He is the Son of God (Acts Pt. 20)
He Is the Christ, the Son of the Living God
In Acts 9, we see the incredible aftermath of Saul’s radical conversion. This former persecutor of the church—blinded by a vision of Jesus on the road to Damascus—now rises, receives his sight, and is baptized. In a matter of days, Saul moves from tearing the church apart to boldly building it up.
This passage isn't just about Saul’s transformation. It’s about the power of a single revelation: that Jesus is the Son of God and the Christ. That truth changes everything. It changed Saul, it changed the early church, and it has the power to change us today.
A Life Changed by Mercy
As Saul regains his sight (Acts 9:18), we are reminded that salvation is a miracle of mercy. Paul later reflected on this moment in his letter to Timothy:
“Though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy…”
– 1 Timothy 1:13–14 (ESV)
Paul never forgot where he came from. His past was filled with pride and violence, but the mercy of Jesus reached even him. This is good news for all of us—no matter what our “formerly I was” might be. Whether we were caught in addiction, self-righteousness, fear, or apathy, the mercy of God finds us in our misery and lifts us into new life.
Mercy, as Scripture defines it, is kindness toward the afflicted—joined with a desire to help. Jesus didn't wait for Saul to clean up his act; He confronted him with light, with love, and with purpose. And Saul's life was never the same.
From Confronted to Proclaimer
Immediately after his conversion, Saul begins proclaiming Jesus as the Son of God in the synagogues (Acts 9:20). Those who heard him were stunned—this was the same man who once hunted believers.
We often think we need years of theological training to share our faith. But Saul reminds us that one powerful encounter with Jesus is enough to get started. All he knew was the name of Jesus—and that Jesus is who He says He is. And that was enough to proclaim, prove, and preach Christ.
“For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord…”
– 2 Corinthians 4:5 (ESV)
When we’ve encountered the light of Jesus, we’re equipped to carry that light to others. Saul didn’t wait until everything was perfectly in order. He stepped out in obedience and began testifying to the truth.
The Light of the Knowledge of God
Paul later described salvation as a “let there be light” moment:
“For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.”
– 2 Corinthians 4:6 (ESV)
Just like in Genesis when God spoke light into existence, He speaks light into the hearts of people. It’s miraculous. It’s transformational. And it’s deeply personal. Saul wasn’t persuaded by arguments—he was changed by light.
Who in our lives needs a “let there be light” moment? Who are we praying for in this season to encounter Jesus as the light of the world?
He Is the Son of God and the Christ
Everything Saul preached centered around one revelation: the identity of Jesus.
He is the Son of God.
This isn’t about heavenly genetics—it’s about nature. To say that Jesus is the Son of God is to say that He is of the same nature as God. Equal in essence. The very radiance of God’s glory and the exact imprint of His nature (Hebrews 1:3). This is why the religious leaders accused Him of blasphemy—because in calling God His Father, He was claiming equality with God (John 5:18).
He is the Christ.
Christ isn’t a surname—it’s a title. It means “Anointed One,” the long-awaited Messiah who would bring healing, freedom, and peace. Just as the prophet Samuel anointed David to be king in the Old Testament, Jesus was anointed by the Spirit to bring good news to the poor, bind up the brokenhearted, and set captives free (Isaiah 61; Luke 4).
Jesus is the full and final revelation of God’s character, purpose, and love. The one who was smeared with oil is the one who was smeared with blood for our redemption. He is the King who saves.
Built on This Revelation
After Saul’s dramatic entrance into the church, it wasn’t easy for others to trust him. But Barnabas stood up for him, and soon Saul was preaching boldly, even amid death threats (Acts 9:26–30). The chapter closes with a beautiful summary:
“So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was being built up. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it multiplied.”
– Acts 9:31 (ESV)
That’s what happens when a church is built not on charisma, strategy, or buildings—but on the clear, unwavering revelation of Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the Living God. That’s the rock Jesus said He would build His church on (Matthew 16:16–18).
In a time when many things compete for our attention, may this be what centers us: Jesus at the center. The Christ. The Son. The anointed King full of mercy and truth.
Reflection Questions
What is your “formerly I was”? How does remembering God’s mercy in your life fuel compassion for others?
Who in your life needs a “let there be light” miracle right now? How can you pray or reach out?
How is your life being built on the true identity of Jesus as the Christ and the Son of God?