140 They are called his sunodeuontes, `those who were in the caravan with Him (cf. Why do you think the street was named "Straight" sight. Jesus repeated his command, explaining that Saul was his chosen instrument to deliver the gospel to the Gentiles, their kings, and the people of Israel. 20and he began at once to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God. Just as Saul had opposed those who believed, so Bar-Jesus opposed the proconsuls conversion. And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. 11 The Lord told him, Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsusp named Saul, for he is praying. It does not store any personal data. For all the saints. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Acts 26:18). He also warned those who would corrupt grace, to make it a pretext for sin (cf. Hd7/`l@TM0h#`C2 +u-AsQ3j++&?Fu7_[1_?a^J> Devotion Saul 130 In our text, we are told the Saul went to the high priest to ask for letters from him to the synagogues in Damascus (9:1-2), but in Acts 22:5-6 Paul indicates that the Council (the Sanhedrin) was also involved in providing him with letters of authorization to arrest Christians in Damascus. Saul and Ananias | A Story of Learning to See Again His acceptance by the latter was finally brought about through his friendship with Barnabas (Acts 9:27). Then you hear the Lord telling you to minister to that person. The words, Brother Saul must not have come easily to Ananias. That is all we know about Ananias - the small but essential part he played at the start of Paul's pilgrimage of faith. We can learn more about his life in the Book of the Acts of the Apostles, and we can still read some of the letters he wrote that have been collected into the Bible, such as Galatians, Ephesians and Philippians. Three times in the Book of Acts it is reported, the first time in the third person (he) by Luke (Acts 9:1-31), the second time in the first person (I) by the apostle, as he spoke to his Jewish unbelieving brethren in defense of his ministry (Acts 22:1-21), and the third time, again in the first person, as his personal testimony to King Agrippa, Festus, and Bernice (Acts 26:1-23). Ananias was afraid because he knew Sauls reputation as a merciless persecutor of the church. Luke is emphatic in his representation of mans salvation as having been ordained and orchestrated by God, as a manifestation of His sovereign grace: And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord; and as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed (Acts 13:48). came under Alexander the Great's rule. in 1971. No one could fault the reluctance of Ananias. 31 So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria enjoyed peace, being built up; and, going on in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it continued to increase. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it . He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe. But beyond this, his conversion totally changed the remainder of his life. 24 Brothers, each man, as responsible to God, should remain in the situation God called him to (1 Corinthians 7:15, 17-22, 24).154. Note the following impressions gained from a reflection on the passage as a whole. Ananias and Saul: The Story Starts With a Disciple Do not be afraid of what they say or terrified by them, though they are a rebellious house. Ananias was used as Gods instrument in the conversion of Saul, but even he had to be pushed to go to Saul. 152 I do not mean to criticize the four laws of Campus Crusade, which have been used of God to bring many to faith in Christ. 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. Jesus did not address the entire group but said, Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? The others knew that something unusual was going on, but they did not grasp it (Acts 22:9). Paul was no ordinary followerhe became the most visible and active pillar of the new Christian church. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. In 47 B.C. The couple wanted to appear as outstanding church members, but they didnt want to part with their possessions. Why was Ananias afraid of helping Saul? Those who call upon your name echoes 2:21 (Joel 2:32) and recurs in 22:16 in a command to Paul himself to be baptized . In fact, as Saul would later write, he realized that he was chief of sinners (1 Timothy 1:15). `}Hq)l2hZ0r89asO70Da`qg Hear, you deaf! You also know this person is a recognized hater of your faith, and wants little if anything to do with you. Jesus words, Why are you persecuting Me?, clearly implied that Sauls persecution of the church was a persecution of the Lord. Without Ananias prayer, Saul spends the rest of his life as a blind man wondering what his life might have been. Sauls vision prepared him for the arrival of Ananias, clearly indicating that he was the one God had appointed to reveal His will for him. For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life (1 Thessalonians 4:7). The first words spoken to Saul were, Saul, Saul, Why are you persecuting Me? (Acts 9:4). 11:2328; 12:710; Gal. It is no wonder that a fair amount of the text is devoted to a description of Sauls attempt to associate with the local church, first at Damascus, and then in Jerusalem. They will look on me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for him as one grieves for a firstborn son. [9:1] 8:3; 9:13; 22:4; 1Cor 15:9; Gal 1:1314. When all is said and done, the miracle which took place on the way to Damascus (and likely in Damascus as well) was that Saul saw Jesus as the Son of God, as the Messiah, and as his Savior and Lord: Am I not free? They wanted to keep Gods blessings to themselves. If there is one thing of which Saul is now convinced (by what he has so far seen and heard on the road) it is that whoever he is talking to is LORD. It is, in the Bible, the radiance of Gods glory. 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. It is some 150 miles Northeast from Jerusalem and watered by the river Abana from Anti-Lebanon. Transform us as you transformed Paul. Nevertheless, conversion has certain elements which are vital and which are to be present in any salvation experience. Saul was knocked to the ground and confronted with the reality that hed been working against God rather than helping God. 