The result was the restoration of Sauls sight and, it would seem, Sauls reception of the Holy Spirit. As persecution was no longer needed to disperse the church and the gospel, peace was restored to the land. 6Now get up and go into the city and you will be told what you must do.f 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. 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. Do not be afraid, though briers and thorns are all around you and you live among scorpions. Granted, his experience is unique and dramatic. 23After a long time had passed, the Jews conspired to kill him, 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). . . The Apostle Paul: Saul and Ananias The two messages cannot be reconciled. WebAs Donald Davis notes, In case God has overlooked Sauls atrocities, [Ananias] takes occasion to issue a brief reminder. 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. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. 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. And so, Saul asked the LORD who He was. When Saul stood up, he discovered he was completely blind, and the men who were with him had to lead him by his hand until they reached Damascus. And they will reign for ever and ever (Revelation 22:5). Jesus was LORD and not a false prophet! 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). 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. 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. Saul and Ananias | A Story of Learning to See Again what occupation he was (possibly a businessman). Lesson: Conversion Saul and Ananias Prayer 7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, 8 and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born (1 Corinthians 15:3-8). 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. Israel was called of God and set apart to proclaim the way of salvation to the Gentiles. 30 But when the brethren learned of it, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him away to Tarsus. Saul was also blinded, which identified him with the blindness of the nation Israel of which the Old Testament prophets wrote (see above). 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. helpful to the Lord. sight. Saul WebSauls Baptism. There are no exceptions in this all of Romans 3:23, as Paul indicated in these Old Testament words, cited just before: THERE IS NONE RIGHTEOUS, NOT EVEN ONE; THERE IS NONE WHO UNDERSTANDS, ALL HAVE TURNED ASIDE, TOGETHER THEY HAVE BECOME USELESS; THERE IS NONE WHO DOES GOOD, THERE IS NOT EVEN ONE (Romans 3:10b-12). It was irresistible argument and spread consternation among the Jews. He has sovereignly chosen to use people to lead people to salvation, Spirit baptism, deliverance, and healing. 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. Jesus was alive and not still in the grave! Hebrew Baby Names Meaning: In Hebrew Baby Names the meaning of the name Sapphira is: Sapphire (gem); beautiful. 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). east-west thoroughfare through Damascus built by the Greeks after the city This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. We will also attempt to determine to what degree Sauls conversion was typical and to what degree it was unique. many pulpits today promise to those who will follow Jesus? One thing was certain; no matter how much time had passed, the apostles were not yet convinced of Sauls conversion. Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day (2 Timothy 1:8-12). 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. This Paul knew and testified to. Sauls conversion was to play a crucial role in the expansion of the gospel. His conversion was the beginning of a life-long process of maturing and growth in the Lord. Saul seems to have been the instigator of the persecution of the church, which began at the death of Stephen in Jerusalem and worked outward from there. Just as Saul had opposed those who believed, so Bar-Jesus opposed the proconsuls conversion. 16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life (1 Timothy 1:12-16). and the other is a deceptive, self-serving half-truth from people interested 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. I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. Ananias son of Nebedeus (or Nedebeus) was a high priest who, according to the Acts of the Apostles, presided during the trials of the apostle Paul at Jerusalem (Acts 23:2) and Caesarea (Acts 24:1). It was bright enough to bring about a period of blindness. ANANIAS - Who Are The Three Ananias In The Bible? Blindness, not willing to see, not willing to understand is all too common but Ananias cured Saul blindness by a touch. (1) There is considerable emphasis given to Sauls conversion in the Book of Acts. Rising Strong Small Groups A teacher walks into the Classroom and says If only Yesterday was Tomorrow Today would have been a Saturday Which Day did the Teacher make this Statement? 132 The impact of Sauls conversion on his message and his ministry is testified to by A. T. Robertson: Luke evidently attached great importance to the story of Sauls conversion as the turning point not simply in the career of the man, but an epoch in the history of apostolic Christianity. There is clearly no attempt to establish some kind of pattern or formula for evangelism here, at least as far as methodology is concerned. . 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. 1:29, 30, NKJV, Abide Bible, Red Letter Edition, Comfort Print: Holy Bible, New King James Version. 12 It teaches us to say No to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hopethe glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. And yet while God had foretold the rebellion of Israel and their rejection, so He had also foretold of Israels restoration (cf. Ananias 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). When Saul reached Jerusalem, the Christians there also were afraid of him, because they thought he was going to have them all arrested. Here, Saul was only told that it was Jesus whom he saw, who was speaking to him, and whom he was persecuting. `}Hq)l2hZ0r89asO70Da`qg * [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. Sermons about Ananias And Saul - SermonCentral.com Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. 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). Up till now, Jesus was the sinner, and Saul was the saint. Second, the gospel should be proclaimed in a way that is personal. Acts 9, 22, 26; Romans 15:15-21; cf. Ananias who was (what was bad was that they lied about the amount). For less than $5/mo. . Saul was not seeking God. Saul was saved in spite of himself. 