why was ananias afraid of helping saul

The first is to ask the congregation to identify with Saul himself. There are differences between the three accounts given to us in Acts. We know nothing of Ananias beyond this story in the shadows. Rueban founded the Tribe of Reuban and Saul was King. The Creator of the universe specifying the name of a street and the house in one of His planets. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Though I have fallen, I will rise. Jesus dealt with Nicodemus (John 3) very differently from the Samaritan woman (John 4). And they will reign for ever and ever (Revelation 22:5). 147 The more Saul preached, the more the Jews were confused. 18 According to what they have done, so will he repay wrath to his enemies and retribution to his foes; he will repay the islands their due. Saul was knocked to the ground and confronted with the reality that hed been working against God rather than helping God. 9:31). . I. Howard Marshall, The Acts of the Apostles (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, reprint, 1987), p. 171. 180-181. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Pauls hatred for Christ and His followers was common knowledge. I very much doubt anyone prayed that this Saul might be saved. He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the first-born from the dead; so that He Himself might come to have first place in everything. 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. Amen. Why was Saul (later called Paul) going to Damascus? The Church at Peace. He started to KNOW GRACE! 9. It was Gods initiative all the way. Let us be careful to discern what changes the gospel requires and what changes it does not. He has sovereignly chosen to use people to lead people to salvation, Spirit baptism, deliverance, and healing. (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. There is no story in Acts more important than Saul/Pauls call, his encounter with the risen Christ. 19and when he had eaten, he recovered his strength.*. 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. The Lord Jesus appeared to Ananias in a vision. It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you. i3&K>Kpg Why did Ananias have to overcome his fear? As persecution was no longer needed to disperse the church and the gospel, peace was restored to the land. They, not unlike Ananias, were very reluctant to have anything to do with this Christian killer. . The couple wanted to appear as outstanding church members, but they didnt want to part with their possessions. Jesus did not address the entire group but said, Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? The others knew that something unusual was going on, but they did not grasp it (Acts 22:9). This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. 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. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. 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. No change in life is greater than the change from unbelief to belief in Christ, from being lost and condemned to being saved and eternally secure, from being separated from God and others to being united with Him and with all believers. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, 9 who has saved us and called us to a holy lifenot because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. 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). Saul is welcomed into the church. 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. The question must be asked as to whether or not Sauls conversion has a more general application and relevance. /w\/)sr?o|cBw3>E> (Acts 9:17) and that Saul was to "be filled with the Holy Spirit" (Acts 9:17). the light and blind passages above). One moment, Saul was persecuting the church; shortly thereafter he was seeking to fellowship with the saints. WebSauls Baptism. 3. His career as a persecutor of Christians seems to have begun with Stephen, but it quickly spread to all of the Christians in Jerusalem (Acts 7:588:3). This first account occurs when the word is first spread to the Gentiles. 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. The Book of Galatians is but one example of this. And be thankful (Colossians 3:15). (9) On the road to Damascus, Saul did far more than to see a bright light and to hear a voice from heaven. I am not at all sure how this can be determined from the text. But why would they be called his disciples? Israel too will look on Him whom they have pierced and mourn. Amen (Romans 11:33-36). (12) The same Saul who played a role in Stephens execution was to become, in large measure, his replacement. WebWe can understand why Ananias would be afraid of Saul. This would leave AD 33-46 for the visit to Arabia (Gal. 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. This is very evident in the conversion of Saul. 35And all the inhabitants of Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. 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. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Perhaps Ananias called a meeting of the church to discuss how they would deal with Sauls arrival. During his conversion Ancestry, Pharisaic training, Hellenistic education, were fused by it into the character which the Holy Spirit formed and fashioned over the fourteen years of training. Sign up now for the latest news and deals from Bible Gateway! After this incident with Paul we hear no more of him. Nevertheless, at some point in time Saul did arrive in Jerusalem. More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish in order that I may gain Christ, and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith, that I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to his death (Philippians 3:7-10). Israel too will just as surely return to God; and when it happens, it will be all of God, all to His glory and praise: 15 Truth is nowhere to be found, and whoever shuns evil becomes a prey. To whom did the Lord communicate "in a vision"? 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. He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him (Daniel 2:22). 17So Ananias went and entered the house; laying his hands on him, he said, 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. 