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It is not clear A man who, along 92 0 obj << /Linearized 1 /O 94 /H [ 1243 743 ] /L 503600 /E 43371 /N 16 /T 501642 >> endobj xref 92 42 0000000016 00000 n 0000001188 00000 n 0000001986 00000 n 0000002200 00000 n 0000002434 00000 n 0000002614 00000 n 0000002636 00000 n 0000004226 00000 n 0000004248 00000 n 0000005775 00000 n 0000005798 00000 n 0000008986 00000 n 0000009009 00000 n 0000012094 00000 n 0000012305 00000 n 0000013156 00000 n 0000014011 00000 n 0000014230 00000 n 0000014604 00000 n 0000014827 00000 n 0000023280 00000 n 0000023869 00000 n 0000024230 00000 n 0000024446 00000 n 0000024731 00000 n 0000024987 00000 n 0000025380 00000 n 0000026152 00000 n 0000026257 00000 n 0000029454 00000 n 0000029477 00000 n 0000032108 00000 n 0000032131 00000 n 0000034910 00000 n 0000034933 00000 n 0000037945 00000 n 0000040047 00000 n 0000040070 00000 n 0000043063 00000 n 0000043141 00000 n 0000001243 00000 n 0000001964 00000 n trailer << /Size 134 /Info 91 0 R /Root 93 0 R /Prev 501632 /ID[<3cb89dccfaad5f26269ffad0f6f6443b><3cb89dccfaad5f26269ffad0f6f6443b>] >> startxref 0 %%EOF 93 0 obj << /Type /Catalog /Pages 89 0 R >> endobj 132 0 obj << /S 672 /Filter /FlateDecode /Length 133 0 R >> stream Ananias is not the last believer who has seen fit to keep God up to date (The Storytellers Companion to the Bible: The Acts of the Apostles). But these laws, which seek to summarize the gospel in a concise way, should always be applied individually. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. The couple wanted to appear as outstanding church members, but they didnt want to part with their possessions. You will be unsuccessful in everything you do; day after day you will be oppressed and robbed, with no one to rescue you (Deuteronomy 28:28-29). Their attempt to deceive the apostles was an attempt to deceive God putting the Spirit of the Lord to the test (v. 9) and they paid the price! It was a city in the days of Abraham, and at the time of the Israelite monarchy it was the capital of the most important Aramaean kingdom. Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for, And in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting, he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before, I will show him how many things he must suffer for My. If the worst sinner (Saul) was not too sinful to save, then you are not too sinful for God to save. We know nothing of Ananias beyond this story in the shadows. (3) The racial expansion from the Jews to the Gentiles. The first evidence of Sauls conversion was his immediate identification with the church in Damascus. In the place of Ananias we would fear that it might not work out, and the consequences could be very serious. WebAnd 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, Sauls conversion was a miracle, short and simple, but not so much the result of the external miracle of the bright light and the voice of the Lord as the internal transformation and illumination which God wrought: 15 But when God, who set me apart from birth and called me by his grace, was pleased 16 to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not consult any man (Galatians 1:15-16). The children will practice being giving and friendly with someone that they do not know. From the fact that three different accounts of Sauls conversion are recorded in Acts, we know this event had to play a crucial role in the expansion of the church. 27Then Barnabas took charge of him and brought him to the apostles, and he reported to them how on the way he had seen the Lord and that he had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had spoken out boldly in the name of Jesus. It is one of the few accounts of a conversion which is described with some detail (although this detail is much less than we would prefer). I can believe someone might have prayed that Saul be waylaid, or terminated, in some divine act or providential accident (act of God). F. F. Bruce, The Book of Acts, Revised Edition (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1988), p. 113. When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, I am the light of the world. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you. Their story is rarely shown in art, but is the subject of one of the Raphael Cartoons, and a panel on the Brescia Casket, both illustrated here. The blinding of Bar-Jesus thus seems to be the second major turning point in the ministry of Paul. Or could it be that these disciples of Saul were Sauls disciples before his conversion, who accompanied him as he sought to capture Christians. (14) There is an interesting symmetry or parallel between the conversion of Saul and the conversion of Cornelius. We know that the salvation of men rests ultimately with God and not with usand not even with the one whom we wish to see saved. 22But Saul grew all the stronger and confounded [the] Jews who lived in Damascus, proving that this is the Messiah. 12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service. The common characteristics of conversion are those on which I would like to focus in the conversion of Saul. It was, of course, Ananias who instructed Saul to be baptized, calling on the name of the Lord (Acts 22:16). I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring my salvation to the ends of the earth (Isaiah 49:6). You may unsubscribe from Bible Gateways emails at any time. . I. Howard Marshall, The Acts of the Apostles (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, reprint, 1987), p. 171. Did he still not realize who the Lord was? He became a priest himself in 1823. It was only with the exit of Saul from the Holy Land, back to his native land (Tarsus), that peace once again returned. The Book of Galatians is but one example of this. WebA study of the language describing what resulted from Ananias going to Saul should help in determining the part played by Ananias in Saul's being "filled with the Holy Spirit." Were they some of those converted to Christ through his preaching? From 64 B.C. Who told Saul to go to the house of Judas on Straight Street? There are two primary options