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. Why was Ananias afraid of helping Saul? The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Q This light was more, much more, than just a bright light. Handed down. That Luke would narrate this conversion three times is testimony to the importance he attaches to it. Those who call upon your name echoes 2:21 (Joel 2:32) and recurs in 22:16 in a command to Paul himself to be baptized . 143 . 5 Why did Ananias and Sapphira lie to God? 2. He should not become uncircumcised. 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). 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. He goes for broke. Now that the Lord had identified Himself as Jesus, Saul recognized that he was the sinner. 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. He didnt know that the risen Christ had confronted Saul on the road to Damascus just as Christ is now confronting him This sets up a flashback to verses 1-9. 18 Was a man already circumcised when he was called? But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love (Galatians 5:13). 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. 9:31). Continue Learning about Religious Studies. (For suggested ways to teach the scripture account, see Teaching from the Scriptures, p. WebAnanias was afraid of Saul. In fact, more is written of what Saul said and did because he was saved than is written of what he said and did resulting in his salvation. Nevertheless, conversion has certain elements which are vital and which are to be present in any salvation experience. s Purpose In Sending Ananias To Saul His parents allowed visiting priests to minister secretly in their home during the dangers of the French Revolution. 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. Now they were keeping watch on the gates day and night so as to kill him, He sent me so that you can Saul, like Israel, had been blinded as to the meaning of the law because of his rejection of Christ (cf. In this occasion, no one seems to have prayed for Peters miraculous escape. Salvation is the miracle whereby God removes the blindness of sin and of Satan, whereby God replaces death with life. 17 He put on righteousness as his breastplate, and the helmet of salvation on his head; he put on the garments of vengeance and wrapped himself in zeal as in a cloak. 3 He said: Son of man, I am sending you to the Israelites, to a rebellious nation that has rebelled against me; they and their fathers have been in revolt against me to this very day. Damascus, a city some 150 miles to the northeast of Jerusalem, was one such city. He was, indeed, Stephens replacement. He stayed some days with the disciples in Damascus, The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it . He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe. Ananias When the plot became known to Saul, he made a successful, albeit undignified, escape from the city of Damascus. 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). Second, we are not given enough information in the biblical text to solve them dogmatically. I. Howard Marshall summarizes the problem in these words: Nevertheless, we obtain a different impression of things from Galatians 1:16-24, according to which (1) Paul did not confer with men after his conversion nor go to the apostles in Jerusalem, but (2) departed to Arabia and then returned to Damascus; then (3) three years later he went to Jerusalem for a visit lasting a fortnight during which he saw only Peter and James, and at this time he was unknown by sight to the churches of Judea; thereafter (4) he went to Syria and Cilicia. 19So when he had received food, he was strengthened. How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways! The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp. Obedience is often not easy, but it is very likely the most direct way forward and the clearest way to honor God. This doctrine does not hold that men are as bad as they could be in each area of their life, but that sin has permeated every dimension of a persons life. Listen to me, my people; hear me, my nation: The law will go out from me; my justice will become a light to the nations (Isaiah 51:4). What is the significance of the story of Ananias and Sapphira? According to Acts 9:10, Ananias was living in Damascus. He became a priest himself in 1823. 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 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. What Ananias didnt know is that Saul met Jesus on the road to Damascus. Ironically, Ananias could have become one of Sauls targets of persecution for following the Lord Jesus. 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. All of this account describes the two complementary divine visions which Ananias and Saul received. No one, it would seem, was even thinking of what God was about to do. 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. If the worst sinner (Saul) was not too sinful to save, then you are not too sinful for God to save. WebSaul/Paul was a pretty mean guy who persecuted Christians. What do Ananias actions, when asked in the passage to heal Saul, suggest about his feelings toward him? CE!L;oza!sQjaTsg 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?. 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. Like Stephen, the enemies of the gospel attempted to kill Saul when they could not silence him by means of debate. In peace, as in persecution, the church was comforted and continued to increase. 26o When he arrived in Jerusalem* he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple. 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). Did Peter and Paul meet? 16and I will show him what he will have to suffer for my name. Were they some of those converted to Christ through his preaching? 8 and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born. Israels watchmen are blind, they all lack knowledge; they are all mute dogs, they cannot bark; they lie around and dream, they love to sleep (Isaiah 43:8-10). 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? After that Saul was welcomed by the Christians and he preached freely in and around Jerusalem. . The conversion of Saul is important in another way. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. It is one of the few accounts of a conversion which is described with some detail (although this detail is much less than we would prefer). 8 Is the story of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5 harsh? What are 3 long term physical effects of tobacco use? Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. They, not unlike Ananias, were very reluctant to have anything to do with this Christian killer. 