(Philippians 1:4-9). Why did Ananias have to overcome his fear? Acts 9 Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible How do you calculate working capital for a construction company? Ananias was afraid because he knew Sauls reputation as a merciless persecutor of the church. Is the story of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5 harsh? Saul was not seeking God. Saul was saved in spite of himself. Damascus, a city some 150 miles to the northeast of Jerusalem, was one such city. sOGOSapQ3[y~@9W For Paul, the method of proclaiming the gospel must be consistent with the message itself, and so it was. For you are our glory and joy (1 Thessalonians 2:19-20). Let us be careful to discern what changes the gospel requires and what changes it does not. Or did they somewhat dread his arrival, knowing how zealous he was in his opposition to the church. They too rebelled against God and forsook His word and persecuted His prophets. 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. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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). 152 I do not mean to criticize the four laws of Campus Crusade, which have been used of God to bring many to faith in Christ. Ananias The "Straight Street" or Via Recta in Latin, was a straight (7) The salvation of Saul was Christ-centered. The message of the gospel, to be sure, is always the same, but the approach is not. The two messages cannot be reconciled. His conversion was by far the most vital influence in Pauls life. also Romans 1:1-7, 13-17; 1 Corinthians 9:1; 15:3-11; cf. His acceptance by the latter was finally brought about through his friendship with Barnabas (Acts 9:27). 1:16f. 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. He spoke of salvation as the change from death to life (Ephesians 2:1-3). 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. 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. How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways! What is remarkable about the Lord's directions to Ananias? He stayed some days with the disciples in Damascus, Blindness, not willing to see, not willing to understand is all too common but Ananias cured Saul blindness by a touch. Saul is welcomed into the church. When we look at Pauls great love and compassion for the saints, we have to remind ourselves of the hate he once had toward them. And having escaped from Damascus in a basket, most likely alone, he probably returned to Jerusalem alone, without a witness who could corroborate his claims. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. We know from Romans 7, for example, that Paul had struggles in his spiritual walk. All Ananias did was to obey Christs command to go pray with Saul so that Saul could do all those things. 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. Present active participle of sunbubazo, old verb to make go together, to coalesce, to knit together. So it would appear. While I am in the world, I am the light of the world (John 9:5). What happened to Straight Street since then? This would leave AD 33-46 for the visit to Arabia (Gal. 16and I will show him what he will have to suffer for my name. The details of what was said and done when Ananias arrived are fuzzy. The ananias anointing | Church Page | murrayledger.com He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him (Daniel 2:22). The same grace which was shown to Saul in his salvation is shown to all whom God calls to Himself: 8 So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. 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. 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. Ananias would have lost a human beings greatest privilege, of being an agent of the Lord (like an angel of the Lord). (6) Sauls salvation was a conversion, a radical change. 20 The Redeemer will come to Zion, to those in Jacob who repent of their sins, declares the Lord. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. 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). These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Could Judas have been a Christian? When Saul was confronted on the road to Damascus, he saw the risen, glorified Lord. * [9:20] Son of God: the title Son of God occurs in Acts only here, but cf. There is surely a connection between Saul and persecution, and Saul and peace. The first words spoken to Saul were, Saul, Saul, Why are you persecuting Me? (Acts 9:4). We are given a little insight from the account in Acts 12 when Peter was imprisoned and it appeared he would soon be executed, as James had already been, and as we would infer Herod purposed to do with Peter (Acts 12:1-4). Saul See Appendix B for information on Sauls Theology in the Book of Romans. Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight,. Romans 6). was Ananias For the remainder of this essay, I will pursue the second option. Bible Hub 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. 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. 36Now in Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which translated means Dorcas). No one could fault the reluctance of Ananias. Now this would have been a very bitter pill to swallow for many Jewish Christians. They are also very significant in what they conveyed to Saul. Preachers working through the narrative lectionary with their congregations, then, will do well to explore this passage in detail in order to establish the character of Paul well for the second half of Acts (Acts 13-28; see how this role is foreshadowed in 9:15), which shifts the focus from the ministry of the Twelve in Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria to his role in taking the gospel throughout Asia Minor, Greece, and even to Rome (see Acts 1:8). Lesson Text Acts 9:1-19 Scripture Memory Verse Lesson: Conversion Saul and Ananias Prayer Why were Ananias and Sapphira killed on the spot? Ananias was afraid because he knew Sauls reputation as a merciless persecutor of the church. He was a man of great respect and influence, and thus he realized that his actions would have broad ramifications. Saul seems to have been the instigator of the persecution of the church, which began at the death of Stephen in Jerusalem and worked outward from there. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before Him. (8) The salvation of Saul made him a vital part of Christs body, the church. What is the safe score in JEE Mains 2021? also 2:1-5; 2 Corinthians 11:32-33; cf. He should not be circumcised. He had heard of all the terrible things Saul had done to Christians in Jerusalem and how it was his intent to do the same in Damascus, Ananias town. 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, 3 Now as he was going along and approaching Damascus, How does Ananias ability to rise above his own feelings of hatred toward Saul encourage Saul to move Ananias was afraid because he knew Sauls reputation as a merciless persecutor of the church. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. 6 What was Ananias role in Sauls conversion to Christianity? 27Then Barnabas took charge of him and brought him to the apostles, and he reported to them how on the way he had seen the Lord and that he had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had spoken out boldly in the name of Jesus. 