A Bible Study on the Book of Acts Session 21
The Church of the Holy Apostles;
Based upon the Homilies of St John Chrysostom (SJC)
Study Guide – Acts 9.10-25, Homily 20
Chapter 9 v. 10-18 – Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and to him the Lord said in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.” So the Lord said to him, “Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying. “And in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him, so that he might receive his sight.” Then Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem. “And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name.” But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. “For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake.” And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized.
Ananias did no teach, but only baptize
Saul was so fierce that Ananias was afraid of him, even though Saul was blind
SJC “And let not anyone imagine, that Ananias speaks in unbelief of what was told him, as imagining that Christ was deceived: far from it! But frightened and trembling, he did not even attend to what was said, at hearing the name of Paul.”
It is possible that the people were so afraid they sent search parties to keep watch
Ananias shows both fear and obedience while not being boastful
Saul will become not only a believer but a great teacher before the Gentiles and kings!
“Scales” Saul is blind according to the Law. He was blind even though his eyes were open.
Paul was converted by the healing of his blindness. No teaching was needed.
Anything can be forgiven!
Chapter 9 v. 19-25 So when he had received food, he was strengthened. Then Saul spent some days with the disciples at Damascus. Immediately he preached the Christ in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God. Then all who heard were amazed, and said, “Is this not he who destroyed those who called on this name in Jerusalem, and has come here for that purpose, so that he might bring them bound to the chief priests?” But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who dwelt in Damascus, proving that this Jesus is the Christ. Now after many days were past, the Jews plotted to kill him. But their plot became known to Saul. And they watched the gates day and night, to kill him. Then the disciples took him by night and let him down through the wall in a large basket.
Paul received the Holy Spirit at Baptism, but not for the working of miracles. SJC “And yet (in this case) the giver was no great one. So true is it, that there was naught of man’s in the things done, nor aught was done by man, but God was present, the Doer of these things. And at the same time the Lord both teaches him to think modestly of himself, in that He does not bring him to the Apostles who were so admired, and shows that there is nothing of man here. He was not filled, however, with the Spirit which works signs: that in this way also his faith might be shown; for he wrought no miracles.”
Paul immediately teaches in the Synagogues, not ashamed of his change. SJC “As one learned in the Law, he stopped their mouths, and suffered them not to speak.”
Paul increases in strength, leaving nothing unsaid about Christ
Jews respond by trying to kill him – no longer even pretending to have a trial.
Paul was saved from the Jews not by a miracles (God’s grace) but by the wisdom and work of the people
Teaching on the Christian Witness – (see Homily 20, p 133)
- Be bold and willing to confront danger for the Gospel
- Not all things are done by miracles, but by faithful believers
- Stop making excuses for you lack of faith and good works
- A true Christian uses his talent for the glory of God
Life Application – Stop insulting God! You can do it! (Homily 20, p 134)
- Don’t insult God about what you can and can’t do. He knows the truth!
- Hold fast to virtue!