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. Not knowing what had happened, she, too, lied about the offering and was also struck dead (Acts 5:111). You may unsubscribe from Bible Gateways emails at any time. What was Ananias role in Sauls conversion to Christianity? It was just such a miracle which gave Saul his spiritual sight, as he received back his physical sight. 10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. He spoke of salvation as the change from death to life (Ephesians 2:1-3). What happened to Saul when Ananias laid hand on him? . 15:8; Gal. Copyright 2019-2023 USCCB, please review our Privacy Policy. WebAs Donald Davis notes, In case God has overlooked Sauls atrocities, [Ananias] takes occasion to issue a brief reminder. Even if he were not one of these men, he would surely have hated to hear the gospel. See Appendix B for information on Sauls Theology in the Book of Romans. Peter Heals Aeneas at Lydda. 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. 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. Some would like the excuse to make some changes to make their life more comfortable. This conclusion could be based upon Pauls argument in Galatians 1 and 2, along with the expression, when many days had elapsed in Acts 9:23. The risen Lord selected Saul out of the group with which he was traveling to hear, to see Him, and to understand His words. 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. Ananias was afraid because he knew Sauls reputation as a merciless persecutor of the church. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time (2 Timothy 1:9). Ananias had not only heard of how Saul had been systematically destroying the church in Jerusalem, hunting down men and women and turning them over to the They could not out-argue him. The emphasis in the account is on Paul as a divinely chosen instrument (Acts 9:15). 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. Everyone is born in sin, and every part of their being is affected by sin (intellect, emotions, and will). And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord.. Why did Ananias go to Paul? ProfoundQa WebWhy was Ananias afraid of helping Saul? Is the story of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5 harsh? Sauls salvation was focused on one thing and on one thing aloneChrist. 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. With the help of Ananias, he was transformed into a follower of Jesus and became one of the most well-known evangelists ever. 12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service. It does not store any personal data. After this, Saul broke his fast and was strengthened. (14) There is an interesting symmetry or parallel between the conversion of Saul and the conversion of Cornelius. The approach the Lord took was one of dealing with Saul in the light of his sin, of his salvation, and of his ministry. 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. 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. The words of Jesus, Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? related by Luke with no variation in all three accounts, exerted a profound and lasting influence on the thought of Paul. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints (Ephesians 1:18). Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. 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. 13 Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. ), Acts 7:59; 9:2, 21; 1 Cor. . Why was Ananias afraid of helping Saul? Get up and make your bed. He got up at once. Sapphira). Ananias Just as Saul seemingly had hatred toward Christ-followers, how do you think a Christ-follower like Ananias felt toward Saul? The question must be asked as to whether or not Sauls conversion has a more general application and relevance. He was a man of great respect and influence, and thus he realized that his actions would have broad ramifications. The first words spoken to Saul were, Saul, Saul, Why are you persecuting Me? (Acts 9:4). 138 Three times (8:3; 9:2; 22:4) this fact of persecuting women is mentioned as a special blot in Pauls cruelty (the third time by Paul himself) and one of the items in his being chief of sinners (1 Tim. There is no story in Acts more important than Saul/Pauls call, his encounter with the risen Christ. 140 They are called his sunodeuontes, `those who were in the caravan with Him (cf. 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. 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. Sermon Seeds: The Way Forward - United Church of Christ sunodia, Luke 2:44). F. F. Bruce, The Book of Acts, Revised Edition (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1988), fn. There is not so much as a hint that anyone prayed for Sauls salvation or took the initiative to bring it about. Is it not even you, in the presence of our Lord Jesus at His coming? The man who, days before, was persecuting Christ was now preaching Christ. Later it was the seat of administration of an Assyrian province. What do you suppose the saints would have prayed at this special prayer meeting? 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. Ananias had not only heard of how Saul had been systematically destroying the church in Jerusalem, hunting down men and women and turning them over to the authorities, but also knew that he was on the march to Damascus, ready to destroy that church as well. I was inclined to think that most of us, experientially, are called to faith in Christ only to gradually learn Gods will for our life, progressively revealed to us as we walk in Him. Preachers working through the narrative lectionary with their congregations, then, will do well to explore this passage in detail in order to establish the character of Paul well for the second half of Acts (Acts 13-28; see how this role is foreshadowed in 9:15), which shifts the focus from the ministry of the Twelve in Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria to his role in taking the gospel throughout Asia Minor, Greece, and even to Rome (see Acts 1:8). also Romans 1:1-7, 13-17; 1 Corinthians 9:1; 15:3-11; cf. 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. 146 It is possible, however, to understand the expression, Brother, as referring to Saul only as a fellow Jew. A resource for the whole church from Luther Seminary. It was evidently a term used by the early followers of Jesus to denote their movement as the way of life or the way of salvation. F. F. Bruce, The Book of Acts, Revised Edition (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1988), p. 181. Shape us into children who rejoice in knowing and proclaiming you to the world. 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. 131 . >zZ0y^C{tg The New International Version The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.