why was ananias afraid of helping saul

1:26); but for Saul the one who bore a human form identified himself as a historical person: `I am Jesus. Few of Sauls distinctive insights into the significance of the gospel cannot be traced back to the Damascus-road event, or to the outworking of that event in his life and thought. In the process, Saul was to greatly extend the outreach of the gospel to the Gentiles. It may well be a call to live transformed lives in the same circumstances in which we were found. 24n but their plot became known to Saul. Ananias was a disciple of Jesus who lived in Damascus and was helpful to the Lord. He knew what Saul had done to the church in Jerusalem. Trembling and astonished, he inquired, Did they think their task would be a simple one? NKJV, The Story: The Bible as One Continuing Story of God and His People, NKJV, Chronological Study Bible: Holy Bible, New King James Version, NKJV, Chronological Study Bible, Comfort Print: Holy Bible, New King James Version, NKJV, Spirit-Filled Life Bible, Third Edition, Red Letter Edition, Comfort Print: Kingdom Equipping Through the Power of the Word. Three times in the Book of Acts it is reported, the first time in the third person (he) by Luke (Acts 9:1-31), the second time in the first person (I) by the apostle, as he spoke to his Jewish unbelieving brethren in defense of his ministry (Acts 22:1-21), and the third time, again in the first person, as his personal testimony to King Agrippa, Festus, and Bernice (Acts 26:1-23). Why did Saint Paul change his Many are the plans in a mans heart, But the counsel of the LORD, it will stand (Proverbs 19:21). Finally, we shall attempt to focus on the application of this passage to our own lives. 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). Why do you think the street was named "Straight" 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). 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. Have you had such an encounter? 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. And they will reign for ever and ever (Revelation 22:5). It was bright enough to bring about a period of blindness. Web The children will describe Ananias as a man who helped Saul even though he was afraid. What Israel failed to do, Jesus, the Messiah would do. 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. 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). But there is a greater discrepancy between the accounts of Sauls conversion in Acts and that which Paul gave in Galatians 1. For all the saints. He went on to write nearly half of the New Testament. We shall then seek to identify the characteristics of Sauls conversion which are typical of every conversion. 11 The Lord told him, Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsusp named Saul, for he is praying. The conversion of Saul, as depicted in our text, was not only a divine call to salvation, but it was also a call to service. What is the significance of the story of Ananias and Sapphira? When he was still very young, Michael was hired out as a shepherd boy. 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. Ananias and Saul: The Story Starts With a Disciple Not all Christians are equipped to be apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, or teachers (Ephesians 4:11). OR WHO HAS FIRST GIVEN TO HIM THAT IT MIGHT BE PAID BACK TO HIM AGAIN? 10. A resource for the whole church from Luther Seminary. 8 Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. The second option is to invite the congregation to identify with Ananias (who shows up in verse 10). I believe that as Luke portrays Saul in Acts, it is as a prototype, a picture of Israel. 1. Ananias who was (Philippians 1:4-9). 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. It lay within the jurisdiction of the Roman province of Syria, and it formed part of the Decapolis, a league of self-governing cities. 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). Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light. We will also attempt to determine to what degree Sauls conversion was typical and to what degree it was unique. Why did Ananias have to overcome his fear? [ a]It is hard for you to kick against the goads. Webb Ananias was successful because he trusted Jesus and he viewed Saul as his brother. 1:1; 1 Cor. Hebrew Baby Names Meaning: In Hebrew Baby Names the meaning of the name Sapphira is: Sapphire (gem); beautiful. 20 The Redeemer will come to Zion, to those in Jacob who repent of their sins, declares the Lord. in 1971. Instead, he became the first believer to minister to Saul. 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. . 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? the light and blind passages above). I very much doubt anyone prayed that this Saul might be saved. The Conversion of Saul At length, in Gods good time, the door opened, and the events of half a lifetime assumed final and complete significance. E. M. Blaiklock, The Acts of the Apostles, (Grand Rapids: Wm. The two messages cannot be reconciled. The emphasis in the account is on Paul as a divinely chosen instrument (Acts 9:15). 26 And when he had come to Jerusalem, he was trying to associate with the disciples; and they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple. Maybe he died, but it also may be because most of the rest of Acts is fo- cused on more distant places. They will look on me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for him as one grieves for a firstborn son. 1:29, 30, NKJV, Abide Bible, Red Letter Edition, Comfort Print: Holy Bible, New King James Version. (You know, just in case God has forgotten something) 146 It is possible, however, to understand the expression, Brother, as referring to Saul only as a fellow Jew. Did they send for Saul? 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). While at first he thought he might have to correct God, in the end he submitted himself and his very life to Gods call. We know that Paul was not instantly a biblical scholar or a seasoned apostle. 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. 2, called him Ananias ben Nebedeus. 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). Some would like the excuse to make some changes to make their life more comfortable. many pulpits today promise to those who will follow Jesus. 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. a disciple from Damascus who received a phophetic dream telling him 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. 6 And you also are among those who are called to belong to Jesus Christ. What was the decision of Ananias and Sapphira? 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. 23:16-17, 19, 24; 23:26). Upon hearing Peters words, Ananias fell to the ground and died. It does not store any personal data. It may be that Sauls conversion was the instrument God used to convert these followers of Saul, so that they really were his disciples, in a two-fold sense. 12And in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him, so that he might receive his sight., 13Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard from many about this man, (C)how much [a]harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem. These two shocking deaths served as an example to the body of Christ that God hates hypocrisy. 