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

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. Second, the only result of this event shown in the Bible is that Saul received his sight. 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. Why was Saul (later called Paul) going to Damascus? This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. 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. 5He said, Who are you, sir? The reply came, I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.e ANANIAS The Story of Ananias: Faith over Fear | Tactical Christianity A devout Hellenistic Jew, of the tribe of Benjamin, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, Saul was a member of the Pharisees and was taught by none other than Gamaliel, * [9:13] Your holy ones: literally, your saints.. The children will practice being giving and friendly with someone that they do not know. Why was Ananias afraid of helping Saul? Web The children will describe Ananias as a man who helped Saul even though he was afraid. That is because our Lord always confronts, convicts, and converts men and women individually, in the light of their own actions and beliefs. Just as Saul had opposed those who believed, so Bar-Jesus opposed the proconsuls conversion. For the remainder of this essay, I will pursue the second option. And what a comfort to know that God always finishes what He starts: For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:6). 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. 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. 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 grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time (2 Timothy 1:9). 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. Proving (sunbibazon). Leave them; they are blind guides. Without Ananias prayer, Saul spends the rest of his life as a blind man wondering what his life might have been. Because I have sinned against him, I will bear the Lords wrath, until he pleads my case and establishes my right. WebAnanias, I am sure. 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. (12) The same Saul who played a role in Stephens execution was to become, in large measure, his replacement. 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. (6) Sauls salvation was a conversion, a radical change. 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. The longer I study Sauls conversion, the more convinced I am that his conversion is typical. He also warned those who would corrupt grace, to make it a pretext for sin (cf. 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). A vision, in this context, was a supernatural sight from God. (8) Saul was saved independently of the apostles. I. 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. This divine illumination is that miracle which God performs within a lost, blinded, dead soul, so as to bring about salvation: 4 The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. He became a priest himself in 1823. Ananias would probably be afraid to go see Saul because Ananias was a Christian, and Saul was coming to the city to arrest the Christians. Ananias was afraid because he knew Sauls reputation as a merciless persecutor of the church. Acts 9:10-19 Acts 22:12-16 - Webflow The call of salvation is a call to change. 154 What is both interesting and important about this text is that the call of salvation does not necessarily require a change of career. 9 For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. The second evidence of Sauls conversion was in his bold proclamation of his newly found faith in Jesus as the Messiah. But the gospel is good news for sinners. Now this would have been a very bitter pill to swallow for many Jewish Christians. . Was a man uncircumcised when he was called? 12 The land will mourn, each clan by itself, with their wives by themselves: the clan of the house of David and their wives, the clan of the house of Nathan and their wives, 13 the clan of the house of Levi and their wives, the clan of Shimei and their wives, 14 and all the rest of the clans and their wives. 147 The more Saul preached, the more the Jews were confused. Who told Saul to go to the house of Judas on Straight Street? 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. When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, I am the light of the world. Charles Spurgeon once wrote: Prayer is the autograph of the Holy Spirit upon the renewed heart. God was sealing Saul to Himself. 4 The people to whom I am sending you are obstinate and stubborn. They too rebelled against God and forsook His word and persecuted His prophets. east-west thoroughfare through Damascus built by the Greeks after the city (Acts 9:11)? Acts 9, 22, 26; Romans 15:15-21; cf. They do not understand the gospel well enough. "how many things he must suffer for Straight Street was widened and colonnades added to it. You also know this person is a recognized hater of your faith, and wants little if anything to do with you. WebThats when Ananias heard a word from the Lord. What changed about Saul/Paul after Jesus appeared to him? The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Luke is emphatic in his representation of mans salvation as having been ordained and orchestrated by God, as a manifestation of His sovereign grace: And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord; and as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed (Acts 13:48). God chose Saul and had his destiny planned, before He saved him. 11:2328; 12:710; Gal. The Book of Galatians is but one example of this. 145 We may note incidentally the two new descriptions of the Christians used here. 