Acts 9 follows Saul of Tarsus from threatening the disciples to becoming one of them, then shows the early church spreading through healing and restoration in Lydda and Joppa. These questions suit a small group, a Sunday class, or personal study. Each section gives a leader’s answer or discussion note so you can use the material without preparing a separate summary.
Acts 9 at a Glance
The chapter moves in three movements. First, Saul is confronted by the risen Jesus on the road to Damascus, is blinded, and is led into the city. Ananias, reluctant but obedient, is sent to restore his sight, and Saul is baptized and begins preaching Christ in the synagogues. Second, opposition rises, Saul escapes a plot, and the believers in Jerusalem remain wary until Barnabas vouches for him.
The final section turns to Peter. He heals Aeneas in Lydda and raises Tabitha in Joppa, and in both places people turn to the Lord. The chapter closes with a note that the churches enjoyed peace and growth, which frames the whole story as God advancing his purposes through unlikely people.
Observation Questions
Use these first to establish what the text plainly says before anyone offers an interpretation. Ask the group to point to the exact verses, and let quieter members answer before the more confident ones speak.
Acts 9:3-6
3 As he traveled, he got close to Damascus, and suddenly a light from the sky shone around him. 4 He fell on the earth, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” 5 He said, “Who are you, Lord?” The Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. 6 But rise up, and enter into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”
(WEB)
This passage carries the turning point of the chapter. Hearing the words “why do you persecute me?” in the group’s own voices can help everyone feel the force of Christ’s identification with his people.
Acts 9:15-16
15 But the Lord said to him, “Go your way, for he is my chosen vessel to bear my name before the nations and kings, and the children of Israel. 16 For I will show him how many things he must suffer for my name’s sake.”
(WEB)
Reading the Lord’s words about Saul’s calling aloud reminds the group that God’s purposes are stated clearly even when the people involved are unlikely candidates.
Acts 9:27-28
27 But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared to them how he had seen the Lord on the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how at Damascus he had preached boldly in the name of Jesus. 28 He was with them entering into Jerusalem…
(WEB)
Hearing Barnabas’s actions described in plain words gives the group a model of generous advocacy that is easy to picture and hard to forget.
Acts 9:31
So the assemblies throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace, and were built up. They were multiplied, walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit.
(WEB)
This summary verse pulls back from individual stories to show the whole church, and reading it aloud helps the group see the bigger picture of God’s work.
Acts 9:40-41
40 Peter sent them all out, and knelt down and prayed. Turning to the body, he said, “Tabitha, get up!” She opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter, she sat up. 41 He gave her his hand, and raised her up. Calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive.
(WEB)
Reading Peter’s prayer and command in the room where Tabitha lay encourages the group to reflect on prayer as the place where God’s power is sought and received.
Memory Verse for Acts 9
A Closing Prayer for the Group
Father, we thank you that you meet people on the road, in the middle of their resistance, and call them by name. Thank you that you chose Saul, and that you sent Ananias to him with a word of healing. Give us the courage to obey when our fears are loud, and the humility to receive help from others. Make us people who bring peace and growth to the places where we live, walking in the fear of the Lord and the comfort of your Spirit. Raise up in us the same kind of faithfulness we see in Tabitha, and let our lives point others to you. We ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.
