(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. 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). 11 On that day the weeping in Jerusalem will be great, like the weeping of Hadad Rimmon in the plain of Megiddo. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. If anyone else thinks he has reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for legalistic righteousness, faultless. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love (Galatians 5:13). (Acts 9:11)? Then the proconsul believed when he saw what had happened, being amazed at the teaching of the Lord (Acts 13:6-12). Julius Caesar confirmed those rights and privileges anew to the Jewish nation (although Judaea was no longer a sovereign state), and more particularly to the high-priesthood. F. F. Bruce, The Book of Acts, Revised Edition (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1988), pp. Did they think their task would be a simple one? With this backdrop in place, the preacher can now focus on two movements of Ananias part of this story: his vision and conversation with the Lord (verses 10-16) and his laying hands on Saul leading to Sauls baptism (verses 17-19). This silence is instructive, in my opinion. 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). After this incident with Paul we hear no more Yes, Lord, he answered. 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. What was the decision of Ananias and Sapphira? He hears the voice of the Lord crying out to him. He realized that it was nothing which he had donenor ever would dobut only by what Jesus Christ had done that saved him. 1:26); but for Saul the one who bore a human form identified himself as a historical person: `I am Jesus. Few of Sauls distinctive insights into the significance of the gospel cannot be traced back to the Damascus-road event, or to the outworking of that event in his life and thought. The words, Brother Saul must not have come easily to Ananias. Instead, he became the first believer to minister to Saul. From 64 B.C. I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. . WebThats when Ananias heard a word from the Lord. 17 And Ananias departed and entered the house, and after laying his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road by which you were coming, has sent me so that you may regain your sight, and be filled with the Holy Spirit. 18 And immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he regained his sight, and he arose and was baptized; 19 and he took food and was strengthened. . I. Howard Marshall, The Acts of the Apostles (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, reprint, 1987), p. 171. Here is a graphic illustration of what true repentance isit is a turning about, beginning with ones belief and bearing fruit in ones conduct. It is, in the Bible, the radiance of Gods glory. Get the BEST VALUE in digital Bible study as you prepare for Easter. Fourth, if we had all the facts, there would be no problem. 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 Granted, his experience is unique and dramatic. 8 Although I am less than the least of all Gods people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9 and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight,. How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways! A letter delivered at that time by a Roman ambassador to Ptolemy VIII of Egypt concludes with the demand: If any pestilent men have fled to you from their own country {Judaea}, hand them over to Simon the high priest, so that he may punish them according to their law (1 Macc. Now they grope through the streets like men who are blind. Did Saul's many sufferings during his ministry for Jesus' name come as a surprise to him? a. 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. By divine revelation, Peter called out Ananias for lying to the Holy Spirit and to God. To put it differently, the account of Sauls conversion in Acts 9 is but the first of three accounts, the other two coming from the lips of Paul himself. Rather than attempt to pacify Ananias or to alleviate his apprehension, God went on to tell him that Saul would not only be a brother, but he would be His instrument for bringing the gospel to Gentiles too. 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. 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. WebAnanias was afraid of Saul. Here the Jews were strong in numbers (10,000 butchered by Nero later) and here some disciples had found refuge from Sauls persecution in Judea and still worshipped in the synagogues. In order to have both, they pretended to give the full price of the sale of their property to the apostles. Theologically, we know this as the doctrine of mans total depravity.151 Paul surely believed that it was essential for men to begin with the understanding of their own sin, for in his Epistle to the Romans, he took the first two and one-half chapters to prove that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). 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. 144 Was Ananias the one who told him what he must do? 141 Compare this voice with that in John 12:29. They are so defiled with blood that no one dares to touch their garments (Lamentations 4:14). Ananias was afraid because he knew Sauls reputation as a merciless persecutor of the church. 4 The people to whom I am sending you are obstinate and stubborn. Sauls conversion was to play a crucial role in the expansion of the gospel. 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. (7) The salvation of Saul was Christ-centered. 15But the Lord said to him, Go, for this man is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before Gentiles, kings, and Israelites,m How was Saul converted to Christianity? /w\/)sr?o|cBw3>E> also 2:14-17; 3:12-18; 4:1-18; 5:17-21; 6:13--7:1; Galatians 1:13-17; cf. And Jesus took the persecution of Christians very personally. All Ananias did was to obey Christs command to go pray with Saul so that Saul could do all those things. (You know, just in case God has forgotten something) 143 . 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. 30And when the brothers learned of this, they took him down to Caesarea and sent him on his way to Tarsus.p. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. What was Ananias role in Sauls conversion to Christianity? Note the following impressions gained from a reflection on the passage as a whole. What a shock these words must have been to Saul, who up to this point, seems to have prided himself for his faithfulness to Judaism! What changed about Saul/Paul after Jesus appeared to him? We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Also, 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. 27 To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory (Colossians 1:24-27). Introduction: suppose you heard someone was coming to arrest you, or even worse. Thus, it is grace which sustains the saint, in addition to saving him: Do not be carried away by varied and strange teachings; for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, through which those who were thus occupied were not benefited (Hebrews 13:9). Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you (Isaiah 60:1). 32As Peter was passing through every region, he went down to the holy ones living in Lydda. 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 first is this: every saved person must have a personal conversion experience. Now get up and go into the city and you will be told what you must do.. Ananias had to overcome his fear so that Saul would be overcome by grace. 18Immediately things like scales fell from his eyes and he regained his sight. 146 It is possible, however, to understand the expression, Brother, as referring to Saul only as a fellow Jew. What happened to Straight Street since then? 12And in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him, so that he might receive his sight., 13Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard from many about this man, (C)how much [a]harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. 