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). They could not out-argue him. At midday you will grope about like a blind man in the dark. After this, Saul broke his fast and was strengthened. To whom did the Lord communicate "in a vision"? 1:19; Rom. My names sake". 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 of the most dramatic revelations of Sauls Damascus road experience was that he was not serving God, but he was persecuting Him. What a shock Sauls conversion must have been to both groups! This text portrays one of the historical landmarks of the church. 26:63; Luke 22:67, 70). During his conversion There are two primary options for preaching from this text. If this passage is profoundly important, it also poses its problems. Saul had been granted permission by the high priest to arrest any man or woman in Damascus who were Christians. I believe that as Luke portrays Saul in Acts, it is as a prototype, a picture of Israel. 27 To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory (Colossians 1:24-27). He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. In peace, as in persecution, the church was comforted and continued to increase. Peter Heals Aeneas at Lydda. 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). (14) There is an interesting symmetry or parallel between the conversion of Saul and the conversion of Cornelius. 6 And you, son of man, do not be afraid of them or their words. Working Preacher from Luther Seminary The narrative lectionary is a four-year cycle of readings Read more. I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness (John 12:46). a. 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). Granted, his experience is unique and dramatic. WebExplain why Ananias was told that Saul was a 'Chosen Vessel' Give an account of the vision which Saul had while traveling on the road to the Damascus. ,/1Xa} V= endstream endobj 133 0 obj 634 endobj 94 0 obj << /Type /Page /Parent 88 0 R /Resources 95 0 R /Contents [ 98 0 R 100 0 R 102 0 R 104 0 R 122 0 R 124 0 R 126 0 R 129 0 R ] /MediaBox [ 0 0 792 612 ] /CropBox [ 0 0 792 612 ] /Rotate 0 >> endobj 95 0 obj << /ProcSet [ /PDF /Text /ImageB ] /Font << /F1 109 0 R /F3 106 0 R /F4 107 0 R /F6 118 0 R /F7 116 0 R >> /XObject << /Im1 127 0 R >> /ExtGState << /GS1 131 0 R /GS2 130 0 R >> /ColorSpace << /Cs5 96 0 R >> >> endobj 96 0 obj [ /CalRGB << /WhitePoint [ 0.9505 1 1.089 ] /Gamma [ 2.22221 2.22221 2.22221 ] /Matrix [ 0.4124 0.2126 0.0193 0.3576 0.71519 0.1192 0.1805 0.0722 0.9505 ] >> ] endobj 97 0 obj 1512 endobj 98 0 obj << /Filter /FlateDecode /Length 97 0 R >> stream Blindness, not willing to see, not willing to understand is all too common but Ananias cured Saul blindness by a touch. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. 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. WebActs 9:1. Robert L. (Bob)Deffinbaugh graduated from Dallas Theological Seminary with his Th.M. 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). Let us suppose further that the church had gathered on this particular evening for a time of prayer, prompted by the news that Saul was soon to arrive, with all the necessary legal machinery (that is, the authorization of the chief priests and the Sanhedrin130) to arrest and extradite131 the saints who were in the city. Word was out that Saul would soon be arriving. Shape us into children who rejoice in knowing and proclaiming you to the world. The Conversion of Saul Just as Saul seemingly had hatred toward Christ-followers, how do you think a Christ-follower like Ananias felt toward Saul? Is the story of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5 harsh? That He had already appeared to Saul "on the road" required neighboring states to grant it the privileges of a sovereign state, including the right of extradition. With the help of a priest who knew his parents he was allowed to attend religious school. When he found him, he "laid his hands on Saul and said, 'Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on your way here, has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.'" many pulpits today promise to those who will follow Jesus. How can this message of suffering for Jesus' name in If Ananias and Sapphira were born again believers and God judged them for their sin, it means that even though Jesus was judged for sin, God still judged them for their sin. If the blinding of Saul was a major turning point in his life, so was the blinding of Bar-Jesus. What happened to Straight Street since then? When Saul was confronted on the road to Damascus, he saw the risen, glorified Lord. Then he (7) The salvation of Saul was Christ-centered. Acts 9:17 - Ananias Baptizes Saul - Bible Hub 146 It is possible, however, to understand the expression, Brother, as referring to Saul only as a fellow Jew. It is, in the Bible, the radiance of Gods glory. 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. 