Hear, you deaf! WebThere was no indication in Jesus words that Ananias was going to give Saul the Holy Spirit. 10 His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, 11 according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord (1 Corinthians 15:8-11). Later, when Paul looked back on his past devotion and deeds, all done in the name of Judaism, he came to view his apparent righteous deeds for what they really weredung: 1 Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord! Webb Ananias was successful because he trusted Jesus and he viewed Saul as his brother. the Romans . I believe that as Luke portrays Saul in Acts, it is as a prototype, a picture of Israel. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. 1:11--2:10; Ephesians 3:1-13; cf. They found that their cause was literally shut down by Sauls arrival, and the wind was taken out of their sails by his conversion. And when the Galatians began to depart from the true gospel, Paul rebuked them for turning from Him: I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel (Galatians 6). To persecute them was to persecute Him. Did Saul's many sufferings during his ministry for Jesus' name come as a surprise to him? In Galatians 1, Saul wrote that God had called him while he was still in his mothers womb (Galatians 1:15). It is here that Paul took the leadership and became the dominant or leading individual, instead of Barnabas. This doctrine does not hold that men are as bad as they could be in each area of their life, but that sin has permeated every dimension of a persons life. 15 These, then, are the things you should teach. They too rebelled against God and forsook His word and persecuted His prophets. . WebYou know someone is coming, perhaps to arrest you for being a Christian. The ultimate issue was Gods ability to saveeven the most committed unbeliever. Yes, Lord, he answered. This is very evident in the conversion of Saul. No, God showed him "how many things he must suffer for The blindness to which Saul was subject for three days provided him with much time for reflection, meditation, and prayer. * [9:43] The fact that Peter lodged with a tanner would have been significant to both the Gentile and Jewish Christians, for Judaism considered the tanning occupation unclean. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life (John 8:12). But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light (1 Peter 2:9). Thus, he did not use the method of many others, which was man-centered, not Christ-centered: For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not in cleverness of speech, that the cross of Christ should not be made void. The Lord looked and was displeased that there was no justice. 13:1 On that day a fountain will be opened to the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, to cleanse them from sin and impurity (Zechariah 12:1013:1). Even then he knew he wanted to live the life of a religious. Their story is rarely shown in art, but is the subject of one of the Raphael Cartoons, and a panel on the Brescia Casket, both illustrated here. Were these people as eager as Saul to destroy the church? The conclusion of many of the commentators is that Sauls conversion was a much longer process than I see reflected in this account, or in any other. One thing was certain; no matter how much time had passed, the apostles were not yet convinced of Sauls conversion. Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped (Isaiah 35:5). It would seem not to be there on the road to Damascus. In this approach, preachers are offering their congregation a chance to relate to Ananias dream that leads him to overcome his preconception of Saul (a correct but now outdated preconception), come to see Saul as someone God has called, and respond faithfully. 36Now in Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which translated means Dorcas). Barnabas, one of the Christians, assured them Sauls faith was genuine. (Acts 9:17) and that Saul was to "be filled with the Holy Spirit" (Acts 9:17). He sent me so that you can see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit. 18 Immediately, something that looked like fish scales fell from Sauls eyes. To the church, Saul turned out to be a friend, a fellow-believer, in fact, a flaming evangelist, who proclaimed Christ more clearly and powerfully than anyone had previously done in Damascus. Throughout his life and ministry Paul marveled at the grace of God shown to him and to other sinners. To him be honor and might forever. He wrote letters to the first churches in order to help them understand the Scriptures and to tell them how to live as good Christians. He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him (Daniel 2:22). Yes, Lord, he answered. Ananias and Saul. 15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinnersof whom I am the worst. He should not become uncircumcised. What a shock Sauls conversion must have been to both groups! (You know, just in case God has forgotten something) . I. Howard Marshall, The Acts of the Apostles (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, reprint, 1987), p. 171. Who told Saul to go to the house of Judas on Straight Street? There would likely be another group of people meeting on the evening before Saul arrived in Damascusthose who did not believe in Jesus as their Messiah, and who eagerly sought the eradication of the church in their city. When Sapphira showed up, she, too, lied to Peter and to God, saying that they had donated the entire proceeds of the sale of the land to the church. The couple wanted to appear as outstanding church members, but they didnt want to part with their possessions. It lay within the jurisdiction of the Roman province of Syria, and it formed part of the Decapolis, a league of self-governing cities. When I saw it, I fell face down, and I heard the voice of one speaking. The expansion is three-fold: (1) The expansion from Christ, to His apostles, to His church, (2) The geographical expansion from Jerusalem to Rome. (3) The racial expansion from the Jews to the Gentiles. