143 . Saul is welcomed into the church. 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. 27 But 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 at Damascus he had spoken out boldly in the name of Jesus. His parents allowed visiting priests to minister secretly in their home during the dangers of the French Revolution. Are you not the result of my work in the Lord? All who make idols are nothing, and the things they treasure are worthless. In Pauls speech in Acts 22, he describes Ananias as a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews that dwelt in Damascus (Acts 22:12). Pauls opposition resulted in the scattering of the Christians from Jerusalem, thus taking the gospel to Judea, Samaria, and beyond (Acts 8:1; 11:19-21). The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. When Sapphira showed up, she, too, lied to Peter and to God, saying that they had donated the entire proceeds of the sale of the land to the church. It is here in Acts, for the first time, that Saul is called Paul. But these laws, which seek to summarize the gospel in a concise way, should always be applied individually. It was the most powerful piece of artillery in the Jewish camp that was suddenly turned round upon them. A. T. Robertson, Word Pictures in the New Testament (Nashville: Broadman Press, 1930), III, p. 123. sOGOSapQ3[y~@9W 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. Second, we are not given enough information in the biblical text to solve them dogmatically. Why was Ananias afraid of helping Saul? After this incident with Paul we hear no more of him. Then the proconsul believed when he saw what had happened, being amazed at the teaching of the Lord (Acts 13:6-12). For the time being, God is using the disobedience of Israel to accomplish His purposes, but there is surely a time coming when Israel will be restored to the Lord, by faith in Christ. Indeed, God would reveal His sovereignty by using Saul to further the gospel, first by his opposition (which scattered the church and spread the gospel), and then by his conversion (which resulted in his powerful proclamation of Jesus as Messiah). 2 Corinthians 4:14; cf. Pauls conversion is one of the great stories of the early church, and it has rightfully inspired Christians from every generation. The Lord seeks and saves individuals, and thus our methods should be personal. The approach the Lord took was one of dealing with Saul in the light of his sin, of his salvation, and of his ministry. No doubt entered the mind of Saul that the By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Here, Saul was only told that it was Jesus whom he saw, who was speaking to him, and whom he was persecuting. 20 The Redeemer will come to Zion, to those in Jacob who repent of their sins, declares the Lord. For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. But his blindness was symbolic of his condition. While I am in the world, I am the light of the world (John 9:5). Some would like the excuse to make some changes to make their life more comfortable. His acceptance by the latter was finally brought about through his friendship with Barnabas (Acts 9:27). This Paul knew and testified to. Then Jesus told them, You are going to have the light just a little while longer. He was to come to the earth as the great light, the light to the Gentiles, and so He did. They could not prove him wrong from the Scriptures. (Acts 9:11)? They, not unlike Ananias, were very reluctant to have anything to do with this Christian killer. Why was Ananias afraid of helping Saul? 1* Now Saul, still breathing murderous threats against the disciples of the Lord,a went to the high priestb Ironically, Ananias could have become one of Sauls targets of persecution for following the Lord Jesus. Who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. The first words of the Lord Jesus to Saul were intended to teach him the inseparable unity between Christ and His church. The result of that reluctant leap of faith is that Sauls eyes are opened and he is baptized, becoming part of (and eventually a leader in) the very church he sought to wipe out. 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. Not knowing what had happened, she, too, lied about the offering and was also struck dead (Acts 5:111). Acts 9:19-23 Saul in Damascus. Or did they somewhat dread his arrival, knowing how zealous he was in his opposition to the church. 1. WebAnanias, I am sure. 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." If Ananias and Sapphira were born again believers and God judged them for their sin, it means that even though Jesus was judged for sin, God still judged them for their sin. While at first he thought he might have to correct God, in the end he submitted himself and his very life to Gods call. Sapphira). Rueban founded the Tribe of Reuban and Saul was King. He is trying to inform God of whats going on. If this passage is profoundly important, it also poses its problems. 2. What is remarkable about the Lord's directions to Ananias? Without Ananias prayer, Saul spends the rest of his life as a blind man wondering what his life might have been. 2:7; 2 Tim. How can this message of suffering for Jesus' name in * [9:8] He could see nothing: a temporary blindness (Acts 9:18) symbolizing the religious blindness of Saul as persecutor (cf. 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). the light and blind passages above). Sign up now for the latest news and deals from Bible Gateway! Sauls conversion was also his call to ministry, and this conversion experience is strikingly similar to that of one of his predecessors, Ezekiel: 1:4 I looked, and I saw a windstorm coming out of the northan immense cloud with flashing lightning and surrounded by brilliant light. 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). How old was Jesus when he was crucified? This can hardly be possible. In this occasion, no one seems to have prayed for Peters miraculous escape. Ananias found Nevertheless, conversion has certain elements which are vital and which are to be present in any salvation experience. Few Christians will encounter the risen, glorified Lord as Saul did here. The 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. The message of the gospel, to be sure, is always the same, but the approach is not. 