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

Lead out those who have eyes but are blind, who have ears but are deaf. 3 Now as he was going along and approaching Damascus, Furthermore, in Acts 26:10 Paul testifies that he received letters from the chief priests, not just the chief priest alone. This expression, calling on the name of the Lord seems to be one used consistently in the Old Testament. Web The children will describe Ananias as a man who helped Saul even though he was afraid. Q&A 1. %PDF-1.2 % 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. Was a man uncircumcised when he was called? 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. . 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). 31* The church throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria was at peace. By your magic spell all the nations were led astray (Revelation 18:23). Luke 3:22), it expressed his unique relationship and fellowship with the Father. Ibid. Proving (sunbibazon). WebThats when Ananias heard a word from the Lord. Introduction: suppose you heard someone was coming to arrest you, or even worse. In fact, as Saul would later write, he realized that he was chief of sinners (1 Timothy 1:15). 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. 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. Ananias is not only surprised by his commission; he is resistant to it, at least initially. remark on the symmetry with which Luke sets forth the two stories: The simultaneous preparation of the hearts of Ananias and of Saul, and the simultaneous preparation of those of Peter and Cornelius,the questioning and hesitation of Peter and the questioning and hesitation of Ananias,the one doubting whether he might make friendship with the Gentiles, the other doubting whether he might approach the enemy of the Church,the unhesitating obedience of each when the Divine will was made known,the state of mind in which both the Pharisee and the centurion were found,each waiting to see what the Lord would say to them,this close analogy will not be forgotten by those who reverently read the two consecutive chapters. It lay within the jurisdiction of the Roman province of Syria, and it formed part of the Decapolis, a league of self-governing cities. The first words of the Lord Jesus to Saul were intended to teach him the inseparable unity between Christ and His church. During the subsequent Roman rule, the The children will state that they can pray if they feel afraid and it will help them to be brave Pauls language in Acts 26:11 seems to mean that Damascus is merely one of other `foreign cities to which he carried the persecution. A. T. Robertson, Word Pictures in the New Testament (Nashville: Broadman Press, 1930), III, p. 114. Now this would have been a very bitter pill to swallow for many Jewish Christians. 3 Why was Ananias afraid of helping Saul? There are affinities between his conversion experience and Ezekiels inaugural vision, in which the prophet saw the likeness of the heavenly throne and above it a likeness as it were of a human form (Ezek. The emphasis in the account is on Paul as a divinely chosen instrument (Acts 9:15). Sauls Baptism. After this incident with Paul we hear no more of him. Ananias Get up and go to the street called Straight, to the house of Judas, and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, since he is praying there. 141 Compare this voice with that in John 12:29. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. In the Bible, Reuben and Saul were of no relation to each other. 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. 1:11, Acts 20:23; 2 Cor. 28 And he was with them moving about freely in Jerusalem, speaking out boldly in the name of the Lord. 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. What is wrong with Ananias response to the Lord? Ananias and Saul in Damascus. 5 Why did Ananias and Sapphira lie to God? If the blinding of Saul was a major turning point in his life, so was the blinding of Bar-Jesus. 9For three days he was unable to see, and he neither ate nor drank. Though I have fallen, I will rise. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. The election of Saul to salvation was specific and thus, personal. Amen. No, I worked harder than all of themyet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.7 I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of Gods grace given me through the working of his power. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. The children will practice being giving and friendly with someone that they do not know. 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. 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. 10 And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication. After this incident with Paul we hear no more Note the following impressions gained from a reflection on the passage as a whole. The life-changing implications of conversion are expressed in these words of Paul to Titus: 11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. The same grace which was shown to Saul in his salvation is shown to all whom God calls to Himself: 8 So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. Did Saul's many sufferings during his ministry for Jesus' name come as a surprise to him? 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 wraps himself in light as with a garment; he stretches out the heavens like a tent (Psalm 104:2). 130 In our text, we are told the Saul went to the high priest to ask for letters from him to the synagogues in Damascus (9:1-2), but in Acts 22:5-6 Paul indicates that the Council (the Sanhedrin) was also involved in providing him with letters of authorization to arrest Christians in Damascus. This light was more, much more, than just a bright light. That He had already appeared to Saul "on the road" The conclusion of many of the commentators is that Sauls conversion was a much longer process than I see reflected in this account, or in any other. A believing man or woman is not bound in such circumstances; God has called us to live in peace. This blindness was only removed by faith in Christ, a miracle brought about by divine action: In that day the deaf will hear the words of the scroll, and out of gloom and darkness the eyes of the blind will see (Isaiah 29:18). 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. He has sovereignly chosen to use people to lead people to salvation, Spirit baptism, deliverance, and healing. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. This old city is the most enduring in the history of the world (Knowling). The light was the light of His glory. Saul, as it were, saw the light, but in addition, he was to become a light, a light to the Gentiles, as well as to his own people. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. Here is a graphic illustration of what true repentance isit is a turning about, beginning with ones belief and bearing fruit in ones conduct. 7 Did God Judge Ananias and Sapphira for the same sin? 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. 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. Ananias was afraid because he knew Sauls reputation as a merciless persecutor of the church. Web3. He became a priest himself in 1823. Saul was knocked to the ground and confronted with the reality that hed been working against God rather than helping God. The salvation of Saul was to result in the gospel being preached to distant people and lands, and in the extension of the church to many key cities. This would mean that the Gospel isnt as good as we thought it was and that God violates the law of double jeopardy where He punishes the same sin twice. For God has shut up all in disobedience that He might show mercy to all (Romans 11:25-32). He spoke of salvation as dying to the old manner of living and as rising from the dead in order to live an entirely new life (Romans 6). 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. (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. He was a man of great respect and influence, and thus he realized that his actions would have broad ramifications. We would readily grant that every conversion which is recorded is unique, to some degree. The ultimate issue was Gods ability to saveeven the most committed unbeliever. Ananias and Saul. 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). So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow-citizens with the saints, and are of Gods household, having been built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together is growing into a holy temple in the Lord; in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit (Ephesians 2:19-22). This can hardly be possible. To whom did the Lord communicate "in a vision"? 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. Gods promises and purposes would not be stopped by this madman, Saul. 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. 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). 2:1 He said to me, Son of man, stand up on your feet and I will speak to you. 2 As he spoke, the Spirit came into me and raised me to my feet, and I heard him speaking to me. get answers to your Bible questions from 50+ resources ($2,400+ value! 12 That is why I am suffering as I am. Web The children will describe Ananias as a man who helped Saul even though he was afraid. Throughout his life and ministry Paul marveled at the grace of God shown to him and to other sinners. Why do you think the street was named "Straight" The "Straight Street" or Via Recta in Latin, was a straight 8 Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. In Damascus, the Lord had spoken to a man named Ananias, and the Lord told Ananias to find Saul and to lay his hands on Saul and pray so that Sauls sight would be restored. Now they were keeping watch on the gates day and night so as to kill him, 2 See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson. So it would appear. You will be unsuccessful in everything you do; day after day you will be oppressed and robbed, with no one to rescue you (Deuteronomy 28:28-29). It is difficult to estimate the amount of resistance Ananias would have had to this divine instruction to receive Saul as a brother in the Lord. There are two primary options for preaching from this text. Ananias Laid Hands on Paul Ananias did as the Lord commanded and went to Sauls house and laid his hands on him. There he was transfigured before them. 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. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. 148 I would assume that Saul was one of those who covered his ears so as not to hear the praise of Stephen, as reported in Acts 7:57. * [9:2] The Way: a name used by the early Christian community for itself (Acts 18:26; 19:9, 23; 22:4; 24:14, 22). Ananias came to Saul with grace to liberate him from his wrong-headed beliefs and open his heart to Jesus. It was bright enough to bring about a period of blindness. I do not question that he did receive the Spirit, but merely observe that this receiving of the Spirit (accompanied by the laying on of hands) was not something Luke wanted to emphasize. 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. In peace, as in persecution, the church was comforted and continued to increase. 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. 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. 129 By this time Saul has gained a reputation as the ringleader of the movement to make Christianity extinct. They could hear the voice but they did not see anyone who was speaking. He was afraid because Saul killed Jesus followers What did Ananias's do to heal Paul's eyes? Paul would make much more of this point in the first chapter of Galatians. Those things in which Saul would have formerly trusted for his standing before God, he saw in an entirely different light after God found him and saved him: 4b If anyone else thinks he has reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for legalistic righteousness, faultless. 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. 136. 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). 3 Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn (Isaiah 59:15b60:13). Put your trust in the light while you have it, so that you may become sons of light. When he had finished speaking, Jesus left and hid himself from them (John 12:35-36). (1) There is considerable emphasis given to Sauls conversion in the Book of Acts. Ananias had to overcome his fear so that Saul would be overcome by grace. 3. All Ananias did was to obey Christs command to go pray with Saul so that Saul could do all those things. Acts 26:18). 1:1; 1 Cor. (8) Saul was saved independently of the apostles. 29 And he was talking and arguing with the Hellenistic Jews; but they were attempting to put him to death. 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. Grace is also the source and the standard for our service: Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned, as it were, with salt, so that you may know how you should respond to each person (Colossians 4:6). Did Peter and Paul meet? 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. (4) Sauls salvation was miraculous. Enough revelation for the moment. Ananias found He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him (Daniel 2:22). 