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. It does not store any personal data. No doubt God had used Ananias to serve as Sauls first Barnabas. Just as Barnabas would vouch for Saul with the apostles in Jerusalem, so Ananias, a highly respected Jewish Christian, would vouch for Saul here. And yet while God had foretold the rebellion of Israel and their rejection, so He had also foretold of Israels restoration (cf. He was to come to the earth as the great light, the light to the Gentiles, and so He did. sunodia, Luke 2:44). F. F. Bruce, The Book of Acts, Revised Edition (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1988), fn. 180-181. This blindness was only removed by faith in Christ, a miracle brought about by divine action: In that day the deaf will hear the words of the scroll, and out of gloom and darkness the eyes of the blind will see (Isaiah 29:18). By divine revelation, Peter called out Ananias for lying to the Holy Spirit and to God. If anyone else thinks he has reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for legalistic righteousness, faultless. WebThe Lord called to him in a vision, o Ananias!. WebAs Donald Davis notes, In case God has overlooked Sauls atrocities, [Ananias] takes occasion to issue a brief reminder. But then the preacher can continue that even though Ananias didnt know about Sauls epiphany, he did as the Lord told him anyway. When Ananias placed his hands on Saul he was filled with the Holy Spirit, healed of his blindness, received water baptism, and began to eat and regain his strength. It was evidently a term used by the early followers of Jesus to denote their movement as the way of life or the way of salvation. F. F. Bruce, The Book of Acts, Revised Edition (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1988), p. 181. To establish the congregations identity with Ananias, the preacher might want to begin in the middle of the passage which actually looks back to Acts 8:1-3 (and 9:1). Acts does not tell us that he goes on to proclaim the gospel to the Gentiles, found churches in urban centers across the Roman Empire, stand true to the gospel while on trial for his faith over and again, and end up under house arrest in Rome awaiting a trial before Caesar. 1:4). F. F. Bruce, p. 190. (9) On the road to Damascus, Saul did far more than to see a bright light and to hear a voice from heaven. Salvation may occur in a large group, such as those saved at the preaching of Peter at Pentecost, but each individual was saved because of a personal encounter with Christ. If Ananias and Sapphira were born again believers and God judged them for their sin, it means that even though Jesus was judged for sin, God still judged them for their sin. 4. 1:16f. When Saul looked at the disciples of The Way (Jesus disciples) all he saw was a heretical sect that was a threat to the nation of Israel and Gods Law. And Jesus took the persecution of Christians very personally. Then Jesus told them, You are going to have the light just a little while longer. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. here - view only). CE!L;oza!sQjaTsg We are simply told that the message itself was proclaimed powerfully and that people were amazed at the message and its miraculous impact on Sauls own conduct. Few Christians will encounter the risen, glorified Lord as Saul did here. To open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness (Isaiah 42:7). He sent me so that you can see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit. 18 Immediately, something that looked like fish scales fell from Sauls eyes. While at first he thought he might have to correct God, in the end he submitted himself and his very life to Gods call. Finally, we shall attempt to focus on the application of this passage to our own lives. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Start FREE. The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world (John 1:4-5, 7-9). In Pauls speech in Acts 22, he describes Ananias as a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews that dwelt in Damascus (Acts 22:12). 1:16; cf. There he was transfigured before them. For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. We know that the salvation of men rests ultimately with God and not with usand not even with the one whom we wish to see saved. 17(K)And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and (L)laying his hands on him he said, Brother Saul, the Lord [c]Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and (M)be filled with the Holy Spirit. 18Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized. Some were amazed, taking note of the dramatic turn-about in Sauls faith and practice (9:21). Here, Saul was only told that it was Jesus whom he saw, who was speaking to him, and whom he was persecuting. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christthe righteousness that comes from God and is by faith (Philippians 3:1-9; cf. It was being built up and walked in the fear of the Lord, and with the consolation of the holy Spirit it grew in numbers. We know from other accounts (22:6; 26:13) that it was high noon when Saul was stopped in his tracks by a bright light from heaven. The men who traveled with Saul were frightened and confused. It was just such a miracle which gave Saul his spiritual sight, as he received back his physical sight. The children will state that they can pray if they feel afraid and it will help them to be brave Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn (Isaiah 60:3). Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. Web17 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 On various occasions in his epistles, Paul made either direct or indirect references to his former life of opposition and his radical conversion.132 Pauls theology, his lifestyle, his ministry, and his methodology, all are rooted in his conversion. Web3. See Appendix B for information on Sauls Theology in the Book of Romans. It is not clear The Lord The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their splendor into it (Revelation 21:23-24). 37Now during those days she fell sick and died, so after washing her, they laid [her] out in a room upstairs. Web3. The story of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5 is difficult. How much better to petition God to save those whom we are concerned about, a God who desires all men to be saved (1 Timothy 2:4). (7) The salvation of Saul was Christ-centered. Charles Spurgeon once wrote: Prayer is the autograph of the Holy Spirit upon the renewed heart. God was sealing Saul to Himself. called for him to be slapped. Let us not fail to respect the individuality of the conversion experience and to deal with people in the light of their individuality. Web The children will describe Ananias as a man who helped Saul even though he was afraid. Granted, his experience is unique and dramatic. NKJV, Ancient-Modern Bible, Comfort Print: One faith. God changed him from being a man who did not believe Jesus was the Son of God and a persecutor of the Christians into a bold missionary who preached the Gospel wherever he went. More than that, he had a deep dislike and hostility toward Christians before his conversion. Over and over in his epistles, Paul spoke of salvation in terms of radical change. Linking is encouraged, but content may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed including, but not limited to such means as framing or other digital copying and/or distribution method, in whole or in part without the publisher's written consent. 15:10; Gal. There are differences between the three accounts given to us in Acts. As persecution was no longer needed to disperse the church and the gospel, peace was restored to the land. When one looks at all the references to this event, it was, in fact, a personal appearance of the risen, glorified Jesus to Saul (cf. If he were viewed as a reactionary, a trouble-maker, perhaps there were some unbelievers who thought Saul was too much trouble. /w\/)sr?o|cBw3>E> He says: It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. While Paul may not have brought about the execution of all those whom he arrested, including women as well as men (verse 2), verse 1 strongly suggests that this was his desire and ambition. At this point, the conversion of the hero of the Gentile mission is recounted. 33There he found a man named Aeneas, who had been confined to bed for eight years, for he was paralyzed. More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish in order that I may gain Christ, and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith, that I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to his death (Philippians 3:7-10). Like Stephen, Saul seemed to gravitate toward preaching to the Hellenistic Jews (9:29). 129 By this time Saul has gained a reputation as the ringleader of the movement to make Christianity extinct. Paul recognized that his ministry was that of bringing the light to those who were lost, including the Gentiles, kings, and his fellow-Israelites: For this is what the Lord has commanded us: I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth (Acts 13:47). And a certain woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple fabrics, a worshiper of God, was listening; and the Lord opened her heart to respond to the things spoken by Paul (Acts 16:14). The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, Chapter 9. What is the significance of the story of Ananias and Sapphira? He will bring me out into the light; I will see his righteousness (Micah 7:8-9). The man who, days before, was persecuting Christ was now preaching Christ. About three hours later, Sapphira arrived. It was Gods initiative all the way. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. How can this message of suffering for Jesus' name in His disciples150 lowered him in a basket, from the window of a room which was in the wall of the city (9:25). What is remarkable about the Lord's directions to Ananias? Did Saul's many sufferings during his ministry for Jesus' name come as a surprise to him? Ananias is not only surprised by his commission; he is resistant to it, at least initially. Ananias son of Nebedeus (or Nedebeus) was a high priest who, according to the Acts of the Apostles, presided during the trials of the apostle Paul at Jerusalem (Acts 23:2) and Caesarea (Acts 24:1). And what a comfort to know that God always finishes what He starts: For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:6). Saul was not seeking God. Saul was saved in spite of himself. 