why was ananias afraid of helping saul why was ananias afraid of helping saul

%PDF-1.2 % In our text Ananias was instructed to go to Saul and to lay hands on him so that he might receive his sight (9:12). He sent me so that you can It was, of course, Ananias who instructed Saul to be baptized, calling on the name of the Lord (Acts 22:16). (3) Sauls salvation was personal. This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. and the other is a deceptive, self-serving half-truth from people interested 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). Ananias 7 But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. No, God showed him "how many things he must suffer for 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. (1) Sauls salvation was the salvation of a sinner. They wanted to keep Gods blessings to themselves. No one, it would seem, was even thinking of what God was about to do. 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. In Pauls speech in Acts 22, he describes Ananias as a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews that dwelt in Damascus (Acts 22:12). 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. Ananias and Saul - Holy Land of God 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. One cannot help but wonder if it did not send chills up and down Pauls spine when he cast the spell of blindness on the Jewish false prophet, Bar-Jesus: And when they had gone through the whole island as far as Paphos, they found a certain prophet whose name was Bar-Jesus, who was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, a man of intelligence. 1:16f. 26:63; Luke 22:67, 70). 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. There are two primary options for preaching from this text. Saul, why do you persecute me? 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. Obedience is often not easy, but it is very likely the most direct way forward and the clearest way to honor God. Questions: Why were Ananias and Sapphira not given a second chance? 15:10; Gal. a disciple from Damascus who received a phophetic dream telling him Thus, persecuting the church was persecuting Jesus Christ. 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. * [9:1930] This is a brief resume of Pauls initial experience as an apostolic preacher. 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. Nevertheless, at some point in time Saul did arrive in Jerusalem. 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. When all is said and done, the miracle which took place on the way to Damascus (and likely in Damascus as well) was that Saul saw Jesus as the Son of God, as the Messiah, and as his Savior and Lord: Am I not free? 22But Saul grew all the stronger and confounded [the] Jews who lived in Damascus, proving that this is the Messiah. (5) There is a good deal of emphasis on the results of Sauls conversion. 18Immediately things like scales fell from his eyes and he regained his sight. 2 What do we know about Ananias in Acts 9? Saul went to other cities where he sought to arrest Christians and to bring them back to Jerusalem for punishment. Did they think their task would be a simple one? 14 The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Later it was the seat of administration of an Assyrian province. The man who, days before, was persecuting Christ was now preaching Christ. This text portrays one of the historical landmarks of the church. This would leave AD 33-46 for the visit to Arabia (Gal. The towns of Lydda, Sharon, and Joppa were populated by both Jews and Gentiles and their Christian communities may well have been mixed. And be thankful (Colossians 3:15). with his wife Sapphira, sold some property and agreed to hold back Though I have fallen, I will rise. 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. Let us not fail to respect the individuality of the conversion experience and to deal with people in the light of their individuality. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Could it be that God had also appointed someone to meet Saul as he entered the city, with specific instructions as to where he was to stay? Jesus words, Why are you persecuting Me?, clearly implied that Sauls persecution of the church was a persecution of the Lord. * [9:29] Hellenists: see note on Acts 6:17. Do not be afraid of what they say or terrified by them, though they are a rebellious house. But his blindness was symbolic of his condition. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. 2. Trembling and astonished, he inquired, 5 Why did Ananias and Sapphira lie to God? But the gospel is good news for sinners. Stat two things God told Anaias concerning Saul Briefly describe what happened during Anaias' meeting with Saul. The conversion of Saul is important in another way. In His coming as the light, those who come to the light become lights to the world themselves: The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned (Isaiah 9:2). Luke 3:22), it expressed his unique relationship and fellowship with the Father. Ibid. To the church, Saul turned out to be a friend, a fellow-believer, in fact, a flaming evangelist, who proclaimed Christ more clearly and powerfully than anyone had previously done in Damascus. WebAnanias placed his hands upon Saul who received the Holy Spirit and the restoration of his sight. Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped (Isaiah 35:5). No doubt entered the mind of Saul that the 19 From the west, men will fear the name of the Lord, and from the rising of the sun, they will revere his glory. 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. Ananias who was Ananias and Sapphira lied to the Holy Spirit because it was the Holy Spirit who dwelt in the apostles, giving them their power and authority. Saul Visits Jerusalem. The man who walks in the dark does not know where he is going. 16 He saw that there was no one, he was appalled that there was no one to intervene; so his own arm worked salvation for him, and his own righteousness sustained him. WebSauls Baptism. 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 For Paul, the method of proclaiming the gospel must be consistent with the message itself, and so it was. Now get up and go into the city and you will be told what you must do.. The emphasis in the account is on Paul as a divinely chosen instrument (Acts 9:15). Who was Ananias of Damascus in the New Testament I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring my salvation to the ends of the earth (Isaiah 49:6). 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). There is not so much as a hint that anyone prayed for Sauls salvation or took the initiative to bring it about. ACTS 9:27 27 But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. All rights reserved. 