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. What is wrong with Ananias response to the Lord? 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). 136 E. M. Blaiklock, The Acts of the Apostles (Grand Rapids: Wm. The towns of Lydda, Sharon, and Joppa were populated by both Jews and Gentiles and their Christian communities may well have been mixed. Thank God that is what happened. 139 A. T. Robertson writes, It is open to question if kurie should not here be translated Sir as in 16:30 and in Matt. Pauls method was consistent with his message. * [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. Robert L. (Bob)Deffinbaugh graduated from Dallas Theological Seminary with his Th.M. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. 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. * [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. About three hours later, Sapphira arrived. Throughout his life and ministry Paul marveled at the grace of God shown to him and to other sinners. 16For (I)I will show him how many things he must suffer for My (J)names sake.. I very much doubt anyone prayed that this Saul might be saved. The sin of Ananias and Sapphira was the first recorded sin in the newly organized 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. 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. 19So when he had received food, he was strengthened. The approach the Lord took was one of dealing with Saul in the light of his sin, of his salvation, and of his ministry. (You know, just in case God has forgotten something) Bob is a pastor/teacher and elder at Community Bible Chapel in Richardson, Texas, and has contributed many of his Bible study series for use by the Foundation. At first Ananias was afraid because he knew how Saul persecuted the Christians, but the Lord said that Saul had a special ministry he must fulfill. 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. Follow Christ's journey to the Cross. It is not just in the Book of Acts that the importance of Sauls conversion is evident. Israel was also blind, and Pauls blindness was but a specific example of this blindness: The Lord will afflict you with madness, blindness and confusion of mind. Could Judas have been a Christian? 2. The children will state that they can pray if they feel afraid and it will help them to be brave and friendly. Why did Saint Paul change his 3 And it came about that as he journeyed, he was approaching Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him; 4 and he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? 5 And he said, Who art Thou, Lord?139 And He said, I am Jesus whom you are persecuting, 6 but rise, and enter the city, and it shall be told you what you must do. 7 And the men who traveled with him140 stood speechless, hearing the voice, but seeing no one.141 8 And Saul got up from the ground, and though his eyes were open, he could see nothing; and leading him by the hand, they brought him into Damascus.142 9 And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank. We know from Romans 7, for example, that Paul had struggles in his spiritual walk. WebActs 9:1. \4Q-b24Q-z U`E(O42. 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? 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. 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). A man who, along 12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service. Introduction: suppose you heard someone was coming to arrest you, or even worse. We do not know the exact time when Saul was saved. Were these people as eager as Saul to destroy the church? 180-181. came under Alexander the Great's rule. Why was Ananias afraid of helping Saul? At first Ananias was afraid because he knew how Saul persecuted the Christians, but the Lord said that Saul had a special ministry he must fulfill. My Spirit, who is on you, and my words that I have put in your mouth will not depart from your mouth, or from the mouths of your children, or from the mouths of their descendants from this time on and forever, says the Lord. He spoke of salvation as dying to the old manner of living and as rising from the dead in order to live an entirely new life (Romans 6). Ananias was afraid because he knew Sauls reputation as a merciless persecutor of the church. He is there praying,j * [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. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Because I have sinned against him, I will bear the Lords wrath, until he pleads my case and establishes my right. In Peters words, Ananias and Sapphira agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord(v9), which appears to be a terrible sin in the eyes of God, so terrible that it even warranted having the couple killed on the spot, without even being given the chance to confess and repent. 21 Were you a slave when you were called? 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). in 1971. Before he reached Damascus a light flashed in front of Saul that was so bright he fell down on the ground. But then the preacher can continue that even though Ananias didnt know about Sauls epiphany, he did as the Lord told him anyway. Pauls hatred for Christ and His followers was common knowledge. The couple wanted to appear as outstanding church members, but they didnt want to part with their possessions. 6 And you also are among those who are called to belong to Jesus Christ. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, 10 but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. 6 And you, son of man, do not be afraid of them or their words. In 47 B.C. There is no story in Acts more important than Saul/Pauls call, his encounter with the risen Christ. The story of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5 is difficult. 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. . His acceptance by the latter was finally brought about through his friendship with Barnabas (Acts 9:27). Not knowing what had happened, she, too, lied about the offering and was also struck dead (Acts 5:111). And they were also watching the gates day and night so that they might put him to death; 25 but his disciples took him by night, and let him down through an opening in the wall, lowering him in a basket. . No doubt entered the mind of Saul that the 7The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, for they heard the voice but could see no one.g Would the church not have undertaken the task of discipling these folks? WebThere was no indication in Jesus words that Ananias was going to give Saul the Holy Spirit. He constantly defended the gospel against those who would diminish grace and seek to pollute it with works. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. Web3. Saul Preaches in Damascus. Amen (Romans 11:33-36). There may well have been a long time between Sauls conversion and his arrival at Jerusalem. Ironically, Ananias could have become one of Sauls targets of persecution for following the Lord Jesus. (6) Sauls salvation was a conversion, a radical change. In peace, as in persecution, the church was comforted and continued to increase. Now that the Lord had identified Himself as Jesus, Saul recognized that he was the sinner. When God spoke to Ananias commanding him to go to the house where Saul was staying, he was to receive him as a brother; and he was told that he was called to suffer as Gods chosen vessel to proclaim the gospel to the Gentiles, kings, and to his fellow-Israelites. I do not question that he did receive the Spirit, but merely observe that this receiving of the Spirit (accompanied by the laying on of hands) was not something Luke wanted to emphasize.
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