“Saul got up from the ground, and though his eyes were open, he could see nothing, and leading him by the hand, they brought him into Damascus.” (Acts 9:8)
Saul’s blindness is a reversal of Jesus’ typical miracles. Jesus healed the blind time and time again. The gospels record at least seven specific instances when Jesus healed the blind that they might regain their sight. Interestingly, the entire Bible never records anyone healing the blind other than Jesus. He is the Light who gives sight to the lost and opens their eyes that they may see.
Saul’s physical blindness reflects his eternal blindness. The man who breathed threats against the disciples of Jesus thought he was doing what was right, but he was blinded by his Pharisaical ways and traditions. Jesus just gave Saul’s body a few days to experience what his mind and heart had been doing all along.
So, when did the scales fall off? When Saul was ready to listen (see Acts 9:17-18).
Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites
Today’s Reading: Acts 9:1-9
Questions to ask:
- How does this show the continuation of Jesus’ work now going on in the church?
- How is the gospel, Paul’s preaching, and/or Paul’s defense received?
- What is the Holy Spirit doing in this text?
- What in our reading shows how Paul handled adversity and difficulty?
This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul. If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision