The first evidence of Sauls conversion was his immediate identification with the church in Damascus.
Acts 9:17 - Ananias Baptizes Saul - Bible Hub And He is the image of the invisible God, the first-born of all creation. (5) There is a good deal of emphasis on the results of Sauls conversion. . I. Howard Marshall, The Acts of the Apostles (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, reprint, 1987), p. 171. 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! Second, the only result of this event shown in the Bible is that Saul received his sight. He should not become uncircumcised. WebThere was no indication in Jesus words that Ananias was going to give Saul the Holy Spirit. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". 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. helpful to the Lord. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn (Isaiah 60:3). [9:1] 8:3; 9:13; 22:4; 1Cor 15:9; Gal 1:1314. We will also attempt to determine to what degree Sauls conversion was typical and to what degree it was unique. Ananias who was The LORD identified Himself as the Jesus, whom he had been persecuting. * [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. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love (Galatians 5:13). 141 Compare this voice with that in John 12:29. It is not clear whether this official was a representative of the king resident in Damascus to look after the interests of the Arabs there, or whether Damascus at this time was under the control of Nabataea. I. Howard Marshall, The Acts of the Apostles (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, reprint, 1987), p. 168. 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. Paul was overwhelmed by a flash of heavenly light. also 2:1-5; 2 Corinthians 2:17; 4:2). Saul, the typical (albeit more zealous) Jew, opposed God in the person of Christ and His body, the church, even while he thought he was serving Him. A( ) Ananias is obscure. The conversion of Saul is a very crucial event in this book, which spells out from a historical point of view (Romans, from a theological viewpoint) the relationship of Jews and Gentiles in the plans and purposes of God. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. See Appendix B for information on Sauls Theology in the Book of Romans. And if this was important for Saul to do, it was equally important for the church to accept him into their fellowship, as an expression of their unity in Christ. 28 Like the appearance of a rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the radiance around him. 2 Watch out for those dogs, those men who do evil, those mutilators of the flesh. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Some of the Hellenistic Jews responded to the preaching of Saul as they had to Stephens preaching; they wanted to kill him (9:29). And because Saul is welcomed into the church, he is sent out by the church. 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. 12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service. WebAnanias, had he disobeyed Christ, would not have helped Saul on that path in which he, as Paul the apostle, did so much, and suffered so much, for Christ.
What happened to Ananias and Sapphira as a result of lying to God? It was a city in the days of Abraham, and at the time of the Israelite monarchy it was the capital of the most important Aramaean kingdom. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. WebYou know someone is coming, perhaps to arrest you for being a Christian. The first thing we shall do is to make some observations on the passage as a whole to attempt to see the forest before we scrutinize the trees. What is the meaning of Sapphira in the Bible? (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. The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their splendor into it (Revelation 21:23-24). Christian ministry be reconciled with the wealth and prosperity that 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. WebAnanias went. 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). . 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. 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? Ananias found Saul and said to him, Saul, my brother, the Lord has sent me, Jesus who appeared to you on the way by which you came, that you may regain your sight and be filled with the holy Spirit. As soon as Ananias spoke, Saul could see again. Jesus words, Why are you persecuting Me?, clearly implied that Sauls persecution of the church was a persecution of the Lord. (Acts 9:11)? Saul was also blinded, which identified him with the blindness of the nation Israel of which the Old Testament prophets wrote (see above). 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. Sauls conversion was a miracle, short and simple, but not so much the result of the external miracle of the bright light and the voice of the Lord as the internal transformation and illumination which God wrought: 15 But when God, who set me apart from birth and called me by his grace, was pleased 16 to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not consult any man (Galatians 1:15-16). 143 . Nevertheless, at some point in time Saul did arrive in Jerusalem. And notice one more detail about the way in which Ananias did this. What was Ananias role in Sauls conversion to Christianity? Barnabas, one of the Christians, assured them Sauls faith was genuine. He started NOW to trust God. There are two primary options for preaching from this text. Do not let anyone despise you (Titus 2:11-15). There he was transfigured before them.
ANANIAS 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. What else did Jesus explain to Ananias? Acts 9:19-23 Saul in Damascus. Think about what happened as a result of this man overcoming his fear and obeying God. This can hardly be possible. Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you (Isaiah 60:1). Salvation is a revolution, not an evolution. To Paul, his relationship, by faith, to Jesus Christ was also the beginning of his new relationship to the body of Christ, the church: Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christs afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church. 21 Were you a slave when you were called? 8Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing;* so they led him by the hand and brought him to Damascus.h Why did Ananias and Sapphira sell their property? 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. The voice from heaven did not call out, Have you ever heard of the four spiritual laws?152 Ananias was sent to Saul only. This would leave AD 33-46 for the visit to Arabia (Gal. Pauls method was consistent with his message. . The account records their sudden deaths after lying to the Holy Spirit about money. gJi\!2LITShA%)&bqd=/)@Eg*tttpt @V6wCAp{GyAGG9h d=u3zDca{y:&0}=!P`XX z;g3
{~paveta +w 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). This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Many are the plans in a mans heart, But the counsel of the LORD, it will stand (Proverbs 19:21). 25 I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness26 the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints. [ a]It is hard for you to kick against the goads. Web The children will describe Ananias as a man who helped Saul even though he was afraid. 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 He knew that going to see Saul would put his life in danger. Furthermore, in Acts 26:10 Paul testifies that he received letters from the chief priests, not just the chief priest alone. When he found him, 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 your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.'" God chose Saul and had his destiny planned, before He saved him. God then used this man to further His purposes in launching the career of the most influential of the apostles.