15 These, then, are the things you should teach. Word was out that Saul would soon be arriving. Romans 6). WebYou know someone is coming, perhaps to arrest you for being a Christian. Jesus words, Why are you persecuting Me?, clearly implied that Sauls persecution of the church was a persecution of the Lord. Ananias (/nnas/ AN--NY-s; Ancient Greek: from Hebrew , Hananiah, favoured of the LORD) was a disciple of Jesus at Damascus mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles in the Bible, which describes how he was sent by Jesus to restore the sight of Saul of Tarsus (who later was called Paul the Apostle) and . For you are our glory and joy (1 Thessalonians 2:19-20). Unexpected and mysterious ELW 258 All are welcome ELW 641, Lois Craddock Perkins Professor of Homiletics. In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.. 11 And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher. The call to salvation is also the call to a life of holiness and obedience. And laying his hands on him he said, Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit. 18 And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. 92 0 obj << /Linearized 1 /O 94 /H [ 1243 743 ] /L 503600 /E 43371 /N 16 /T 501642 >> endobj xref 92 42 0000000016 00000 n 0000001188 00000 n 0000001986 00000 n 0000002200 00000 n 0000002434 00000 n 0000002614 00000 n 0000002636 00000 n 0000004226 00000 n 0000004248 00000 n 0000005775 00000 n 0000005798 00000 n 0000008986 00000 n 0000009009 00000 n 0000012094 00000 n 0000012305 00000 n 0000013156 00000 n 0000014011 00000 n 0000014230 00000 n 0000014604 00000 n 0000014827 00000 n 0000023280 00000 n 0000023869 00000 n 0000024230 00000 n 0000024446 00000 n 0000024731 00000 n 0000024987 00000 n 0000025380 00000 n 0000026152 00000 n 0000026257 00000 n 0000029454 00000 n 0000029477 00000 n 0000032108 00000 n 0000032131 00000 n 0000034910 00000 n 0000034933 00000 n 0000037945 00000 n 0000040047 00000 n 0000040070 00000 n 0000043063 00000 n 0000043141 00000 n 0000001243 00000 n 0000001964 00000 n trailer << /Size 134 /Info 91 0 R /Root 93 0 R /Prev 501632 /ID[<3cb89dccfaad5f26269ffad0f6f6443b><3cb89dccfaad5f26269ffad0f6f6443b>] >> startxref 0 %%EOF 93 0 obj << /Type /Catalog /Pages 89 0 R >> endobj 132 0 obj << /S 672 /Filter /FlateDecode /Length 133 0 R >> stream 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). In Jerusalem, as in Damascus, Saul spoke out boldly proclaiming Jesus to be the Christ, the promised Messiah. 145 We may note incidentally the two new descriptions of the Christians used here. 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. 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. 2 What do we know about Ananias in Acts 9? Ananias was used as Gods instrument in the conversion of Saul, but even he had to be pushed to go to Saul. So Ananias found Saul at Judas' house, praying for help. That Luke would narrate this conversion three times is testimony to the importance he attaches to it. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Saul, like Stephen, was a Hellenistic Jew. 129 The history of Damascus goes back to remote antiquity. 17 And Ananias departed and entered the house, and after laying his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road by which you were coming, has sent me so that you may regain your sight, and be filled with the Holy Spirit. 18 And immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he regained his sight, and he arose and was baptized; 19 and he took food and was strengthened. 14 The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. The splendid deliberateness with which God forged His human tool is the great lesson of these years. Upon hearing Peters words, Ananias fell to the ground and died. 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. also 16:17; 18:25-26). 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. This man summoned Barnabas and Saul and sought to hear the word of God. It is some 150 miles Northeast from Jerusalem and watered by the river Abana from Anti-Lebanon. Those who think themselves worthy of Gods blessings (as many Jews did in that day) are those who are in trouble. Then the proconsul believed when he saw what had happened, being amazed at the teaching of the Lord (Acts 13:6-12). 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). Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped (Isaiah 35:5). Ananias was afraid because he knew Sauls reputation as a merciless persecutor of the church. (11) Sauls conversion was a watershed event which greatly affected the history of the church. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. My names sake". This text portrays one of the historical landmarks of the church. Now this would have been a very bitter pill to swallow for many Jewish Christians. Continue Learning about Religious Studies. For who is our hope or joy or crown of exultation? What is meant by the competitive environment? 116-117. No, God showed him "how many things he must suffer for You also know this person is a recognized hater of your faith, and wants little if anything to do with you. WebActs 9:10-18 Ananias. 34Peter said to him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you. 149 It is more significant than might be supposed at first glance that the only occurrence of the title `Son of God in Acts should be in this report of Sauls early preaching. The first words spoken to Saul were, Saul, Saul, Why are you persecuting Me? (Acts 9:4). The voice of bridegroom and bride will never be heard in you again. Questions: Why were Ananias and Sapphira not given a second chance? 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. He will bring me out into the light; I will see his righteousness (Micah 7:8-9). For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast (Galatians 2:8-9). Sauls conversion was to play a crucial role in the expansion of the gospel. Here Saul took the various items in the life of Jesus of Nazareth and found in them the proof that he was in reality the Messiah (ho Christos). The answer to both questions is no. We dont know why Ananias is only mentioned once after Acts chapter nine. sOGOSapQ3[y~@9W WebThe Conversion of Saul. 23:16-17, 19, 24; 23:26). Ananias was afraid because he knew Sauls reputation as a merciless persecutor of the church. 22But Saul grew all the stronger and confounded [the] Jews who lived in Damascus, proving that this is the Messiah. 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. Preachers can narrate verses 10-14, and then basically say, You see, Ananias didnt know what had just happened. The blinding of Bar-Jesus thus seems to be the second major turning point in the ministry of Paul. The Lord What a shock Sauls conversion must have been to both groups! Without Ananias prayer, Saul spends the rest of his life as a blind man wondering what his life might have been. It does not store any personal data. 30And when the brothers learned of this, they took him down to Caesarea and sent him on his way to Tarsus.p.