which he read was this: , He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth:
[33] In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth.


The Ethiopian man asked Philip who Isaiah was talking about. He asked if he was talking about himself or another man.
[34] And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man?


Philip talked about the scripture. Then he talked to the man about Jesus.
[35] Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.


They continued on the road. They went by some water. The Ethiopian eunuch saw the water. He asked if he could be baptized.
[36] And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?


Philip told him he could be baptized if he believed in Jesus with all of his heart.  The Ethiopian answered and said he believed that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
[37] And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.


He gave the order for the chariot to stop. Philip and the Ethiopian went into the water.  Philip baptized him.
[38] And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.


When Philip and the Ethiopian came up out of the water, the Holy Spirit took Philip away. The Ethiopian did not see him anymore. He continued on this trip and was very happy.
[39] And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.


Philip was at the place named Azotus. He traveled to Caesarea and preached in the cities he traveled through.

[40] But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all the cities, till he came to Caesarea.
 



Acts 9


Saul becomes a Christian.


Saul continued to threaten and kill people who believed in Jesus. He went to the high priest. He asked for letters to take to the city of Damascus. He wanted to take the letters to the Jewish leaders there. While he traveled there, if he saw anyone who believed in Jesus, he would arrest them and bring them to Jerusalem. It didn't matter if they were men or women.

[1] And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,
[2] And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.

 

Jesus asks Saul why he is persecuting Him.

From KingJamesBibleOnline.org


Saul was traveling and was near Damascus. Suddenly, there was a light shining on him from heaven. He fell down on the ground. He heard a voice talking to him. The voice asked him why he was persecuting Him.
[3] And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:
[4] And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?


Saul asked the voice who He was. He said He was the Lord Jesus. He said that Saul had been persecuting Him. Jesus used an example of a person who is cruel to his oxen.
[5] And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.


Saul was amazed and scared.  He asked Jesus what He wanted him to do. Jesus told him to get up and go into the city. Someone will tell him what to do.
[6] And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.


The men with Saul couldn't talk because they were shocked. They could hear a voice, but they couldn't see anyone.
[7] And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man.


Saul got up from the ground. When he opened his eyes, he couldn't see anyone. The men with him led him into Damascus.
[8] And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus.


For 3 days, Saul could not see anything. He didn't eat or drink.
[9] And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.


A disciple named Ananias lived in Damascus.  The Lord Jesus called to him in a vision. Ananias answered Him. Jesus told him to get up and go to the street named Straight Street. He should go to the house of Judas. Then he should ask for Saul of Tarsus.  Jesus told him that Saul would be expecting him. The Lord told Saul that Ananias would come, put his hand on him, and then he would be able to see.
[10] And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord.
[11] And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth,
[12] And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.


Ananias said that he had heard of Saul.  He had heard that Saul did bad things to Christians in Jerusalem. He heard that the chief priests in Damascus gave Saul authority to arrest anyone who prays to Jesus.
[13] Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem:
[14] And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name.


The Lord told Ananias to go to Saul because Saul is chosen by Him. He will tell the Gentiles, kings, and the Jewish people about Jesus. Jesus will show Saul that he will suffer for speaking in Jesus' name.
[15] But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:
[16] For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.


Ananias went to do what Jesus told him to do. He entered the house and put his hands on Saul. He told him that Jesus had sent him. Jesus had appeared to Saul, and He had appeared to Ananias.  Ananias told Saul that he will see again and will be filled with the Holy Spirit.
[17] And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.


Very shortly, scales fell off Saul's eyes. He could see immediately. He stood up and was baptized.

[18] And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.


Saul ate, and then he was strong again. He stayed with the disciples in Damascus. Right away, he preached about Jesus in the Jewish synagogues. He preached that Jesus is the Son of God.
[19] And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.
[20] And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.


Everyone who was with him was amazed. They asked if he was the same person who destroyed Christians in Jerusalem and came to Damascus to arrest Christians.
[21] But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests?


Saul continued to get stronger. He confused the Jews in Damascus when he proved that Jesus was the Christ.
[22] But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.

 

Saul escapes Damascus by going over the city wall in a basket.

Graphic from:  http://www.eborg3.com/Graphics/Bible/44-Acts/600-Acts%2009%20Paul%20Lowered%20in%20Basket1.jpg

 

Several days later, the Jews made a plan to kill Saul.
[23] And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him:


Saul found out about their plan. While the Jews watched for him at the gate at night, the disciples let Saul down over the wall in a basket.
[24] But their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him.
[25] Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket.

 



Saul meets the apostles in Jerusalem.


Saul went to Jerusalem. He wanted to join the disciples. But, they were all afraid of him. They didn't believe he really followed Jesus.

[26] And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple.


Barnabas took Saul to the apostles.  He told them about how Saul had seen the Lord on the road to Damascus. He told them that the Lord spoke to Saul. Then, he told them how Saul preached about Jesus boldly in Damascus.
[27] But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.

 



Saul's life is threatened.


Saul was with the disciples in Jerusalem. He talked boldly about Jesus. He argued with the people who spoke Greek.  They wanted to kill him.
[28] And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem.
[29] And he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him.


When the Christian brothers heard about this, they took Saul down to Caesarea. Then they sent him to Tarsus.
[30] Which when the brethren knew, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus.
 

Then the churches in Judaea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace. They walked in the fear of the Lord. The Holy Ghost multiplied the number of believers.
[31] Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.

 



Peter heals a man in Lydda.


Peter traveled around to different areas.  One of the places he traveled was Lydda. There were good people in Lydda. One of these was a man named Aeneas.  He had been sick in bed for 8 years. He had the palsy (shaking).

[32] And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all quarters, he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda.
[33] And there he found a certain man named Aeneas, which had kept his bed eight years, and was sick of the palsy.


Peter talked to Aeneas. He told him that Jesus Christ makes him whole. He should get up and make his bed. Aeneas got up immediately.
[34] And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately.

Everyone who lived in Lydda and Saron saw Aeneas, and they turned to the Lord.
[35] And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord.

 



Peter heals a woman in Joppa.


There was a good woman who lived in Joppa. She was a disciple of Jesus. Her name was Tabitha (her Greek name was Dorcas). She did many good things and helped poor people.

[36] Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.

Tabitha got sick and died.  After she died, they washed her and laid her in a room upstairs.
[37] And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber.

Lydda was near Joppa. The disciples in Joppa heard that Peter was in Lydda. They sent 2 men to him. They wanted him to come to Joppa quickly.
[38] And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them.
 

Peter heals Dorcas (Tabitha)

Graphic from: 
 http://www.eborg3.com/Graphics/Bible/44-Acts/600-Acts%2009%20Peter%20and%20Dorcas1.jpg

Peter got up and went with the men from Joppa. When he arrived there, they took him to the room upstairs where Tabitha was. Some widows were in the room, too. They were crying. They showed him coats and clothes that Tabitha made when she was alive.
[39] Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them.


Peter sent them out of the room. He kneeled down and prayed. He turned to Tabitha's body and told her to get up. Then, she opened her eyes. She saw Peter and sat up.

[40] But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up.


He reached his hand to her and lifted her up. He called the other good people and widows to come back in. He showed them that Tabitha was alive.

[41] And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive.
 

Many people heard about this in Joppa. Then they believed in Jesus Christ.
[42] And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord.


Peter stayed in Joppa for many days. He stayed with Simon who was a tanner (made leather from animal skins).
[43] And it came to pass, that he tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner.