This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The risen Lord selected Saul out of the group with which he was traveling to hear, to see Him, and to understand His words. (9) Finally, I believe that Lukes portrayal of Sauls salvation is typical of that of the nation Israel, which is still future. This is why Jesus was so receptive of sinners and so hard on the self-righteous. For now, he was told to proceed on to Damascus, where he would be given his next instructions.144 His blindness certainly gave Saul the opportunity to dwell on these events. Rather, he sought the arrest, trial, conviction, and punishment (with imprisonment the norm and death the ideal, it would seem) of those in Jerusalem. . I believe that as Luke portrays Saul in Acts, it is as a prototype, a picture of Israel. 23:16-17, 19, 24; 23:26). Nevertheless, there must have been those who intended to use Sauls coming to oppose the church. There may well have been a long time between Sauls conversion and his arrival at Jerusalem. Imagine for a moment that this is the week of Sauls arrival at Damascus.129 By this time Saul has gained a reputation as the ringleader of the movement to make Christianity extinct. 20 Each one should remain in the situation which he was in when God called him. 1:11--2:10; Ephesians 3:1-13; cf. What Ananias didnt know is that Saul met Jesus on the road to Damascus. The New International Version Ananias had to overcome his fear so that Saul would be overcome by grace. And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. The first question which must be asked with regard to the interpretation of this text is this: What is the meaning of this text in the context of the whole book? Luke has included this account of Sauls conversion in order to contribute to the argument which he is seeking to develop. Unstoppable At midday you will grope about like a blind man in the dark. It is hardly likely that at this stage Saul recognized Jesus as Lord, though he does so greet him in 22:10 `What shall I do, Lord? A. T. Robertson, Word Pictures in the New Testament (Nashville: Broadman Press, 1930), III, pp. Why was Ananias afraid of helping Saul? We know from other accounts (22:6; 26:13) that it was high noon when Saul was stopped in his tracks by a bright light from heaven. Web'And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, 2. He summed up life in this one word: For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain (Philippians 1:21). Ananias was afraid because he knew Sauls reputation as a merciless persecutor of the church. I. Howard Marshall summarizes the problem in these words: Nevertheless, we obtain a different impression of things from Galatians 1:16-24, according to which (1) Paul did not confer with men after his conversion nor go to the apostles in Jerusalem, but (2) departed to Arabia and then returned to Damascus; then (3) three years later he went to Jerusalem for a visit lasting a fortnight during which he saw only Peter and James, and at this time he was unknown by sight to the churches of Judea; thereafter (4) he went to Syria and Cilicia. Routing number of commercial bank of Ethiopia? 32As Peter was passing through every region, he went down to the holy ones living in Lydda. 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. He started to KNOW GRACE! To whom did the Lord communicate "in a vision"? Instead, he became the first believer to minister to Saul. Barnabas stood up for Saul and explained everything to the Jerusalem Christians. 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. The second option is to invite the congregation to identify with Ananias (who shows up in verse 10). The message which Saul received was not only a call to salvation, but a divine call to ministry. 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. There is not so much as a hint that anyone prayed for Sauls salvation or took the initiative to bring it about. 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. Yes, Lord, he answered. It was Gods initiative all the way. But as Saul grew in strength and as his arguments were irrefutable, just as Stephens had been (Acts 6:10), his opponents realized that the only way to silence Saul was to kill him. I see a man who is confident, aggressive, and zealous, rather than a man troubled by inner doubts. During his conversion 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? 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). to go lay hands on Saul (soon to be known as Paul) and restore his This silence is instructive, in my opinion. Word was out that Saul would soon be arriving. WebThe Conversion of Saul. Amen (Romans 11:33-36). As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received (Ephesians 4:1). Not everyone can be Paul, but we all can and should be Ananias. 1:2; 2 Tim. (You know, just in case God has forgotten something) The conclusion of many of the commentators is that Sauls conversion was a much longer process than I see reflected in this account, or in any other. His conversion was the beginning of a life-long process of maturing and growth in the Lord. 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 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. 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). The only question is who is the LORD? 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. But then the preacher can continue that even though Ananias didnt know about Sauls epiphany, he did as the Lord told him anyway. But Saul only became bolder in his preaching. It would seem not to be there on the road to Damascus. Imagine for a moment that this is the week of Sauls arrival at Damascus. And look, you blind, that you may see. 10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. Why do you think the street was named "Straight" 8 Is the story of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5 harsh? Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Preachers can narrate verses 10-14, and then basically say, You see, Ananias didnt know what had just happened. 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. 4. 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). 39So Peter got up and went with them. The sin of Ananias and Sapphira was the first recorded sin in the newly organized church. 3 For it is we who are the circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh4 though I myself have reasons for such confidence. Ananias was afraid because he knew Sauls reputation as a merciless persecutor of the church. 21 Were you a slave when you were called? They are so defiled with blood that no one dares to touch their garments (Lamentations 4:14). Christian ministry be reconciled with the wealth and prosperity that He officiated as high priest from about AD 47 to 52. But Elymas the magician (for thus his name is translated) was opposing them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith. Acts 26:18). Saul was the bad guy. For I do not want you, brethren, to be uninformed of this mystery, lest you be wise in your own estimation, that a partial hardening has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in; and thus all Israel will be saved; just as it is written, THE DELIVERER WILL COME FROM ZION, HE WILL REMOVE UNGODLINESS FROM JACOB. AND THIS IS MY COVENANT WITH THEM, WHEN I TAKE AWAY THEIR SINS.. 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). To the church, Saul turned out to be a friend, a fellow-believer, in fact, a flaming evangelist, who proclaimed Christ more clearly and powerfully than anyone had previously done in Damascus. In fact, more is written of what Saul said and did because he was saved than is written of what he said and did resulting in his salvation. 43* r And he stayed a long time in Joppa with Simon, a tanner. Paul was no ordinary followerhe became the most visible and active pillar of the new Christian church. 15 But if the unbeliever leaves, let him do so. also Romans 1:1-7, 13-17; 1 Corinthians 9:1; 15:3-11; cf. Both are call stories. Julius Caesar confirmed those rights and privileges anew to the Jewish nation (although Judaea was no longer a sovereign state), and more particularly to the high-priesthood. F. F. Bruce, The Book of Acts, Revised Edition (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1988), pp. 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. 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). Saul, like Israel, had been blinded as to the meaning of the law because of his rejection of Christ (cf. 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. east-west thoroughfare through Damascus built by the Greeks after the city Used by permission. How does Ananias ability to rise above his own feelings of hatred toward Saul encourage Saul to move Is paralegal higher than legal assistant? Saul sought them out to persecute, even kill them, as an unbeliever; but he sought them out to worship and fellowship with them as a Christian. 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. The center of the fire looked like glowing metal, 26 Above the expanse over their heads was what looked like a throne of sapphire, and high above on the throne was a figure like that of a man. (6) Little emphasis is placed on Sauls reception of the Holy Spirit, and nothing is said about what happened as Saul received the Spirit. Lessons from a Fearful Follower
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