13 And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat. household of friends and relatives (Gentiles) to hear Peter upon his Was he known to Ananias? 42 And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord. Then Peter preaches a short message; at least our I have also told him thy name, and whatsoever thou shalt do with him. 45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. Could this be some sort of a sinister trick - a fake conversion? 29 And he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him. had been only extended by the Apostles to Jews on the Day of Pentecost Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, &c.-- The emphatic "yet" is intended to note the remarkable fact, that up to this moment his blind persecuting rage against the disciples of the Lord burned as fiercely as ever. 29 Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me? (Galatians 2:12). scripture to see if we can put together a cohesive plan of purpose Judas also lived on a popular street in Damascus which was one of the main drags and prime location. When 6 Upon the which when I had fastened mine eyes, I considered, and saw fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. 33 And there he found a certain man named Aeneas, which had kept his bed eight years, and was sick of the palsy. 14 And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.” (Acts 9:13). The Greek verb here for "called" carries a little more punch to it than initially meets the eye here in the KJV; it's not the common Greek word (kaleo) for "call." Yet may the reader choose whether he will. And Cornelius waited for them, and had called together his kinsmen and near friends. 30 Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul. 19 Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only. Such was the case in Antioch...and many Gentile Ananias was a common name among the Jews, which in its Hebrew form was Hananiah. Given the description of him in verse 2, it would be impossible to say that he was spiritually lost prior to this time. 47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? 35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. As a matter of fact, his rather informative dream voice tells him that 9 But the voice answered me again from heaven, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. 32 And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all quarters, he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda. And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, called Ananias, unto whom the Lord said in a vision, Ananias. The cycle is complete. 39 And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree: The Greek text could also be translated as “flakes” or a peel of skin. It's our way!" And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the way that is called Straight, and seek in the house of Judas one called Saul of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth. 12 In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.” Instead, it's "chrematizo" and literally means "called as a result of a divine revelation." I'm going to go face the man who is on a mission to arrest me?" 7 And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man. Calvin's Commentaries, Vol. 37 And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber. looking for a perfect revelation did marvellously trouble his mind; but this was the reason why the Lord caused him to wait three days, that he might the more kindle in him an earnest desire to pray. 3 He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius. He did not wait. Luke showeth that Paul gave himself 585 26 But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man. and eat. 23 Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord. 583 43 And it came to pass, that he tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner. The Greek word for "heard/hearing" used in both instances is "akouo" and is used over 400 times in the New Testament in various senses such as: to simply hear, to understand, to obey or to respond positively. 16 I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.” Jerusalem on the coast). Behold, the proud Pharisee, the unmerciful oppressor, the … which will keep coming up throughout Paul's writings, "of the Peter arrives at the house of Cornelius, he knows his vision at the should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as 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. Incidentally, Barnabas goes on to become quite significant in the spread of the Gospel message. And he said, Behold, I [am here], Lord." it be that he who persecuted the church has now received Christ as 25 And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him. 11 And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth: “Yes, Lord,” he answered. 12. How he immediately commenced doctor, and preached the faith of Christ, and proved what he preached, Acts 9:20-22. 13 And he shewed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter; "Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God Paul was a real basket case...so to speak. “Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem. Paul and Barnabas are selected to make the delivery back to Jerusalem. Rather, it’s a generalizing the reason to repent AND be baptized. in this place, but he doth rather show that Paul continued in this kind of exercise until he should be more quiet in mind. It happened while he was on a mission for the Peter's subsequent reply after viewing this 8 And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus. 43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins. 36: Acts, Part I, tr. Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. 15 And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning. The Lord could have sent Paul straightway unto Ananias, and have showed him his house, but this was more fit for his confirmation; because he knew the better that the Lord had a care of him. Gentiles! the Jews policed themselves. In Acts 1:8 Jesus commanded that the Gospel be taken to the, Peter first introduced the Gospel and church message to the, Then he introduced this message and received the. On the road...surprise, surprise - something supernatural takes place, 19 While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee. the steps of Jewish proselytization as a process of getting saved. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. I don't think any of the Jewish leaders are going to come here (to a Roman-army officer's home) to arrest you! Many have speculated that this is because it was believed that baptism was the means by which sins were washed away. the coast to Caesarea. The healing of Saul’s site is another mystery as we see that “something like scales” fell from his eyes. We should take note of this practice today as we tend to baptize people in the modern church when it’s most convenient or most compelling towards others. It is both interesting and important to note that immediately receiving his site, Saul gets baptized. glorified God. In verses 13 and 14, "And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, Keep in mind, up to this point salvation This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. How he was baptized by Ananias, by immediate directions from heaven, Acts 9:10-19. 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. 2 A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.