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. 40Peter sent them all out and knelt down and prayed. And be thankful (Colossians 3:15). This method of argument Paul continued to use with the Jews (Acts 17:3). 10 Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and the Lord said to him in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, here am I, Lord. 11 And the Lord said to him, Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying, 12 and 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. 13 But Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he did to Thy saints at Jerusalem; 14 and here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call upon Thy name.145 15 But 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; 16 for I will show him how much he must suffer for My names sake.. Enough revelation for the moment. Ananias was afraid because he knew Saul's reputation as a merciless persecutor of the church . also 2:14-17; 3:12-18; 4:1-18; 5:17-21; 6:13--7:1; Galatians 1:13-17; cf. Saul was not content to punish some and to drive the rest from the holy city. He did not want to merely contain Christianity or to drive it from Jerusalem; he wanted to rid the earth of Christianity and its followers. 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. 41He gave her his hand and raised her up, and when he had called the holy ones and the widows, he presented her alive. Why did Ananias and Sapphira sell their property? Why was Saul (later called Paul) going to Damascus? Who does the voice of Vanessa on Phineas and Ferb? OR WHO HAS FIRST GIVEN TO HIM THAT IT MIGHT BE PAID BACK TO HIM AGAIN? Salvation may occur in a large group, such as those saved at the preaching of Peter at Pentecost, but each individual was saved because of a personal encounter with Christ. Even if he were not one of these men, he would surely have hated to hear the gospel. When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, I am the light of the world. It is also bad news for the self-righteous. Second, the gospel should be proclaimed in a way that is personal. When he found him, he "laid his hands on Saul and said, 'Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on your way here, has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.'" But we proved to be gentle among you, as a nursing mother tenderly cares for her own children (1 Thessalonians 2:7). And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord.. (7) Those who were saved by Sauls ministry were convinced by the power of the gospel message he preached and not by miraculous signs and wonders. But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 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). 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. 15:8; Gal. For all the saints. Matt. 9:31). 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. 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). He was afraid because Saul killed Jesus followers What did Ananias's do to heal Paul's eyes? 2:22, Acts 13:2; 22:21; Rom. * [9:119] This is the first of three accounts of Pauls conversion (with Acts 22:316 and Acts 26:218) with some differences of detail owing to Lukes use of different sources. 26:63; Luke 22:67, 70). One cannot help but wonder if it did not send chills up and down Pauls spine when he cast the spell of blindness on the Jewish false prophet, Bar-Jesus: And when they had gone through the whole island as far as Paphos, they found a certain prophet whose name was Bar-Jesus, who was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, a man of intelligence. But Saul only became bolder in his preaching. Acts 26:18). Saul, why do you persecute me? many pulpits today promise to those who will follow Jesus. The children will state that they can pray if they feel afraid and it will help them to be brave and friendly. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Grace is not only the basis for ones salvation, but also for ones spiritual walk and service: As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, having been firmly rooted and now being built up in Him and established in your faith, just as you were instructed, and overflowing with gratitude (Colossians 2:6-7). Nothing is more evident in the account of Sauls conversion than his radical reversal. This is very evident in the conversion of Saul. Thus, persecuting the church was persecuting Jesus Christ. Unless otherwise noted, all material copyright 2023, Rochester Catholic Press Association, Inc. I can believe someone might have prayed that Saul be waylaid, or terminated, in some divine act or providential accident (act of God). So it would appear. The couple wanted to appear as outstanding church members, but they didnt want to part with their possessions. From 64 B.C. Your merchants were the worlds great men. Introduction: suppose you heard someone was coming to arrest you, or even worse. 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. This divine illumination is that miracle which God performs within a lost, blinded, dead soul, so as to bring about salvation: 4 The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. (7) The salvation of Saul was Christ-centered. There may well have been a long time between Sauls conversion and his arrival at Jerusalem. He summed up life in this one word: For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain (Philippians 1:21). When the Christians learned that the Hellenists to whom Saul had preached were plotting to kill them, they helped him escape through Caesarea and on to Tarsus. The casting of this spell on this false prophet could therefore have been an act of kindness, as Gods blinding of Saul had been, intended to cease his opposition and perhaps even to bring about his conversion. 