Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Conversion of Saul (Acts 9)
Bible ReadingActs 9:1–19 (ESV) 1 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.
Observation Questions- What was Saul doing before his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus? (Acts 9:1–2)
- How did Jesus confront Saul, and what was Saul’s immediate physical and spiritual response? (Acts 9:3–9)
- What role did Ananias play in Saul’s conversion, and how did he respond to God’s instructions? (Acts 9:10–17)
- According to the sermon, what does it mean that God’s pursuit of Saul was “relentless and personal”? [13:43]
Interpretation Questions- Why do you think God chose to pursue Saul, even while he was actively opposing Jesus and persecuting Christians? What does this say about God’s character? [13:43]
- The sermon says true conversion is more than a one-time decision; it’s a daily surrender. Why is daily surrender necessary, and how is it different from just saying a prayer or making a verbal confession? [23:11]
- The filling of the Holy Spirit is described as essential for transformation. Why isn’t this filling automatic, and what does it look like to have an “open and receptive posture” toward the Holy Spirit? [28:17]
- The sermon claims that every genuine conversion is a miracle, whether dramatic or subtle. How can someone recognize God’s work of transformation in their own life, even if it doesn’t look dramatic on the outside? [30:13]
Application Questions- The sermon described how God uses both intellectual doubts and painful experiences to “prod” us back to Himself. Can you think of a time when God used a difficult circumstance or a question in your life to get your attention? How did you respond? [13:43]
- The story of the greyhound chasing a fake rabbit was used to illustrate how we sometimes pursue things that don’t satisfy. What are some “fake rabbits” you have chased in your life? What would it look like to let go of them and pursue Jesus instead? [20:37]
- The pastor said that daily surrender is like a marriage, where love is proven by consistent actions, not just words. In what area of your life do your actions not match your words about following Jesus? What is one step you could take this week to align your actions with your faith? [24:32]
- The sermon emphasized that being filled with the Holy Spirit requires us to “turn our cups right side up.” What are some ways you might be “turning your cup upside down” (being closed off or too busy for God)? What practical change could you make to be more open to the Spirit’s work? [28:17]
- The pastor said that true conversion always leads to mission, even when it’s costly or inconvenient. Where do you sense God calling you to serve or represent Him right now, even if it feels hard or uncomfortable? [33:25]
- Baptism was described as a public testimony of dying to the old way of life and living a new life in Christ. If you have been baptized, how does your life reflect this new identity? If you haven’t, what holds you back from taking this step? [37:17]
- The sermon ended by asking, “What is your next step?”—whether it’s surrender, seeking the Spirit, baptism, or serving. What do you sense God is inviting you to do next in your journey with Him? [39:10]
Closing Prayer: Invite the group to pray for courage to surrender daily, openness to the Holy Spirit, and boldness to step into God’s mission—whatever their next step may be.
