4 The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.2 Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.
Elihu is introduced in Job 32:2, towards the end of the book. His speeches comprise chapters 32-37,[1] and he opens his discourse with more modesty than displayed by the other comforters. Elihu addresses Job by name (Job 33:1, 33:31, 37:14),[2] and his words differ from those of the three friends in that his monologues discuss divine providence, which he insists is full of wisdom and mercy.
The narrator's preface Job 32:4–5 and Elihu's own words in Job 32:11
indicate that he has been listening intently to the conversation
between Job and the other three men. He also admits his status as one
who is not an elder (32:6–7). As Elihu's monologue reveals, his anger
against the three older men was so strong he could not contain himself
(32:2–4). An "angry young man",[3][4] he is critical of both Job and his friends:
1Then the Lord spoke to Job out of the storm. He said:
2“Who is this that obscures my plans
with words without knowledge?
2 Chronicles 1
New International Version
8 Solomon answered God, “You have shown great kindness to David my father and have made me king in his place.9 Now, Lord God, let your promise to my father David be confirmed, for you have made me king over a people who are as numerous as the dust of the earth.10 Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this great people of yours?”
1 Kings 12
1
Rehoboam went to Shechem, for all the Israelites had gone there to make him king.
2
When Jeroboam son of Nebat heard this (he was still in Egypt, where he had fled from King Solomon), he returned from [1] Egypt.
3
So they sent for Jeroboam, and he and the whole assembly of Israel went to Rehoboam and said to him:
4
"Your father put a heavy yoke on us, but now lighten the harsh labor and the heavy yoke he put on us, and we will serve you."
5
Rehoboam answered, "Go away for three days and then come back to me." So the people went away.
6
Then
King Rehoboam consulted the elders who had served his father Solomon
during his lifetime. "How would you advise me to answer these people?"
he asked.
7
They replied, "If today you will be a
servant to these people and serve them and give them a favorable answer,
they will always be your servants."
8
But Rehoboam rejected the advice the elders gave him and consulted the young men who had grown up with him and were serving him.
9
He asked them, "What is your advice? How should we answer these people who say to me, `Lighten the yoke your father put on us'?"
10
The
young men who had grown up with him replied, "Tell these people who
have said to you, `Your father put a heavy yoke on us, but make our yoke
lighter'--tell them, `My little finger is thicker than my father's
waist.
11
My father laid on you a heavy yoke; I will
make it even heavier. My father scourged you with whips; I will scourge
you with scorpions.'"
12
Three days later Jeroboam and all the people returned to Rehoboam, as the king had said, "Come back to me in three days."
13
The king answered the people harshly. Rejecting the advice given him by the elders,
14
he
followed the advice of the young men and said, "My father made your
yoke heavy; I will make it even heavier. My father scourged you with
whips; I will scourge you with scorpions."
My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, 2 turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding— 3 indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, 4 and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, 5 then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. 6 For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. 7 He holds success in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, 8 for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones.
9 Then you will understand what is right and just and fair—every good path. 10 For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. 11 Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you.
12 Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men, from men whose words are perverse, 13 who have left the straight paths to walk in dark ways, 14 who delight in doing wrong and rejoice in the perverseness of evil, 15 whose paths are crooked and who are devious in their ways.
16 Wisdom will save you also from the adulterous woman, from the wayward woman with her seductive words, 17 who has left the partner of her youth and ignored the covenant she made before God.[a] 18 Surely her house leads down to death and her paths to the spirits of the dead. 19 None who go to her return or attain the paths of life.
20 Thus you will walk in the ways of the good and keep to the paths of the righteous. 21 For the upright will live in the land, and the blameless will remain in it; 22 but the wicked will be cut off from the land, and the unfaithful will be torn from it.
Definition of proverb noun from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary
proverb
noun
a well-known phrase or sentence that gives advice or says something that is generally true, for example ‘Waste not, want not.’