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. 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. The first words of the Lord Jesus to Saul were intended to teach him the inseparable unity between Christ and His church. (5) Sauls salvation was an act of divine grace. Pauls hatred for Christ and His followers was common knowledge. . Ananias and Saul - Holy Land of God Could it be that God had also appointed someone to meet Saul as he entered the city, with specific instructions as to where he was to stay? 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. sOGOSapQ3[y~@9W * [9:43] The fact that Peter lodged with a tanner would have been significant to both the Gentile and Jewish Christians, for Judaism considered the tanning occupation unclean. Jesus was alive and not still in the grave! When I saw it, I fell face down, and I heard the voice of one speaking. 2and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, that, if he should find any men or women who belonged to the Way,* he might bring them back to Jerusalem in chains. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christthe righteousness that comes from God and is by faith (Philippians 3:1-9; cf. Then a voice said to him, Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?, Saul asked the voice, Who are you, sir?, I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. 131 . 12 In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands onq him to restore his sight.. For I do not want you, brethren, to be uninformed of this mystery, lest you be wise in your own estimation, that a partial hardening has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in; and thus all Israel will be saved; just as it is written, THE DELIVERER WILL COME FROM ZION, HE WILL REMOVE UNGODLINESS FROM JACOB. AND THIS IS MY COVENANT WITH THEM, WHEN I TAKE AWAY THEIR SINS.. Amen (Romans 11:33-36). and the other is a deceptive, self-serving half-truth from people interested As I look at the problem, I believe several conclusions must be drawn. 1* Now Saul, still breathing murderous threats against the disciples of the Lord,a went to the high priestb OR WHO HAS FIRST GIVEN TO HIM THAT IT MIGHT BE PAID BACK TO HIM AGAIN? Not everyone can be Paul, but we all can and should be Ananias. What if They'd Said No He was to come to the earth as the great light, the light to the Gentiles, and so He did. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Then he He sent me so that you can These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. It is here in Acts, for the first time, that Saul is called Paul. * [9:3143] In the context of the period of peace enjoyed by the community through the cessation of Pauls activities against it, Luke introduces two traditions concerning the miraculous power exercised by Peter as he was making a tour of places where the Christian message had already been preached. The church in Damascus has been talking about Saul and its members rightfully afraid of him he has, after all, been dragging Christians out of house after house, throwing them into prison, and desiring their deaths. We know that Paul was not instantly a biblical scholar or a seasoned apostle. Paul was overwhelmed by a flash of heavenly light. The children will practice being giving and friendly with someone that they do not know. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. The story of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5 is difficult. Presumably this is the case, however I still wonder a bit about this. The children will state that they can pray if they feel afraid and it will help them to be brave Bible Hub 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). Ananias was a disciple of Jesus who lived in Damascus and was helpful to the Lord. God struck Ananias and Sapphira dead for hypocrisy While their penalties seem extreme to us today, God judged them guilty of sins so serious that they threatened the very existence of the early church. Peter Heals Aeneas at Lydda. Saul saw and heard the resurrected Christ. WebAnswer: > 10 There was a disciple in Damascus named Ananias, and the Lord said to him in a vision, Ananias. Here I am, Lord, he replied. The church did not shrink or suffer for Sauls arrival, but it grew because of it. Unexpected and mysterious ELW 258 All are welcome ELW 641, Lois Craddock Perkins Professor of Homiletics. What are 3 long term physical effects of tobacco use? . Not all Christians are equipped to be apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, or teachers (Ephesians 4:11). We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light. I can believe someone might have prayed that Saul be waylaid, or terminated, in some divine act or providential accident (act of God). The first question which must be asked with regard to the interpretation of this text is this: What is the meaning of this text in the context of the whole book? Luke has included this account of Sauls conversion in order to contribute to the argument which he is seeking to develop. He will bring me out into the light; I will see his righteousness (Micah 7:8-9). i3&K>Kpg He sent me so that you can see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit. 18 Immediately, something that looked like fish scales fell from Sauls eyes. I. The election of Saul to salvation was specific and thus, personal. We will also attempt to determine to what degree Sauls conversion was typical and to what degree it was unique. This is very evident in the conversion of Saul. The second evidence of Sauls conversion was in his bold proclamation of his newly found faith in Jesus as the Messiah. WebThere was no indication in Jesus words that Ananias was going to give Saul the Holy Spirit. Follow Christ's journey to the Cross. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love (Galatians 5:13). The Essene community at Qumran used the same designation to describe its mode of life. WebSaul/Paul was a pretty mean guy who persecuted Christians. ANANIAS Web The children will describe Ananias as a man who helped Saul even though he was afraid. Charles Spurgeon once wrote: Prayer is the autograph of the Holy Spirit upon the renewed heart. God was sealing Saul to Himself. I see a man who is confident, aggressive, and zealous, rather than a man troubled by inner doubts. All Ananias did was to obey Christs command to go pray with Saul so that Saul could do all those things. Now this would have been a very bitter pill to swallow for many Jewish Christians. This can hardly be possible. Ironically, Ananias could have become one of Sauls targets of persecution for following the Lord Jesus. Yes, Lord, he answered. For the word of the cross is to those who are perishing foolishness, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God (1 Corinthians 1:17-18; cf. 25 I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness26 the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints. 144 Was Ananias the one who told him what he must do? When her lie had been exposed, she also fell down and died at Peters feet. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. In love He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved (Ephesians 1:3-6). Saul could only be persecuting Jesus through the members of His body, the church. (8) Saul was saved independently of the apostles. Barnabas stood up for Saul and explained everything to the Jerusalem Christians. Ironically, Ananias could have become one of Sauls targets of persecution for following the Lord Jesus. But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Rising Strong Small Groups At midday you will grope about like a blind man in the dark. Yes, Lord, he answered. He started to KNOW GRACE! (2) While there is considerable emphasis on the conversion of Saul, there is very little detail given as to the precise time or the details of Sauls conversion. WebWe can understand why Ananias would be afraid of Saul. It almost seems harder to convince Ananias that Saul is (or will be) a Christian than it is to convert Saul. He sent me so that you can see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit. 18 Immediately, something that looked like fish scales fell from Sauls eyes. Road to Damascus In our text Ananias was instructed to go to Saul and to lay hands on him so that he might receive his sight (9:12). Ananias 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 "Straight Street" or Via Recta in Latin, was a straight The result was the restoration of Sauls sight and, it would seem, Sauls reception of the Holy Spirit. The account of Ananias and Saul is found in Acts chapter 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, But Elymas the magician (for thus his name is translated) was opposing them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith. the light and blind passages above). We know nothing of Ananias beyond this story in the shadows. called for him to be slapped. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. Israel too will look on Him whom they have pierced and mourn. also Isaiah 64:6). WebSaul had come to Damascus with letters from the authorities in Jerusalem to find followers of Jesus and arrest them. 17(K)And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and (L)laying his hands on him he said, Brother Saul, the Lord [c]Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and (M)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. The light from heaven brought Saul to the ground. 2. 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. 41He gave her his hand and raised her up, and when he had called the holy ones and the widows, he presented her alive. Could Judas have been a Christian? He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that being justified by His grace we might be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life (Titus 3:5-7). It is no wonder then that this one who was Sauls all in all would be the focus, the substance, of the gospel which he preached: But we preach Christ crucified (1 Corinthians 1:23). Shortly afterwards, the Lord spoke to a disciple named Ananias, asking him to go to Saul, place his hands on him, and restore his sight. This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. What is wrong with Ananias response to the Lord? During the subsequent Roman rule, the Saul seems to have been the instigator of the persecution of the church, which began at the death of Stephen in Jerusalem and worked outward from there. The Apostle Paul: Saul and Ananias Who is blind but my servant {Israel}, and deaf like the messenger I send? Is the story of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5 harsh? WebAnd was Ana- nias still reluctant to help Saul after the Lord explained the situation to him? Thus, his opposition to Christ and His church took on a missionary spirit. 16 He saw that there was no one, he was appalled that there was no one to intervene; so his own arm worked salvation for him, and his own righteousness sustained him. 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. 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. Let the wicked forsake his way, And the unrighteous man his thoughts; And let him return to the LORD, And He will have compassion on him; And to our God, For He will abundantly pardon (Isaiah 55:6-7; cf. Though I have fallen, I will rise. 1:1; 1 Cor. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. 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). 136. Now they were keeping watch on the gates day and night so as to kill him, The man who walks in the dark does not know where he is going. The apostles had nothing to do with Sauls conversion, and they were reluctant to believe it had happened or to welcome him into their fellowship. This expression, calling on the name of the Lord seems to be one used consistently in the Old Testament. 10 i There was a disciple in Damascus named Ananias, and the Lord said to him in a vision, Ananias. He answered, Here I am, Lord. 11 The Lord said to him, Get up and go to the street called Straight and ask at the house of