why was ananias afraid of helping saul

He was afraid because Saul killed Jesus’ followers🤨 There were three Ananiases in the Bible. 9oY+ 139 A. T. Robertson writes, It is open to question if kurie should not here be translated Sir as in 16:30 and in Matt. Fifth, faith must take the text on face value, as it is written, and believe it as Gods inspired, inerrant, authoritative word. 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. Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard (Isaiah 58:8). We know from Romans 7, for example, that Paul had struggles in his spiritual walk. 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. 11 On that day the weeping in Jerusalem will be great, like the weeping of Hadad Rimmon in the plain of Megiddo. The first thing we shall do is to make some observations on the passage as a whole to attempt to see the forest before we scrutinize the trees. While at first he thought he might have to correct God, in the end he submitted himself and his very life to Gods call. 9. It lay within the jurisdiction of the Roman province of Syria, and it formed part of the Decapolis, a league of self-governing cities. Sauls world of self-trust was now at an end and prayer was helping him see that. 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. We honor him on May 14. Because I have sinned against him, I will bear the Lords wrath, until he pleads my case and establishes my right. Follow Christ's journey to the Cross. . This first account occurs when the word is first spread to the Gentiles. 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. Do not let anyone despise you (Titus 2:11-15). 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). Or did they somewhat dread his arrival, knowing how zealous he was in his opposition to the church. The longer I study Sauls conversion, the more convinced I am that his conversion is typical. I can believe the saints who gathered to pray would have prayed for the protection of the church in Damascus and for the safety of individual saints, especially the leaders and the most visible Christians. Their attempt to deceive the apostles was an attempt to deceive God putting the Spirit of the Lord to the test (v. 9) and they paid the price! . How was Saul converted to Christianity? I believe that as Luke portrays Saul in Acts, it is as a prototype, a picture of Israel. Why was Ananias afraid of helping Saul? 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. 17 Nevertheless, each one should retain the place in life that the Lord assigned to him and to which God has called him. He was afraid because Saul killed Jesus followers What did Ananias's do to heal Paul's eyes? When he was still very young, Michael was hired out as a shepherd boy. Before he reached Damascus a light flashed in front of Saul that was so bright he fell down on the ground. Why did Saint Paul change his Ananias is not only surprised by his commission; he is resistant to it, at least initially. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Saul went to other cities where he sought to arrest Christians and to bring them back to Jerusalem for punishment. 2:7; 2 Tim. 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). And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord.. 35And all the inhabitants of Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord. 37Now during those days she fell sick and died, so after washing her, they laid [her] out in a room upstairs. (4) Sauls salvation was miraculous. 1 Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes, 2 To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be holy, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christtheir Lord and ours 9 God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful (1 Corinthians 1:1-2, 9). 18 Was a man already circumcised when he was called? This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Paul experienced many hardships in his travels, and he was frequently thrown into jail for preaching about Jesus. With the help of a priest who knew his parents he was allowed to attend religious school. The man who, days before, was persecuting Christ was now preaching Christ. It is not clear How did God use Ananias in the New Testament? 10 His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, 11 according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord (1 Corinthians 15:8-11). . It is evident in the way he was saved. Ananias and Saul - June 3, 2022. 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. Continue Learning about Religious Studies. 12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service. If Luke had any ax to grind on this issue, here would have been a great place to stress this matter, but he did not do so. 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). Dont let it trouble youalthough if you can gain your freedom, do so. The Creator of the universe specifying the name of a street and the house in one of His planets. His parents allowed visiting priests to minister secretly in their home during the dangers of the French Revolution. . What is the significance of the story of Ananias and Sapphira? For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified (1 Corinthians 2:2). 7 But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. How does Ananias ability to rise above his own feelings of hatred toward Saul encourage Saul to move Elsewhere in Acts, such as with the apostles, Stephen and Philip, the message of the gospel was underscored by signs and wonders which accompanied the message. Few Christians will encounter the risen, glorified Lord as Saul did here. Those whose lives Saul would gladly have taken in his unsaved days now sought to save his life by sending him away. What do Ananias actions, when asked in the passage to heal Saul, suggest about his feelings toward him? Linking is encouraged, but republishing or redistributing, including by framing or similar means, without the publisher's prior written permission is prohibited. What happened when Ananias anointed Saul? Salvation is a revolution, not an evolution. 2. How do you calculate working capital for a construction company? 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 conversion of Saul is important in another way. Thus, it is grace which sustains the saint, in addition to saving him: Do not be carried away by varied and strange teachings; for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, through which those who were thus occupied were not benefited (Hebrews 13:9). 