Did they think their task would be a simple one? The blinding of Bar-Jesus thus seems to be the second major turning point in the ministry of Paul. And a certain woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple fabrics, a worshiper of God, was listening; and the Lord opened her heart to respond to the things spoken by Paul (Acts 16:14). 2 Cor. 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). He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. 6 Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.7 The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone. 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. He amazed everyone because they knew he was speaking the same words as the people he had been persecuting. 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. 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. Amen (1 Timothy 6:16). Ananias small act of obedience led to a great harvest for the kingdom. 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). It is here that Paul took the leadership and became the dominant or leading individual, instead of Barnabas. As I look at the problem, I believe several conclusions must be drawn. More than that, he had a deep dislike and hostility toward Christians before his conversion. For Paul, the method of proclaiming the gospel must be consistent with the message itself, and so it was. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Fourth, if we had all the facts, there would be no problem. How did God use Ananias in the New Testament? Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. By your magic spell all the nations were led astray (Revelation 18:23). 5 How did God use Ananias in the New Testament? 17 So Ananias departed and entered the house. Am I not an apostle? Second, the only result of this event shown in the Bible is that Saul received his sight. The ultimate issue was Gods ability to saveeven the most committed unbeliever. This expression, calling on the name of the Lord seems to be one used consistently in the Old Testament. Blaiklock, for example (pp. We are given a little insight from the account in Acts 12 when Peter was imprisoned and it appeared he would soon be executed, as James had already been, and as we would infer Herod purposed to do with Peter (Acts 12:1-4). (4) More space is devoted to the process of getting Ananias to Saul than is devoted to getting Saul to Damascus and to the home of Judas. The details of what was said and done when Ananias arrived are fuzzy. 4. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them (Isaiah 42:16). 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. In spite of the clear and present danger, Ananias went and began to look for the Christian hunter Saul. There are affinities between his conversion experience and Ezekiels inaugural vision, in which the prophet saw the likeness of the heavenly throne and above it a likeness as it were of a human form (Ezek. Ananias would have lost a human beings greatest privilege, of being an agent of the Lord (like an angel of the Lord). 1:11, Acts 20:23; 2 Cor. Acts 9:19-23 Saul in Damascus. Web'And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, 2. WebThere was no indication in Jesus words that Ananias was going to give Saul the Holy Spirit. 41He gave her his hand and raised her up, and when he had called the holy ones and the widows, he presented her alive. Did God Judge Ananias and Sapphira for the same sin? 6 And you also are among those who are called to belong to Jesus Christ. also 16:17; 18:25-26). (Acts 9:11)? When Ananias placed his hands on Saul he was filled with the Holy Spirit, healed of his blindness, received water baptism, and began to eat and regain his strength. This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. WebSaul/Paul was a pretty mean guy who persecuted Christians. Those who know themselves sinners, and who call upon Jesus for salvation, are saved: For WHOSOEVER WILL CALL UPON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED (Romans 10:13, citing Joel 2:32).
Ananias They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. 10. 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.. 147 The more Saul preached, the more the Jews were confused. What is remarkable about the Lord's directions to Ananias? 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. That Luke would narrate this conversion three times is testimony to the importance he attaches to it. 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. With the help of a priest who knew his parents he was allowed to attend religious school. What happened to Straight Street since then? * [9:2] The Way: a name used by the early Christian community for itself (Acts 18:26; 19:9, 23; 22:4; 24:14, 22). Linking is encouraged, but republishing or redistributing, including by framing or similar means, without the publisher's prior written permission is prohibited. On various occasions in his epistles, Paul made either direct or indirect references to his former life of opposition and his radical conversion.132 Pauls theology, his lifestyle, his ministry, and his methodology, all are rooted in his conversion. There is surely a connection between Saul and persecution, and Saul and peace. At least we can say that no one had enough faith to believe it, even as Peter stood at the door, knocking to get in (12:12-17). They, not unlike Ananias, were very reluctant to have anything to do with this Christian killer. 133 I. Howard Marshall, The Acts of the Apostles (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, reprint, 1987), p. 173. Just as Saul had opposed those who believed, so Bar-Jesus opposed the proconsuls conversion. We are simply told that the message itself was proclaimed powerfully and that people were amazed at the message and its miraculous impact on Sauls own conduct. The saints (9:32, 41; 26:10; cf. Salvation is a revolution, not an evolution. When one looks at all the references to this event, it was, in fact, a personal appearance of the risen, glorified Jesus to Saul (cf. (Acts 9:17) and that Saul was to "be filled with the Holy Spirit" (Acts 9:17). This happened to Ananias of Damascus when he ministered to Saul of Tarsus. 18 Was a man already circumcised when he was called? Ananias was afraid because he knew Sauls reputation as a merciless persecutor of the church. The couple wanted to appear as outstanding church members, but they didnt want to part with their possessions. Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for, And in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting, he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before, I will show him how many things he must suffer for My. Why was Saul (later called Paul) going to Damascus? 12 In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands onq him to restore his sight.. By submitting your email address, you understand that you will receive email communications from Bible Gateway, a division of The Zondervan Corporation, 3900 Sparks Drive SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 USA, including commercial communications and messages from partners of Bible Gateway. with his wife Sapphira, sold some property and agreed to hold back The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. 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. 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. For He delivered us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. He trusted that Christ had a future purpose for Saul (verse 15) even though Sauls past as he knew it seemed to point toward a different future. vii.) The obedience and faith that Ananias demonstrated in going to Saul and helping to restore his sight were incredible, to say the least. How old was Jesus when he was crucified? And so, Saul asked the LORD who He was. 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. It was due to the intervention of Barnabas, a man who would prove to be a lifetime friend of Paul, that the apostles risked a meeting with him and then granted him the freedom to associate with the saints in Jerusalem. 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. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. The church sent him on his way to Tarsus by way of Caesarea. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight,. His disciples150 lowered him in a basket, from the window of a room which was in the wall of the city (9:25). 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. Were these people as eager as Saul to destroy the church? Ananias is not only surprised by his commission; he is resistant to it, at least initially. Rueban founded the Tribe of Reuban and Saul was King. 30And when the brothers learned of this, they took him down to Caesarea and sent him on his way to Tarsus.p. Webb Ananias was successful because he trusted Jesus and he viewed Saul as his brother. The risen Lord selected Saul out of the group with which he was traveling to hear, to see Him, and to understand His words. Saul was told at the time of his conversion that God had chosen him to bear witness to the Gentiles, to kings, and to the Jews (9:15). It was surely fear (reverence), among other things, which prompted this. 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. 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). WebAnanias, I am sure. The first words spoken to Saul were, Saul, Saul, Why are you persecuting Me? (Acts 9:4). Pauls conversion is one of the great stories of the early church, and it has rightfully inspired Christians from every generation. (10) Sauls encounter with Christ was not only a conversion, but it was also a call to a very specific ministry. It was an act of faith and bravery equivalent to helping a lion out of a trap. Saul, in my opinion, is portrayed by Luke as the first-fruits of these promises. There is no story in Acts more important than Saul/Pauls call, his encounter with the risen Christ. 12and [in a vision] he has seen a man named Ananias come in and lay [his] hands on him, that he may regain his sight. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. What a shock Sauls conversion must have been to both groups! However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. The Lord seeks and saves individuals, and thus our methods should be personal. also Romans 1:1-7, 13-17; 1 Corinthians 9:1; 15:3-11; cf. Blindness, not willing to see, not willing to understand is all too common but Ananias cured Saul blindness by a touch. With the help of Ananias, he was transformed into a follower of Jesus and became one of the most well-known evangelists ever. 9 For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. What do you suppose the saints would have prayed at this special prayer meeting? Without Ananias prayer, Saul spends the rest of his life as a blind man wondering what his life might have been. Sauls conversion was to play a crucial role in the expansion of the gospel. 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). Up till now, Jesus was the sinner, and Saul was the saint. The second option is to invite the congregation to identify with Ananias (who shows up in verse 10). 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." And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, Chapter 9. They do not understand the gospel well enough. by the sin of Adam. Perhaps so, but I am not as confident of this as I once was. It is the very word that Luke will use in 16:10 of the conclusion reached at Troas concerning the vision of Paul. Do not gloat over me, my enemy! In Galatians 1, Saul wrote that God had called him while he was still in his mothers womb (Galatians 1:15). Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. 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.
(12) The same Saul who played a role in Stephens execution was to become, in large measure, his replacement. The baptism of Saul was his testimony to the change which had taken place.
