Christian Brotherliness
J. W. Burn. Acts 9:17-23 And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus… I. THE BROTHERLY MOVEMENT. As soon as his difficulties were removed Ananias "went his way," etc. 1. Many who are required for beneficent ministries to the sick, poor, or sinful never hear the call of duty. 2. Others hear it, but do not go. Either they do not care to go, or regard it the duty of the object to come. Saul was not sent to Ananias, but Ananias to Saul. The nations were not told to go to the apostles to be discipled, but the apostles to go and disciple the world. Some cannot come, many will not. Hence the example of Him who "went about doing good." 3. True brotherliness goes — (1) Promptly. Ananias questions no more. (2) Courageously. "Went into the house." Many who are brave enough to meet a certain class of people in the street, hesitate when they come to the house. Street preaching requires less courage than house-to-house visitation in the slums. (3) Without ceremony. It mattered not whether Judas' house was a palace or a cottage, Ananias was on business that must not be hampered by social etiquette, so he entered into the house. The Christian worker must not be rude, but he need not be servile. The business of the King of kings should give His servant an entree anywhere, and that business often requires haste. II. THE BROTHERLY TOUCH. "Putting his hands upon him." Many good and kind people go, but they are at a loss what to do when they arrive. This is due sometimes to clumsiness or sheer nervousness. Owing to this often the very thing is done which should be left undone, and needless embarrassment and pain is often innocently given. But the spirit of brotherliness should be educated, and then there will be no difficulty about brotherly contact. A brother of low degree should have no hesitation at shaking hands with a brother of high degree; nor should a wealthy or cultured Christian withhold his hand from a poor or ignorant brother. Saul's social status, gifts, etc., were altogether beyond those of Ananias, yet Ananias "put his hands upon him." A touch will sometimes go farther than a word or even a gift, or when it accompanies them will double their worth. III. THE BROTHERLY WORD. "Brother Saul." There is nothing, perhaps, more pathetic in all sacred literature than this utterance under these circumstances. The word has become vulgarised, and in certain lips is a mere official or cant expression; but there is life and power in it yet. And may the time be far distant when in our Church gatherings "Mr." shall supplant "Brother," and "Gentlemen" "Brethren." The term is significant of — 1. Common relationship to a common Father. 2. Common rights to the same privileges. 3. Common duties. 4. Common hopes. IV. THE BROTHERLY SERVICE. 1. Ananias was the means of restoring Saul's sight, and thus symbolises the work of all those who, having light themselves from "the Father of lights," impart it to the mentally, morally, or circumstantially blind. 2. Ananias was the means of communicating the Rely Ghost, as are all those who strive for the conversion, holiness, or consecration of others. 3. Ananias was the means of introducing Saul to the society of the believers. Without arguing the vexed question whether Ananias was a layman, and by baptizing Saul vindicated the validity of lay baptism, we may assuredly trace the good man's influence in verse 19.Conclusion: 1. "Sirs, ye are brethren." 2. Act as brothers. (J. W. Burn.) Parallel Verses KJV: 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. WEB: Ananias departed, and entered into the house. Laying his hands on him, he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord, who appeared to you on the road by which you came, has sent me, that you may receive your sight, and be filled with the Holy Spirit."