10 And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication. WebThats when Ananias heard a word from the Lord. Lead out those who have eyes but are blind, who have ears but are deaf. Ironically, Ananias could have become one of Sauls targets of persecution for following the Lord Jesus. There is no more appropriate conclusion to our message than the words of the apostle Paul, which immediately follow those above, and which aptly express the response of the Christian to the wisdom, the grace, and the sovereignty of the God who has saved us, and who works all things together for His glory and for the good of His chosen ones: Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! We do not know the exact time when Saul was saved. Then he Perhaps Ananias called a meeting of the church to discuss how they would deal with Sauls arrival. In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.. The risen Lord selected Saul out of the group with which he was traveling to hear, to see Him, and to understand His words. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints (Ephesians 1:18). WebThe Lord called to him in a vision, o Ananias!. Is paralegal higher than legal assistant? (8) Saul was saved independently of the apostles. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received (Ephesians 4:1). What happened to Straight Street since then? There is a great basis for comfort in the sovereignty of God. Later, when Paul looked back on his past devotion and deeds, all done in the name of Judaism, he came to view his apparent righteous deeds for what they really weredung: 1 Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord! WebTeach the children the account of Sauls conversion to the Church of Jesus Christ as found in Acts 9:120. What Ananias didnt know is that Saul met Jesus on the road to Damascus. This is why Jesus was so receptive of sinners and so hard on the self-righteous. (Acts 9:11)? There are no exceptions in this all of Romans 3:23, as Paul indicated in these Old Testament words, cited just before: THERE IS NONE RIGHTEOUS, NOT EVEN ONE; THERE IS NONE WHO UNDERSTANDS, ALL HAVE TURNED ASIDE, TOGETHER THEY HAVE BECOME USELESS; THERE IS NONE WHO DOES GOOD, THERE IS NOT EVEN ONE (Romans 3:10b-12). 28 And he was with them moving about freely in Jerusalem, speaking out boldly in the name of the Lord. also Romans 1:1-7, 13-17; 1 Corinthians 9:1; 15:3-11; cf. My Spirit, who is on you, and my words that I have put in your mouth will not depart from your mouth, or from the mouths of your children, or from the mouths of their descendants from this time on and forever, says the Lord. Unexpected and mysterious ELW 258 All are welcome ELW 641, Lois Craddock Perkins Professor of Homiletics. The first is to ask the congregation to identify with Saul himself. What is remarkable about the Lord's directions to Ananias? (3) The racial expansion from the Jews to the Gentiles. 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. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCBs) mission is to encounter the mercy of Christ and to accompany His people with joy. 1:11, Acts 20:23; 2 Cor. 23:16-17, 19, 24; 23:26). 5:3-4). Linking is encouraged, but content may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed including, but not limited to such means as framing or other digital copying and/or distribution method, in whole or in part without the publisher's written consent. Even then he knew he wanted to live the life of a religious. I see a man who is confident, aggressive, and zealous, rather than a man troubled by inner doubts. The answer is: Jesus. They could hear the voice but they did not see anyone who was speaking. WebThis happened to Ananias of Damascus when he ministered to Saul of Tarsus. The result of that reluctant leap of faith is that Sauls eyes are opened and he is baptized, becoming part of (and eventually a leader in) the very church he sought to wipe out. I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. For the remainder of this essay, I will pursue the second option. New King James Version (NKJV). Let the wicked forsake his way, And the unrighteous man his thoughts; And let him return to the LORD, And He will have compassion on him; And to our God, For He will abundantly pardon (Isaiah 55:6-7; cf. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. The towns of Lydda, Sharon, and Joppa were populated by both Jews and Gentiles and their Christian communities may well have been mixed. He went on to write nearly half of the New Testament. 141 Compare this voice with that in John 12:29. Acts 9, 22, 26; Romans 15:15-21; cf. How much does horse riding lessons cost in Bangalore? (10) Sauls encounter with Christ was not only a conversion, but it was also a call to a very specific ministry. 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. The only question is who is the LORD? Indeed, God would reveal His sovereignty by using Saul to further the gospel, first by his opposition (which scattered the church and spread the gospel), and then by his conversion (which resulted in his powerful proclamation of Jesus as Messiah). WebAnanias, had he disobeyed Christ, would not have helped Saul on that path in which he, as Paul the apostle, did so much, and suffered so much, for Christ. There is no story in Acts more important than Saul/Pauls call, his encounter with the risen Christ. That is because our Lord always confronts, convicts, and converts men and women individually, in the light of their own actions and beliefs. 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. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. What are 3 long term physical effects of tobacco use? ), Acts 7:59; 9:2, 21; 1 Cor. Why this swift act of judgment? 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). But the gospel is good news for sinners. And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, Chapter 9. Third, these discrepancies may well have been evident to the writers, who did not see fit to remove or explain every problem. Webb Ananias was successful because he trusted Jesus and he viewed Saul as his brother. Only a radical conversion can produce this attitude in the life of a man like Saul: For God is my witness, how I long for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:8). 154 What is both interesting and important about this text is that the call of salvation does not necessarily require a change of career. The obedience and faith that Ananias demonstrated in going to Saul and helping to restore his sight were incredible, to say the least. Pauls hatred for Christ and His followers was common knowledge. The baptism of Saul was his testimony to the change which had taken place. Why was Ananias afraid? The church did not shrink or suffer for Sauls arrival, but it grew because of it. 12 In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands onq him to restore his sight.. Saul was also blinded, which identified him with the blindness of the nation Israel of which the Old Testament prophets wrote (see above). As at Damascus, Saul eventually had to leave the city of Jerusalem to save his life. 1:15; Eph. When he arrived, they took him to the room upstairs where all the widows came to him weeping and showing him the tunics and cloaks that Dorcas had made while she was with them. 31 So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria enjoyed peace, being built up; and, going on in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it continued to increase. Saul is welcomed into the church. 