why was ananias afraid of helping 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. Some would like the excuse to make some changes to make their life more comfortable. Ananias baptised Saul in the name of Jesus - the one who had sent him to the vanquished enemy of the church. 19So when he had received food, he was strengthened. Ananias small act of obedience led to a great harvest for the kingdom. Present active participle of sunbubazo, old verb to make go together, to coalesce, to knit together. 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). Jesus dealt with Nicodemus (John 3) very differently from the Samaritan woman (John 4). 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. Their story is rarely shown in art, but is the subject of one of the Raphael Cartoons, and a panel on the Brescia Casket, both illustrated here. What is remarkable about the Lord's directions to Ananias? 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). 6 After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. It was an act of faith and The Creator of the universe specifying the name of a street and the house in one of His planets. The saints (9:32, 41; 26:10; cf. Ananias Those who think themselves worthy of Gods blessings (as many Jews did in that day) are those who are in trouble. 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. WebThe Good Ananias: A Lesson for Believers. 36Now in Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which translated means Dorcas). 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). Trembling and astonished, he inquired, 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 What Israel failed to do, Jesus, the Messiah would do. When I saw it, I fell face down, and I heard the voice of one speaking. Throughout his life and ministry Paul marveled at the grace of God shown to him and to other sinners. Bible Hub Saul asked.I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting, he replied. 10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. 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. 144 Was Ananias the one who told him what he must do? And the second group, who were waiting for Saul to come and help them deal with the followers of the Way, were about to discover that Saul had joined them, perhaps bringing other members of the opposition along with him. He started to KNOW GRACE! Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. 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. Start FREE. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christthe righteousness that comes from God and is by faith (Philippians 3:1-9; cf. 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). It is here in Acts, for the first time, that Saul is called Paul. The Story of Ananias: Faith over Fear | Tactical Christianity 17 He put on righteousness as his breastplate, and the helmet of salvation on his head; he put on the garments of vengeance and wrapped himself in zeal as in a cloak. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Without Ananias prayer, Saul spends the rest of his life as a blind man wondering what his life might have been. 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. And Jesus took the persecution of Christians very personally. He will bring me out into the light; I will see his righteousness (Micah 7:8-9). 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). Note the following impressions gained from a reflection on the passage as a whole. Ed, Issue 46, Winter 2023. . 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). 17(K)And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and (L)laying his hands on him he said, Brother Saul, the Lord [c]Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and (M)be filled with the Holy Spirit. 18Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Furthermore, in Acts 26:10 Paul testifies that he received letters from the chief priests, not just the chief priest alone. 22But Saul grew all the stronger and confounded [the] Jews who lived in Damascus, proving that this is the Messiah. (For suggested ways to teach the scripture account, see Teaching from the Scriptures, p. 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. 10 And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication. Did Peter and Paul meet? 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. When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple (vs. 26). Saul 22 For he who was a slave when he was called by the Lord is the Lords freedman; similarly, he who was a free man when he was called is Christs slave. Paul Receive the Holy Spirit by the Laying Robert L. (Bob)Deffinbaugh graduated from Dallas Theological Seminary with his Th.M. 1:11, Acts 20:23; 2 Cor. He was a man of great respect and influence, and thus he realized that his actions would have broad ramifications. It says nothing about him receiving the Holy Spirit. The first evidence of Sauls conversion was his immediate identification with the church in Damascus. For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life (1 Thessalonians 4:7). 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. The risen Lord selected Saul out of the group with which he was traveling to hear, to see Him, and to understand His words. also Isaiah 64:6). One moment, Saul is inflicting pain and suffering on others who trust in Jesus as the Messiah, the next, he is enduring suffering for the sake of Jesus, the Messiah. This expression, calling on the name of the Lord seems to be one used consistently in the Old Testament. 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. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". 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. I was inclined to think that most of us, experientially, are called to faith in Christ only to gradually learn Gods will for our life, progressively revealed to us as we walk in Him. What is wrong with Ananias response to the Lord? We are simply told that the message itself was proclaimed powerfully and that people were amazed at the message and its miraculous impact on Sauls own conduct. 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. WebThats when Ananias heard a word from the Lord. You also know this person is a recognized hater of your faith, and wants little if anything to do with you. To him be honor and might forever. 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. 17 Nevertheless, each one should retain the place in life that the Lord assigned to him and to which God has called him. The men who traveled with Saul were frightened and confused. 40Peter sent them all out and knelt down and prayed. (7) The salvation of Saul was Christ-centered. At midday you will grope about like a blind man in the dark. We know from Romans 7, for example, that Paul had struggles in his spiritual walk. The Apostle Paul: Ananias and Sauls Obedience 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. His acceptance by the latter was finally brought about through his friendship with Barnabas (Acts 9:27). Saul was also blinded, which identified him with the blindness of the nation Israel of which the Old Testament prophets wrote (see above). 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. While Saul in solitude at the house of Judas continued in prayer and supplication, the Lord appeared in a vision to a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias, telling him that Saul of Tarsus was praying and in need of help. This is why Jesus was so receptive of sinners and so hard on the self-righteous. He should not become uncircumcised. Stat two things God told Anaias concerning Saul Briefly describe what happened during Anaias' meeting with Saul. Saul was told at the time of his conversion that God had chosen him to bear witness to the Gentiles, to kings, and to the Jews (9:15). It was an act of faith and bravery equivalent to helping a lion out of a trap. The Lesson of Ananias | Tim Challies Ananias The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". 