The salvation of Saul was to result in the gospel being preached to distant people and lands, and in the extension of the church to many key cities. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Saul The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their splendor into it (Revelation 21:23-24). 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. The passage which we are studying can be divided into these major segments: We will begin this lesson by making some general observations concerning this account of Sauls conversion,134 after which we will examine the sequence of events leading up to Sauls conversion, the events surrounding his conversion, and the consequences of his conversion as depicted by Luke. Web The children will describe Ananias as a man who helped Saul even though he was afraid. The importance of Sauls conversion can hardly be overestimated. The Lord Jesus appeared to Ananias in a vision. The message which Saul received was not only a call to salvation, but a divine call to ministry. a disciple from Damascus who received a phophetic dream telling him ). A. T. Robertson, Word Pictures in the New Testament (Nashville: Broadman Press, 1930), III, p. 115. (8) The salvation of Saul made him a vital part of Christs body, the church. One of the most dramatic revelations of Sauls Damascus road experience was that he was not serving God, but he was persecuting Him. 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. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. He was afraid because Saul killed Jesus followers What did Ananias's do to heal Paul's eyes? WebAnanias went. And the second group, who were waiting for Saul to come and help them deal with the followers of the Way, were about to discover that Saul had joined them, perhaps bringing other members of the opposition along with him. Second, we are not given enough information in the biblical text to solve them dogmatically. 2 Corinthians 4:14; cf. Christian ministry be reconciled with the wealth and prosperity that on it belonged to the Roman province of Syria, but had a measure of municipal autonomy in the loose federation of cities called the Decapolis. F. F. Bruce, The Book of Acts, Revised Edition (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1988), p. 181. (9) On the road to Damascus, Saul did far more than to see a bright light and to hear a voice from heaven. He should not be circumcised. The question must be asked as to whether or not Sauls conversion has a more general application and relevance. 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.
Ananias and Saul: Faith over Fear - livingwithfaith.org 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. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow-citizens with the saints, and are of Gods household, having been built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together is growing into a holy temple in the Lord; in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit (Ephesians 2:19-22). To open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness (Isaiah 42:7). [ a]It is hard for you to kick against the goads. 1:15; Eph. 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). It strikes many readers as harsh, a return to Old Testament retribution. To persecute them was to persecute Him. 1:4). F. F. Bruce, p. 190. 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 LORD identified Himself as the Jesus, whom he had been persecuting. Paul experienced many hardships in his travels, and he was frequently thrown into jail for preaching about Jesus. 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. Nevertheless, at some point in time Saul did arrive in Jerusalem. * It was time for Saul to ponder what he had seen and heard. 6 After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. This account is accompanied by an asseveration of its truth which suggests that some people were contradicting it.133. 2:22, Acts 13:2; 22:21; Rom. AT this season we are called upon to think of foreign missions.
Who was Ananias of Damascus in the New Testament The men who traveled with Saul were frightened and confused. For in Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authoritiesall things have been created through Him and for Him.
The Apostle Paul: Saul and Ananias. His Word Today of him.
Acts 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. Throughout his life and ministry Paul marveled at the grace of God shown to him and to other sinners.
Why did Ananias go to Paul? ProfoundQa Barnabas stood up for Saul and explained everything to the Jerusalem Christians. In this approach, preachers will offer their congregations a chance to relate to Sauls epiphany as a way of meeting Christ in the midst of our lives and being transformed by that encounter.
Saul and Ananias 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. Thus, persecuting the church was persecuting 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. They are private Christians, living like islands rather than as a part of His body. 26 And when he had come to Jerusalem, he was trying to associate with the disciples; and they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple. For all the saints. Also, 19So when he had received food, he was strengthened. The call of salvation is a call to holiness, and to obedience, and to fellowship, with God and with our fellow-believers. Linking is encouraged, but content may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed including, but not limited to such means as framing or other digital copying and/or distribution method, in whole or in part without the publisher's written consent. Paul recognized that his ministry was that of bringing the light to those who were lost, including the Gentiles, kings, and his fellow-Israelites: For this is what the Lord has commanded us: I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth (Acts 13:47). * [9:8] He could see nothing: a temporary blindness (Acts 9:18) symbolizing the religious blindness of Saul as persecutor (cf.
The New International Version 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. Then you hear the Lord telling you to minister to that person. Ananias fulfills his task: 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 Were they some of those converted to Christ through his preaching? The conversion of Saul is important in another way. * [9:26] This visit of Paul to Jerusalem is mentioned by Paul in Gal 1:18. 11The Lord said to him, Get up and go to the street called Straight and ask at the house of Judas for a man from Tarsus named Saul. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. WebThe Lord called to him in a vision, o Ananias!. 13:1 On that day a fountain will be opened to the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, to cleanse them from sin and impurity (Zechariah 12:1013:1). Web3. 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. For less than $5/mo. 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. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. All Ananias did was to obey Christs command to go pray with Saul so that Saul could do all those things. 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). 2. 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. 21All who heard him were astounded and said, Is not this the man who in Jerusalem ravaged those who call upon this name, and came here expressly to take them back in chains to the chief priests? 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. Peter Heals Aeneas at Lydda.