Study Guide
Acts, Part 9 / Damascus / Acts 9:1-19 (CSB)
Saul’s encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus stands as one of the most powerful stories of transformation in Scripture. Once a fierce persecutor of Christians, Saul’s life was radically redirected when Jesus revealed Himself, turning an enemy of the faith into one of its greatest messengers. While some faith stories unfold in dramatic moments and others develop quietly over time, every life changed by Jesus reflects the same miraculous work of His grace. Saul’s story reminds us that no one is beyond God’s reach, and when we respond to His voice with faith and obedience, He transforms us and invites us into His greater purpose.
Newbreak’s Sermon Study Guide is an in-house resource that serves sermon-based Life Groups and/or individuals who want to reflect further on how the message contributes to their spiritual formation.
Icebreakers
- What is one quality you look for in a close friend?
- If you could sit down with your teenage self and share one lesson that would have helped you the most, what would it be?
Read Acts 9:1-19 (CSB)
Discuss It
Let’s look back at what we read a few weeks ago. Read Acts 8:1-3. What stands out to you about how God chose Saul, someone actively working against Him, to accomplish His plan? What does that say about how God sees people differently than we do?
Additional Thought
Saul’s transformation reminds us that God sees potential where we see hopelessness. Even the darkest parts of our lives (anger, brokenness, or past mistakes) can be the very soil in which God grows something new. His grace doesn’t just forgive; it reshapes us and gives us a new identity.
Additional Scripture
Romans 12:2 (CSB) “Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good, pleasing, and perfect.”
Additional Question
Godly transformation starts in the heart and mind, where God renews the way we see ourselves and the world. What does it mean for you personally to be “transformed” in Christ, and how might that perspective change the way you view your past mistakes or your identity today?
In Acts 9:3-4, God met Saul on his way to cause more havoc for the church. The text states that a blinding light, brighter than the sun (Acts 26:13), engulfed Saul and those surrounding him. What stands out to you about how God intervened in Saul’s life? Why do you think Luke highlighted the blinding light?
Additional Thought
In verse 4, Saul heard a voice from Heaven ask him a question while repeating his name twice. The use of repetition of a name is also found in 3 other places in Luke’s writing (Luke 10:41 - “Martha, Martha”; 13:34- “Jerusalem, Jerusalem”; 22:31- “Peter, Peter”). When God uses repetition of names, it’s often a special moment between God and that person to either reveal Himself, confront, or redirect one’s calling.
Additional Scripture
Exodus 3:4 (CSB) Then the Lord saw that he had gone over to look, God called out to him from the bush, “Moses, Moses!” “Here I am,” he answered.
Additional Question
When is the last time that you’ve had God get your attention like God got Saul’s attention? What did it look like and how do you know it was God?
In Acts 9:10-17, God asks Ananias to do something that didn’t make sense and definitely made him uncomfortable. Obedience isn’t about having all the answers, it’s about trusting that God knows the bigger picture, even when we can’t see it. Can you think of a time when you followed God’s direction even though you didn’t know the outcome? What did that experience teach you about trusting God’s plan, even when it doesn’t make sense at the moment?
Additional Thought
Gideon is another great example of when we want to obey but just aren't sure of the outcome. Like Gideon, sometimes we hesitate or ask God for signs, but obedience often requires stepping out before we have all the proof.
Additional Scripture
Read Judges 6:11-24 & 33-40 (while reading, make note of how many times Gideon questions God or asks for a sign.)
Additional Question
Do you think it’s ever okay to ask or wait for a sign from God before obeying Him or should obedience always come first? Why or why not?
Apply It
Acts 9:17-18 (CSB)
Say
What a cool picture of scales falling from Saul's eyes! While we probably won’t experience actual scales falling from our own eyes, after studying through this passage, where have we gained clarity in our own thinking? Let’s spend a few moments processing how we have experienced our own transformation through this discussion.
Challenge
What is your biggest takeaway from reading and studying this passage?
Pray
How can we be praying for you this week?
About the Current Sermon Series
The book of Acts tells the story of how the exalted Christ sends His Spirit to empower His people to continue His work in the world. Through the Spirit’s power, ordinary believers boldly proclaim the gospel, witness miraculous works, and form vibrant communities that embody God’s welcome to all people. Acts traces how the church’s witness, energized by the Spirit, extends from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth, revealing Christ’s ongoing work through His people and the Spirit’s leading in every new challenge and opportunity.