Wednesday, May 6, 2020 - Acts of the Apostles, Chapter 9
A very dramatic chapter. Saul obtains letter of recommendation to conduct his persecution of people who followed the Way! Notice the capital letter as this is how the first believers identified themselves- The Way; it was only later that they became known by the name “Christian.”
Saul is dumbfounded when he finds himself on the ground. We sometimes hear that this is where the phrase “knocked off his high horse comes from.” But did you notice in your reading, it doesn’t say that Saul was riding a horse? This doesn’t have any profound meaning, just a reminder that even when we think we know a story, it’s better to read the book. Saul is blinded by a light and hears a voice. “I am Jesus, Whom you are persecuting.” This moment with Jesus shaped Saul’s (St Paul’s) later teaching that the believing community (Church) is the Body of Christ (check out 1Corinthians, chapter 12, verse 27) continuing the mission of Jesus. Saul’s physical inability to see is a reflection of his spiritual inability to believe. Ananias’ honesty is wonderful; he admits that he’s scared of Saul and tells the Lord so. Encouraged by Jesus, Ananias goes to Saul “in the name of the Lord.” Saul believes and the scales fall from his eyes. (To make a connection, look at Luke chapter 18, verses 35-43.) After being baptized, Saul begins to speak of Jesus, proclaiming Him to be the Son of God. What a turnaround! All accomplished by God’s choice and God’s power.
Believers are understandably suspicious of Saul; Jewish persons are understandably aggravated with him. He eventually is accepted by believers and escapes being murdered by a very creative means (verse 25). Having seen Jesus, Saul goes to Jerusalem to compare notes with the other eyewitnesses to Jesus (the Apostles) to make sure he is on the right track. The Apostles are afraid of Saul but, hearing his story, they accept him as genuine; he begins to preach about Jesus until once again his life is threatened and the community sends him to Turkey. The persecutor has become a new believer; the new believer has become persecuted.
The scene switches with Peter taking center stage. Like Jesus, he heals Aeneas, who was unable to move, and even raises Tabitha (Not the one from the TV show Bewitched) from the dead. (The mission of Jesus continues). The Tabitha story indicates the major role women played in the community. She was not only a charitable person, she organized others into a ministry of charity to others.
The remainder of Acts features Peter and Paul (how/when did Saul become Paul? Stay tuned) as the main characters in continuing the mission of Jesus.
Something to consider:
Ananias was honest with Jesus about the way he felt. How honest am I with the Lord in prayer about what I’m feeling, especially when I’m feeling something like fear or pride or self-righteousness?
The Apostles weren’t sure about Saul but were willing to listen to him. How well do I listen to others?
Homework: Read Chapter 10
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