מִ֭שְׁלֵי
miš·lê — 3 Occurrences
Proverbs 1:1 HEB: מִ֭שְׁלֵי שְׁלֹמֹ֣ה בֶן־ NAS:The proverbs of Solomon the son KJV:The proverbs of Solomon the son INT:the proverbs of Solomon the son
Proverbs 10:1 HEB: מִשְׁלֵ֗י שְׁלֹ֫מֹ֥ה פ NAS:The proverbs of Solomon. A wise KJV:The proverbs of Solomon. A wise INT:the proverbs of Solomon son
Proverbs 25:1 HEB:גַּם־ אֵ֭לֶּה מִשְׁלֵ֣י שְׁלֹמֹ֑ה אֲשֶׁ֥ר NAS: also are proverbs of Solomon KJV:These [are] also proverbs of Solomon, INT: also These are proverbs of Solomon which
ḥāḵ·māh — 74 Occurrences
חָכְמָ֣ה
Exodus 28:3 HEB:מִלֵּאתִ֖יו ר֣וּחַ חָכְמָ֑ה וְעָשׂ֞וּ אֶת־ NAS: with the spirit of wisdom, that they make KJV: with the spirit of wisdom, that they may make INT: have endowed the spirit of wisdom make garments
da·‘aṯ — 52 Occurrences
דַּ֣עַת
Numbers 24:16 HEB:אֵ֔ל וְיֹדֵ֖עַ דַּ֣עַת עֶלְי֑וֹן מַחֲזֵ֤ה NAS: And knows the knowledge of the Most High, KJV: and knew the knowledge of the most High, INT: of God and knows the knowledge of the Most the vision
What Kind of Fool?
BySkip Moen, Ph.D.
Keeping away from strife is an honor for a man, but any fool will quarrel. Proverbs 20:3 NASB
Fool – Proverbs employs several different words for the
English “fool.” Knowing which one makes a big difference. “Fool” can
be the translation of ‘ewil (as it is here), or kesil or nabal. Sometimes it is even the translation of lets (usually “scoffer”). There are differences not captured in English. ‘ewil
is someone who not only lacks sense but is morally deficient or
corrupt. In Hebrew, the word “fool” doesn’t usually describe a person
without commonsense or street savvy. It is not about someone who is
stupid. It is about someone who either ignores the moral government of
God or acts in opposition to God’s sovereign reign or both. Kesil
is someone who is simply ignorant of the moral demands of God. While
this person acts against God’s instructions at the time, it is still
possible for an awakening since his disobedience is not deliberate. For
this person, Leviticus provides restoration and renewed access to the
Kingdom. But ‘ewil is in far more trouble. He acts with
intentional disregard for what he knows to be true, claiming that as
long as no immediate consequences befall him, no real harm is done. He
operates on the moral principle of what he can get away with. He is a
walking, waiting disaster. He is a man who has all the answers and
proudly announces such.
Then there is the nabal. This word is used to describe a
false prophet among others. This is a person who shames his parents,
disregards civility, runs at the mouth and will eventually die a
disrespectful death. He has no fear of God or Man and his life displays
the consequences of this attitude. Proverbs strongly suggests avoiding
such a person since this attitude about life will also lead others
astray.
Finally, there is lets. This is a person of contempt; one who
mocks and ridicules. Amazingly, our culture often idolizes such
Cretans as if scoffing or taunting others is a mark of supremacy. We
might want to reconsider the real impact of making jokes at another’s
expense. This man satirizes his opponents, derides their morality and
generally jeers at any ethics he does not wish to endorse. As far as
the biblical text is concerned, such a person is without hope in the olam ha’ba. It is far better to simply walk away than to engage this kind of fool. In at least one sense, even God has written him off.
If you run across a kesil, there is still time for recovery. The only obstacle to a morally upright life is education (by the way, this is not “information”). Ignorance is not bliss. In this case, it is considerable danger. But if you encounter an ‘ewil,
you will know as soon as his mouth opens that there is no end to his
protests and he is a bottomless pit in his demands. Let him go. No
honor is found in arguing with one who does not wish to learn. As for
the other two “fools,” take the first “Exit” you can find.
Wisdom's Seven Pillars is a
women's Bible study by Author Nancy Sari that teaches the seven pillars
that uphold wisdom's house found in Proverbs 9:1. Wisdom's seven
pillars, according to scripture, are:
9 Not only was the Teacher wise, but he also imparted knowledge to the people. He pondered and searched out and set in order many proverbs.10 The Teacher searched to find just the right words, and what he wrote was upright and true.
