Contents of the Heavenly Vision
In Acts chapter 9, we witness the dramatic conversion of Saul, who was fervently persecuting Christians. On his way to Damascus, a heavenly light blinds him, and he hears the voice of Jesus asking, "Saul, Saul, why dost thou persecute me?" This encounter reveals Saul's ignorance and the reality of Jesus as the risen Lord. Ananias, a disciple in Damascus, is instructed by God to heal Saul, who regains his sight and is baptized. Saul, now empowered by the Holy Spirit, begins preaching about Jesus, astonishing those who knew him as a persecutor. Stephen emphasizes that this transformation illustrates the importance of recognizing Jesus not only as Savior but also as Lord and Master. He urges believers to remove any hindrances in their lives to fully experience the living water of Christ. The message highlights that true revelation comes from God, leading to a deeper understanding of Jesus and our purpose in Him. The heavenly vision is not merely about seeing or hearing but involves an internal revelation of Christ within us, which is essential for fulfilling God's purpose in our lives.
Outline of Main Points
- Saul's persecution of Christians and his conversion on the road to Damascus.
- The significance of Jesus' voice and Saul's realization of his ignorance.
- Ananias' role in Saul's healing and baptism.
- The importance of recognizing Jesus as both Savior and Lord.
- The need to remove hindrances to experience the living water of Christ.
- The concept of heavenly vision as an internal revelation of Christ.
- Fulfilling God's purpose through a relationship with Jesus.
12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. 13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
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. 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? 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. 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. 7 And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man. 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. 9 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.
