The Church at Peace. You, my brothers, were called to be free. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. And having escaped from Damascus in a basket, most likely alone, he probably returned to Jerusalem alone, without a witness who could corroborate his claims. many pulpits today promise to those who will follow Jesus. He sent me so that you can 1 Corinthians 9:1; 15:4-11). 1:29, 30, NKJV, Abide Bible, Red Letter Edition, Comfort Print: Holy Bible, New King James Version. At length, in Gods good time, the door opened, and the events of half a lifetime assumed final and complete significance. E. M. Blaiklock, The Acts of the Apostles, (Grand Rapids: Wm. In spite of this, we are not told here that Saul did receive the Holy Spirit or what happened when he did. When he arrived, they took him to the room upstairs where all the widows came to him weeping and showing him the tunics and cloaks that Dorcas had made while she was with them. There would likely be another group of people meeting on the evening before Saul arrived in Damascusthose who did not believe in Jesus as their Messiah, and who eagerly sought the eradication of the church in their city. * [9:26] This visit of Paul to Jerusalem is mentioned by Paul in Gal 1:18. remark on the symmetry with which Luke sets forth the two stories: The simultaneous preparation of the hearts of Ananias and of Saul, and the simultaneous preparation of those of Peter and Cornelius,the questioning and hesitation of Peter and the questioning and hesitation of Ananias,the one doubting whether he might make friendship with the Gentiles, the other doubting whether he might approach the enemy of the Church,the unhesitating obedience of each when the Divine will was made known,the state of mind in which both the Pharisee and the centurion were found,each waiting to see what the Lord would say to them,this close analogy will not be forgotten by those who reverently read the two consecutive chapters. Have you had such an encounter? 3 For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve. No doubt God had used Ananias to serve as Sauls first Barnabas. Just as Barnabas would vouch for Saul with the apostles in Jerusalem, so Ananias, a highly respected Jewish Christian, would vouch for Saul here. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. 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. And, who knows, God may even answer those prayers and the persons life be blessed and changed in ways we cannot even imagine.. WebThats when Ananias heard a word from the Lord. God changed him from being a man who did not believe Jesus was the Son of God and a persecutor of the Christians into a bold missionary who preached the Gospel wherever he went. 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. First, there are problems which appear to be serious. The center of the fire looked like glowing metal, 26 Above the expanse over their heads was what looked like a throne of sapphire, and high above on the throne was a figure like that of a man. 1:15). A. T. Robertson, Word Pictures in the New Testament (Nashville: Broadman Press, 1930), III, p. 114. The same grace which was shown to Saul in his salvation is shown to all whom God calls to Himself: 8 So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. With the help of Ananias, he was transformed into a follower of Jesus and became one of the most well-known evangelists ever. After this incident with Paul we hear no more of him. 14And here he has authority from the chief priests to imprison all who call upon your name.l Romans 6). The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Granted, his experience is unique and dramatic. Routing number of commercial bank of Ethiopia? Do not be afraid of what they say or terrified by them, though they are a rebellious house. We can overcome our fears if, like Ananias, we trust that Jesus is directing the preaching work, Now for several days he was with the disciples who were at Damascus, 20 and immediately he began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, saying, He is the Son of God. 21 And all those hearing him continued to be amazed, and were saying, Is this not he who in Jerusalem destroyed those who called on this name, and who had come here for the purpose of bringing them bound before the chief priests? 22 But Saul kept increasing in strength and confounding147 the Jews who lived at Damascus by proving that this Jesus is the Christ. Linking is encouraged, but republishing or redistributing, including by framing or similar means, without the publisher's prior written permission is prohibited. What a shock Sauls conversion must have been to both groups! A light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel (Luke 2:32). Present active participle of sunbubazo, old verb to make go together, to coalesce, to knit together. 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? 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. Is paralegal higher than legal assistant? Saul is welcomed into the church. (Acts 9:17) and that Saul was to "be filled with the Holy Spirit" (Acts 9:17). The New International Version WebActs 9:1. Ananias was afraid because he knew Sauls reputation as a merciless persecutor of the church. Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light. 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. 1:1; 1 Cor. Web3. 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. He is trying to inform God of whats going on. The baptism of Saul was his testimony to the change which had taken place. I very much doubt anyone prayed that this Saul might be saved. All of these should be expected and can be rather easily explained. Saul, like Stephen, had a ministry which focused on the Hellenistic Jews. Saul was also blinded, which identified him with the blindness of the nation Israel of which the Old Testament prophets wrote (see above). He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him (Daniel 2:22). . WebAnanias was afraid of Saul. Ananias At midday we stumble as if it were twilight; among the strong, we are like the dead (Isaiah 59:10). 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 But hidden in its shadows is another inspiring story, and one to which most people in the pew may more easily relate. 