11 The words of the wise are like goads, their collected sayings like firmly embedded nails—given by one shepherd.[b]12 Be warned, my son, of anything in addition to them.
Of making many books there is no end, and much study wearies the body.
13 Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. 14 For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.
The Little Ways That Encourage Good Fortune by William Stafford
Wisdom is having things right in your life and knowing why. If you do not have things right in your life you will be overwhelmed: you may be heroic, but you will not be wise. If you have things right in your life but do not know why, you are just lucky, and you will not move in the little ways that encourage good fortune.
The saddest are those not right in their lives who are acting to make things right for others: they act only from the self— and that self will never be right: no luck, no help, no wisdom.
7 After the king was settled in his palace and the Lord had given him rest from all his enemies around him,2 he said to Nathan the prophet, “Here I am, living in a house of cedar, while the ark of God remains in a tent.”
3 Nathan replied to the king, “Whatever you have in mind, go ahead and do it, for the Lord is with you.”
4 But that night the word of the Lord came to Nathan, saying:
5 “Go and tell my servant David, ‘This is what the Lord says: Are you the one to build me a house to dwell in?6 I have not dwelt in a house from the day I brought the Israelites up out of Egypt to this day. I have been moving from place to place with a tent as my dwelling.7 Wherever I have moved with all the Israelites, did I ever say to any of their rulers whom I commanded to shepherd my people Israel, “Why have you not built me a house of cedar?”’
8 “Now then, tell my servant David, ‘This is what the Lord Almighty says: I took you from the pasture, from tending the flock, and appointed you ruler over my people Israel.9 I have been with you wherever you have gone, and I have cut off all your enemies from before you. Now I will make your name great, like the names of the greatest men on earth.10 And I will provide a place for my people Israel and will plant them so that they can have a home of their own and no longer be disturbed. Wicked people will not oppress them anymore, as they did at the beginning11 and have done ever since the time I appointed leaders[a] over my people Israel. I will also give you rest from all your enemies.
“‘The Lord declares to you that the Lord himself will establish a house for you:12 When your days are over and you rest with your ancestors, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, your own flesh and blood, and I will establish his kingdom.13 He is the one who will build a house for my Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.14 I will be his father, and he will be my son. When he does wrong, I will punish him with a rod wielded by men, with floggings inflicted by human hands.15 But my love will never be taken away from him, as I took it away from Saul, whom I removed from before you.16 Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me[b]; your throne will be established forever.’”
17 Nathan reported to David all the words of this entire revelation.
Proverbs 1 NIV
1
The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:
2
for attaining wisdom and discipline; for understanding words of insight;
3
for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair;
4
for giving prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the young--
5
let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance--
6
for understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise.
7
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools [1] despise wisdom and discipline.
8
Listen, my son, to your father's instruction and do not forsake your mother's teaching.
9
They will be a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck.
10
My son, if sinners entice you, do not give in to them.
11
If they say, "Come along with us; let's lie in wait for someone's blood, let's waylay some harmless soul;
12
let's swallow them alive, like the grave, [2] and whole, like those who go down to the pit;
13
we will get all sorts of valuable things and fill our houses with plunder;
14
throw in your lot with us, and we will share a common purse"--
15
my son, do not go along with them, do not set foot on their paths;
16
for their feet rush into sin, they are swift to shed blood.
17
How useless to spread a net in full view of all the birds!
18
These men lie in wait for their own blood; they waylay only themselves!
19
Such is the end of all who go after ill-gotten gain; it takes away the lives of those who get it.
20
Wisdom calls aloud in the street, she raises her voice in the public squares;
21
at the head of the noisy streets [3] she cries out, in the gateways of the city she makes her speech:
22
"How long will you simple ones [4] love your simple ways? How long will mockers delight in mockery and fools hate knowledge?
23
If you had responded to my rebuke, I would have poured out my heart to you and made my thoughts known to you.
