Peter Heals Aeneas at Lydda. 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. (3) Sauls conversion experience was quick and dramatic in one sense, but it also involved a process, a process of at least three days.135. For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified (1 Corinthians 2:2). Not everyone can be Paul, but we all can and should be Ananias. The first is to ask the congregation to identify with Saul himself. This is very evident in the conversion of Saul. 3On his journey, as he was nearing Damascus, a light from the sky suddenly flashed around him.c WebAnanias was afraid of Saul. A light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel (Luke 2:32). 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! And thus, in Gods time, Saul was dramatically converted, seeing the Christ whom he had been persecuting, risen from the dead and in His heavenly glory. It's still there and you can still see the evidence of the colonnades (click The famous story of St. Pauls conversion from being an outrageous persecutor of the gospel of Christ to be an illustrious professor and preacher of it. Amen. 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. Everyone is born in sin, and every part of their being is affected by sin (intellect, emotions, and will). He was a man of great respect and influence, and thus he realized that his actions would have broad ramifications. 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. Imagine for a moment that this is the week of Sauls arrival at Damascus.129 By this time Saul has gained a reputation as the ringleader of the movement to make Christianity extinct. 141 Compare this voice with that in John 12:29. What is the meaning of Sapphira in the Bible? He became a priest himself in 1823. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". What is the significance of the story of Ananias and Sapphira? 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. There is surely a connection between Saul and persecution, and Saul and peace. For it was the Fathers good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him (Colossians 1:13-19). To Him be the glory forever. Saul Visits Jerusalem. 23After a long time had passed, the Jews conspired to kill him, To both Ananias (Acts 9:10) and Saul (Acts 9:12). Paul was no ordinary followerhe became the most visible and active pillar of the new Christian church. When he was still very young, Michael was hired out as a shepherd boy. Not all Christians are equipped to be apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, or teachers (Ephesians 4:11). Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light. What do Ananias actions, when asked in the passage to heal Saul, suggest about his feelings toward him? He wrote letters to the first churches in order to help them understand the Scriptures and to tell them how to live as good Christians. 35And all the inhabitants of Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. 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. And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you will be blind and not see the sun for a time. And immediately a mist and a darkness fell upon him, and he went about seeking those who would lead him by the hand. Even if he were not one of these men, he would surely have hated to hear the gospel. Ananias was afraid because he knew Sauls reputation as a merciless persecutor of the church. 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. Frequent biblical texts speak of God in terms of light: You are resplendent with light, more majestic than mountains rich with game (Psalm 76:4). It is also bad news for the self-righteous. Ananias was afraid because he knew Sauls reputation as a merciless persecutor of the church. Nothing is more evident in the account of Sauls conversion than his radical reversal. ACTS 9:10-14 10 Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and to him the Lord said in a vision, (6) Little emphasis is placed on Sauls reception of the Holy Spirit, and nothing is said about what happened as Saul received the Spirit. WebThe Lord called to him in a vision, o Ananias!. They were to be a light to the Gentiles, but they failed. (8) The salvation of Saul made him a vital part of Christs body, the church. 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. 23 And when many days had elapsed, the Jews plotted together to do away with him, 24 but their plot became known to Saul. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. 12 In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands onq him to restore his sight.. This expression, calling on the name of the Lord seems to be one used consistently in the Old Testament. 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. Ananias would probably be afraid to go see Saul because Ananias was a Christian, and Saul was coming to the city to arrest the Christians. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. get answers to your Bible questions from 50+ resources ($2,400+ value! * [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. 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. Hebrew Baby Names Meaning: In Hebrew Baby Names the meaning of the name Sapphira is: Sapphire (gem); beautiful. Blaiklock, for example (pp. The Book of Galatians is but one example of this. 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. Ananias was afraid because he knew Sauls reputation as a merciless persecutor of the church. 7 But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. During the subsequent Roman rule, the 3 Now as he was going along and approaching Damascus, (9) Finally, I believe that Lukes portrayal of Sauls salvation is typical of that of the nation Israel, which is still future. During his conversion Do not let anyone despise you (Titus 2:11-15). 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! 6 For God, who said, Let light shine out of darkness, made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ (2 Corinthians 4:4, 6). Did they think their task would be a simple one? Ananias and Saul - June 3, 2022. (5) Sauls salvation was an act of divine grace. It is not clear If he were viewed as a reactionary, a trouble-maker, perhaps there were some unbelievers who thought Saul was too much trouble. But beyond this, his conversion totally changed the remainder of his life. How true are two of the proverbs, which read: The mind of a man plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps (Proverbs 16:9). Fourth, if we had all the facts, there would be no problem. (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. Jesus words, Why are you persecuting Me?, clearly implied that Sauls persecution of the church was a persecution of the Lord. It is impossible to overestimate the worth to the student of Christianity of this event from every angle because we have in Pauls Epistles his own emphasis on the actual appearance of Jesus to him as the fact that changed his whole life (1 Cor. The sun will no more be your light by day, nor will the brightness of the moon shine on you, for the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory (Isaiah 60:19). What was Ananias role in Sauls conversion to Christianity? For God has shut up all in disobedience that He might show mercy to all (Romans 11:25-32). The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". This would mean that the Gospel isnt as good as we thought it was and that God violates the law of double jeopardy where He punishes the same sin twice. This method of argument Paul continued to use with the Jews (Acts 17:3). helpful to the Lord. Just as Saul seemingly had hatred toward Christ-followers, how do you think a Christ-follower like Ananias felt toward Saul? A vision, in this context, was a supernatural sight from God. Do not gloat over me, my enemy! And they will reign for ever and ever (Revelation 22:5). 36Now in Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which translated means Dorcas). 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. The church did not shrink or suffer for Sauls arrival, but it grew because of it. 14And here he has authority from the chief priests to imprison all who call upon your name.l Those whose lives Saul would gladly have taken in his unsaved days now sought to save his life by sending him away. 34Peter said to him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you. * [9:20] Son of God: the title Son of God occurs in Acts only here, but cf. 12 That is why I am suffering as I am. 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. For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. 1 Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes, 2 To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be holy, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christtheir Lord and ours 9 God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful (1 Corinthians 1:1-2, 9). My names sake" (Acts 9:16) even before his ministry began. Paul was overwhelmed by a flash of heavenly light. Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you (Isaiah 60:1). %PDF-1.2
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Ananias baptised Saul in the name of Jesus - the one who had sent him to the vanquished enemy of the church. They are private Christians, living like islands rather than as a part of His body. He should not be circumcised. As applied to our Lord, then, the title `Son of God marks him out as the true representative of the Israel of God and as Gods anointed king; but it is no merely official title. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time (2 Timothy 1:9). He spoke of salvation as the change from death to life (Ephesians 2:1-3). Barnabas, one of the Christians, assured them Sauls faith was genuine. 11 And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher. FOR WHO HAS KNOWN THE MIND OF THE LORD, OR WHO BECAME HIS COUNSELOR? Did God Judge Ananias and Sapphira for the same sin? We know that Paul was not instantly a biblical scholar or a seasoned apostle. He also warned those who would corrupt grace, to make it a pretext for sin (cf. 10. 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. The obedience and faith that Ananias demonstrated in going to Saul and helping to restore his sight were incredible, to say the least. Not only does the narrator tell the story of Sauls transformation from persecutor to apostle in Acts 9, Saul himself re-tells the story twice when defending himself before persecutors (before the tribune in Jerusalem, Acts 22:1-21; and before Agrippa, Acts 26:1-23). What are 3 long term physical effects of tobacco use? What is meant by the competitive environment? 154 What is both interesting and important about this text is that the call of salvation does not necessarily require a change of career. It is the invitation for sinful Israelites to be saved, by repenting and calling on the name of the Lord for salvation: Seek the LORD while He may be found; Call upon Him while He is near. Verses 1 and 2 vividly depict Sauls intent, his intense desire and determination to rid the world of Christianity by taking active, aggressive, severe action against those saints who had fled from Jerusalem. 38Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him with the request, Please come to us without delay. Not knowing what had happened, she, too, lied about the offering and was also struck dead (Acts 5:111). The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". 131 . Get the BEST VALUE in digital Bible study as you prepare for Easter. Ananias was used as Gods instrument in the conversion of Saul, but even he had to be pushed to go to Saul. also 2:1-5; 2 Corinthians 2:17; 4:2). Linking is encouraged, but republishing or redistributing, including by framing or similar means, without the publisher's prior written permission is prohibited. It does not store any personal data. And notice one more detail about the way in which Ananias did this. The first words spoken to Saul were, Saul, Saul, Why are you persecuting Me? (Acts 9:4). We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. How does Ananias ability to rise above his own feelings of hatred toward Saul encourage Saul to move As I look at the problem, I believe several conclusions must be drawn. 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. 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. Those who think themselves worthy of Gods blessings (as many Jews did in that day) are those who are in trouble. When Paul spoke of his conversion here in Galatians 1, he did not speak of the light which shone without, but rather of the light which shone within. Matt. In the end, then, Ananias decision to go to the house of Judas on Straight Street (verse 11) to lay hands on Saul was a decision to risk his life to do the will of God. After this incident with Paul we hear no more of him. You, my brothers, were called to be free. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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. He wraps himself in light as with a garment; he stretches out the heavens like a tent (Psalm 104:2). (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. This old city is the most enduring in the history of the world (Knowling). What Ananias didnt know is that Saul met Jesus on the road to Damascus. (1) Sauls salvation was the salvation of a sinner. 1. east-west thoroughfare through Damascus built by the Greeks after the city The Church at Peace. 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.