11 And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher. Ironically, Ananias could have become one of Sauls targets of persecution for following the Lord Jesus. Acts 9:17 - Ananias Baptizes Saul - Bible Hub But his blindness was symbolic of his condition. Nevertheless, Ananias obeyed. One moment, Saul was opposing Jesus, as though He were the sinner; the next, Saul is on his face before this Jesus, calling Him Lord. 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. Ananias was afraid because he knew Saul's reputation as a merciless persecutor of the church . This is a miracle, a miracle which is all of God, and all of grace. 9oY+ 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. How does Ananias ability to rise above his own feelings of hatred toward Saul encourage Saul to move What happened to Saul when Ananias laid hand on him? 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). The question must be asked as to whether or not Sauls conversion has a more general application and relevance. Later it was the seat of administration of an Assyrian province. Why were Ananias and Sapphira killed on the spot? Saul Acts 9, 22, 26; Romans 15:15-21; cf. The second evidence of Sauls conversion was in his bold proclamation of his newly found faith in Jesus as the Messiah. From the standpoint of the gospel they are enemies for your sake, but from the standpoint of Gods choice they are beloved for the sake of the fathers; for the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. 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. Note Pauls summary of the gospel at the end of Galatians 2: I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and delivered Himself up for me (Galatians 2:20). 2 See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you. It was, of course, Ananias who instructed Saul to be baptized, calling on the name of the Lord (Acts 22:16). He was afraid because Saul killed Jesus’ followers🤨 There were three Ananiases in the Bible. The towns of Lydda, Sharon, and Joppa were populated by both Jews and Gentiles and their Christian communities may well have been mixed. 3On his journey, as he was nearing Damascus, a light from the sky suddenly flashed around him.c What else did Jesus explain to Ananias? Saul, why do you persecute me? Ananias had to overcome his fear so that Saul would be overcome by grace. sight. No one, it would seem, was even thinking of what God was about to do. It may well be a call to live transformed lives in the same circumstances in which we were found. 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. It was time for Saul to ponder what he had seen and heard. The Conversion of Saul For God has shut up all in disobedience that He might show mercy to all (Romans 11:25-32). 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. His name was Ananias (not to be confused with the husband of Why was Ananias afraid of helping Saul? Pauls conversion is one of the great stories of the early church, and it has rightfully inspired Christians from every generation. 9 What happened to Sapphira in the Bible? 17So Ananias went and entered the house; laying his hands on him, he said, Saul, my brother, the Lord has sent me, Jesus who appeared to you on the way by which you came, that you may regain your sight and be filled with the holy Spirit. Ananias baptised Saul in the name of Jesus - the one who had sent him to the vanquished enemy of the church. (9) Finally, I believe that Lukes portrayal of Sauls salvation is typical of that of the nation Israel, which is still future. 12 In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands onq him to restore his sight.. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. It would seem not to be there on the road to Damascus. God then used this man to further His purposes in launching the career of the most influential of the apostles. Ananias was that kind of a disciple. Some of the Hellenistic Jews responded to the preaching of Saul as they had to Stephens preaching; they wanted to kill him (9:29). He should not become uncircumcised. If he were viewed as a reactionary, a trouble-maker, perhaps there were some unbelievers who thought Saul was too much trouble. helpful to the Lord. 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. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. They were to be a light to the Gentiles, but they failed. Sign up now for the latest news and deals from Bible Gateway! 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. Lesson Text Acts 9:1-19 Scripture Memory Verse There are all too many autonomous Christians, those who feel that coming to faith in Christ does not necessitate identifying with His body, the church. He goes for broke. He also warned those who would corrupt grace, to make it a pretext for sin (cf. Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard (Isaiah 58:8). There is clearly no attempt to establish some kind of pattern or formula for evangelism here, at least as far as methodology is concerned. The first is this: every saved person must have a personal conversion experience. He sent me so that you can Saul asked.I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting, he replied. He spoke of salvation as the change from death to life (Ephesians 2:1-3). 5 How did God use Ananias in the New Testament? 10Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus (A)named Ananias; and to him the Lord said in a vision, Ananias., 11So the Lord said to him, Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul (B)of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying. Why was Ananias afraid of helping Saul? A Period of Peace After Sauls Conversion (Acts 9:31) Hypocrisy is the most dangerous spiritual virus to infect the church. The LORD identified Himself as the Jesus, whom he had been persecuting. 1:11--2:10; Ephesians 3:1-13; cf. Nevertheless, there must have been those who intended to use Sauls coming to oppose the church. WebAnd was Ana- nias still reluctant to help Saul after the Lord explained the situation to him? Now this would have been a very bitter pill to swallow for many Jewish Christians. Lesson: Conversion Saul and Ananias Prayer Ananias Loves Paul Missions Lesson 2 Lesson at a Glance