24
But since you rejected me when I called and no one gave heed when I stretched out my hand,
25
since you ignored all my advice and would not accept my rebuke,
26
I in turn will laugh at your disaster; I will mock when calamity overtakes you--
27
when calamity overtakes you like a storm, when disaster sweeps over you like a whirlwind, when distress and trouble overwhelm you.
28
"Then they will call to me but I will not answer; they will look for me but will not find me.
29
Since they hated knowledge and did not choose to fear the LORD,
30
since they would not accept my advice and spurned my rebuke,
31
they will eat the fruit of their ways and be filled with the fruit of their schemes.
32
For the waywardness of the simple will kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them;
33
but whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm."
A chronological chart of the time, people and places in the Acts of the Apostles and Letters of the Apostle Paul. Acts Time Line in PDF
By Wil Pounds
--44 B.C.
Caesar Assassinated
--4 B.C.
Birth of Jesus (c. 5 or 4 B.C.)
--2 B.C.
Birth of Saul of Tarsus (Paul)
ACTS chaps
A.D. year
–14
Tiberius Emperor of Rome
--18
Joseph Caiaphas High Priest
--26
Pontius Pilate Roman Prefect of Judaea
–28
Public Ministry of Jesus
Church in Jerusalem
1–
–30
Ascension of Jesus
Pentecost
2–
–
Conversion of Paul (c. 33–36 AD)
9–
–33
Paul in Cilicia & Syria
–
–35
Paul's Visit to Jerusalem 9:26–30
–
–37
Caligula Gaius Augustus Emperor of Rome 37–41
--39
Herod Antipas exiled to Gaul
Conversion of Cornelius
10–
–40
–
–41
Claudius Emperor of Rome 41–54
12–
–44
Martyrdom of James; Death of Herod Agrippa
Paul's Second Jerusalem Visit
–
–46
Paul & Barnabas in Cyprus & Galatia (47–48 AD)
13–
–47
FIRST MISSIONARY JOURNEY (13:1–14:28)
Council in Jerusalem (15:1–35)
15–
–49
Jews Expelled from Rome
Paul & Silas traveled from Syrian Antioch through Asia Minor to Macedonia & Achaia (49–50 AD)
–
–49
Letter to the Galatians
–
–49
SECOND MISSIONARY JOURNEY (15:36–18:22)
–
–50
Letters to the Thessalonians
Paul in Corinth (50–52 AD)
–
–51
Gallo proconsul of Achaia (51–52 AD)
–
–52
Felix procurator of Judea (52–50 AD)
Paul's Third Jerusalem Visit (April–Summer)
18–
–52
THIRD MISSIONARY JOURNEY (18:23–21:26)
Paul in Ephesus (52–55 AD)
19–
–54
Nero Emperor of Rome (54–68 AD)
Paul in Macedonia, Illyricum & Achaia (55–57AD)
20–
–55
Letters to the Corinthians (55–56 AD)
–
–57
Early 57 AD Letter to the Romans
21–
–57
May of 57 AD
Paul's Fourth & Last Jerusalem Visit
21–
–57
Festus succeeds Felix as procurator of Judea
Paul's Imprisonment in Caesarea (57–59 AD) (23:11–26:32) Possibly Luke wrote Gospel at this time
27–
–59
September Nero murders his mother Agrippina
28–
–60
February
PAUL'S VOYAGE TO ROME
28–
–
Paul shipwrecked at Malta
Paul's arrival in Rome
28–
–
Letters to Philippians, Colossians, Ephesus, Philemon
Paul under house arrest in Rome (60–62 AD
–
–62
Death of FOxford English Dictionaryestus; Albinus procurator of Judea Death of James, half-brother of Jesus and head of the Jerusalem Church by the high priest Ananus II
Anyone is free to use this material and distribute it, but it may not be sold under any circumstances whatsoever without the author's written consent. These resources are provided free as a faith ministry and is supported by Chrisitans who pray and share in the expenses.