for preaching from this text. That our Lords contemporaries believed the Messiah to be in some special sense the son of God is rendered probable by the wording of the high priests question to him at his trial: `Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One? (Mark 14:61 par. In spite of the clear and present danger, Ananias went and began to look for the Christian hunter Saul. 12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service. All Ananias did was to obey Christs command to go pray with Saul so that Saul could do all those things. A man once confessed to his pastor that even though he didnt think of himself as hating people, there was one person he really hated for the way the person had wronged him. You, my brothers, were called to be free. WebAnd was Ana- nias still reluctant to help Saul after the Lord explained the situation to him? And now, he is preaching the same message. Luke 3:22), it expressed his unique relationship and fellowship with the Father. Ibid. Why were Ananias and Sapphira killed on the spot? The baptism of Saul was his testimony to the change which had taken place. Fifth, faith must take the text on face value, as it is written, and believe it as Gods inspired, inerrant, authoritative word. 21:29 (30); John 5:7; 12:21; 20:15; and should be so in John 9:36. While I am in the world, I am the light of the world (John 9:5). After this, Saul broke his fast and was strengthened. Could Judas have been a Christian? He didnt know that the risen Christ had confronted Saul on the road to Damascus just as Christ is now confronting him This sets up a flashback to verses 1-9. There will be no more night. The words which Ananias spoke to Saul indicate he was also to lay hands on him so that he would receive the Holy Spirit (9:17). 9 What happened to Sapphira in the Bible? 116-117. As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God (1 Peter 4:10). It is here in Acts, for the first time, that Saul is called Paul. Pauls conversion is one of the great stories of the early church, and it has rightfully inspired Christians from every generation. If he were viewed as a reactionary, a trouble-maker, perhaps there were some unbelievers who thought Saul was too much trouble. 149 It is more significant than might be supposed at first glance that the only occurrence of the title `Son of God in Acts should be in this report of Sauls early preaching. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 10. also 16:17; 18:25-26). These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Barnabas, one of the Christians, assured them Sauls faith was genuine. Saul Preaches in Damascus. For now, he was told to proceed on to Damascus, where he would be given his next instructions.144 His blindness certainly gave Saul the opportunity to dwell on these events. 13 Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. with his wife Sapphira, sold some property and agreed to hold back But beyond this, his conversion totally changed the remainder of his life. He was afraid because Saul killed Jesus’ followers🤨 There were three Ananiases in the Bible. Just as Saul was called to a live of suffering, so Peter tells his readers that they too, like all saints, are called to suffer for His name: To this {suffering} you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His steps (1 Peter 2:21). The first is to ask the congregation to identify with Saul himself. The Old Testament passages which I have suggested bear to Saul (blind, light) are passages which speak of Israel in their original context. Blindness, not willing to see, not willing to understand is all too common but Ananias cured Saul blindness by a touch. Ananias was afraid because he knew Sauls reputation as a merciless persecutor of the church. The risen Lord selected Saul out of the group with which he was traveling to hear, to see Him, and to understand His words. It was almost as though Saul had looked intently into the beam of an intensely powerful carbon-act light, the kind used as search lights. 15:10; Gal. They are private Christians, living like islands rather than as a part of His body. He goes for broke. His conversion was the beginning of a life-long process of maturing and growth in the Lord. The account of Ananias and Saul is found in Acts chapter 14And here he has authority from the chief priests to imprison all who call upon your name.l He spoke of it as the movement from darkness to light (Colossians 1:12-13; Ephesians 4:8-14) in which the new believer should now walk. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Trembling and astonished, he inquired, Michael Garicoits (1797-1863) was born into a poor, but hardworking and humble family. Or did they somewhat dread his arrival, knowing how zealous he was in his opposition to the church. Sauls Baptism. First, there are problems which appear to be serious. It is also bad news for the self-righteous. Choose from news (Monday), leisure (Thursday) or worship (Saturday) or get all three! In this chapter we have, I. 2 What was the decision of Ananias and Sapphira? Later, when Paul looked back on his past devotion and deeds, all done in the name of Judaism, he came to view his apparent righteous deeds for what they really weredung: 1 Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord! We do not know the exact time when Saul was saved. The ultimate issue was Gods ability to saveeven the most committed unbeliever. Acts ix. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, 9 who has saved us and called us to a holy lifenot because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. When I look through the Gospels and the Book of Acts, I never find the gospel presented in the same way to different people. Just as Saul seemingly had hatred toward Christ-followers, how do you think a Christ-follower like Ananias felt toward Saul? 12 It teaches us to say No to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hopethe glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. At first, I thought this was unique with Saul. Ananias and Saul. 35And all the inhabitants of Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. 2 Corinthians 4:14; cf. WebThe Conversion of Saul. What is remarkable about the Lord's directions to Ananias? In Damascus, the Lord had spoken to a man named Ananias, and the Lord told Ananias to find Saul and to lay his hands on Saul and pray so that Sauls sight would be restored. The towns of Lydda, Sharon, and Joppa were populated by both Jews and Gentiles and their Christian communities may well have been mixed. The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their splendor into it (Revelation 21:23-24). 41He gave her his hand and raised her up, and when he had called the holy ones and the widows, he presented her alive. It was an act of faith and bravery equivalent to helping a lion out of a trap. Before he reached Damascus a light flashed in front of Saul that was so bright he fell down on the ground. The results of Sauls preaching were predictable, very much like the response Saul would have had (or did have) to the preaching of the gospel before his conversion. He went on to write nearly half of the New Testament. I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:14). . 10i There was a disciple in Damascus named Ananias, and the Lord said to him in a vision, Ananias. He answered, Here I am, Lord. ). A. T. Robertson, Word Pictures in the New Testament (Nashville: Broadman Press, 1930), III, p. 115. Rueban founded the Tribe of Reuban and Saul was King. God then used this man to further His purposes in launching the career of the most influential of the apostles. I. Howard Marshall summarizes the problem in these words: Nevertheless, we obtain a different impression of things from Galatians 1:16-24, according to which (1) Paul did not confer with men after his conversion nor go to the apostles in Jerusalem, but (2) departed to Arabia and then returned to Damascus; then (3) three years later he went to Jerusalem for a visit lasting a fortnight during which he saw only Peter and James, and at this time he was unknown by sight to the churches of Judea; thereafter (4) he went to Syria and Cilicia. Hb```f``:Ab,=`.9Z3{x5v\);]c#qea #'&D|z:wyKN,0(t\tbRFhT2thS2(9.`mNbq)-pk^;>:+pq2Ck AUbK=N\2M/`KqGLZS1 $[S|Rd\.9i'9T\.EXdxlYcqb The life of Paul and his writings are very important parts of the New Testament. They could only kill him, and this they were determined to do (9:23). many pulpits today promise to those who will follow Jesus. Despite the threats Saul had made and his notorious track record of persecuting, arresting and even affirming the execution of Christians, Ananias, whose 37Now during those days she fell sick and died, so after washing her, they laid [her] out in a room upstairs. Ironically, Ananias could have become one of Sauls targets of persecution for following the Lord Jesus. Why was Ananias afraid of helping Saul? How does Ananias ability to rise above his own feelings of hatred toward Saul encourage Saul to move No change in life is greater than the change from unbelief to belief in Christ, from being lost and condemned to being saved and eternally secure, from being separated from God and others to being united with Him and with all believers. To both Ananias (Acts 9:10) and Saul (Acts 9:12). What Israel failed to do, Jesus, the Messiah would do. Saul is welcomed into the church. It was just such a miracle which gave Saul his spiritual sight, as he received back his physical sight. by the sin of Adam. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. Those who know themselves sinners, and who call upon Jesus for salvation, are saved: For WHOSOEVER WILL CALL UPON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED (Romans 10:13, citing Joel 2:32). This expression, calling on the name of the Lord seems to be one used consistently in the Old Testament. It is evident in the way he was saved. New King James Version (NKJV). sunodia, Luke 2:44). F. F. Bruce, The Book of Acts, Revised Edition (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1988), fn. He had heard of all the terrible things Saul had done to Christians in Jerusalem and how it was his intent to do the same in Damascus, Ananias town. Fourth, if we had all the facts, there would be no problem. Unless otherwise noted, all material copyright 2023, Rochester Catholic Press Association, Inc. It says nothing about him receiving the Holy Spirit. After the suffering of his soul, he will see the light of life and be satisfied; by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many, and he will bear their iniquities (Isaiah 53:11). What do Ananias actions, when asked in the passage to heal Saul, suggest about his feelings toward him? 20 Each one should remain in the situation which he was in when God called him. (what was bad was that they lied about the amount). They were based, as I understand it, on what the Lord had revealed to Ananias and not on any confession or actions of Saul, for these seem to follow these initial actions and words of Ananias. There is no story in Acts more important than Saul/Pauls call, his encounter with the risen Christ. Say to them, This is what the Sovereign Lord says. 5 And whether they listen or fail to listenfor they are a rebellious housethey will know that a prophet has been among them. In Jerusalem, as in Damascus, Saul spoke out boldly proclaiming Jesus to be the Christ, the promised Messiah. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. There is a great deal of information we are not given, and thus we cannot be dogmatic about our conclusions. And yet, even in opposing God, he furthered Gods purposes; he was instrumental in the evangelization of the Gentiles (Acts 8:1, 4; 11:19-21). [9:1] 8:3; 9:13; 22:4; 1Cor 15:9; Gal 1:1314. There is no more appropriate conclusion to our message than the words of the apostle Paul, which immediately follow those above, and which aptly express the response of the Christian to the wisdom, the grace, and the sovereignty of the God who has saved us, and who works all things together for His glory and for the good of His chosen ones: Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! But as I see the call of God referred to in the New Testament, it seems that the call of salvation assumes other callings, to which Paul and other New Testament writers made frequent reference: Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God (Romans 1:1). Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. WebWe do not know whether Ananias already had previous experience miracles of healing, but the Lord was instructing him to interview the notorious Pharisee Saul, who fiercely persecuted Christians, and to heal his blindness. (9) On the road to Damascus, Saul did far more than to see a bright light and to hear a voice from heaven. It was being built up and walked in the fear of the Lord, and with the consolation of the holy Spirit it grew in numbers. Thus, he did not use the method of many others, which was man-centered, not Christ-centered: For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not in cleverness of speech, that the cross of Christ should not be made void. How does Ananias ability to rise above his own feelings of hatred toward Saul encourage Saul to move The laying on of Ananias hands was also an expression of unity, as was the later right hand of fellowship extended by some of the apostles to Saul (Galatians 2:9). 16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life (1 Timothy 1:12-16). Did Saul's many sufferings during his ministry for Jesus' name come as a surprise to him? Ananias would have lost a human beings greatest privilege, of being an agent of the Lord (like an angel of the Lord). These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. 9 Meanwhile Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any who belonged to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. Saul was received as a true believer, as a brother.146 The laying on of Ananiass hands, however, was a distinct act of identification with Saul. Ananias Laid Hands on Paul Ananias did as the Lord commanded and went to Sauls house and laid his hands on him. Third, these discrepancies may well have been evident to the writers, who did not see fit to remove or explain every problem. It is the very word that Luke will use in 16:10 of the conclusion reached at Troas concerning the vision of Paul. Without Ananias prayer, Saul spends the rest of his life as a blind man wondering what his life might have been. Only a radical conversion can produce this attitude in the life of a man like Saul: For God is my witness, how I long for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:8). part of the price for themselves while donating it to the church Have you had such an encounter? When the man asked why he should do this, the pastor said, I dont believe anyone can continue hating someone when they have consistently prayed for that person to be blessed by God. 14 The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. Saul, in my opinion, is portrayed by Luke as the first-fruits of these promises. Saul asked.I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting, he replied. After that Saul was welcomed by the Christians and he preached freely in and around Jerusalem. Saul was not aware, until after our Lords words, that the One who had interrupted his journey was Jesus, and that Jesus was, indeed, the Messiah, the LORD, but he was certain, at this point, that whoever this One was, He was the LORD. In 47 B.C. * [9:29] Hellenists: see note on Acts 6:17. sOGOSapQ3[y~@9W Saul sought them out to persecute, even kill them, as an unbeliever; but he sought them out to worship and fellowship with them as a Christian. 148 I would assume that Saul was one of those who covered his ears so as not to hear the praise of Stephen, as reported in Acts 7:57. He who had wanted to kill these saints now wanted to fellowship with them. Furthermore, in Acts 26:10 Paul testifies that he received letters from the chief priests, not just the chief priest alone. Hypocrisy is the most dangerous spiritual virus to infect the church. 40Peter sent them all out and knelt down and prayed. Christian ministry be reconciled with the wealth and prosperity that Paul was no ordinary followerhe became the most visible and active pillar of the new Christian church. All of this account describes the two complementary divine visions which Ananias and Saul received. The second evidence of Sauls conversion was in his bold proclamation of his newly found faith in Jesus as the Messiah. . His name was Ananias (not to be confused with the husband of He was to come to the earth as the great light, the light to the Gentiles, and so He did. Note the following impressions gained from a reflection on the passage as a whole. The conversion of Saul is important in another way. Acts 26:18). 3 Now as he was going along and approaching Damascus, All who make idols are nothing, and the things they treasure are worthless. 5:3-4). In the end, God Himself will provide the illumination so that the sun and the stars will not be needed for this function: The moon will shine like the sun, and the sunlight will be seven times brighter, like the light of seven full days, when the Lord binds up the bruises of his people and heals the wounds he inflicted (Isaiah 30:26). And Jesus took the persecution of Christians very personally. 12 That is why I am suffering as I am. 29 And he was talking and arguing with the Hellenistic Jews; but they were attempting to put him to death. (You know, just in case God has forgotten something) Ananias and Saul in Damascus. NKJV, The Story: The Bible as One Continuing Story of God and His People, NKJV, Chronological Study Bible: Holy Bible, New King James Version, NKJV, Chronological Study Bible, Comfort Print: Holy Bible, New King James Version, NKJV, Spirit-Filled Life Bible, Third Edition, Red Letter Edition, Comfort Print: Kingdom Equipping Through the Power of the Word. . 141 Compare this voice with that in John 12:29. For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. What can you say about Christianity when its most outspoken and zealous opponent suddenly claims to have seen the risen Christ, and to have trusted in Him as the Messiah? The life-changing implications of conversion are expressed in these words of Paul to Titus: 11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. Wku Football Coaching Staff, Abandoned Cabins In New Hampshire, Articles W