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. (10) Sauls encounter with Christ was not only a conversion, but it was also a call to a very specific ministry. Saul was the bad guy. We know that Paul was not instantly a biblical scholar or a seasoned apostle. For less than $5/mo. In order to have both, they pretended to give the full price of the sale of their property to the apostles. There are two very important implications to the personal dimension of Sauls conversion. Pauls experience was not visionary but was precipitated by the appearance of Jesus, as he insists in 1Cor 15:8. 7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, 8 and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born (1 Corinthians 15:3-8). Jesus dealt with Nicodemus (John 3) very differently from the Samaritan woman (John 4). And because Saul is welcomed into the church, he is sent out by the church. . To both Ananias (Acts 9:10) and Saul (Acts 9:12). sight. 10 Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and the Lord said to him in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, here am I, Lord. 11 And the Lord said to him, Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying, 12 and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him, so that he might regain his sight. 13 But Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he did to Thy saints at Jerusalem; 14 and here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call upon Thy name.145 15 But the Lord said to him, Go, for he is a chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel; 16 for I will show him how much he must suffer for My names sake.. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. 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). The children will state that they can pray if they feel afraid and it will help them to be brave and friendly. A letter delivered at that time by a Roman ambassador to Ptolemy VIII of Egypt concludes with the demand: If any pestilent men have fled to you from their own country {Judaea}, hand them over to Simon the high priest, so that he may punish them according to their law (1 Macc. He paid for his education by working for the priests. 32As Peter was passing through every region, he went down to the holy ones living in Lydda. 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). New King James Version (NKJV). 142 His companions therefore took him by the hand and led him through the gate of Damascus to the place where, presumably, arrangements had been made for him to stay. F. F. Bruce, The Book of Acts, Revised Edition (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1988), p. 185. (what was bad was that they lied about the amount). In spite of the clear and present danger, Ananias went and began to look for the Christian hunter Saul. 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). He got up and was baptized, It is the very word that Luke will use in 16:10 of the conclusion reached at Troas concerning the vision of Paul. 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). The New International Version Sauls vision prepared him for the arrival of Ananias, clearly indicating that he was the one God had appointed to reveal His will for him. What is meant by the competitive environment? What happened to Straight Street since then? 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. WebTeach the children the account of Sauls conversion to the Church of Jesus Christ as found in Acts 9:120. 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). Note the following impressions gained from a reflection on the passage as a whole. Ananias was afraid because he knew Sauls reputation as a merciless persecutor of the church. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified (1 Corinthians 2:2). Copyright 2023 Rochester Catholic Press Association, Inc. All rights reserved. What is the meaning of Sapphira in the Bible? (2) While there is considerable emphasis on the conversion of Saul, there is very little detail given as to the precise time or the details of Sauls conversion. The expansion is three-fold: (1) The expansion from Christ, to His apostles, to His church, (2) The geographical expansion from Jerusalem to Rome. 135 There are those who describe Saul as a tormented man after the stoning of Stephen. 24 Brothers, each man, as responsible to God, should remain in the situation God called him to (1 Corinthians 7:15, 17-22, 24).154. 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). 3 For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve. 28, p. 185. Paul was no ordinary followerhe became the most visible and active pillar of the new Christian church. And yet while God had foretold the rebellion of Israel and their rejection, so He had also foretold of Israels restoration (cf. God changed him from being a man who did not believe Jesus was the Son of God and a persecutor of the Christians into a bold missionary who preached the Gospel wherever he went. Saul was also blinded, which identified him with the blindness of the nation Israel of which the Old Testament prophets wrote (see above). It was, of course, Ananias who instructed Saul to be baptized, calling on the name of the Lord (Acts 22:16). Now get up and go into the city and you will be told what you must do.. Matt. The obedience and faith that Ananias demonstrated in going to Saul and helping to restore his sight were incredible, to say the least. 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. 6 What was Ananias role in Sauls conversion to Christianity? 30 But when the brethren learned of it, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him away to Tarsus. 