Dr. J. Vernon McGee :: Outline for Acts OUTLINE: I. The Lord Jesus Christ at work by the Holy Spirit through the apostles in Jerusalem, Chapters 1—7 A. Preparation for the coming of the Spirit, Chapter 1 1. Introduction, vv. 1, 2 2. 40 days post-resurrection ministry of Jesus, vv. 3-9 3. Ascension and promise of the return of Jesus, vv. 10, 11 4. Waiting for the Spirit, vv. 12-14 5. Appointment of an apostle, vv. 15-26 B. Day of Pentecost (Bethlehem of the Holy Spirit), Chapter 2 1. Coming of the Holy Spirit, vv. 1-13 2. 1st sermon in the church age by Peter, vv. 14-47 C. 1st miracle of the church; Peter’s 2nd sermon, Chapter 3 1. Healing of lame man, vv. 1-11 2. Appealing and revealing address of Peter, vv. 12-26 3. Believing 5000 men (results), Act 4:4 D. 1st persecution of the church; power of the Holy Spirit, Chapter 4 E. Death of Ananias and Sapphira; 2nd persecution, Chapter 5 (Discipline within and persecution without) F. Appointment of deacons; witness of Stephen, a deacon, Chapter 6 G. Stephen’s address and martyrdom (1st martyr), Chapter 7 II. The Lord Jesus Christ at work by the Holy Spirit through the apostles in Judæa and Samaria, Chapters 8—12 A. Conversion of Ethiopian Eunuch (son of Ham), Chapter 8 B. Conversion of Saul of Tarsus (son of Shem), Chapter 9 C. Conversion of Cornelius, Roman centurion (son of Japheth), Chapter 10 D. Peter defends his ministry; gospel goes to Antioch, Chapter 11 E. Death of James; arrest of Peter, Chapter 12 III. The Lord Jesus Christ at work by the Holy Spirit through the apostles to the uttermost part of the earth, Chapters 13—28 A. 1st missionary journey of Paul, Chapters 13, 14 Outline for Acts by Dr. J. Vernon McGee https://www.blueletterbible.org/Comm/mcgee_j_vernon/notes-outlines/ac... 1 of 2 1/28/2022, 5:52 PM B. Council at Jerusalem, Chapter 15 C. 2nd missionary journey of Paul, Chapters 15:36—16:40 D. 2nd missionary journey (continued) Paul in Thessalonica, Athens, Chapter 17 E. 2nd missionary journey (concluded) Paul in Corinth; Apollos in Ephesus, Chapter 18 F. 3rd missionary journey, Chapters 18:23—21:14 Paul in Ephesus, Chapter 19 G. 3rd missionary journey of Paul (continued), Chapter 20 H. Paul goes to Jerusalem and is arrested, Chapter 21 I. Paul’s defense before the mob at Jerusalem, Chapter 22 J. Paul’s defense before the Sanhedrin, Chapter 23 K. Paul before Felix, Chapter 24 L. Paul before Festus, Chapter 25 M. Paul before Agrippa, Chapter 26 N. Paul goes to Rome via storm and shipwreck, Chapter 27 O. Paul arrives in Rome, Chapter 28 (Last seen preaching to Gentiles) Outline for Acts by Dr. J. Vernon McGee https://www.blueletterbible.org/Comm/mcgee_j_vernon/notes-outlines/ac... 2 of 2 1/28/2022, 5:52 PM
Acts 1
Holman Christian Standard Bible
Prologue
1 I wrote the first narrative, Theophilus, about all that Jesus began to do and teach 2 until the day He was taken up, after He had given orders through the Holy Spirit to the apostles He had chosen. 3 After
He had suffered, He also presented Himself alive to them by many
convincing proofs, appearing to them during 40 days and speaking about
the kingdom of God.
The Holy Spirit Promised
4 While He was together[a] with them, He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for the Father’s promise. “This,” He said, “is what you heard from Me;5 for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”
6 So when they had come together, they asked Him, “Lord, are You restoring the kingdom to Israel at this time?”
7 He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or periods that the Father has set by His own authority.8 But
you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you
will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the
ends[b] of the earth.”
The Ascension
9 After He had said this, He was taken up as they were watching, and a cloud took Him out of their sight. 10 While He was going, they were gazing into heaven, and suddenly two men in white clothes stood by them. 11 They
said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up into heaven? This
Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come in the same
way that you have seen Him going into heaven.”
United in Prayer
12 Then
they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called the Mount of Olives,
which is near Jerusalem—a Sabbath day’s journey away. 13 When they arrived, they went to the room upstairs where they were staying:
Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas the son of James.
