The Damascus Road: Saul Converted(A)

Then (B)Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked (C)letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.

(D)As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, (E)why are you persecuting Me?”

And he said, “Who are You, Lord?”

Then the Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. [a]It is hard for you to kick against the goads.”

So he, trembling and astonished, said, “Lord, what do You want me to do?”

Then the Lord said to him, “Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”

And (F)the men who journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice but seeing no one. Then Saul arose from the ground, and when his eyes were opened he saw no one. But they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank.

Ananias Baptizes Saul

10 Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus (G)named Ananias; and to him the Lord said in a vision, “Ananias.”

And he said, “Here I am, Lord.”

11 So the Lord said to him, “Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul (H)of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying. 12 And in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him, so that he might receive his sight.”

13 Then Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, (I)how much [b]harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem. 14 And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all (J)who call on Your name.”

15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for (K)he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before (L)Gentiles, (M)kings, and the (N)children[c] of Israel. 16 For (O)I will show him how many things he must suffer for My (P)name’s sake.”

17 (Q)And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and (R)laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord [d]Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and (S)be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized.

19 So when he had received food, he was strengthened. (T)Then Saul spent some days with the disciples at Damascus.

Saul Preaches Christ

20 Immediately he preached [e]the Christ in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God.

21 Then all who heard were amazed, and said, (U)“Is this not he who destroyed those who called on this name in Jerusalem, and has come here for that purpose, so that he might bring them bound to the chief priests?”

22 But Saul increased all the more in strength, (V)and confounded the Jews who dwelt in Damascus, proving that this Jesus is the Christ.

Saul Escapes Death

23 Now after many days were past, (W)the Jews plotted to kill him. 24 (X)But their plot became known to Saul. And they watched the gates day and night, to kill him. 25 Then the disciples took him by night and (Y)let him down through the wall in a large basket.

Saul at Jerusalem

26 And (Z)when Saul had come to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, and did not believe that he was a disciple. 27 (AA)But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. And he declared to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had spoken to him, (AB)and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus. 28 So (AC)he was with them at Jerusalem, coming in and going out. 29 And he spoke boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus and disputed against the (AD)Hellenists,[f] (AE)but they attempted to kill him. 30 When the brethren found out, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him out to Tarsus.

The Church Prospers

31 (AF)Then the [g]churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were (AG)edified.[h] And walking in the (AH)fear of the Lord and in the (AI)comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were (AJ)multiplied.

Aeneas Healed

32 Now it came to pass, as Peter went (AK)through all parts of the country, that he also came down to the saints who dwelt in Lydda. 33 There he found a certain man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden eight years and was paralyzed. 34 And Peter said to him, “Aeneas, (AL)Jesus the Christ heals you. Arise and make your bed.” Then he arose immediately. 35 So all who dwelt at Lydda and (AM)Sharon saw him and (AN)turned to the Lord.

Dorcas Restored to Life

36 At Joppa there was a certain disciple named [i]Tabitha, which is translated [j]Dorcas. This woman was full (AO)of good works and charitable deeds which she did. 37 But it happened in those days that she became sick and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in (AP)an upper room. 38 And since Lydda was near Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent two men to him, imploring him not to delay in coming to them. 39 Then Peter arose and went with them. When he had come, they brought him to the upper room. And all the widows stood by him weeping, showing the tunics and garments which Dorcas had made while she was with them. 40 But Peter (AQ)put them all out, and (AR)knelt down and prayed. And turning to the body he (AS)said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. 41 Then he gave her his hand and lifted her up; and when he had called the saints and widows, he presented her alive. 42 And it became known throughout all Joppa, (AT)and many believed on the Lord. 43 So it was that he stayed many days in Joppa with (AU)Simon, a tanner.

Footnotes

  1. Acts 9:5 NU, M omit the rest of v. 5 and begin v. 6 with But arise and go
  2. Acts 9:13 bad things
  3. Acts 9:15 Lit. sons
  4. Acts 9:17 M omits Jesus
  5. Acts 9:20 NU Jesus
  6. Acts 9:29 Greek-speaking Jews
  7. Acts 9:31 NU church . . . was
  8. Acts 9:31 built up
  9. Acts 9:36 Lit., in Aram., Gazelle
  10. Acts 9:36 Lit., in Gr., Gazelle

The Conversion of Saul

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

10 Now there was a disciple at Damascus named (N)Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, (O)“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 (P)of Tarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying, 12 and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and (Q)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, (R)how much evil he has done to (S)your (T)saints at Jerusalem. 14 And here he has authority from (U)the chief priests to bind all who (V)call on your name.” 15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for (W)he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name (X)before the Gentiles and (Y)kings and the children of Israel. 16 For (Z)I will show him how much (AA)he must suffer (AB)for the sake of my name.” 17 So (AC)Ananias departed and entered the house. And (AD)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 (AE)be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and (AF)he regained his sight. Then (AG)he rose and was baptized; 19 and (AH)taking food, he was strengthened.

