Acts 9:1-22 : Easy-to-Read Version
Saul Is Converted
9 [In Jerusalem] Saul was still trying to scare and kill the followers of the Lord (Jesus) all the time. So he went to the high priest.* 2Saul asked him to write letters to the Jews of the synagogues* in the city of Damascus. Saul wanted the high priest to give him the authority to find people in Damascus who were followers of the Way [of Jesus]. If he found any believers there, men or women, he would arrest them and bring them back to Jerusalem. 3So Saul went to Damascus. When he came near the city, a very bright light from the sky suddenly shined around him. 4Saul fell to the ground. He heard a voice saying to him: "Saul, Saul! Why are you doing these bad things to me?" 5Saul said, "Who are you, Lord?" The voice answered, "I am Jesus. I am the One you are trying to hurt. 6Get up now and go into the city. Someone there will tell you what you must do." 7The men traveling with Saul stood there. They said nothing. The men heard the voice, but they saw no one. 8Saul got up from the ground. He opened his eyes, but he could not see. So the men with Saul held his hand and led him into Damascus. 9For three days Saul could not see; he did not eat or drink. 10There was a follower [of Jesus] in Damascus. His name was Ananias. The Lord (Jesus) spoke to Ananias in a vision.* The Lord said, "Ananias!" Ananias answered, "Here I am, Lord." 11The Lord said to Ananias, "Get up and go to the street called Straight Street. Find the house of Judas.* Ask for a man named Saul from the city of Tarsus. He is there now, praying. 12Saul has seen a vision.* In this vision a man named Ananias came to him and put his hands on him. Then Saul could see again." 13But Ananias answered, "Lord (Jesus), many people have told me about this man (Saul). They told me about the many bad things this man did to your holy people in Jerusalem. 14Now he (Saul) has come here to Damascus. The leading priests have given him the power to arrest all people that believe in you.*" 15But the Lord (Jesus) said to Ananias, "Go! I have chosen Saul for an important work. He must tell about me to kings, to the Jewish people, and to other nations. 16I will show Saul the things he must suffer for my name." 17So Ananias left and went to the house of Judas. He put his hands on Saul and said, "Saul, my brother, the Lord Jesus sent me. He is the One you saw on the road when you came here. Jesus sent me so that you can see again and so that you can be filled with the Holy Spirit.*" 18Immediately, something that looked like fish scales fell off Saul's eyes. Saul was able to see again! Saul got up and was baptized.* 19Then he ate some food and began to feel strong again.
Saul Begins to Tell About Jesus
Saul stayed with the followers [of Jesus] in Damascus for a few days. 20Soon he began to go to the synagogues* and tell people about Jesus. He told the people, "Jesus is the Son of God!" 21All the people that heard Saul were amazed. They said, "This is the same man that was in Jerusalem. He was trying to destroy the people that trust in this name (Jesus)! He (Saul) has come here to do the same thing. He came here to arrest the followers [of Jesus] and take them back [to Jerusalem] to the leading priests." 22But Saul became more and more powerful. He proved that Jesus is the Christ.* His proofs were so strong that the Jews who lived in Damascus could not argue with him.
high priest The most important Jewish priest and leader. synagogue(s) Synagogues were places where Jews gathered for prayer, study of the Scriptures, and other public meetings. vision(s) Something like dreams used by God to speak to people. Judas This is not either of the apostles named Judas. believe in you Literally, "call on your name," meaning to show faith in Jesus by worshiping or praying to him. Spirit, Holy Spirit Also called the Spirit of God, the Spirit of Christ, and the Comforter. Joined with God and Christ, he does God's work among people in the world. baptized A Greek word meaning to be immersed, dipped, or buried briefly under water. Christ The "anointed one" (Messiah) or chosen one of God.