SENT TO THE CHURCH
Jesus told Saul, "Go into the city where you will be told what you must do." Jesus sent Saul to the people of His church. These church people were to tell Saul about his future work. Jesus had shown Saul that what Saul was doing was wrong. Now Saul was humbled. He was ready to learn from the people God had chosen to teach His (God's) truth. In this way Jesus put His approval on the authority of His organized church. Jesus brought Saul to God's representatives on earth.SRme 1.1237
Heavenly light had blinded Saul. But Jesus, the great Healer, did not immediately return Saul's sight. All blessings are from Jesus. But now Jesus had a church to represent Himself on earth. Now the work of teaching other people about God belonged to the church. The same men Saul had planned to destroy were to teach Saul about the religion he had hated and persecuted.SRme 1.1238
Saul prayed for three days in the house of Judas in Damascus. Saul ate nothing. His faith was tested. Saul was totally blind and had no idea of what he was to do. Jesus sent Saul to Damascus where he [Saul] would be told what to do. Saul prayed earnestly to God.SRme 1.1239
"There was a Christian in Damascus named Ananias. He had a vision, the Lord said to him, 'Ananias!'SRme 1.1240
"'Here I am Lord," he answered.SRme 1.1241
"The Lord said to him, 'Get ready and go to the Straight Street, and at the house of Judas ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul. He is praying, and in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come in and place his hands on him so that he might see again'" (Acts 9:10-12).SRme 1.1242
Ananias could hardly believe the words of the angel. The news of Saul's persecution of the believers at Jerusalem had spread far and near. Ananias argued with the heavenly messenger.SRme 1.1243
"'Lord, many people have told me about Saul and about all the terrible things he has done to Your people in Jerusalem. And he has come to Damascus with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who worship You.'"SRme 1.1244
The Lord said to Ananias, "'Go, because I have chosen him [Saul] to serve Me, to make My name known to the Gentiles and kings and to the people of Israel" (Acts 9:13-15).SRme 1.1245
Ananias obeyed. Ananias went to the house of Judas and found Saul, the man who had recently threatened all people who believed on the name of Jesus.SRme 1.1246
"'Brother Saul,'. . .Ananias said, 'the Lord has sent me--Jesus himself, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here. He sent me so that you might see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.'SRme 1.1247
"At once something like fish scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he was able to see again. He stood up and was baptized" (Acts 9:17, 18).SRme 1.1248
Jesus gives us an example here as to how to work for the salvation of people. Jesus could have done all this work by Himself. Jesus' plan is for His people to help other people know of God's love. God had an important work for the men whom He had authorized to work on earth for Him* His blessings were to come through them.SRme 1.1249
The disciples taught Saul. As Saul studied the law, he saw himself a sinner. Saul learned that Jesus was the author and foundation of the true religion from the time of Adam. Saul clearly understood that Jesus was not only the author but the finisher of the faith. Jesus proves the truth and fulfills the prophecies.SRme 1.1250
Saul had thought that Jesus was trying to destroy the law of God. But now Saul's spiritual understanding was clearer. Then Saul saw that Jesus was the creator of the Jewish sacrifices, and that Jesus came into the world to protect the law of God. Saul understood that the sacrificial lamb had always represented Jesus' future death on the cross for the sins of people. Now Jesus had died, and the sacrificial system had ended. Saul thought he had been keeping the moral law. But now Saul understood the moral law and he saw himself as a sinner.SRme 1.1251
*In this case, Ananias represents Jesus. Ananias also represented Jesus' workers on the earth who are appointed to help Jesus. Jesus was not there personally, so Ananias touched the eyes of Saul. For Jesus Ananias puts his hands on Saul. As Ananias prayed in Jesus' name, Saul received the Holy Ghost. All is done in the name and by the authority of Jesus. Jesus uses the church to communicate to people. Read The Acts of the Apostles, p. 122.SRme 1.1252
Saul became a student of the disciples. As Saul understood the law, he saw himself a sinner. He learned that Jesus was the author and foundation of God's people from the time of Adam. Saul clearly understood that Jesus is the finisher of the faith and that Jesus justifies the truth and fulfills the prophecies.SRme 1.1253
Saul thought that Jesus had cancelled the law of God. Saul's spiritual understanding was touched by God's finger. Then Saul learned that Jesus was the creator of the Jewish sacrifices. He learned that Jesus came into the world to protect the law of God. Saul understood that the sacrificial lamb had always represented Jesus' future death on the cross for the sins of people. Finally Saul clearly understood that Jesus had come. Jesus had died, and now the sacrificial system had ended.SRme 1.1254