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. many pulpits today promise to those who will follow Jesus? Q&A 1. In other words, Is Sauls conversion typical and illustrative of the conversion of every saint, or is it unique, the exceptional case, which has little correspondence to most converts?. Saul could only be persecuting Jesus through the members of His body, the church. Perhaps so, but I am not as confident of this as I once was. When Saul reached Jerusalem, the Christians there also were afraid of him, because they thought he was going to have them all arrested. Acts does not tell us that he goes on to proclaim the gospel to the Gentiles, found churches in urban centers across the Roman Empire, stand true to the gospel while on trial for his faith over and again, and end up under house arrest in Rome awaiting a trial before Caesar. Was a man uncircumcised when he was called? Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. I am not at all sure how this can be determined from the text. In Galatians 1, Saul wrote that God had called him while he was still in his mothers womb (Galatians 1:15). WebYou know someone is coming, perhaps to arrest you for being a Christian. These two shocking deaths served as an example to the body of Christ that God hates hypocrisy. Some were amazed, taking note of the dramatic turn-about in Sauls faith and practice (9:21). By your magic spell all the nations were led astray (Revelation 18:23). 144 Was Ananias the one who told him what he must do? And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. Elsewhere in Acts, such as with the apostles, Stephen and Philip, the message of the gospel was underscored by signs and wonders which accompanied the message. 11 And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher. 9 What happened to Sapphira in the Bible? This happened to Ananias of Damascus when he ministered to Saul of Tarsus. Did they send for Saul? The call of salvation is a call to holiness, and to obedience, and to fellowship, with God and with our fellow-believers. WebThats when Ananias heard a word from the Lord. Handed down. We honor him on May 14. Saul went to other cities where he sought to arrest Christians and to bring them back to Jerusalem for punishment. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and placing his hands on him so that he may regain his sight (Acts 9:10-12). Now Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest, 2 and asked for letters from him to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way,137 both men and women,138 he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. 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). However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. of him. The children will state that they can pray if they feel afraid and it will help them to be brave and friendly. Ananias (/nnas/ AN--NY-s; Ancient Greek: from Hebrew , Hananiah, favoured of the LORD) was a disciple of Jesus at Damascus mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles in the Bible, which describes how he was sent by Jesus to restore the sight of Saul of Tarsus (who later was called Paul the Apostle) and . In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and placing his hands on him so that he may regain his sight (Acts 9:10-12). Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life (John 8:12). We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. ACTS 9:10-14 10 Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and to him the Lord said in a vision, Ananias had to overcome his fear so that Saul would be overcome by grace. 87-89), plays out the two views of Sauls conversion, the first (and seldom held the view of Ramsay), that Saul was suddenly and radically converted; second, that there was a considerable process involved. Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? We do not know the exact time when Saul was saved. Ananias was afraid because he knew Sauls reputation as a merciless persecutor of the church. If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit (Matthew 15:14; cf. But as Saul grew in strength and as his arguments were irrefutable, just as Stephens had been (Acts 6:10), his opponents realized that the only way to silence Saul was to kill him. To Him be the glory forever. Jesus was alive and not still in the grave! Ananias was a disciple of Jesus who lived in Damascus and was helpful to the Lord. As I look at the problem, I believe several conclusions must be drawn. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. 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. Robert L. (Bob)Deffinbaugh graduated from Dallas Theological Seminary with his Th.M. When 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 (vs. 26). It says nothing about him receiving the Holy Spirit. Saul immediately began to preach about the Son of God in the synagogues. A resource for the whole church from Luther Seminary. He was afraid because Saul killed Jesus’ followers🤨 There were three Ananiases in the Bible. The man who, days before, was persecuting Christ was now preaching Christ. God then used this man to further His purposes in launching the career of the most influential of the apostles. Paul experienced many hardships in his travels, and he was frequently thrown into jail for preaching about Jesus. 7 But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. That is because our Lord always confronts, convicts, and converts men and women individually, in the light of their own actions and beliefs. How many times should a shock absorber bounce? Why did Ananias have to overcome his fear? 146 It is possible, however, to understand the expression, Brother, as referring to Saul only as a fellow Jew. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". The only question is who is the LORD? It was his preaching that resulted in the conversion of many Gentiles, and it was his writing (his epistles) to these saints which greatly strengthened them in their faith. Pauls hatred for Christ and His followers was common knowledge. Despite the threats Saul had made and his notorious track record of persecuting, arresting and even affirming the execution of Christians, Ananias, whose 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 towns of Lydda, Sharon, and Joppa were populated by both Jews and Gentiles and their Christian communities may well have been mixed. This light was more, much more, than just a bright light. 