Saul Proclaims Jesus in Synagogues

For (AI)some days he was with the disciples at Damascus. 20 And immediately he proclaimed Jesus in the synagogues, saying, (AJ)“He is the Son of God.” 21 And all who heard him were amazed and said, “Is not this the man who (AK)made havoc (AL)in Jerusalem of those who called upon this name? And has he not come here for this purpose, to bring them bound before the chief priests?” 22 But Saul (AM)increased all the more in strength, and (AN)confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving (AO)that Jesus was the Christ.

Saul Escapes from Damascus

23 (AP)When many days had passed, the Jews[a] plotted to kill him, 24 but their (AQ)plot became known to Saul. (AR)They were watching the gates day and night in order to kill him, 25 but his disciples took him by night and (AS)let him down through an opening in the wall,[b] lowering him in a basket.

Saul in Jerusalem

26 And (AT)when he had come to Jerusalem, he attempted to join the disciples. And they were all afraid of him, for they did not believe that he was a disciple. 27 But (AU)Barnabas took him and (AV)brought him to the apostles and declared to them (AW)how on the road he had seen the Lord, who spoke to him, and (AX)how at Damascus he had (AY)preached boldly in the name of Jesus. 28 So he went (AZ)in and out among them at Jerusalem, preaching boldly in the name of the Lord. 29 And he spoke and disputed against (BA)the Hellenists.[c] But (BB)they were seeking to kill him. 30 And when (BC)the brothers learned this, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him off (BD)to Tarsus.

31 So (BE)the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was being built up. And (BF)walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, (BG)it multiplied.

The Healing of Aeneas

32 Now (BH)as Peter went here and there among them all, he came down also to the saints who lived at Lydda. 33 There he found a man named Aeneas, bedridden for eight years, who was paralyzed. 34 And Peter said to him, “Aeneas, (BI)Jesus Christ heals you; rise and make your bed.” And immediately he rose. 35 (BJ)And all the residents of Lydda and (BK)Sharon saw him, and (BL)they turned to the Lord.

Dorcas Restored to Life

36 Now there was in (BM)Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which, translated, means Dorcas.[d] She was full of (BN)good works and acts of charity. 37 In those days she became ill and died, and when they had washed her, they laid her in (BO)an upper room. 38 Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him, urging him, (BP)“Please come to us without delay.” 39 So Peter rose and went with them. And when he arrived, they took him to (BQ)the upper room. All the widows stood beside him weeping and showing tunics[e] and other garments that Dorcas made while she was with them. 40 But Peter (BR)put them all outside, and (BS)knelt down and prayed; and turning to the body (BT)he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. 41 And he gave her his hand and raised her up. Then, calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive. 42 And it became known throughout all Joppa, and (BU)many believed in the Lord. 43 And he stayed in Joppa for many days (BV)with one Simon, a tanner.

Footnotes

  1. Acts 9:23 The Greek word Ioudaioi refers specifically here to Jewish religious leaders, and others under their influence, who opposed the Christian faith in that time
  2. Acts 9:25 Greek through the wall
  3. Acts 9:29 That is, Greek-speaking Jews
  4. Acts 9:36 The Aramaic name Tabitha and the Greek name Dorcas both mean gazelle
  5. Acts 9:39 Greek chiton, a long garment worn under the cloak next to the skin

And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,

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.

And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:

And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?

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.

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.

And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man.

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.

And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.

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 enquire 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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?

22 But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.

23 And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him:

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.

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.

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.

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.

30 Which when the brethren knew, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus.

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.

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.

34 And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately.

35 And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

42 And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord.

43 And it came to pass, that he tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner.

大马士革路上

扫罗仍然向主的门徒们口吐凶杀威吓的话。他来到大祭司面前, 求他发一些信函给大马士革各会堂,准许扫罗如果发现什么人属于这道[a],无论男女,都捆绑起来,带到耶路撒冷 扫罗赶路,快到大马士革的时候,忽然有光从天上下来,四面照射他。 他仆倒在地上,听见有声音对他说:扫罗扫罗!你为什么逼迫我?”

他问:“主啊,你到底是谁?”

主说:“我就是你所逼迫的耶稣。[b] [c]你起来,进城去!有人会告诉你应该做什么。”

扫罗同行的人都站着,哑口无言,他们虽然听见声音,却看不见任何人。 扫罗从地上爬起来,睁开眼睛,却什么也看不见。他们牵着他的手,把他带进大马士革 他三天不能看见,不吃也不喝。

扫罗受洗

10 大马士革有一个名叫阿纳尼亚的门徒。主在异象中对他说:阿纳尼亚!”