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. As persecution was no longer needed to disperse the church and the gospel, peace was restored to the land. Let us not fail to respect the individuality of the conversion experience and to deal with people in the light of their individuality. In the end, God Himself will provide the illumination so that the sun and the stars will not be needed for this function: The moon will shine like the sun, and the sunlight will be seven times brighter, like the light of seven full days, when the Lord binds up the bruises of his people and heals the wounds he inflicted (Isaiah 30:26). It is also bad news for the self-righteous. The longer I study Sauls conversion, the more convinced I am that his conversion is typical. He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him (Daniel 2:22). For it was the Fathers good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him (Colossians 1:13-19). A( ) Ananias is obscure. 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 ananias anointing | Church Page | murrayledger.com You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Saul was not aware, until after our Lords words, that the One who had interrupted his journey was Jesus, and that Jesus was, indeed, the Messiah, the LORD, but he was certain, at this point, that whoever this One was, He was the LORD. . 4He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?d a. 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). What is meant by the competitive environment? Those whose lives Saul would gladly have taken in his unsaved days now sought to save his life by sending him away. Furthermore, in Acts 26:10 Paul testifies that he received letters from the chief priests, not just the chief priest alone. 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). With the help of Ananias, he was transformed into a follower of Jesus and became one of the most well-known evangelists ever. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Ananias was afraid because he knew Sauls reputation as a merciless persecutor of the church. 11 On that day the weeping in Jerusalem will be great, like the weeping of Hadad Rimmon in the plain of Megiddo. 2 What was the decision of Ananias and Sapphira? Devotion Saul 28 And he was with them moving about freely in Jerusalem, speaking out boldly in the name of the Lord. 1. 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. 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. To establish the congregations identity with Ananias, the preacher might want to begin in the middle of the passage which actually looks back to Acts 8:1-3 (and 9:1). And thus, in Gods time, Saul was dramatically converted, seeing the Christ whom he had been persecuting, risen from the dead and in His heavenly glory. 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. This silence is instructive, in my opinion. 129 By this time Saul has gained a reputation as the ringleader of the movement to make Christianity extinct. It was Gods initiative all the way. (8) Saul was saved independently of the apostles. 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. 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. Even if he were not one of these men, he would surely have hated to hear the gospel. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. 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). Rising Strong Small Groups 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. At first, I thought this was unique with Saul. 135 There are those who describe Saul as a tormented man after the stoning of Stephen. Why was Ananias afraid of helping Saul? 31* The church throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria was at peace. 38Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him with the request, Please come to us without delay. also 2:1-5; 2 Corinthians 2:17; 4:2). 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. A man who, along For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life (1 Thessalonians 4:7). In love He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved (Ephesians 1:3-6). Damascus was an important town, about 150 miles (242 km) from Jerusalem, with a considerable Jewish population. (2) Sauls salvation was exclusively the work of a sovereign God. Web The children will describe Ananias as a man who helped Saul even though he was afraid. Perhaps so, but I am not as confident of this as I once was. There are differences between the three accounts given to us in Acts. 129 The history of Damascus goes back to remote antiquity. 20 Each one should remain in the situation which he was in when God called him. 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. His parents allowed visiting priests to minister secretly in their home during the dangers of the French Revolution. 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. Did God Judge Ananias and Sapphira for the same sin? 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. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. The Church at Peace. 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). And He is the image of the invisible God, the first-born of all creation. But Elymas the magician (for thus his name is translated) was opposing them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith. How much does horse riding lessons cost in Bangalore? Copyright 2023 Rochester Catholic Press Association, Inc. All rights reserved. Present active participle of sunbubazo, old verb to make go together, to coalesce, to knit together. ACTS 9:10-14 10 Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and to him the Lord said in a vision, 6:17; Phil. But these laws, which seek to summarize the gospel in a concise way, should always be applied individually. After this incident with Paul we hear no more Acts 9 Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the first-born from the dead; so that He Himself might come to have first place in everything. Paul was no ordinary followerhe became the most visible and active pillar of the new Christian church. The account of Ananias and Saul is found in Acts chapter 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. Q He is trying to inform God of whats going on. Ananiass vision was intended to direct him to the house of Judas and to Saul. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Think about what happened as a result of this man overcoming his fear and obeying God. WebAnanias was afraid of Saul. 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 paid for his education by working for the priests. One of the most dramatic revelations of Sauls Damascus road experience was that he was not serving God, but he was persecuting Him. Is the story of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5 harsh? The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". 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. 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). I can believe someone might have prayed that Saul be waylaid, or terminated, in some divine act or providential accident (act of God). 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). If he were viewed as a reactionary, a trouble-maker, perhaps there were some unbelievers who thought Saul was too much trouble.

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