It is not clear A man who, along 92 0 obj << /Linearized 1 /O 94 /H [ 1243 743 ] /L 503600 /E 43371 /N 16 /T 501642 >> endobj xref 92 42 0000000016 00000 n 0000001188 00000 n 0000001986 00000 n 0000002200 00000 n 0000002434 00000 n 0000002614 00000 n 0000002636 00000 n 0000004226 00000 n 0000004248 00000 n 0000005775 00000 n 0000005798 00000 n 0000008986 00000 n 0000009009 00000 n 0000012094 00000 n 0000012305 00000 n 0000013156 00000 n 0000014011 00000 n 0000014230 00000 n 0000014604 00000 n 0000014827 00000 n 0000023280 00000 n 0000023869 00000 n 0000024230 00000 n 0000024446 00000 n 0000024731 00000 n 0000024987 00000 n 0000025380 00000 n 0000026152 00000 n 0000026257 00000 n 0000029454 00000 n 0000029477 00000 n 0000032108 00000 n 0000032131 00000 n 0000034910 00000 n 0000034933 00000 n 0000037945 00000 n 0000040047 00000 n 0000040070 00000 n 0000043063 00000 n 0000043141 00000 n 0000001243 00000 n 0000001964 00000 n trailer << /Size 134 /Info 91 0 R /Root 93 0 R /Prev 501632 /ID[<3cb89dccfaad5f26269ffad0f6f6443b><3cb89dccfaad5f26269ffad0f6f6443b>] >> startxref 0 %%EOF 93 0 obj << /Type /Catalog /Pages 89 0 R >> endobj 132 0 obj << /S 672 /Filter /FlateDecode /Length 133 0 R >> stream Ananias is not the last believer who has seen fit to keep God up to date (The Storytellers Companion to the Bible: The Acts of the Apostles). But these laws, which seek to summarize the gospel in a concise way, should always be applied individually. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. The couple wanted to appear as outstanding church members, but they didnt want to part with their possessions. You will be unsuccessful in everything you do; day after day you will be oppressed and robbed, with no one to rescue you (Deuteronomy 28:28-29). Their attempt to deceive the apostles was an attempt to deceive God putting the Spirit of the Lord to the test (v. 9) and they paid the price! It was a city in the days of Abraham, and at the time of the Israelite monarchy it was the capital of the most important Aramaean kingdom. Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for, And in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting, he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before, I will show him how many things he must suffer for My. If the worst sinner (Saul) was not too sinful to save, then you are not too sinful for God to save. We know nothing of Ananias beyond this story in the shadows. (3) The racial expansion from the Jews to the Gentiles. The first evidence of Sauls conversion was his immediate identification with the church in Damascus. In the place of Ananias we would fear that it might not work out, and the consequences could be very serious. WebAnd 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, Sauls conversion was a miracle, short and simple, but not so much the result of the external miracle of the bright light and the voice of the Lord as the internal transformation and illumination which God wrought: 15 But when God, who set me apart from birth and called me by his grace, was pleased 16 to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not consult any man (Galatians 1:15-16). The children will practice being giving and friendly with someone that they do not know. From the fact that three different accounts of Sauls conversion are recorded in Acts, we know this event had to play a crucial role in the expansion of the church. 27Then Barnabas took charge of him and brought him to the apostles, and he reported to them how on the way he had seen the Lord and that he had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had spoken out boldly in the name of Jesus. It is one of the few accounts of a conversion which is described with some detail (although this detail is much less than we would prefer). I can believe someone might have prayed that Saul be waylaid, or terminated, in some divine act or providential accident (act of God). F. F. Bruce, The Book of Acts, Revised Edition (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1988), p. 113. When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, I am the light of the world. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you. Their story is rarely shown in art, but is the subject of one of the Raphael Cartoons, and a panel on the Brescia Casket, both illustrated here. The blinding of Bar-Jesus thus seems to be the second major turning point in the ministry of Paul. Or could it be that these disciples of Saul were Sauls disciples before his conversion, who accompanied him as he sought to capture Christians. (14) There is an interesting symmetry or parallel between the conversion of Saul and the conversion of Cornelius. We know that the salvation of men rests ultimately with God and not with usand not even with the one whom we wish to see saved. 22But Saul grew all the stronger and confounded [the] Jews who lived in Damascus, proving that this is the Messiah. 12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service. The common characteristics of conversion are those on which I would like to focus in the conversion of Saul. It was, of course, Ananias who instructed Saul to be baptized, calling on the name of the Lord (Acts 22:16). I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring my salvation to the ends of the earth (Isaiah 49:6). You may unsubscribe from Bible Gateways emails at any time. . I. Howard Marshall, The Acts of the Apostles (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, reprint, 1987), p. 171. Did he still not realize who the Lord was? He became a priest himself in 1823. It was only with the exit of Saul from the Holy Land, back to his native land (Tarsus), that peace once again returned. The Book of Galatians is but one example of this. WebA study of the language describing what resulted from Ananias going to Saul should help in determining the part played by Ananias in Saul's being "filled with the Holy Spirit." Were they some of those converted to Christ through his preaching? From 64 B.C. Who told Saul to go to the house of Judas on Straight Street? There are two primary options for preaching from