12 The land will mourn, each clan by itself, with their wives by themselves: the clan of the house of David and their wives, the clan of the house of Nathan and their wives, 13 the clan of the house of Levi and their wives, the clan of Shimei and their wives, 14 and all the rest of the clans and their wives. In other words a beginning point for narrating Acts 9:1-19 could be with Ananias knowledge of Saul as a persecutor, which he expresses in verse 13. 16For (I)I will show him how many things he must suffer for My (J)names sake.. Saul did not agree with his teacher, Gamaliel, on how the Christians should be dealt with, however. 136 E. M. Blaiklock, The Acts of the Apostles (Grand Rapids: Wm. He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the first-born from the dead; so that He Himself might come to have first place in everything. 142 His companions therefore took him by the hand and led him through the gate of Damascus to the place where, presumably, arrangements had been made for him to stay. F. F. Bruce, The Book of Acts, Revised Edition (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1988), p. 185. 10. 140 They are called his sunodeuontes, `those who were in the caravan with Him (cf. For he will come like a pent-up flood that the breath of the Lord drives along. We know nothing of Ananias beyond this story in the shadows. The church did not shrink or suffer for Sauls arrival, but it grew because of it. also Psalm 50:15; Joel 2:32; Jeremiah 29:12; 33:3-8). Sauls Conversion. This old city is the most enduring in the history of the world (Knowling). Ananias Laid Hands on Paul Ananias did as the Lord commanded and went to Sauls house and laid his hands on him. There will be no more night. Barnabas stood up for Saul and explained everything to the Jerusalem Christians. Saul, the typical (albeit more zealous) Jew, opposed God in the person of Christ and His body, the church, even while he thought he was serving Him. . How does Ananias ability to rise above his own feelings of hatred toward Saul encourage Saul to move 3 Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn (Isaiah 59:15b60:13). (3) Sauls salvation was personal. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. 145 We may note incidentally the two new descriptions of the Christians used here. Paul was no ordinary followerhe became the most visible and active pillar of the new Christian church. The children will state that they can pray if they feel afraid and it will help them to be brave Lest anyone think they are too sinful to save, let me remind you that when Paul wrote that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, he quickly added, among whom I am foremost of all.. The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their splendor into it (Revelation 21:23-24). Indeed, this seems to be the rule. Like Stephen, Saul seemed to gravitate toward preaching to the Hellenistic Jews (9:29). WebThe Good Ananias: A Lesson for Believers. What is wrong with Ananias response to the Lord? They could not out-argue him. Suppose you were a Christian who had just arrived in Damascus, and you had been able to learn the whereabouts of a group of believers. 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. 15 But if the unbeliever leaves, let him do so. Ironically, Ananias could have become one of Sauls targets of persecution for following the Lord Jesus. I see a man who is confident, aggressive, and zealous, rather than a man troubled by inner doubts. 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. The Lord looked and was displeased that there was no justice. And what a comfort to know that God always finishes what He starts: For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:6). When he was still very young, Michael was hired out as a shepherd boy. Perhaps Ananias and Sapphira got caught up in a band-wagon effect. Web17 And 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 F. F. Bruce, The Book of Acts, Revised Edition (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1988), p. 113. 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. Ananias would have lost a human beings greatest privilege, of being an agent of the Lord (like an angel of the Lord). His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light (Matthew 17:2). Stat two things God told Anaias concerning Saul Briefly describe what happened during Anaias' meeting with Saul. 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 afraid because he knew Sauls reputation as a merciless persecutor of the church. It may well be a call to live transformed lives in the same circumstances in which we were found. Copyright 2023 Rochester Catholic Press Association, Inc. All rights reserved. Paul was no ordinary followerhe became the most visible and active pillar of the new Christian church. More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish in order that I may gain Christ, and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith, that I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to his death (Philippians 3:7-10). Why was Ananias afraid? 42This became known all over Joppa, and many came to believe in the Lord. During the subsequent Roman rule, the Nevertheless, at some point in time Saul did arrive in Jerusalem. Why do you think the street was named "Straight" Romans 6). 21 Were you a slave when you were called? Were they some of those converted to Christ through his preaching? 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. Hebrew Baby Names Meaning: In Hebrew Baby Names the meaning of the name Sapphira is: Sapphire (gem); beautiful. With the help of Ananias, he was transformed into a follower of Jesus and became one of the most well-known evangelists ever.
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