Conversion on the Way to Damascus, by Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio

July 10–16

Acts 6–9

“What Wilt Thou Have Me to Do?”

Begin by reading Acts 6–9. The suggestions in this outline can help you identify some of the important principles in these chapters, though you may find others in your own study.

Record Your Impressions

If anyone seemed like an unlikely candidate for conversion, it was probably Saul—a Pharisee who had a reputation for persecuting Christians. So when the Lord told a disciple named Ananias to seek out Saul and offer him a blessing, Ananias was understandably hesitant. “Lord,” he said, “I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints” (Acts 9:13). But the Lord knew Saul’s heart and his potential, and He had a mission in mind for Saul: “He is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel” (Acts 9:15). So Ananias obeyed, and when he found this former persecutor, he called him “Brother Saul” (Acts 9:17). If Saul could change so completely and Ananias could welcome him so freely, then should we ever consider anyone an unlikely candidate for change—including ourselves?

Ideas for Personal Scripture Study

Acts 6–8

My heart needs to be “right in the sight of God.”

A growing church meant a growing need for disciples to serve in the kingdom. According to Acts 6:1–5, what qualities were the Twelve Apostles looking for in those who would serve with them? As you read Acts 6–8, note how these qualities, and others, were demonstrated in people like Stephen and Philip. What was lacking in Simon, and what can we learn from him about being willing to change?

Is there anything you feel inspired to change to ensure that your heart is “right in the sight of God”? (Acts 8:21–22). How might making this change bless you as you serve God?

Acts 6–7

Resisting the Holy Ghost can lead to rejecting the Savior and His servants.

The Jewish leaders were responsible for preparing the people for the coming of the Messiah. And yet they failed to recognize the Messiah and rejected Him. How did this happen? Part of the answer may be found in Stephen’s words: “Ye do always resist the Holy Ghost” (Acts 7:51). What do you think it means to resist the Holy Ghost? Why does resisting the Holy Ghost lead to rejecting the Savior and His servants?

As you read Acts 6–7, look for other messages that Stephen taught the Jews. What attitudes was he warning against? Do you detect any similar attitudes in yourself? What do Stephen’s words teach you about the consequences of resisting the Holy Ghost? How can you be more sensitive and responsive to the promptings of the Holy Ghost in your life?

See also “The Martyrdom of Stephen” (video), ChurchofJesusChrist.org.

Acts 8:26–39

The Holy Ghost will help me guide others to Jesus Christ.

What do you learn about sharing the gospel from the account in Acts 8:26–39? How did the Holy Ghost help Philip? How is sharing the gospel with others like being a guide? (see Acts 8:31).

Elder Ulisses Soares said that this account “is a reminder of the divine mandate we all have to seek to learn and to teach one another the gospel of Jesus Christ. … We are sometimes like the Ethiopian—we need the help of a faithful and inspired teacher; and we are sometimes like Philip—we need to teach and strengthen others in their conversion” (“How Can I Understand?,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2019, 6). Consider reading the rest of Elder Soares’s message and pondering how the Holy Ghost can help you be a better learner and teacher of the gospel.

Acts 9

When I submit to the Lord’s will, I can become an instrument in His hands.

Saul’s conversion seems very sudden; he went quickly from imprisoning Christians to preaching about Christ in the synagogues. As you read his story, ponder why he was so willing to change. (To read Saul’s own description of his conversion, see Acts 22:1–16 and 26:9–18. Note that in these accounts, Saul goes by the name of Paul [see Acts 13:9].)

While it’s true that Saul’s experience is unusual—for most people, conversion is a much longer process—is there anything you can learn from Saul about conversion? What do you learn from the way Ananias and the other disciples reacted to Saul’s conversion? What will you do to apply these lessons in your life? You might begin by asking in prayer, as Saul did, “What wilt thou have me to do?”

As you read Acts 9:36–42, consider how Tabitha was an instrument in God’s hands. What inspires you about her example?

See also Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Waiting on the Road to Damascus,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2011, 70–77; “The Road to Damascus” (video), ChurchofJesusChrist.org.

Ideas for Family Scripture Study and Home Evening

Acts 6:8; 7:51–60.Compare the accounts of Stephen in Acts 6:8 and Acts 7:51–60 to the accounts of the Savior in Luke 23:1–46. How did Stephen follow the Savior’s example?

Acts 7:51–60.How did the Holy Ghost bless Stephen when he was being persecuted? When have we received strength from the Holy Ghost during difficult times?

Acts 9:5.A prick was a sharp spear used to drive animals. Often the animals would kick back when pricked, which would cause the spear to sink even further into the animal’s flesh. How might this analogy sometimes apply to us? What can we do to better accept correction from the Lord?

Tabitha Arise, by Sandy Freckleton Gagon

Acts 9:32–43.Consider inviting your family members to draw pictures of the stories in Acts 9:32–43. What do we learn about true discipleship from these stories? How can someone who is “full of good works,” as Tabitha was, help others believe in the Lord? (see Acts 9:36; “Chapter 60: Peter Brings Tabitha Back to Life,” in New Testament Stories, 156–57, or the corresponding video on ChurchofJesusChrist.org).

For more ideas for teaching children, see this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Primary.

Suggested hymn: “I’ll Go Where You Want Me to Go,” Hymns, no. 270.

Improving Personal Study

Liken the scriptures to your life. As you read, consider how the stories and teachings in the scriptures apply in your life. For example, what opportunities do you have to serve others, as Tabitha did in Acts 9:36–39?

“And they stoned Stephen, and he, calling upon God, said, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit” (Joseph Smith Translation, Acts 7:59 [in Acts 7:59, footnote c]).