9 What happened to Sapphira in the Bible? 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. Like Stephen, Saul seemed to gravitate toward preaching to the Hellenistic Jews (9:29). Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? At midday you will grope about like a blind man in the dark. Here the Jews were strong in numbers (10,000 butchered by Nero later) and here some disciples had found refuge from Sauls persecution in Judea and still worshipped in the synagogues. 8 Although I am less than the least of all Gods people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9 and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. The first evidence of Sauls conversion was his immediate identification with the church in Damascus. It would seem not to be there on the road to Damascus. 6 And you, son of man, do not be afraid of them or their words. 2 Corinthians 4:14; cf. You, my brothers, were called to be free. 12 In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands onq him to restore his sight.. Just as Saul seemingly had hatred toward Christ-followers, how do you think a Christ-follower like Ananias felt toward Saul? Was a man uncircumcised when he was called? 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. How can this message of suffering for Jesus' name in This can hardly be possible. The argument of the Book of Acts is essentially this: The expansion of the gospel through the church as it is empowered by the Holy Spirit. 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. 8 Is the story of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5 harsh? (You know, just in case God has forgotten something) 12 That is why I am suffering as I am. The children will state that they can pray if they feel afraid and it will help them to be brave and friendly. 40Peter sent them all out and knelt down and prayed. Israel was also blind, and Pauls blindness was but a specific example of this blindness: The Lord will afflict you with madness, blindness and confusion of mind. Ananias not only 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. . The church did not shrink or suffer for Sauls arrival, but it grew because of it. (1) There is considerable emphasis given to Sauls conversion in the Book of Acts. When Ananias These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. (Acts 9:11)? Say to them, This is what the Sovereign Lord says. 5 And whether they listen or fail to listenfor they are a rebellious housethey will know that a prophet has been among them. 146 It is possible, however, to understand the expression, Brother, as referring to Saul only as a fellow Jew. 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). That He had already appeared to Saul "on the road" Why was Ananias afraid? Ananias was a disciple of Jesus who lived in Damascus and was God chose Saul and had his destiny planned, before He saved him. They, not unlike Ananias, were very reluctant to have anything to do with this Christian killer. 14 The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus (1 Timothy 1:12-14). 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). Have you had such an encounter? These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. The pastor advised him to pray for the person every day for two weeks pray for the person not about the person. Why was Saul (later called Paul) going to Damascus? 23 And when many days had elapsed, the Jews plotted together to do away with him, 24 but their plot became known to Saul. Ananias found They are private Christians, living like islands rather than as a part of His body. No doubt entered the mind of Saul that the The Lord looked and was displeased that there was no justice. How does Ananias ability to rise above his own feelings of hatred toward Saul encourage Saul to move 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. 145 We may note incidentally the two new descriptions of the Christians used here. Choose from news (Monday), leisure (Thursday) or worship (Saturday) or get all three! get answers to your Bible questions from 50+ resources ($2,400+ value! You also know this person is a recognized hater of your faith, and wants little if anything to do with you. 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. Salvation may occur in a large group, such as those saved at the preaching of Peter at Pentecost, but each individual was saved because of a personal encounter with Christ. There he was transfigured before them. 87-89), plays out the two views of Sauls conversion, the first (and seldom held the view of Ramsay), that Saul was suddenly and radically converted; second, that there was a considerable process involved. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light (Matthew 17:2). What do Ananias actions, when asked in the passage to heal Saul, suggest about his feelings toward him? Straight Street was widened and colonnades added to it. WebSaul had come to Damascus with letters from the authorities in Jerusalem to find followers of Jesus and arrest them. It is impossible to overestimate the worth to the student of Christianity of this event from every angle because we have in Pauls Epistles his own emphasis on the actual appearance of Jesus to him as the fact that changed his whole life (1 Cor. It is the very word that Luke will use in 16:10 of the conclusion reached at Troas concerning the vision of Paul. All of these should be expected and can be rather easily explained. Who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. What is the significance of the story of Ananias and Sapphira? When I look through the Gospels and the Book of Acts, I never find the gospel presented in the same way to different people. His conversion was the beginning of a life-long process of maturing and growth in the Lord. Jesus repeated his command, explaining that Saul was his chosen instrument to deliver the gospel to the Gentiles, their kings, and the people of Israel. 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. 1* Now Saul, still breathing murderous threats against the disciples of the Lord,a went to the high priestb Stat two things God told Anaias concerning Saul Briefly describe what happened during Anaias' meeting with Saul. In Hellenistic times it was completely replanned on the Hippodamian grid-system. Why was Ananias afraid of helping Saul? They could not prove him wrong from the Scriptures. WebThe last time they saw Saul, he was arresting and killing Christians. 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. 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). Not knowing what had happened, she, too, lied about the offering and was also struck dead (Acts 5:111). The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. What is the meaning of Sapphira in the Bible? Linking is encouraged, but republishing or redistributing, including by framing or similar means, without the publisher's prior written permission is prohibited. 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! 1. Many are the plans in a mans heart, But the counsel of the LORD, it will stand (Proverbs 19:21).
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