153 Sauls conversion did not bring instant maturity or spirituality, but was the point where growth commenced. (5) Sauls salvation was an act of divine grace. They, too, were afraid of Saul and did not believe he really was a follower of Jesus Christ. (14) There is an interesting symmetry or parallel between the conversion of Saul and the conversion of Cornelius. Over and over in his epistles, Paul spoke of salvation in terms of radical change. 17 So Ananias departed and entered the house. There is a great deal of information we are not given, and thus we cannot be dogmatic about our conclusions. They are private Christians, living like islands rather than as a part of His body. If he were viewed as a reactionary, a trouble-maker, perhaps there were some unbelievers who thought Saul was too much trouble. This is very evident in the conversion of Saul. Lest anyone think they are too sinful to save, let me remind you that when Paul wrote that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, he quickly added, among whom I am foremost of all.. And He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. Now they grope through the streets like men who are blind. Perhaps nowhere else is the radical change (of conversion) in Pauls life153 more readily evident than in his attitude toward the saints. Ananias baptised Saul in the name of Jesus - the one who had sent him to the vanquished enemy of the church. 10i There was a disciple in Damascus named Ananias, and the Lord said to him in a vision, Ananias. He answered, Here I am, Lord. 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). Paul would later use this expression (in the plural) to address his unbelieving Jewish opponents, as in Acts 22:1. Who is blind like the one committed to me, blind like the servant of the Lord? (Isaiah 42:18-19). 12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service. Who was Ananias that help Saul in the Bible to regain his sight. Saul Preaches in Damascus. WebThats when Ananias heard a word from the Lord. Saul is welcomed into the church. Peter Restores Tabitha to Life. The two messages cannot be reconciled. 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). Ananias was used as Gods instrument in the conversion of Saul, but even he had to be pushed to go to Saul. 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. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". This happened to Ananias of Damascus when he ministered to Saul of Tarsus. His conversion was by far the most vital influence in Pauls life. WebThe last time they saw Saul, he was arresting and killing Christians. 9:31). For the word of the cross is to those who are perishing foolishness, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God (1 Corinthians 1:17-18; cf. 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. 1 What happened to Ananias and Sapphira as a result of lying to God? We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. He realized that it was nothing which he had donenor ever would dobut only by what Jesus Christ had done that saved him. It was an act of faith and 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. (Acts 9:11)? SAUL 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. No, Ananias did not do any of these things so far as the author of Luke-Acts is concerned. called for him to be slapped. 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 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. * [9:26] This visit of Paul to Jerusalem is mentioned by Paul in Gal 1:18. 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. 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. . 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. God struck Ananias and Sapphira dead for hypocrisy While their penalties seem extreme to us today, God judged them guilty of sins so serious that they threatened the very existence of the early church. Acts 9:10-19 NKJV - Ananias Baptizes Saul - Bible Gateway The first question which must be asked with regard to the interpretation of this text is this: What is the meaning of this text in the context of the whole book? Luke has included this account of Sauls conversion in order to contribute to the argument which he is seeking to develop. Yes, Lord, he answered. The Lord Jesus appeared to Ananias in a vision. 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 words and actions of Ananias are an evidence of his faith and obedience to the divine commission he was given, as outlined by Luke in the verses above. Ananias was afraid because he knew Sauls reputation as a merciless persecutor of the church. How much better to petition God to save those whom we are concerned about, a God who desires all men to be saved (1 Timothy 2:4). sOGOSapQ3[y~@9W 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. Saul, in my opinion, is portrayed by Luke as the first-fruits of these promises. Saul was knocked to the ground and confronted with the reality that hed been working against God rather than helping God. I believe that as Luke portrays Saul in Acts, it is as a prototype, a picture of Israel. When Saul was confronted on the road to Damascus, he saw the risen, glorified Lord. With the conversion of Saul, persecution of the church did not stop, for now some of the Hellenistic Jews were opposing his preaching (and no doubt, the church at large as well). The longer I study Sauls conversion, the more convinced I am that his conversion is typical. 15:8; Gal. The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world (John 1:4-5, 7-9). 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. 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). . Romans 6). Why was Ananias afraid of helping Saul? 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. * [9:3143] In the context of the period of peace enjoyed by the community through the cessation of Pauls activities against it, Luke introduces two traditions concerning the miraculous power exercised by Peter as he was making a tour of places where the Christian message had already been preached. It lay within the jurisdiction of the Roman province of Syria, and it formed part of the Decapolis, a league of self-governing cities. 36Now in Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which translated means Dorcas). . 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. Indeed, this seems to be the rule. east-west thoroughfare through Damascus built by the Greeks after the city Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before Him. 30And when the brothers learned of this, they took him down to Caesarea and sent him on his way to Tarsus.p. s Purpose In Sending Ananias To Saul There are two very important implications to the personal dimension of Sauls conversion. The blinding of Bar-Jesus thus seems to be the second major turning point in the ministry of Paul. 15 These, then, are the things you should teach. 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." 