this text. That our Lords contemporaries believed the Messiah to be in some special sense the son of God is rendered probable by the wording of the high priests question to him at his trial: `Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One? (Mark 14:61 par. In spite of the clear and present danger, Ananias went and began to look for the Christian hunter Saul. 12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service. All Ananias did was to obey Christs command to go pray with Saul so that Saul could do all those things. A man once confessed to his pastor that even though he didnt think of himself as hating people, there was one person he really hated for the way the person had wronged him. You, my brothers, were called to be free. WebAnd was Ana- nias still reluctant to help Saul after the Lord explained the situation to him? And now, he is preaching the same message. Luke 3:22), it expressed his unique relationship and fellowship with the Father. Ibid. Why were Ananias and Sapphira killed on the spot? The baptism of Saul was his testimony to the change which had taken place. Fifth, faith must take the text on face value, as it is written, and believe it as Gods inspired, inerrant, authoritative word. 21:29 (30); John 5:7; 12:21; 20:15; and should be so in John 9:36. While I am in the world, I am the light of the world (John 9:5). After this, Saul broke his fast and was strengthened. Could Judas have been a Christian? He didnt know that the risen Christ had confronted Saul on the road to Damascus just as Christ is now confronting him This sets up a flashback to verses 1-9. There will be no more night. The words which Ananias spoke to Saul indicate he was also to lay hands on him so that he would receive the Holy Spirit (9:17). 9 What happened to Sapphira in the Bible? 116-117. As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God (1 Peter 4:10). It is here in Acts, for the first time, that Saul is called Paul. Pauls conversion is one of the great stories of the early church, and it has rightfully inspired Christians from every generation. If he were viewed as a reactionary, a trouble-maker, perhaps there were some unbelievers who thought Saul was too much trouble. 149 It is more significant than might be supposed at first glance that the only occurrence of the title `Son of God in Acts should be in this report of Sauls early preaching. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 10. also 16:17; 18:25-26). These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Barnabas, one of the Christians, assured them Sauls faith was genuine. Saul Preaches in Damascus. For now, he was told to proceed on to Damascus, where he would be given his next instructions.144 His blindness certainly gave Saul the opportunity to dwell on these events. 13 Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. with his wife Sapphira, sold some property and agreed to hold back But beyond this, his conversion totally changed the remainder of his life. He was afraid because Saul killed Jesus’ followers🤨 There were three Ananiases in the Bible. Just as Saul was called to a live of suffering, so Peter tells his readers that they too, like all saints, are called to suffer for His name: To this {suffering} you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His steps (1 Peter 2:21). The first is to ask the congregation to identify with Saul himself. The Old Testament passages which I have suggested bear to Saul (blind, light) are passages which speak of Israel in their original context. Blindness, not willing to see, not willing to understand is all too common but Ananias cured Saul blindness by a touch. Ananias was afraid because he knew Sauls reputation as a merciless persecutor of the church. The risen Lord selected Saul out of the group with which he was traveling to hear, to see Him, and to understand His words. It was almost as though Saul had looked intently into the beam of an intensely powerful carbon-act light, the kind used as search lights. 15:10; Gal. They are private Christians, living like islands rather than as a part of His body. He goes for broke. His conversion was the beginning of a life-long process of maturing and growth in the Lord. The account of Ananias and Saul is found in Acts chapter 14And here he has authority from the chief priests to imprison all who call upon your name.l He spoke of it as the movement from darkness to light (Colossians 1:12-13; Ephesians 4:8-14) in which the new believer should now walk. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Trembling and astonished, he inquired, Michael Garicoits (1797-1863) was born into a poor, but hardworking and humble family. Or did they somewhat dread his arrival, knowing how zealous he was in his opposition to the church. Sauls Baptism. First, there are problems which appear to be serious. It is also bad news for the self-righteous. Choose from news (Monday), leisure (Thursday) or worship (Saturday) or get all three! In this chapter we have, I. 2 What was the decision of Ananias and Sapphira? Later, when Paul looked back on his past devotion and deeds, all done in the name of Judaism, he came to view his apparent righteous deeds for what they really weredung: 1 Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord! We do not know the exact time when Saul was saved. The ultimate issue was Gods ability to saveeven the most committed unbeliever. Acts ix. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, 9 who has saved us and called us to a holy lifenot because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. When I look through the Gospels and the Book of Acts, I never find the gospel presented in the same way to different people. Just as Saul seemingly had hatred toward Christ-followers, how do you think a Christ-follower like Ananias felt toward Saul? 12 It teaches us to say No to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hopethe glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. At first, I thought this was unique with Saul. Ananias and Saul. 35And all the inhabitants of Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. 