1:15; Eph. Just as Saul was called to a live of suffering, so Peter tells his readers that they too, like all saints, are called to suffer for His name: To this {suffering} you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His steps (1 Peter 2:21). God then used this man to further His purposes in launching the career of the most influential of the apostles. get answers to your Bible questions from 50+ resources ($2,400+ value! Pauls method was consistent with his message. Not everyone can be Paul, but we all can and should be Ananias. The first is this: every saved person must have a personal conversion experience. 12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service. He paid for his education by working for the priests. Who is blind like the one committed to me, blind like the servant of the Lord? (Isaiah 42:18-19). The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Or did they somewhat dread his arrival, knowing how zealous he was in his opposition to the church. What do Ananias actions, when asked in the passage to heal Saul, suggest about his feelings toward him? It strikes many readers as harsh, a return to Old Testament retribution. In fact, more is written of what Saul said and did because he was saved than is written of what he said and did resulting in his salvation. How do you write a good story in Smash Bros screening? The account records their sudden deaths after lying to the Holy Spirit about money. He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that being justified by His grace we might be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life (Titus 3:5-7). What was Ananias role in Sauls conversion to Christianity? . 1:11--2:10; Philippians 3:1-14; Colossians 1:24-29; 1 Timothy 1:12-17; 6:13-16; 2 Timothy 1:8-12; Titus 2:11-15; 3:1-7. 12 That is why I am suffering as I am. 7 Did God Judge Ananias and Sapphira for the same sin? Three times in the Book of Acts it is reported, the first time in the third person (he) by Luke (Acts 9:1-31), the second time in the first person (I) by the apostle, as he spoke to his Jewish unbelieving brethren in defense of his ministry (Acts 22:1-21), and the third time, again in the first person, as his personal testimony to King Agrippa, Festus, and Bernice (Acts 26:1-23). They may have been attempting to compile a list of known (and even suspected) Christians, along with addresses, to facilitate Sauls task. Luke is emphatic in his representation of mans salvation as having been ordained and orchestrated by God, as a manifestation of His sovereign grace: And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord; and as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed (Acts 13:48). The life of Paul and his writings are very important parts of the New Testament. and the other is a deceptive, self-serving half-truth from people interested It was an act of faith and Indeed, this seems to be the rule. This would mean that the Gospel isnt as good as we thought it was and that God violates the law of double jeopardy where He punishes the same sin twice. 38Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him with the request, Please come to us without delay. Word was out that Saul would soon be arriving. Saul, in my opinion, is portrayed by Luke as the first-fruits of these promises. He sent me so that you can see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit. 18 Immediately, something that looked like fish scales fell from Sauls eyes. 131 . We do not know the exact time when Saul was saved. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". 5 Why did Ananias and Sapphira lie to God? I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness (John 12:46). Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard (Isaiah 58:8). Questions: Why were Ananias and Sapphira not given a second chance? Put your trust in the light while you have it, so that you may become sons of light. When he had finished speaking, Jesus left and hid himself from them (John 12:35-36). He did not say that God revealed his Son to him, but that He revealed His Son in him. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring my salvation to the ends of the earth (Isaiah 49:6). This man summoned Barnabas and Saul and sought to hear the word of God. 42This became known all over Joppa, and many came to believe in the Lord. Who does the voice of Vanessa on Phineas and Ferb? 1 What is the significance of the story of Ananias and Sapphira? Fifth, faith must take the text on face value, as it is written, and believe it as Gods inspired, inerrant, authoritative word. He constantly defended the gospel against those who would diminish grace and seek to pollute it with works. [9:1] 8:3; 9:13; 22:4; 1Cor 15:9; Gal 1:1314. What is remarkable about the Lord's directions to Ananias? Perhaps nowhere else is the radical change (of conversion) in Pauls life153 more readily evident than in his attitude toward the saints. No change in life is greater than the change from unbelief to belief in Christ, from being lost and condemned to being saved and eternally secure, from being separated from God and others to being united with Him and with all believers. 