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. Imagine for a moment that this is the week of Sauls arrival at Damascus. The remaining verses of this account describe the results of Sauls conversion, all of which serve as dramatic proof of his radical transformation as a result of his encounter with the risen Lord on the road to Damascus. Hypocrisy is the most dangerous spiritual virus to infect the church. 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. Ed, Issue 46, Winter 2023. 33There he found a man named Aeneas, who had been confined to bed for eight years, for he was paralyzed. Ananias would have lost a human beings greatest privilege, of being an agent of the Lord (like an angel of the Lord). also 2:14-17; 3:12-18; 4:1-18; 5:17-21; 6:13--7:1; Galatians 1:13-17; cf. 4 Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, Saul, Saul,why are you persecuting Me? 5 And he said, Who are You, Lord? Then the Lord said, I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. How old was Jesus when he was crucified? Acts 9 Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible 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. Why do you think the street was named "Straight" 32As Peter was passing through every region, he went down to the holy ones living in Lydda. Why did Saint Paul change his 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). To both Ananias (Acts 9:10) and Saul (Acts 9:12). Amen (Romans 11:33-36). Not all Christians are equipped to be apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, or teachers (Ephesians 4:11). ananisofdamascus - Bible Facts How do you calculate working capital for a construction company? 10 And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication. The good news of the gospel is that Christ Jesus came to save sinners (1 Timothy 1:15). The call to salvation is also the call to a life of holiness and obedience. What if They'd Said No ESCAPES IN A BASKET It was time for Saul to ponder what he had seen and heard. First, there are problems which appear to be serious. 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). 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). 15:21). Did Saul's many sufferings during his ministry for Jesus' name come as a surprise to him? Bible Hub This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time (2 Timothy 1:9). The call of salvation is a call to holiness, and to obedience, and to fellowship, with God and with our fellow-believers. What is wrong with Ananias response to the Lord? After the suffering of his soul, he will see the light of life and be satisfied; by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many, and he will bear their iniquities (Isaiah 53:11). He was a man of great respect and influence, and thus he realized that his actions would have broad ramifications. If the blinding of Saul was a major turning point in his life, so was the blinding of Bar-Jesus. 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. He is trying to inform God of whats going on. (what was bad was that they lied about the amount). 15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinnersof whom I am the worst. When the man asked why he should do this, the pastor said, I dont believe anyone can continue hating someone when they have consistently prayed for that person to be blessed by God. Saul But beyond this, his conversion totally changed the remainder of his life. The light of a lamp will never shine in you again. He goes for broke. WebThats when Ananias heard a word from the Lord. Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light. The splendid deliberateness with which God forged His human tool is the great lesson of these years. 15But the Lord said to him, Go, for this man is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before Gentiles, kings, and Israelites,m 27 I saw that from what appeared to be his waist up he looked like glowing metal, as if full of fire, and that from there down he looked like fire; and brilliant light surrounded him. also 2:1-5; 2 Corinthians 2:17; 4:2). 11 On that day the weeping in Jerusalem will be great, like the weeping of Hadad Rimmon in the plain of Megiddo. Why was Ananias afraid of helping Saul? - Answers This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. ), Acts 7:59; 9:2, 21; 1 Cor. Now that the Lord had identified Himself as Jesus, Saul recognized that he was the sinner. One is the truth from God Himself, The church sent him on his way to Tarsus by way of Caesarea. >zZ0y^C{tg This man who had formerly cringed at the preaching of the gospel148 was now proclaiming the same message. It was surely fear (reverence), among other things, which prompted this. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God (John 3:19-21). 131 . 3On his journey, as he was nearing Damascus, a light from the sky suddenly flashed around him.c 129 The history of Damascus goes back to remote antiquity. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Saul asked.I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting, he replied. . The result was the restoration of Sauls sight and, it would seem, Sauls reception of the Holy Spirit. They too rebelled against God and forsook His word and persecuted His prophets. 133 I. Howard Marshall, The Acts of the Apostles (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, reprint, 1987), p. 173. The words which Ananias spoke to Saul indicate he was also to lay hands on him so that he would receive the Holy Spirit (9:17). In Sauls account of his conversion to His Jewish brethren, he added that when Ananias arrived, he instructed him to Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on His name (Acts 22:16). Why was Saul (later called Paul) going to Damascus? This is a miracle, a miracle which is all of God, and all of grace. Is it not even you, in the presence of our Lord Jesus at His coming? Paul was no ordinary followerhe became the most visible and active pillar of the new Christian church. many pulpits today promise to those who will follow Jesus? While Paul may not have brought about the execution of all those whom he arrested, including women as well as men (verse 2), verse 1 strongly suggests that this was his desire and ambition. Only a radical conversion can produce this attitude in the life of a man like Saul: For God is my witness, how I long for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:8). Saul was also blinded, which identified him with the blindness of the nation Israel of which the Old Testament prophets wrote (see above). Or did they somewhat dread his arrival, knowing how zealous he was in his opposition to the church. According to Acts 9:10, Ananias was living in Damascus. 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. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. It strikes many readers as harsh, a return to Old Testament retribution. The Book of Galatians is but one example of this.