14 All these were continually united in prayer,[c] along with the women, including Mary[d] the mother of Jesus, and His brothers.
Acts2
Pentecost
2 When the day of Pentecost had arrived, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like that of a violent rushing wind came from heaven, and it filled the whole house where they were staying. 3 And tongues, like flames of fire that were divided, appeared to them and rested on each one of them. 4 Then they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different languages, as the Spirit gave them ability for speech.
5 There were Jews living in Jerusalem, devout men from every nation under heaven. 6 When this sound occurred, a crowd came together and was confused because each one heard them speaking in his own language. 7 And they were astounded and amazed, saying,[a] “Look, aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 How is it that each of us can hear in our own native language? 9 Parthians, Medes, Elamites; those who live in Mesopotamia, in Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, 11 Cretans and Arabs—we hear them speaking the magnificent acts of God in our own languages.” 12 They were all astounded and perplexed, saying to one another, “What could this be?” 13 But some sneered and said, “They’re full of new wine!”
Peter’s Sermon
14 But
Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice, and proclaimed to
them: “Men of Judah and all you residents of Jerusalem, let me explain
this[b] to you and pay attention to my words. 15 For these people are not drunk, as you suppose, since it’s only nine in the morning.[c]16 On the contrary, this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel:
17 And it will be in the last days, says God, that I will pour out My Spirit on all humanity; then your sons and your daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams. 18 I will even pour out My Spirit on My male and female slaves in those days, and they will prophesy. 19 I will display wonders in the heaven above and signs on the earth below: blood and fire and a cloud of smoke. 20 The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the great and remarkable Day of the Lord comes. 21 Then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.[d]
2:42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to the prayers.
9 Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord. He went to the high priest 2 and requested letters from him to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any men or women who belonged to the Way, he might bring them as prisoners to Jerusalem. 3 As he traveled and was nearing Damascus, a light from heaven suddenly flashed around him. 4 Falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?”
5 “Who are You, Lord?” he said.
“I am Jesus, the One you are persecuting,” He replied. 6 “But get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”
7 The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the sound but seeing no one. 8 Then
Saul got up from the ground, and though his eyes were open, he could
see nothing. So they took him by the hand and led him into Damascus. 9 He was unable to see for three days and did not eat or drink.
Saul’s Baptism
10 There was a disciple in Damascus named Ananias. And the Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias!”
“Here I am, Lord!” he said.
11 “Get up and go to the street called Straight,” the Lord said to him, “to the house of Judas, and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, since he is praying there.12 In a vision[a] he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and placing his hands on him so he can regain his sight.”
13 “Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard from many people about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem. 14 And he has authority here from the chief priests to arrest all who call on Your name.”
15 But the Lord said to him, “Go! For this man is My chosen instrument to take My name to Gentiles, kings, and the Israelites.16 I will show him how much he must suffer for My name!”
17 So
Ananias left and entered the house. Then he placed his hands on him and
said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road
you were traveling, has sent me so that you can regain your sight and be
filled with the Holy Spirit.”
18 At once something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he got up and was baptized. 19 And after taking some food, he regained his strength.
Saul Proclaiming the Messiah
Saul was with the disciples in Damascus for some days. 20 Immediately he began proclaiming Jesus in the synagogues: “He is the Son of God.”
21 But
all who heard him were astounded and said, “Isn’t this the man who, in
Jerusalem, was destroying those who called on this name and then came
here for the purpose of taking them as prisoners to the chief priests?”
22 But Saul grew more capable and kept confounding the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that this One is the Messiah.
23 After many days had passed, the Jews conspired to kill him, 24 but their plot became known to Saul. So they were watching the gates day and night intending to kill him, 25 but his disciples took him by night and lowered him in a large basket through an opening in the wall.
13 In
the church that was at Antioch there were prophets and teachers:
Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius the Cyrenian, Manaen, a
close friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
2 As they were ministering to[a] the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work I have called them to.” 3 Then after they had fasted, prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them off.
The Wrath of Elihu (1805) by William Blake; one of his series of illustrations of the Book of Job 
