Meditation

Hi there,

We traditionally think of Saul as having been converted on the road to Damascus. In fact, as we see in today's passage, he doesn't actually receive the Holy Spirit until he is in Damascus.

Very specifically, in Judas' house on Straight Street. This passage as a whole is startling for its detail and for the contrast with the passage that immediately precedes it.

Whereas Paul is stunned by Jesus' appearance and falls to the ground, Ananias is approached softly in a vision and proceeds to have a reasoned conversation. He recognizes Jesus and isn't fazed by the conversation (although he is initially fazed by his request).

Another point of note is that Jesus calls Saul his "chosen instrument" to proclaim his name to the Gentiles. Just as Ananias is himself an instrument for Saul's final conversion.

Both men willingly submit to Jesus' plan, even though for one of them at least, this will involve much suffering.

Today's text is Acts 9:10-19

The Conversion of Saul

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.”

17 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.”

18 Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, 19 and after taking some food, he regained his strength.

Encouragement

Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.

Romans 6:3-4

Andy

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