Acts 9:10-19

Expanded Bible

¹⁰ There was a ·follower of Jesus [^Ldisciple] in Damascus named Ananias [22:12]. The Lord spoke to Ananias in a vision, “Ananias!”

Ananias answered, “Here I am, Lord.”

¹¹ The Lord said to him, “Get up and go to Straight Street [^Cthe main east-west street of the city]. Find the house of Judas [^Cnot either of Jesus’ disciples by that name; Judas was a common name], and ask for a man named Saul from the city of Tarsus [^Ca town in Cilicia, a Roman province in southeastern Asia Minor (present-day Turkey)]. He is there now, praying. ¹² Saul has seen a vision in which a man named Ananias comes to him and ·lays [places] his hands on him. Then he is able to see again.”

¹³ But Ananias answered, “Lord, many people have told me about this man and the ·terrible [evil; harmful] things he did to your ·holy people [saints] in Jerusalem. ¹⁴ Now he has come here to Damascus, and the ·leading [^Tchief] priests have given him the ·power [authority] to ·arrest [bind] everyone who ·worships you [^Lcalls on your name].”

¹⁵ But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! ·I have chosen Saul for an important work [^LFor he is my chosen instrument/vessel]. ·He must tell about me [^L…to take/carry my name] to the ·Gentiles [nations], to kings, and to the people of Israel. ¹⁶ [^LFor] I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.”

¹⁷ So Ananias went to the house of Judas. He ·laid [placed] his hands on Saul and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus sent me. He is the one ·you saw [^Lwho appeared to you] on the road on your way here. He sent me so that you can see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” ¹⁸ Immediately, something that looked like ·fish scales [or flakes] fell from Saul’s eyes, and he was able to see again! Then Saul got up and was baptized. ¹⁹ After he ate some food, his strength returned.

Saul Preaches in Damascus

Saul stayed with the ·followers of Jesus [disciples] in Damascus for ·a few [several; some] days.