What if They'd Said No 180-181. 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. The ultimate issue was Gods ability to saveeven the most committed unbeliever. He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him (Daniel 2:22). In 2 Corinthians 11:32 Paul speaks of an ethnarch of Aretas, the king of the Nabataean Arabs, who guarded the city to prevent him escaping from it. 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. Ananias was afraid because he knew Sauls reputation as a merciless persecutor of the church. 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. Why was Ananias afraid? What is the significance of the story of Ananias and Sapphira? In this approach, preachers are offering their congregation a chance to relate to Ananias dream that leads him to overcome his preconception of Saul (a correct but now outdated preconception), come to see Saul as someone God has called, and respond faithfully. 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). No, Ananias did not do any of these things so far as the author of Luke-Acts is concerned. also Romans 1:1-7, 13-17; 1 Corinthians 9:1; 15:3-11; cf. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Lead out those who have eyes but are blind, who have ears but are deaf. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". There is more space devoted to convincing Ananias than there is to the conversion of Saul. Web The children will describe Ananias as a man who helped Saul even though he was afraid. 3 For it is we who are the circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh4 though I myself have reasons for such confidence. Let us be careful to discern what changes the gospel requires and what changes it does not. What a terrible revelation this isthat all are sinners, even the best, the most religious, the most righteous! They could not out-argue him. He has sovereignly chosen to use people to lead people to salvation, Spirit baptism, deliverance, and healing. While at first he thought he might have to correct God, in the end he submitted himself and his very life to Gods call. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Presumably this is the case, however I still wonder a bit about this. 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. The emphasis in the account is on Paul as a divinely chosen instrument (Acts 9:15). About three hours later, Sapphira arrived.
s Purpose In Sending Ananias To Saul 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. WebTeach the children the account of Sauls conversion to the Church of Jesus Christ as found in Acts 9:120. If the blinding of Saul was a major turning point in his life, so was the blinding of Bar-Jesus. Scripture taken from the New King James Version.
The Apostle Paul: Saul and Ananias. His Word Today 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). (14) There is an interesting symmetry or parallel between the conversion of Saul and the conversion of Cornelius. 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. 150 It is interesting to ponder the identity of these disciples of Saul. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time (2 Timothy 1:9). And look, you blind, that you may see. Who is blind but my servant {Israel}, and deaf like the messenger I send? 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. Shape us into children who rejoice in knowing and proclaiming you to the world.
Who was Ananias that help Saul in the Bible to regain his sight? 11 On that day the weeping in Jerusalem will be great, like the weeping of Hadad Rimmon in the plain of Megiddo. The details of what was said and done when Ananias arrived are fuzzy. Then he turned to her body and said, Tabitha, rise up. She opened her eyes, saw Peter, and sat up.q But Elymas the magician (for thus his name is translated) was opposing them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith. Transform us as you transformed Paul. I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:14). Paul was no ordinary followerhe became the most visible and active pillar of the new Christian church. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Straight Street was widened and colonnades added to it. In the place of Ananias we would fear that it might not work out, and the consequences could be very serious. No one could fault the reluctance of Ananias. It is a miraculous, dramatic reversal, first of ones beliefs, and then of ones behavior.
