Saul Converted
W. H. Davison. 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 MINISTRY WHICH HELPS TO COMPLETE THE GREAT CHANGE. If the appearance of the Lord to the persecutor was miraculous, the work was not completed without ordinary instrumentalities. "There was a certain disciple named Ananias." This indicates — 1. The Lord's interest in the prayer, confession, and sadder experiences of the contrite heart. He heeds the sighing of the imperfect, even while receiving the adoration of the perfect. "Behold, he prayeth!" 2. The Lord's wisdom in His dealing with the penitent. He dealt with him in the way of revelation. He inspired the vision of human help coming to aid the convicted man in his extremity. After great marvels, Christ leads Saul on by means of common Church agencies. The pride of Pharisaism was here directly attacked. This man's religion was not to rest on any mere human authority. In Christianity the ordinary is more essential and valuable than the special and extraordinary. 3. The characteristics of the ministry of Ananias. (1) It was conceived and performed in the spirit of true brotherhood. "One is your Master, even Christ, and all ye are brethren." Brotherhood is a note of valid Christianity. (2) Its authority was found in the commission of the Lord. This humble man felt the dignity of his Divine office, but he knew that he had only fulfilled it when Christ alone was exalted. (3) It was one of enlightenment. "There fell from his eyes as it had been scales." The physical change was only the type and symbol of the change perfected within. "The entrance of Thy Word giveth light." Here, then, is intelligence, devotion, brotherhood, the common ministry of the faithful; these present the conditions of healthful Christian life. II. FORGIVEN, BUT DISCIPLINED. One tendency of Christian society just now is towards a neglect of due and careful Christian culture. Men want a gospel which confers a boon, but does not demand a duty, which secures forgiveness, but does not provide for holiness. Saul's early Christian history supplies important lessons concerning Christian culture. "Then was Saul certain days with the disciples." Here is — 1. Believing fellowship. Saul became a disciple and was baptized. He was designated as a learner in the school of Christ. When a man feels the throb and impulse of the Divine life within him he is moved to seek Christian fellowship. To stand aloof is contrary to the spirit and genius of Christianity. A fitful attendance at the Table of the Lord does not satisfy the requirements of Christian obligation. 2. Special culture and training for the life work. Although Saul had been constituted a disciple, and had received spiritual gifts, he was not therefore equipped for lifelong ministries. Spontaneous fellowship does not imply spontaneous readiness for Church ministers. The quiet life of brotherly fellowship was followed by a season of silent, sedulous, earnest, secret preparation for the appointed task. Between the "certain days" of fellowship of verse 19th, and the "straightway he preached Christ" of the 20th, you have interposed the time of retirement spent by him in study, meditation, and prayers in Arabia. A scholar among the most learned of his age and country, he must commune with his own heart and God before he can calmly and fully, with that marvellous wisdom which all the ages have admired, preach the gospel to the people. A sacred reticence is becoming and healthful. There is no encouragement here to the presumption of a glib ignorance, which waits neither for the Divine calling, nor the Church's sending. Silence in the desert prepares for the usefulness of thirty years. 3. The life-long spiritual and moral discipline. Forgiven, there were yet consequences of the old life to be borne and endured. He went to Damascus to persecute. At Damascus he was persecuted. He took part in the stoning of Stephen. At Lystra he was stoned. He imprisoned many; he was himself a prisoner. He went about to establish his own righteousness, and the Judaizing teachers of his own old doctrine poisoned the founts of his joy in the churches he founded, and tried to turn away from him the grateful love of his converts. (W. H. Davison.) 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."