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The One Year New Testament

November 11

Acts 9:1-19a

Acts 9:1-19a

But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. 3 Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. 4 And falling to the ground he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” 5 And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. 6 But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.” 7 The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one. 8 Saul rose from the ground, and although his eyes were opened, he saw nothing. So they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. 9 And for three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank.

10 Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.” 11 And the Lord said to him, “Rise and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying, 12 and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight.” 13 But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem. 14 And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name.” 15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. 16 For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.” 17 So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized; 19 and taking food, he was strengthened.

For some days he was with the disciples at Damascus.

Reflection

In the book of Acts, God’s gospel not only overcomes ethnic and geographic barriers but also breaks through the most difficult barrier of all: human sin. Saul learns firsthand how closely Jesus identifies with his church. In persecuting those of “the Way,” Saul was persecuting Christ himself (Acts 9:4–5). In response to the question, “Who are you?” Saul would have preferred any response to the one he receives: “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.” When opposing God’s people, Saul was opposing God himself (cf. 5:38–39).

Saul is blinded by Christ’s brilliance, and his physical blindness allows him to see himself truly. He finally recognizes his own powerlessness and weakness, and humbly accepts his blindness. Before sending Saul to take the gospel to the Gentiles, God tears down his self-reliance. Only after being thoroughly humbled is Saul ready for the restoration that comes from the gospel of Jesus Christ. “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6). Saul was at his worst when Jesus met him on the Damascus road. Here again we are warned against condemning anyone as lost beyond hope, including ourselves. God can reach to his most distant enemies and lovingly convert them into chosen instruments of the good news (Acts 9:15).

2 John 1-3

2 John 1-3

The elder to the elect lady and her children, whom I love in truth, and not only I, but also all who know the truth, 2 because of the truth that abides in us and will be with us forever:

3 Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ the Father's Son, in truth and love.

Reflection

It is impossible to miss John’s emphasis on “truth” in these opening verses. As in his first letter, John is here concerned that the truth of the gospel be the foundation upon which all Christian life should be grounded. But truth is not the only matter of importance. John is quick to link it with love (2 John 1, 3; cf. v. 12). When the truth of the gospel genuinely takes root in a person’s life, it will always produce the fruit of love.

Psalm 99:1-5

Psalm 99:1-5

The Lord reigns; let the peoples tremble!
He sits enthroned upon the cherubim; let the earth quake!
2 The Lord is great in Zion;
he is exalted over all the peoples.
3 Let them praise your great and awesome name!
Holy is he!
4 The King in his might loves justice.
You have established equity;
you have executed justice
and righteousness in Jacob.
5 Exalt the Lord our God;
worship at his footstool!
Holy is he!

Thoughts For Prayer

Self-esteem is one of the most subtle and dangerous mentalities of our culture, and it is directly opposed to the gospel. Rather than thinking highly of ourselves, we should abandon thoughts of our own greatness and think highly of Jesus. Pray that you would see as clearly as Paul did when he realized that he had to reject all self-reliance and put his hope in Christ alone.

Missions Prayer Requests More

  • November 11, 2025

    Supported Workers: Emily (& Blake) Ackerson, Ruth (& Artis) Powell

    Countries: Australia, United States of America, Zambia

    As the semester ends, pray that the Lord will continue to open doors for Emily and Blake and their team to make Jesus known. Pray that the Lord will give Bridges International clear direction and wisdom as their team prepares and makes plans for next year. Pray that many students and hosts will sign up for their Friends for Dinner hospitality program, when local Christians will welcome international students into their homes for a meal and friendship during the Christmas season. Thank you for praying for the funds to purchase the solar pump and the solar panels for people in the village of Kasempa, Zambia. The goal is to provide running water so they don't have to spend so much time pumping to fill a bucket with water. God provided the funds, and the solar pump and panels were purchased and installed. They still need timber for the base of the water tank, cement sand, gravel to cement the stand for the water tank, water pipes, and a garden tap for water supply. Those items and labor will cost $340. Please pray that God will provide what is needed to finish the project.

    Uganda (Africa). Population: 51,384,894 Believers: 37.0%. Young people’s ministry is fundamental to developing the country, given that nearly half of all Ugandans are under 16 years old. Pray for the extensive ministry in schools and for ministries on university campuses. Pray also for effective Sunday school and youth programs in churches. Pray that a nation with such a high proportion of Christians and a high proportion of children might produce a generation that truly knows and loves the Lord! From Operation World DVD-ROM 2010 and www.operationworld.org

The One Year New Testament Copyright Tyndale House Publishers, used by Permission. NIV Bible copyright International Bible Society.