Sermon Seeds: The Way Forward - United Church of Christ I can believe someone might have prayed that Saul be waylaid, or terminated, in some divine act or providential accident (act of God). AT this season we are called upon to think of foreign missions. When her lie had been exposed, she also fell down and died at Peters feet. It lay within the jurisdiction of the Roman province of Syria, and it formed part of the Decapolis, a league of self-governing cities. 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). Do not be afraid, though briers and thorns are all around you and you live among scorpions. Is the story of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5 harsh? in expanding, as well as justifying, their earthly wealth and power. It was only with the exit of Saul from the Holy Land, back to his native land (Tarsus), that peace once again returned. 1:2; 2 Tim. Then, on the road to Damascus, he was blinded by a vision of Jesus. This expression, calling on the name of the Lord seems to be one used consistently in the Old Testament. 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. Hb```f``:Ab,=`.9Z3{x5v\);]c#qea #'&D|z:wyKN,0(t\tbRFhT2thS2(9.`mNbq)-pk^;>:+pq2Ck AUbK=N\2M/`KqGLZS1 $[S|Rd\.9i'9T\.EXdxlYcqb Though I have fallen, I will rise. 14And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all (D)who call on Your name., 15But the Lord said to him, Go, for (E)he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before (F)Gentiles, (G)kings, and the (H)children[b] of Israel. Did they send for Saul? To whom did the Lord communicate "in a vision"? 8 Is the story of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5 harsh? 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. Second, we are not given enough information in the biblical text to solve them dogmatically. 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?. But hidden in its shadows is another inspiring story, and one to which most people in the pew may more easily relate. So it would appear. What did Ananias do for Saul? . * [9:26] This visit of Paul to Jerusalem is mentioned by Paul in Gal 1:18. 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). Not all Christians are equipped to be apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, or teachers (Ephesians 4:11). If Luke had any ax to grind on this issue, here would have been a great place to stress this matter, but he did not do so. a conversion of will, intellect, and emotion, which dictated the abiding purpose and direction of his subsequent life and activity. 1. More than that, he had a deep dislike and hostility toward Christians before his conversion.
The ananias anointing | Church Page | murrayledger.com 32As Peter was passing through every region, he went down to the holy ones living in Lydda. What changed about Saul/Paul after Jesus appeared to him? 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. What Israel failed to do, Jesus, the Messiah would do. 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. It was an act of faith and ). A. T. Robertson, Word Pictures in the New Testament (Nashville: Broadman Press, 1930), III, p. 115. They were to be a light to the Gentiles, but they failed. 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).
Road to Damascus 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). 20 Each one should remain in the situation which he was in when God called him. 23After a long time had passed, the Jews conspired to kill him, 29He also spoke and debated with the Hellenists,* but they tried to kill him. Saul got help, though, from a man named Barnabas. We do not know the exact time when Saul was saved. The men who traveled with Saul were frightened and confused. 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). However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. We shall then seek to identify the characteristics of Sauls conversion which are typical of every conversion. with his wife Sapphira, sold some property and agreed to hold back 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. He spoke of it as the movement from darkness to light (Colossians 1:12-13; Ephesians 4:8-14) in which the new believer should now walk. Am I not an apostle? To whom did the Lord communicate "in a vision"? Nothing is said in our text about any miracles being performed by Saul, as yet. 2 What do we know about Ananias in Acts 9? What can you say about Christianity when its most outspoken and zealous opponent suddenly claims to have seen the risen Christ, and to have trusted in Him as the Messiah? Saul immediately began to preach about the Son of God in the synagogues. For just as you once were disobedient to God but now have been shown mercy because of their disobedience, so these also now have been disobedient, in order that because of the mercy shown to you they also may now be shown mercy. The casting of this spell on this false prophet could therefore have been an act of kindness, as Gods blinding of Saul had been, intended to cease his opposition and perhaps even to bring about his conversion. This is the rule I lay down in all the churches. * [9:29] Hellenists: see note on Acts 6:17. Handed down. 92 0 obj
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These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Why did Ananias have to overcome his fear? 15 But if the unbeliever leaves, let him do so. 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. 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. Acts 9, 22, 26; Romans 15:15-21; cf. It may well be a call to live transformed lives in the same circumstances in which we were found. 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). This old city is the most enduring in the history of the world (Knowling). We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. (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. 10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. Sapphira). Web3. 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. Despite the threats Saul had made and his notorious track record of persecuting, arresting and even affirming the execution of Christians, Ananias, whose What is meant by the competitive environment? You may unsubscribe from Bible Gateways emails at any time. Why was Saul (later called Paul) going to Damascus? In spite of this, we are not told here that Saul did receive the Holy Spirit or what happened when he did. In Jerusalem, as in Damascus, Saul spoke out boldly proclaiming Jesus to be the Christ, the promised Messiah. Perhaps nowhere else is the radical change (of conversion) in Pauls life153 more readily evident than in his attitude toward the saints. What do Ananias actions, when asked in the passage to heal Saul, suggest about his feelings toward him? Conybeare and Howson {The Life and Times of Saint Paul, p. 77 (sic punct.)} It was an act of faith and bravery equivalent to helping a lion out of a trap. The answer to both questions is no. We dont know why Ananias is only mentioned once after Acts chapter nine. The argument of the Book of Acts is essentially this: The expansion of the gospel through the church as it is empowered by the Holy Spirit. 17 So Ananias departed and entered the house. The election of Saul to salvation was specific and thus, personal. 8 Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. The blindness to which Saul was subject for three days provided him with much time for reflection, meditation, and prayer. Luke 3:22), it expressed his unique relationship and fellowship with the Father. Ibid. The church did not shrink or suffer for Sauls arrival, but it grew because of it. 1 What is the significance of the story of Ananias and Sapphira? The conversion of Saul is important in another way. The first is to ask the congregation to identify with Saul himself.