12 It teaches us to say No to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hopethe glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. Note Pauls summary of the gospel at the end of Galatians 2: I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and delivered Himself up for me (Galatians 2:20). This happened to Ananias of Damascus when he ministered to Saul of Tarsus. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Even if he were not one of these men, he would surely have hated to hear the gospel. Saul, why do you persecute me? What was the decision of Ananias and Sapphira? In the end, God Himself will provide the illumination so that the sun and the stars will not be needed for this function: The moon will shine like the sun, and the sunlight will be seven times brighter, like the light of seven full days, when the Lord binds up the bruises of his people and heals the wounds he inflicted (Isaiah 30:26). Ananias had not only heard of how Saul had been systematically destroying the church in Jerusalem, hunting down men and women and turning them over to the Nothing is more evident in the account of Sauls conversion than his radical reversal. Ananias had not only heard of how Saul had been systematically destroying the church in Jerusalem, hunting down men and women and turning them over to the authorities, but also knew that he was on the march to Damascus, ready to destroy that church as well. The splendid deliberateness with which God forged His human tool is the great lesson of these years. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. They could hear the voice but they did not see anyone who was speaking. (2) Sauls salvation was exclusively the work of a sovereign God. It is here in Acts, for the first time, that Saul is called Paul. Under the influence of this experience he gradually developed his understanding of justification by faith (see the letters to the Galatians and Romans) and of the identification of the Christian community with Jesus Christ (see 1Cor 12:27). Unless otherwise noted, all material copyright 2023, Rochester Catholic Press Association, Inc. WebThe Lord called to him in a vision, o Ananias!. (You know, just in case God has forgotten something) also 2:1-5; 2 Corinthians 11:32-33; cf. Instead, he became the first believer to minister to Saul. Blindness, not willing to see, not willing to understand is all too common but Ananias cured Saul blindness by a touch. We know from Romans 7, for example, that Paul had struggles in his spiritual walk. When he arrived, they took him to the room upstairs where all the widows came to him weeping and showing him the tunics and cloaks that Dorcas had made while she was with them. (4) Sauls salvation was miraculous. \4Q-b24Q-z
U`E(O42. 1 What happened to Ananias and Sapphira as a result of lying to God? It almost seems harder to convince Ananias that Saul is (or will be) a Christian than it is to convert Saul. 6 What was Ananias role in Sauls conversion to Christianity? The words which Ananias spoke to Saul indicate he was also to lay hands on him so that he would receive the Holy Spirit (9:17). No one, it would seem, was even thinking of what God was about to do. (N)Then Saul spent some days with the disciples at Damascus. 133 I. Howard Marshall, The Acts of the Apostles (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, reprint, 1987), p. 173. His conversion was by far the most vital influence in Pauls life. Now that the Lord had identified Himself as Jesus, Saul recognized that he was the sinner. I was inclined to think that most of us, experientially, are called to faith in Christ only to gradually learn Gods will for our life, progressively revealed to us as we walk in Him. He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the first-born from the dead; so that He Himself might come to have first place in everything. WebAnanias went. WebExplain why Ananias was told that Saul was a 'Chosen Vessel' Give an account of the vision which Saul had while traveling on the road to the Damascus. . In Hellenistic times it was completely replanned on the Hippodamian grid-system. It is impossible to overestimate the worth to the student of Christianity of this event from every angle because we have in Pauls Epistles his own emphasis on the actual appearance of Jesus to him as the fact that changed his whole life (1 Cor. Robert L. (Bob)Deffinbaugh graduated from Dallas Theological Seminary with his Th.M. 34Peter said to him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you. While I am in the world, I am the light of the world (John 9:5). He trusted that Christ had a future purpose for Saul (verse 15) even though Sauls past as he knew it seemed to point toward a different future. Ananias the high priest brought charges against Paul and The details of what was said and done when Ananias arrived are fuzzy. My names sake". It is difficult to estimate the amount of resistance Ananias would have had to this divine instruction to receive Saul as a brother in the Lord. 2and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, that, if he should find any men or women who belonged to the Way,* he might bring them back to Jerusalem in chains. His acceptance by the latter was finally brought about through his friendship with Barnabas (Acts 9:27). It is some 150 miles Northeast from Jerusalem and watered by the river Abana from Anti-Lebanon.