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). . At this point, the conversion of the hero of the Gentile mission is recounted. WebThe last time they saw Saul, he was arresting and killing Christians. 12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service. But hidden in its shadows is another inspiring story, and one to which most people in the pew may more easily relate. When Sapphira showed up, she, too, lied to Peter and to God, saying that they had donated the entire proceeds of the sale of the land to the church. 22But Saul grew all the stronger and confounded [the] Jews who lived in Damascus, proving that this is the Messiah. 1. Obedience is often not easy, but it is very likely the most direct way forward and the clearest way to honor God. Perhaps Ananias called a meeting of the church to discuss how they would deal with Sauls arrival. What is remarkable about the Lord's directions to Ananias? Now they grope through the streets like men who are blind. Instead, he became the first believer to minister to Saul. 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. * [9:8] He could see nothing: a temporary blindness (Acts 9:18) symbolizing the religious blindness of Saul as persecutor (cf. 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). This three-fold repetition is a clear indication of the importance of this event, especially in the themes Luke is seeking to develop in the Book of Acts. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Think about what happened as a result of this man overcoming his fear and obeying God. Bob is a pastor/teacher and elder at Community Bible Chapel in Richardson, Texas, and has contributed many of his Bible study series for use by the Foundation. to go lay hands on Saul (soon to be known as Paul) and restore his 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 voice of bridegroom and bride will never be heard in you again. also Romans 1:1-7, 13-17; 1 Corinthians 9:1; 15:3-11; cf. As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God (1 Peter 4:10). If this passage is profoundly important, it also poses its problems. He should not be circumcised. At first, I thought this was unique with Saul. It strikes many readers as harsh, a return to Old Testament retribution. 23 And when many days had elapsed, the Jews plotted together to do away with him, 24 but their plot became known to Saul. For I do not want you, brethren, to be uninformed of this mystery, lest you be wise in your own estimation, that a partial hardening has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in; and thus all Israel will be saved; just as it is written, THE DELIVERER WILL COME FROM ZION, HE WILL REMOVE UNGODLINESS FROM JACOB. AND THIS IS MY COVENANT WITH THEM, WHEN I TAKE AWAY THEIR SINS.. Web3. 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. What happened when Ananias anointed Saul? 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. sOGOSapQ3[y~@9W (For suggested ways to teach the scripture account, see Teaching from the Scriptures, p. Blindness, not willing to see, not willing to understand is all too common but Ananias cured Saul blindness by a touch. 11 And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher. 2 Watch out for those dogs, those men who do evil, those mutilators of the flesh. Why was Ananias afraid of helping Saul? 153 Sauls conversion did not bring instant maturity or spirituality, but was the point where growth commenced. 1* Now Saul, still breathing murderous threats against the disciples of the Lord,a went to the high priestb For Paul, the method of proclaiming the gospel must be consistent with the message itself, and so it was. 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). Copyright 2023 Rochester Catholic Press Association, Inc. All rights reserved. No one could fault the reluctance of Ananias. OR WHO HAS FIRST GIVEN TO HIM THAT IT MIGHT BE PAID BACK TO HIM AGAIN? (Acts 9:11)? Nothing is more evident in the account of Sauls conversion than his radical reversal. Christian ministry be reconciled with the wealth and prosperity that 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. He hears the voice of the Lord crying out to him. Ananias who was 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. 9 What happened to Sapphira in the Bible? WebAs Donald Davis notes, In case God has overlooked Sauls atrocities, [Ananias] takes occasion to issue a brief reminder. That Luke would narrate this conversion three times is testimony to the importance he attaches to it. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Word was out that Saul would soon be arriving. How does Ananias ability to rise above his own feelings of hatred toward Saul encourage Saul to move Nevertheless, there must have been those who intended to use Sauls coming to oppose the church. These two shocking deaths served as an example to the body of Christ that God hates hypocrisy. What was Ananias role in Sauls conversion to Christianity? In other words a beginning point for narrating Acts 9:1-19 could be with Ananias knowledge of Saul as a persecutor, which he expresses in verse 13. Ananias hesitation to visit Saul showed that he had good relationship with Jerusalem, for he knew of the trouble that the persecutor had raised against the early converts, and of the goal of his mission to Damascus. 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. 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. It was an act of faith and Would the church not have undertaken the task of discipling these folks? From the fact that three different accounts of Sauls conversion are recorded in Acts, we know this event had to play a crucial role in the expansion of the church. The approach the Lord took was one of dealing with Saul in the light of his sin, of his salvation, and of his ministry. When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, I am the light of the world. ACTS 9:10-14 10 Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and to him the Lord said in a vision, 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). These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Pauls hatred for Christ and His followers was common knowledge. Were they some of those converted to Christ through his preaching? 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. 16and I will show him what he will have to suffer for my name. 2023 United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. 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). It was an act of faith and bravery equivalent to helping a lion out of a trap. God chose Saul and had his destiny planned, before He saved him. The couple wanted to appear as outstanding church members, but they didnt want to part with their possessions.