15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinnersof whom I am the worst. to go lay hands on Saul (soon to be known as Paul) and restore his The common characteristics of conversion are those on which I would like to focus in the conversion of Saul. (11) Sauls conversion was a watershed event which greatly affected the history of the church. So it would appear. According to Acts 9:10, Ananias was living in Damascus. The people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned (Matthew 4:16). Saul asked.I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting, he replied. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. When God spoke to Ananias commanding him to go to the house where Saul was staying, he was to receive him as a brother; and he was told that he was called to suffer as Gods chosen vessel to proclaim the gospel to the Gentiles, kings, and to his fellow-Israelites. Web3 As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. Shape us into children who rejoice in knowing and proclaiming you to the world. 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. The election of Saul to salvation was specific and thus, personal. 5He said, Who are you, sir? The reply came, I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.e many pulpits today promise to those who will follow Jesus? Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. At midday you will grope about like a blind man in the dark. ,/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 It was time for Saul to ponder what he had seen and heard. How humorous it seems to hear Ananias informing the Lord that Saul was an enemy, one who had caused many Christians great suffering and adversity, as though He was unaware of this! The voice of bridegroom and bride will never be heard in you again. 129 By this time Saul has gained a reputation as the ringleader of the movement to make Christianity extinct. Jesus words, Why are you persecuting Me?, clearly implied that Sauls persecution of the church was a persecution of the Lord. Those who know themselves sinners, and who call upon Jesus for salvation, are saved: For WHOSOEVER WILL CALL UPON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED (Romans 10:13, citing Joel 2:32). It would seem not to be there on the road to Damascus. WebAnd Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, 7 But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. There would likely be another group of people meeting on the evening before Saul arrived in Damascusthose who did not believe in Jesus as their Messiah, and who eagerly sought the eradication of the church in their city. Saul took this most seriously, not eating or drinking until after his confession of faith by means of his baptism. (14) There is an interesting symmetry or parallel between the conversion of Saul and the conversion of Cornelius. 19and when he had eaten, he recovered his strength.*. 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. There are two very important implications to the personal dimension of Sauls conversion. * [9:1930] This is a brief resume of Pauls initial experience as an apostolic preacher. CE!L;oza!sQjaTsg What can you say about Christianity when its most outspoken and zealous opponent suddenly claims to have seen the risen Christ, and to have trusted in Him as the Messiah? (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. For God has shut up all in disobedience that He might show mercy to all (Romans 11:25-32). 145 We may note incidentally the two new descriptions of the Christians used here. Thus, his opposition to Christ and His church took on a missionary spirit. (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. The pastor advised him to pray for the person every day for two weeks pray for the person not about the person. We know that Paul was not instantly a biblical scholar or a seasoned apostle. This text portrays one of the historical landmarks of the church. What changed about Saul/Paul after Jesus appeared to him? When Saul looked at the disciples of The Way (Jesus disciples) all he saw was a heretical sect that was a threat to the nation of Israel and Gods Law. Just as Saul seemingly had hatred toward Christ-followers, how do you think a Christ-follower like Ananias felt toward Saul? And He is the image of the invisible God, the first-born of all creation. 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. Michael Garicoits (1797-1863) was born into a poor, but hardworking and humble family. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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). 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. The Church at Peace. 1. As he himself understood the heavenly voice which said to him at his baptism, You are my Son (Mark 1:11 par. Lesson Text Acts 9:1-19 Scripture Memory Verse WebThe Good Ananias: A Lesson for Believers. The second evidence of Sauls conversion was in his bold proclamation of his newly found faith in Jesus as the Messiah. When the plot became known to Saul, he made a successful, albeit undignified, escape from the city of Damascus. also 2:1-5; 2 Corinthians 11:32-33; cf. 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. Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you (Isaiah 60:1). In spite of the clear and present danger, Ananias went and began to look for the Christian hunter Saul. If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit (Matthew 15:14; cf. When all is said and done, the miracle which took place on the way to Damascus (and likely in Damascus as well) was that Saul saw Jesus as the Son of God, as the Messiah, and as his Savior and Lord: Am I not free? The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it . He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe. (You know, just in case God has forgotten something) 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. He should not become uncircumcised. This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. At first Ananias was afraid because he knew how Saul persecuted the Christians, but the Lord said that Saul had a special ministry he must fulfill. He sought to preach Christ in simplicity and not in a way that would detract from Him.

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