2 Corinthians 4:14; cf. WebThe Conversion of Saul. What is remarkable about the Lord's directions to Ananias? In Damascus, the Lord had spoken to a man named Ananias, and the Lord told Ananias to find Saul and to lay his hands on Saul and pray so that Sauls sight would be restored. The towns of Lydda, Sharon, and Joppa were populated by both Jews and Gentiles and their Christian communities may well have been mixed. The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their splendor into it (Revelation 21:23-24). 41He gave her his hand and raised her up, and when he had called the holy ones and the widows, he presented her alive. It was an act of faith and bravery equivalent to helping a lion out of a trap. Before he reached Damascus a light flashed in front of Saul that was so bright he fell down on the ground. The results of Sauls preaching were predictable, very much like the response Saul would have had (or did have) to the preaching of the gospel before his conversion. He went on to write nearly half of the New Testament. I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:14). . 10i There was a disciple in Damascus named Ananias, and the Lord said to him in a vision, Ananias. He answered, Here I am, Lord. ). A. T. Robertson, Word Pictures in the New Testament (Nashville: Broadman Press, 1930), III, p. 115. Rueban founded the Tribe of Reuban and Saul was King. God then used this man to further His purposes in launching the career of the most influential of the apostles. I. Howard Marshall summarizes the problem in these words: Nevertheless, we obtain a different impression of things from Galatians 1:16-24, according to which (1) Paul did not confer with men after his conversion nor go to the apostles in Jerusalem, but (2) departed to Arabia and then returned to Damascus; then (3) three years later he went to Jerusalem for a visit lasting a fortnight during which he saw only Peter and James, and at this time he was unknown by sight to the churches of Judea; thereafter (4) he went to Syria and Cilicia. Hb```f``:Ab,=`.9Z3{x5v\);]c#qea #'&D|z:wyKN,0(t\tbRFhT2thS2(9.`mNbq)-pk^;>:+pq2Ck AUbK=N\2M/`KqGLZS1 $[S|Rd\.9i'9T\.EXdxlYcqb The life of Paul and his writings are very important parts of the New Testament. They could only kill him, and this they were determined to do (9:23). many pulpits today promise to those who will follow Jesus. Despite the threats Saul had made and his notorious track record of persecuting, arresting and even affirming the execution of Christians, Ananias, whose 37Now during those days she fell sick and died, so after washing her, they laid [her] out in a room upstairs. Ironically, Ananias could have become one of Sauls targets of persecution for following the Lord Jesus. Why was Ananias afraid of helping Saul? How does Ananias ability to rise above his own feelings of hatred toward Saul encourage Saul to move No change in life is greater than the change from unbelief to belief in Christ, from being lost and condemned to being saved and eternally secure, from being separated from God and others to being united with Him and with all believers. To both Ananias (Acts 9:10) and Saul (Acts 9:12). What Israel failed to do, Jesus, the Messiah would do. Saul is welcomed into the church. It was just such a miracle which gave Saul his spiritual sight, as he received back his physical sight. by the sin of Adam. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. Those who know themselves sinners, and who call upon Jesus for salvation, are saved: For WHOSOEVER WILL CALL UPON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED (Romans 10:13, citing Joel 2:32). This expression, calling on the name of the Lord seems to be one used consistently in the Old Testament. It is evident in the way he was saved. New King James Version (NKJV). sunodia, Luke 2:44). F. F. Bruce, The Book of Acts, Revised Edition (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1988), fn. He had heard of all the terrible things Saul had done to Christians in Jerusalem and how it was his intent to do the same in Damascus, Ananias town. Fourth, if we had all the facts, there would be no problem. Unless otherwise noted, all material copyright 2023, Rochester Catholic Press Association, Inc. It says nothing about him receiving the Holy Spirit. After the suffering of his soul, he will see the light of life and be satisfied; by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many, and he will bear their iniquities (Isaiah 53:11). What do Ananias actions, when asked in the passage to heal Saul, suggest about his feelings toward him? 20 Each one should remain in the situation which he was in when God called him. (what was bad was that they lied about the amount). They were based, as I understand it, on what the Lord had revealed to Ananias and not on any confession or actions of Saul, for these seem to follow these initial actions and words of Ananias. There is no story in Acts more important than Saul/Pauls call, his encounter with the risen Christ. Say to them, This is what the Sovereign Lord says. 5 And whether they listen or fail to listenfor they are a rebellious housethey will know that a prophet has been among them. In Jerusalem, as in Damascus, Saul spoke out boldly proclaiming Jesus to be the Christ, the promised Messiah. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. There is a great deal of information we are not given, and thus we cannot be dogmatic about our conclusions. And yet, even in opposing God, he furthered Gods purposes; he was instrumental in the evangelization of the Gentiles (Acts 8:1, 4; 11:19-21). [9:1] 8:3; 9:13; 22:4; 1Cor 15:9; Gal 1:1314. There is no more appropriate conclusion to our message than the words of the apostle Paul, which immediately follow those above, and which aptly express the response of the Christian to the wisdom, the grace, and the sovereignty of the God who has saved us, and who works all things together for His glory and for the good of His chosen ones: Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! But as I see the call of God referred to in the New Testament, it seems that the call of salvation assumes other callings, to which Paul and other New Testament writers made frequent reference: Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God (Romans 1:1). Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. WebWe do not know whether Ananias already had previous experience miracles of healing, but the Lord was instructing him to interview the notorious Pharisee Saul, who fiercely persecuted Christians, and to heal his blindness. (9) On the road to Damascus, Saul did far more than to see a bright light and to hear a voice from heaven. It was being built up and walked in the fear of the Lord, and with the consolation of the holy Spirit it grew in numbers. Thus, he did not use the method of many others, which was man-centered, not Christ-centered: For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not in cleverness of speech, that the cross of Christ should not be made void. How does Ananias ability to rise above his own feelings of hatred toward Saul encourage Saul to move The laying on of Ananias hands was also an expression of unity, as was the later right hand of fellowship extended by some of the apostles to Saul (Galatians 2:9). 16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life (1 Timothy 1:12-16). Did Saul's many sufferings during his ministry for Jesus' name come as a surprise to him? Ananias would have lost a human beings greatest privilege, of being an agent of the Lord (like an angel of the Lord). These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. 9 Meanwhile Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any who belonged to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. Saul was received as a true believer, as a brother.146 The laying on of Ananiass hands, however, was a distinct act of identification with Saul. Ananias Laid Hands on Paul Ananias did as the Lord commanded and went to Sauls house and laid his hands on him. Third, these discrepancies may well have been evident to the writers, who did not see fit to remove or explain every problem. It is the very word that Luke will use in 16:10 of the conclusion reached at Troas concerning the vision of Paul. Without Ananias prayer, Saul spends the rest of his life as a blind man wondering what his life might have been. Only a radical conversion can produce this attitude in the life of a man like Saul: For God is my witness, how I long for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:8). part of the price for themselves while donating it to the church Have you had such an encounter? When the man asked why he should do this, the pastor said, I dont believe anyone can continue hating someone when they have consistently prayed for that person to be blessed by God. 14 The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. Saul, in my opinion, is portrayed by Luke as the first-fruits of these promises. Saul asked.I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting, he replied. After that Saul was welcomed by the Christians and he preached freely in and around Jerusalem. Saul was not aware, until after our Lords words, that the One who had interrupted his journey was Jesus, and that Jesus was, indeed, the Messiah, the LORD, but he was certain, at this point, that whoever this One was, He was the LORD. In 47 B.C. * [9:29] Hellenists: see note on Acts 6:17. sOGOSapQ3[y~@9W Saul sought them out to persecute, even kill them, as an unbeliever; but he sought them out to worship and fellowship with them as a Christian. 148 I would assume that Saul was one of those who covered his ears so as not to hear the praise of Stephen, as reported in Acts 7:57. He who had wanted to kill these saints now wanted to fellowship with them. Furthermore, in Acts 26:10 Paul testifies that he received letters from the chief priests, not just the chief priest alone. Hypocrisy is the most dangerous spiritual virus to infect the church. 40Peter sent them all out and knelt down and prayed. Christian ministry be reconciled with the wealth and prosperity that Paul was no ordinary followerhe became the most visible and active pillar of the new Christian church. All of this account describes the two complementary divine visions which Ananias and Saul received. The second evidence of Sauls conversion was in his bold proclamation of his newly found faith in Jesus as the Messiah. . His name was Ananias (not to be confused with the husband of He was to come to the earth as the great light, the light to the Gentiles, and so He did. Note the following impressions gained from a reflection on the passage as a whole. The conversion of Saul is important in another way. Acts 26:18). 3 Now as he was going along and approaching Damascus, All who make idols are nothing, and the things they treasure are worthless. 5:3-4). In the end, God Himself will provide the illumination so that the sun and the stars will not be needed for this function: The moon will shine like the sun, and the sunlight will be seven times brighter, like the light of seven full days, when the Lord binds up the bruises of his people and heals the wounds he inflicted (Isaiah 30:26). And Jesus took the persecution of Christians very personally. 12 That is why I am suffering as I am. 29 And he was talking and arguing with the Hellenistic Jews; but they were attempting to put him to death. (You know, just in case God has forgotten something) Ananias and Saul in Damascus. NKJV, The Story: The Bible as One Continuing Story of God and His People, NKJV, Chronological Study Bible: Holy Bible, New King James Version, NKJV, Chronological Study Bible, Comfort Print: Holy Bible, New King James Version, NKJV, Spirit-Filled Life Bible, Third Edition, Red Letter Edition, Comfort Print: Kingdom Equipping Through the Power of the Word. . 141 Compare this voice with that in John 12:29. For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. What can you say about Christianity when its most outspoken and zealous opponent suddenly claims to have seen the risen Christ, and to have trusted in Him as the Messiah? The life-changing implications of conversion are expressed in these words of Paul to Titus: 11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.

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