Acts 9:3-31
New American Standard Bible
Chapter 9
3Now as he was traveling, it happened that he was approaching Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him; 4and he fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?' 5And he said, 'Who are You, Lord?' And He said, 'I am Jesus whom you are persecuting, 6but get up and enter the city, and it will be told to you what you must do.' 7The men who traveled with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one. 8Saul got up from the ground, and though his eyes were open, he could see nothing; and leading him by the hand, they brought him into Damascus. 9And for three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank.
10Now there was a disciple in Damascus named Ananias; and the Lord said to him in a vision, 'Ananias.' And he said, 'Here I am, Lord.'
11And the Lord said to him, 'Get up and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying,
12and 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.'
13But Ananias answered, 'Lord, I have heard from many people about this man, how much harm he did to Your saints in Jerusalem;
14and here he has authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on Your name.'
15But the Lord said to him, 'Go, for he is a chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel;
16for I will show him how much he must suffer in behalf of My name.'
17So Ananias departed and entered the house, and after laying his hands on him said, 'Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road by which you were coming, has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.'
18And immediately something like fish scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight, and he got up and was baptized;
19and he took food and was strengthened. Now for several days he was with the disciples who were in Damascus,
20and immediately he began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, saying, 'He is the Son of God.'
21All those hearing him continued to be amazed, and were saying, 'Is this not the one who in Jerusalem destroyed those who called on this name, and had come here for the purpose of bringing them bound before the chief priests?'
22But Saul kept increasing in strength and confounding Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that this Jesus is the Christ.
23When many days had elapsed, the Jews plotted together to do away with him,
24but their plot became known to Saul. They were also closely watching the gates day and night so that they might put him to death;
25but his disciples took him at night and let him down through an opening in the wall, lowering him in a large basket.
26When he came to Jerusalem, he tried repeatedly to associate with the disciples; and yet they were all afraid of him, as they did not believe that he was a disciple.
27But Barnabas took hold of him and brought him to the apostles and described to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had talked to him, and how he had spoken out boldly in the name of Jesus at Damascus.
28And he was with them, moving about freely in Jerusalem, speaking out boldly in the name of the Lord.
29And he was talking and arguing with the Hellenistic Jews; but they were attempting to put him to death.
30Now when the brothers learned of it, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him away to Tarsus.
King James Version
Chapter 9
3And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: 4And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me 5And he said, Who art thou, Lord And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. 6And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. 7And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man. 8And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus. 9And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.
10And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord.
11And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth,
12And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.
13Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem:
14And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name.
15But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:
16For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.
17And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.
18And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.
19And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.
20And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.
21But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests?
22But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.
23And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him:
24But their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him.
25Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket.
26And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple.
27But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.
28And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem.
29And he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him.
30Which when the brethren knew, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus.
Christian Standard Bible
Chapter 9
3As he traveled and was nearing Damascus, a light from heaven suddenly flashed around him. 4Falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?"
5"Who are you, Lord?" Saul 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."
7The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the sound but seeing no one.
8Saul 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.
9He was unable to see for three days and did not eat or drink.
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.
12In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and placing his hands on him so that he may 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.
14And he has authority here from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name."
15But the Lord said to him, "Go, for this man is my chosen instrument to take my name to Gentiles, kings, and Israelites.
16I will show him how much he must suffer for my name."
19And after taking some food, he regained his strength. Saul was with the disciples in Damascus for some time.
20Immediately he began proclaiming Jesus in the synagogues: "He is the Son of God."
23After many days had passed, the Jews conspired to kill him,
24but Saul learned of their plot. So they were watching the gates day and night intending to kill him,
25but his disciples took him by night and lowered him in a large basket through an opening in the wall.
26When he arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, since they did not believe he was a disciple.
27Barnabas, however, took him and brought him to the apostles and explained to them how Saul had seen the Lord on the road and that the Lord had talked to him, and how in Damascus he had spoken boldly in the name of Jesus.
28Saul was coming and going with them in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord.
29He conversed and debated with the Hellenistic Jews, but they tried to kill him.
30When the brothers found out, they took him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus.
New Living Translation
Chapter 9
3As he was approaching Damascus on this mission, a light from heaven suddenly shone down around him. 4He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, 'Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?'
5Who are you, lord?' Saul asked. And the voice replied, 'I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting!
6Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.'
7The men with Saul stood speechless, for they heard the sound of someone’s voice but saw no one!
8Saul picked himself up off the ground, but when he opened his eyes he was blind. So his companions led him by the hand to Damascus.
9He remained there blind for three days and did not eat or drink.
11The Lord said, 'Go over to Straight Street, to the house of Judas. When you get there, ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul. He is praying to me right now.
12I have shown him a vision of a man named Ananias coming in and laying hands on him so he can see again.'
13But Lord,' exclaimed Ananias, 'I’ve heard many people talk about the terrible things this man has done to the believers in Jerusalem!
