Acts 9:1-42 God at work!

Christ's power, majesty & glory - when it 'shone' on Saul, he could do nothing, but bow down.  It was immediately clear who was speaking & interacting with Saul.  Jesus is above all, powerful, majestic and glorious.

Christ's compassion, love & grace - however, despite Saul doing his worst, Jesus does his 'best' & shows compassion, love & grace beyond what would or could be expected and offers the forgiveness of sins to all, including Saul.

Ananias' task was to be obedient to God and "go".  Even though he wasn't God's chosen instrument, he was a part of the puzzle that would lead to Saul being used by God.  Ananias went & was obedient to Jesus' call, even if it would bring him no personal reward.

Saul demonstrated his sincerity of conversion by preaching that Jesus is the Son of God right from the start.  Even amongst persecution, he continued.

The church had spread even further - God's promise of 1:8 was coming to fruition.  Key to this was being "Strengthened and encouraged by the Holy Spirit" and "Living in fear of the Lord."

In both Damascus (v22-25) & Jerusalem (v26-30), Saul had new enemies and new friends.  He faced opposition, persecution and the threat of death but also experienced the warmth of Christian hospitality and care.

The evidence of revival at this time was people believing in the Lord, changed lives and also persecution and opposition.  Jesus as Saviour, Teacher, Healer & Friend was at work. We ought to pray for similar movements of God.

Dorcas is presented as a delightful woman - she was always doing good, helping the poor.  When she died, the widows were mourning.  We are called as Christians to do good, helping the poor and live lives that count.

Peter raised Dorcas back to life in the name of Jesus.  He realised only God could raise her, so he turned to God in prayer & asked that God would restore her.

Peter was believing Jesus' promise of "greater things" in John 14:12.  He believed them and experienced the power of the Holy Spirit at work in Him and through Him.  The question is "Do I?"