Brother Saul

Acts 9:10-19

Because of the persecution of Christians, Acts 8:1 tells us, they were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. Some had settled in Damascus, and it was this group Saul was intending to arrest when he was converted on his way to the city.

“And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord. And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.” (Acts 9:10-12)

Can you imagine the consternation Ananias must have felt, being told to go looking for the man who came to Damascus to have him and his Christian friends arrested and killed? Many Christians today would hesitate to do what God asked because somebody might get upset or they might have to settle for a reduced income. Ananias’ very life was at stake. Only an idiot would run out and ask to be killed. Some stories in Foxe’s Book of Martyrs have always troubled me.

“Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name.” (Acts 9:13-14)

Ananias didn’t refuse to go, but he wanted to make sure he understood what God wanted and asked for reassurance, much like Gideon did with the fleece in Judges 6. Ananias just pointed out what he knew about Saul to explain his hesitation. He did not put any conditions on going, just asking for verification. His faith was based on the Holy Spirit’s leadership, rather than some sign.

“But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: For I will show him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.” (Acts 9:15-16)

God seldom speaks loudly, and only those who are listening hear him. The reason most people want a big sign is that they aren’t listening. The Holy Spirit told Ananias God had a purpose for Saul, and apparently told him a lot more that isn’t mentioned, probably because Luke only knew what he’d been told. Ananias obeyed solely on God’s command.

“And 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, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.” (Acts 9:17)

Although Ananias knew Saul had been converted on the way to Damascus, he seems to have been feeling apprehensive. This is the only place in the New Testament where one Christian addressed another as “Brother ___”, although they refer to them as a brother or sister in other places. Our natural family relationship is so clearly understood that we don’t have to use a title to remind our brothers of our relationship, and all the apostles were called by their first names without any prefix. Apparently Ananias was trying to insure that Saul understood he wasn’t an enemy.

Ananias was sent so Saul could regain his sight, and be filled with the Spirit. He was not sent to lead him to Christ, or to give him the Spirit. He simply laid hands on him and God used it to heal him and fill him with the Spirit.

Before we were saved we may been all kinds of sinners, but after being saved, we are no longer those old sinners, according to I Corinthians 6:9-11. “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.”

Only when we understand that we have been cleansed and no longer depend on our own efforts can we submit to the Holy Spirit fully. By laying hands on him and identifying with Saul, Ananias reinforced the fact that it was taken care of. Even his apprehension made him reinforce the relationship.

“And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized. And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.” (Acts 9:18-19)

Three days before, Saul had received Christ, but had been unable to see and had spent the intervening time in prayer and fasting. He was now ready to follow the Lord fully. As soon as he received his sight, he followed the Lord’s command in baptism. Filling with the Spirit is always accompanied with obedience to God.