26:63; Luke 22:67, 70). 134 Blaiklock comes to this conclusion concerning the time of Sauls conversion: Probably the earliest acceptable date for the conversion on the Damascus road is AD 33. part of the price for themselves while donating it to the church Ananias and Saul: The Story Starts With a Disciple Word was out that Saul would soon be arriving. All Ananias did was to obey Christs command to go pray with Saul so that Saul could do all those things. Your merchants were the worlds great men. 9. As persecution was no longer needed to disperse the church and the gospel, peace was restored to the land. 7 To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 1:6-7). Like the blind we grope along the wall, feeling our way like men without eyes. 2. And they were also watching the gates day and night so that they might put him to death; 25 but his disciples took him by night, and let him down through an opening in the wall, lowering him in a basket. SAUL also Psalm 50:15; Joel 2:32; Jeremiah 29:12; 33:3-8). 43* r And he stayed a long time in Joppa with Simon, a tanner. Blindness, not willing to see, not willing to understand is all too common but Ananias cured Saul blindness by a touch. what occupation he was (possibly a businessman). 6 Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.7 The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn (Isaiah 60:3). \4Q-b24Q-z U`E(O42. 14And here he has authority from the chief priests to imprison all who call upon your name.l According to Acts 9:10, Ananias was living in Damascus. WebAnanias went. But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light (1 Peter 2:9). Devotion Saul Why did Ananias have to overcome his fear? 6 What was Ananias role in Sauls conversion to Christianity? Did Saul's many sufferings during his ministry for Jesus' name come as a surprise to him? During his conversion 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. 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 23:16-17, 19, 24; 23:26). 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). 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). The church sent him on his way to Tarsus by way of Caesarea. To whom did the Lord communicate "in a vision"? 20:32; 26:18) is a common term in Pauls writings and describes Christians as people who have been set apart for Gods service and must show an appropriate character. Introduction: suppose you heard someone was coming to arrest you, or even worse. 133 I. Howard Marshall, The Acts of the Apostles (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, reprint, 1987), p. 173. Pauls hatred for Christ and His followers was common knowledge. I very much doubt anyone prayed that this Saul might be saved. 28 And he was with them moving about freely in Jerusalem, speaking out boldly in the name of the Lord. Have you had such an encounter? It was being built up and walked in the fear of the Lord, and with the consolation of the holy Spirit it grew in numbers. Thus, whenever he spoke of his conversion and his call to ministry, he always spoke of this incident as an act of divine grace, of Gods unmerited favor, of an act of mercy toward him: I have written you quite boldly on some points, as if to remind you of them again, because of the grace God gave me 16 to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles with the priestly duty of proclaiming the gospel of God, so that the Gentiles might become an offering acceptable to God, sanctified by the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:15-16). WebThere was no indication in Jesus words that Ananias was going to give Saul the Holy Spirit. This account is accompanied by an asseveration of its truth which suggests that some people were contradicting it.133. For who is our hope or joy or crown of exultation? You may unsubscribe from Bible Gateways emails at any time. He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him (Daniel 2:22). 7 But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. First, there are problems which appear to be serious. Theologically, we know this as the doctrine of mans total depravity.151 Paul surely believed that it was essential for men to begin with the understanding of their own sin, for in his Epistle to the Romans, he took the first two and one-half chapters to prove that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). Saul proclaimed Jesus to be the Son of God (9:20), a designation understood to refer to Israels awaited Messiah.149. with his wife Sapphira, sold some property and agreed to hold back 1:16; cf. A vision, in this context, was a supernatural sight from God. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them (Isaiah 42:16). 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. Christianity was described as putting off the old and putting on the new (Colossians 3). For now, he was told to proceed on to Damascus, where he would be given his next instructions.144 His blindness certainly gave Saul the opportunity to dwell on these events. He went on to become a respected teacher and the founder of the Priests of the Sacred Heart of Betharram. Israel was called of God and set apart to proclaim the way of salvation to the Gentiles. 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. 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. Ananias Handed down. This silence is instructive, in my opinion. There are all too many autonomous Christians, those who feel that coming to faith in Christ does not necessitate identifying with His body, the church. One is the truth from God Himself, 9:31). 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). 129 By this time Saul has gained a reputation as the ringleader of the movement to make Christianity extinct. 7 Did God Judge Ananias and Sapphira for the same sin? 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). It is also bad news for the self-righteous. 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. Why was Ananias afraid of helping Saul? - Answers One moment, Saul was opposing Jesus, as though He were the sinner; the next, Saul is on his face before this Jesus, calling Him Lord. How does Ananias ability to rise above his own feelings of hatred toward Saul encourage Saul to move One thing was certain; no matter how much time had passed, the apostles were not yet convinced of Sauls conversion. WebAnd was Ana- nias still reluctant to help Saul after the Lord explained the situation to him? And when the Galatians began to depart from the true gospel, Paul rebuked them for turning from Him: I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel (Galatians 6). 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. WebAs Donald Davis notes, In case God has overlooked Sauls atrocities, [Ananias] takes occasion to issue a brief reminder. The longer I study Sauls conversion, the more convinced I am that his conversion is typical. 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. Saul The second evidence of Sauls conversion was in his bold proclamation of his newly found faith in Jesus as the Messiah. Saul Preaches in Damascus. Discuss 2 ways in which Paul suffered as an apostle 6 And you, son of man, do not be afraid of them or their words. 17 So Ananias departed and entered the house. Obedience is often not easy, but it is very likely the most direct way forward and the clearest way to honor God. The approach the Lord took was one of dealing with Saul in the light of his sin, of his salvation, and of his ministry. Introduction. The Lord seeks and saves individuals, and thus our methods should be personal. We can overcome our fears if, like Ananias, we trust that Jesus is directing the preaching work, The children will practice being giving and friendly with someone that they do not know. Why was Ananias afraid of helping Saul?



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