他回答说:“主啊!看哪,我在这里。”

11 主就对他说:“起来,往那叫做‘直’的街上去,在犹大家里找一个名叫扫罗塔尔苏人。看哪,原来他正在祷告。 12 他在异象中[d]看见了一个名叫阿纳尼亚的人,进来按手在他身上,使他重见光明。”

13 阿纳尼亚却回答:“主啊,我听许多人说过有关这个人在耶路撒冷对你的圣徒们所做的种种恶事。 14 并且,他得到祭司长们的授权来到这里,要捆绑所有求告你名的人。”

15 但是主对他说:“你去吧!因为这个人是我所拣选的器皿,不但要在外邦人和君王面前,还要在以色列子民面前宣扬[e]我的名。 16 我要指示他,为了我的名他必须受多大的苦害。”

17 阿纳尼亚就去了。他进了那家,按手在扫罗身上,说:“扫罗弟兄,在你来的路上向你显现的主耶稣差派我来,使你重见光明,并且被圣灵充满。”

18 立刻有像鳞片一样的东西从扫罗的眼睛上掉了下来,他就重见光明了。于是他起来受了洗; 19 吃过饭,体力就恢复了。

扫罗传讲基督

扫罗与在大马士革的门徒们住了几天, 20 就立刻在各会堂里传讲耶稣[f],说这一位就是神的儿子。

21 所有听见的人都十分惊讶,说:“这不就是那个在耶路撒冷残害了那些求告这名的人吗?而且他来到这里,不就是为要捆绑他们,带到祭司长们那里吗?”

22 扫罗反而更加得以刚强,证明这一位就是基督,使住在大马士革犹太人很狼狈。

23 过了许多日子以后,犹太人商议要杀了扫罗 24 但他们的阴谋却被扫罗知道了。于是他们就日夜严守着各城门,要杀掉他。 25 然而他的门徒们趁夜把他带去,用筐子把他从城墙上缒了下去。

扫罗在耶路撒冷

26 扫罗来到耶路撒冷,想要和门徒们交往,可是大家都怕他,不相信他成了门徒。 27 但是巴拿巴接纳他,把他带到使徒们那里,并且告诉他们扫罗怎样在路上见到主,主怎样对他说了话,以及他怎样在大马士革奉耶稣的名放胆传道。 28 于是扫罗耶路撒冷与他们一起出入,奉主[g]的名放胆传道。 29 他对那些说希腊语的犹太人讲道,与他们辩论;他们却图谋要杀了他。 30 弟兄们知道了这事,就带他下到凯撒里亚,然后送他往塔尔苏去。

31 这样,教会在犹太加利利撒马利亚全地得平安、得造就,并且怀着对主的敬畏之心不断地前行,在圣灵的安慰[h]中不断地增长。

艾尼亚痊愈

32 有一次,彼得走遍各地的时候,也下到住在利达的圣徒们那里。 33 在那里,他遇见了一个名叫艾尼亚的人。他是个瘫痪的人,躺在垫子上八年了。 34 彼得对他说:“艾尼亚,耶稣基督使你痊愈。站起来,为你自己整理垫子吧!”艾尼亚立刻就站起来了。 35 于是所有住在利达沙仑的人看到他,就归向了主。

塔比莎复活

36 约帕有一个女门徒,名叫塔比莎——“塔比莎”翻译出来意思是“羚羊[i]”。她尽做美善工作,常行施舍。 37 就在那些日子里,她患病死了。人们清洗了遗体,就放在楼上的房间。 38 利达约帕不远,门徒们听说彼得利达,就派了两个人到他那里,恳求他说:“请你来到我们这里,不要耽延!” 39 彼得就起身陪他们一起去。到了以后,他们把他领到楼上的房间。所有的寡妇都站在彼得旁边哭,把多卡丝与她们在一起的时候所缝制的衣服和袍子拿给他看。 40 彼得叫大家都出去,然后跪下祷告,接着转过身对着遗体,说:“塔比莎,你起来!”那妇人就睁开眼睛,看见彼得,而且坐了起来。 41 彼得伸手扶她站起来,又叫圣徒们和寡妇们进来,把活过来的多卡丝交给他们。 42 这事传遍了整个约帕,许多人就信了主。 43 后来,彼得约帕的一个硝皮匠西门家里住了许多日子。

Footnotes

  1. 使徒行传 9:2 道——或译作“路”。
  2. 使徒行传 9:5 有古抄本附“你脚踢刺棒,是狂妄的。”
  3. 使徒行传 9:6 有古抄本附“他又惊恐,又战抖,说:‘主啊!你要我做什么呢?’主对他说:‘……’”
  4. 使徒行传 9:12 有古抄本没有“在异象中”。
  5. 使徒行传 9:15 宣扬——原文直译“担当”。
  6. 使徒行传 9:20 耶稣——有古抄本作“基督”。
  7. 使徒行传 9:28 主——有古抄本作“主耶稣”。
  8. 使徒行传 9:31 安慰——或译作“鼓励”。
  9. 使徒行传 9:36 羚羊——音译为“多卡丝”。