15 But the Lord said to Ananias, "Go! This man ischosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentilesand their kings and to the people of Israel.
16 I will show him how much he must suffer formyname. "" - P68
18 Immediately, something like scales fell from Sauleyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, 19 and after taking some food, he regained histrength. Saul spent several days with the disciples inDamascus.
20 At once he began to preach in the synagogues thaJesus is the Son of God. wing "Ho - P69
The Lord appears to a disciple named Ananias in a vision and tells him to seekout Saul. - P69
When Ananias hesitates, the Lord tells him Saul is His chosen instru-ment to reach both the Gentiles and the Jews. Ananias obeys and meets Saul. He places his hands on Saul and Saul is able to see again. Saul immediatelystarts preaching that Jesus is the Son of God. - P69
Two times in this passage, God commands Ananias to "go." Ananias‘sreluctance is easily understood. The Lord is asking him to walk intoproverbial lion‘s den. - P70
The name "Saul of Tarsus" is well known amongthe followers of Jesus and feared! But just as God chose Saul, He nowchooses Ananias to pray for the healing of this formidable enemy of thechurch. - P70
Perhaps it is the Lord‘s words describing Saul as a chosen instrument and a man who will suffer greatly for His name that persuadesthis reluctant disciple to do as commanded. - P70
We cannot be sure. Whatwe do know is that Ananias obeys. Where is God telling you to go? Maywe trust in His plans and respond in obedience. - P70
After his visit from his new brother in Christ, Ananias, Saul wastes notime in proclaiming Jesus as Lord in the synagogues throughout Da-mascus. - P70
His years of training in the sacred Scriptures, together with themiraculous opening of both his physical and spiritual eyes, equip him asa powerful spokesperson for Jesus the Messiah. - P70
There are people in ourlives today whom God is preparing to do great things in His kingdom. Often these people, like Saul, seem like an unlikely choice. Andyet over and over, God surprises us. - P70
Just as Saul‘s eyes were opened, we need to ask God to grant us eyes of faith to recognize those around us withgifts and abilities that can further the kingdom. - P70
Lord, help me to see others as You see them, knowing that those who oftenappear hopeless and lost may very well become some of the greatest servantsin Your kingdom. In Jesus‘ name, amen. - P71
[NIV] 23 After many days had gone by, there was a con-spiracy amongthe Jews to kill him, 24 but Saul learnedof their plan. Day and night they kept close watch onthe city gates in order to kill him. - P72
28 So Saul stayed with them and moved about freelyin Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord. - P73
29 He talked and debated with the Hellenistic Jews, butthey tried to kill him. - P73
Some Jews conspire to kill Saul, but he finds out and escapes. He joins the dis-ciples in Jerusalem after Barnabas tells the disciples about Saul‘s conversion. - P73
Saul debates with Hellenistic Jews, who try to kill him. Saul is sent to Tarsus. For some time, the church throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria enjoyspeace and is strengthened as it grows in numbers. - P73
When the Lord sent Ananias to pray for Saul of Tarsus, He declaredthat this former persecutor would suffer greatly for Jesus. - P74
And in thispassage, we see this prophetic word unfold in Saul‘s life. In Damascusand Jerusalem, Jews plot to kill Saul. But in both situations, he is deliv-ered through the efforts of other believers. - P74
We also see the beginning ofa growing friendship between Saul and another Jewish believer calledBarnabas. It is Barnabas who persuades the apostles that Saul the fear-some persecutor is now a fearless follower of Jesus. - P74
Throughout thispassage, we see the body of Christ at work. As we face challenges andopposition in our ministry, let us lean on one another just as the EarlyChurch did. - P74
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