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. 8 Is the story of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5 harsh? Perhaps nowhere else is the radical change (of conversion) in Pauls life153 more readily evident than in his attitude toward the saints. The man who walks in the dark does not know where he is going. Just as Saul was called to a live of suffering, so Peter tells his readers that they too, like all saints, are called to suffer for His name: To this {suffering} you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His steps (1 Peter 2:21). Why this swift act of judgment? Upon hearing Peters words, Ananias fell to the ground and died. Second, the gospel should be proclaimed in a way that is personal. (Acts 9:11)? 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). F. F. Bruce, The Book of Acts, Revised Edition (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1988), p. 113. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. He sought to preach Christ in simplicity and not in a way that would detract from Him. What is the significance of the story of Ananias and Sapphira? Peter Restores Tabitha to Life. 1:16f. The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their splendor into it (Revelation 21:23-24). 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. Those whose lives Saul would gladly have taken in his unsaved days now sought to save his life by sending him away. Blindness, not willing to see, not willing to understand is all too common but Ananias cured Saul blindness by a touch. WebWhy was Ananias afraid of helping Saul? This man summoned Barnabas and Saul and sought to hear the word of God. 11 And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher. In different contexts, preachers might want to draw specific analogies concerning those for whom the congregation should be praying even though it cuts against our grain to do so. But his blindness was symbolic of his condition. Just as Saul seemingly had hatred toward Christ-followers, how do you think a Christ-follower like Ananias felt toward Saul? He constantly defended the gospel against those who would diminish grace and seek to pollute it with works. Introduction. He started NOW to trust God. He has sovereignly chosen to use people to lead people to salvation, Spirit baptism, deliverance, and healing. For it was the Fathers good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him (Colossians 1:13-19). While at first he thought he might have to correct God, in the end he submitted himself and his very life to Gods call. WebAs Donald Davis notes, In case God has overlooked Sauls atrocities, [Ananias] takes occasion to issue a brief reminder. And He is the image of the invisible God, the first-born of all creation. But beyond this, his conversion totally changed the remainder of his life. Saul and Ananias | A Story of Learning to See Again Instead, he became the first believer to minister to Saul. 15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinnersof whom I am the worst. But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. (5) Sauls salvation was an act of divine grace. Ananias small act of obedience led to a great harvest for the kingdom. 23 And when many days had elapsed, the Jews plotted together to do away with him, 24 but their plot became known to Saul. Linking is encouraged, but republishing or redistributing, including by framing or similar means, without the publisher's prior written permission is prohibited. Acts 9 Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible Ed, Issue 46, Winter 2023. As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received (Ephesians 4:1). ANANIAS Ananias and Saul: Faith over Fear - livingwithfaith.org (3) Sauls conversion experience was quick and dramatic in one sense, but it also involved a process, a process of at least three days.135. In this occasion, no one seems to have prayed for Peters miraculous escape. Ananias fulfills his task: He laid his hands on Saul and said, Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on your way here, has sent me so that you may regain When the plot became known to Saul, he made a successful, albeit undignified, escape from the city of Damascus. 6Now get up and go into the city and you will be told what you must do.f Used by permission. 29 And he was talking and arguing with the Hellenistic Jews; but they were attempting to put him to death. Like the blind we grope along the wall, feeling our way like men without eyes. WebThats when Ananias heard a word from the Lord. They, not unlike Ananias, were very reluctant to have anything to do with this Christian killer. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. NKJV, Ancient-Modern Bible, Comfort Print: One faith. 3 He said: Son of man, I am sending you to the Israelites, to a rebellious nation that has rebelled against me; they and their fathers have been in revolt against me to this very day. We know that the salvation of men rests ultimately with God and not with usand not even with the one whom we wish to see saved. Saul, like Stephen, spoke with such power and authority that his opponents could not refute him. What happened to Ananias and Sapphira as a result of lying to God? The message of the gospel, to be sure, is always the same, but the approach is not. 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).