14And he is authorized by the leading priests to arrest everyone who calls upon your name.'
15But the Lord said, 'Go, for Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel.
16And I will show him how much he must suffer for my name’s sake.'
17So Ananias went and found Saul. He laid his hands on him and said, 'Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road, has sent me so that you might regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.'
18Instantly something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he got up and was baptized.
19Afterward he ate some food and regained his strength. Saul stayed with the believers in Damascus for a few days.
20And immediately he began preaching about Jesus in the synagogues, saying, 'He is indeed the Son of God!'
22Saul’s preaching became more and more powerful, and the Jews in Damascus couldn’t refute his proofs that Jesus was indeed the Messiah.
23After a while some of the Jews plotted together to kill him.
24They were watching for him day and night at the city gate so they could murder him, but Saul was told about their plot.
25So during the night, some of the other believers lowered him in a large basket through an opening in the city wall.
26When Saul arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to meet with the believers, but they were all afraid of him. They did not believe he had truly become a believer!
27Then Barnabas brought him to the apostles and told them how Saul had seen the Lord on the way to Damascus and how the Lord had spoken to Saul. He also told them that Saul had preached boldly in the name of Jesus in Damascus.
28So Saul stayed with the apostles and went all around Jerusalem with them, preaching boldly in the name of the Lord.
29He debated with some Greek-speaking Jews, but they tried to murder him.
30When the believers heard about this, they took him down to Caesarea and sent him away to Tarsus, his hometown.
English Standard Version
Chapter 9
3Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. 4And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?" 5And he said, "Who are you, Lord?" And he said, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. 6But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do." 7The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one. 8Saul 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. 9And for three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank.
10Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, "Ananias." And he said, "Here I am, Lord."
11And 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,
12and 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."
13But Ananias answered, "Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem.
14And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name."
15But 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.
16For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name."
17So 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."
18And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized;
19and taking food, he was strengthened. For some days he was with the disciples at Damascus.
20And immediately he proclaimed Jesus in the synagogues, saying, "He is the Son of God."
21And all who heard him were amazed and said, "Is not this the man who made havoc in Jerusalem of those who called upon this name? And has he not come here for this purpose, to bring them bound before the chief priests?"
22But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus was the Christ.
23When many days had passed, the Jews plotted to kill him,
24but their plot became known to Saul. They were watching the gates day and night in order to kill him,
25but his disciples took him by night and let him down through an opening in the wall, lowering him in a basket.
26And when he had come to Jerusalem, he attempted to join the disciples. And they were all afraid of him, for they did not believe that he was a disciple.
27But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles and declared to them how on the road he had seen the Lord, who spoke to him, and how at Damascus he had preached boldly in the name of Jesus.
28So he went in and out among them at Jerusalem, preaching boldly in the name of the Lord.
29And he spoke and disputed against the Hellenists. But they were seeking to kill him.
30And when the brothers learned this, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus.
New International Version
Chapter 9
3As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. 4He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?"
5"Who are you, Lord?" Saul asked. "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting," he replied.
6"Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do."
7The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone.
8Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus.
9For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything.
11The Lord told him, "Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying.
12In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight."
13"Lord," Ananias answered, "I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem.
14And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name."
15But the Lord said to Ananias, "Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel.
16I will show him how much he must suffer for my name."
17Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit."
18Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized,
19and after taking some food, he regained his strength. Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus.
20At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God.
21All those who heard him were astonished and asked, "Isn’t he the man who raised havoc in Jerusalem among those who call on this name? And hasn’t he come here to take them as prisoners to the chief priests?"
22Yet Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Messiah.
23After many days had gone by, there was a conspiracy among the Jews to kill him,
24but Saul learned of their plan. Day and night they kept close watch on the city gates in order to kill him.
25But his followers took him by night and lowered him in a basket through an opening in the wall.
26When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple.
27But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus.
28So Saul stayed with them and moved about freely in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord.
29He talked and debated with the Hellenistic Jews, but they tried to kill him.
30When the believers learned of this, they took him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus.
New King James Version
Chapter 9
3As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. 4Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?”
7And the men who journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice but seeing no one.
8Then Saul arose from the ground, and when his eyes were opened he saw no one. But they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus.
9And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank.
11So the Lord said to him, “Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying.
12And in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him, so that he might receive his sight.”
13Then Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem.
14And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name.”
15But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel.
16For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake.”
17And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”
18Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized.
23Now after many days were past, the Jews plotted to kill him.
24But their plot became known to Saul. And they watched the gates day and night, to kill him.
25Then the disciples took him by night and let him down through the wall in a large basket.
26And when Saul had come to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, and did not believe that he was a disciple.
27But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. And he declared to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.
28So he was with them at Jerusalem, coming in and going out.
29And he spoke boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus and disputed against the Hellenists, but they attempted to kill him.
30When the brethren found out, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him out to Tarsus.
