#BibleStudy. Expressions of Faith. Acts 8 – You Can’t be Serious, God!

 

10 In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, “Ananias!”

“Yes, Lord,” he answered.

11 The Lord told him, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. 12 In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.”

13 “Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem. 14 And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.”

15 But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. 16 I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.” 

Acts 9:10-16

The conversion of Saul is a critical event in Church history.

• Thirteen of the twenty-seven books in the New Testament were penned or dictated by Paul.

His conversion is unique.

• He’s headed for Damascus “breathing out murderous threats.”
• He has authority from the High Priest to bring believers in Jesus back to Jerusalem.

A light blinds him.

• He falls to the ground and hears Jesus speak to him.
• His traveling companions take him to Damascus.
• There is no mention of Saul asking forgiveness for his sins.

Three days after this event, Ananias reluctantly goes to the house where Saul is staying.

Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” [Verse 17]

• What Ananias says shows the wisdom of Gamaliel in Acts 5:39 where he ends his comments on the work of Peter and John with,

“… if it is of God [and it appears that it is], you will not be able to stop them; or else you may even be found fighting against God!” [AMP]

• It becomes increasingly clear from Saul’s conversion experience through the end of Acts that Gamaliel knew what he was talking about.

If you were asked to speak about an issue, would your response echo God’s?

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