why was ananias afraid of helping saul why was ananias afraid of helping saul

* [9:36] Tabitha (Dorcas), respectively the Aramaic and Greek words for gazelle, exemplifies the right attitude toward material possessions expressed by Jesus in the Lucan Gospel (Lk 6:30; 11:41; 12:33; 18:22; 19:8). In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and placing his hands on him so that he may regain his sight (Acts 9:10-12). 5:3-4). No one could fault the reluctance of Ananias. 41He gave her his hand and raised her up, and when he had called the holy ones and the widows, he presented her alive. CE!L;oza!sQjaTsg For he will come like a pent-up flood that the breath of the Lord drives along. There is a great deal of information we are not given, and thus we cannot be dogmatic about our conclusions. Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light. Jesus was alive and not still in the grave! 19and when he had eaten, he recovered his strength.*. He should not be circumcised. 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. 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. Pauls language in Acts 26:11 seems to mean that Damascus is merely one of other `foreign cities to which he carried the persecution. A. T. Robertson, Word Pictures in the New Testament (Nashville: Broadman Press, 1930), III, p. 114. Those who call upon your name echoes 2:21 (Joel 2:32) and recurs in 22:16 in a command to Paul himself to be baptized . The saints (9:32, 41; 26:10; cf. (9) Finally, I believe that Lukes portrayal of Sauls salvation is typical of that of the nation Israel, which is still future. 10 And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication. Both are call stories. When I look through the Gospels and the Book of Acts, I never find the gospel presented in the same way to different people. What changed about Saul/Paul after Jesus appeared to him? WebSaul had come to Damascus with letters from the authorities in Jerusalem to find followers of Jesus and arrest them. There are differences between the three accounts given to us in Acts. (8) The salvation of Saul made him a vital part of Christs body, the church. 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. I can believe someone might have prayed that Saul be waylaid, or terminated, in some divine act or providential accident (act of God). For He delivered us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. The importance of Sauls conversion can hardly be overestimated. He went on to become a respected teacher and the founder of the Priests of the Sacred Heart of Betharram. Sauls Baptism. The blindness to which Saul was subject for three days provided him with much time for reflection, meditation, and prayer. 1:16; cf. 14 The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. It was only with the exit of Saul from the Holy Land, back to his native land (Tarsus), that peace once again returned. During the subsequent Roman rule, the They are private Christians, living like islands rather than as a part of His body. How many times should a shock absorber bounce? 5He said, Who are you, sir? The reply came, I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.e Do not be afraid of what they say or terrified by them, though they are a rebellious house. Rather than attempt to pacify Ananias or to alleviate his apprehension, God went on to tell him that Saul would not only be a brother, but he would be His instrument for bringing the gospel to Gentiles too. 2 Cor. 26 And when he had come to Jerusalem, he was trying to associate with the disciples; and they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple. WebAnd Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, After this, Saul broke his fast and was strengthened. 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. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, 10 but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. Those things in which Saul would have formerly trusted for his standing before God, he saw in an entirely different light after God found him and saved him: 4b 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. The children will state that they can pray if they feel afraid and it will help them to be brave 28, p. 185. 35And all the inhabitants of Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love (Galatians 5:13). I see a man who is confident, aggressive, and zealous, rather than a man troubled by inner doubts. After that Saul was welcomed by the Christians and he preached freely in and around Jerusalem. 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. in expanding, as well as justifying, their earthly wealth and power. And they will reign for ever and ever (Revelation 22:5). When Saul was confronted on the road to Damascus, he saw the risen, glorified Lord. Sauls world of self-trust was now at an end and prayer was helping him see that. * [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. 27 I saw that from what appeared to be his waist up he looked like glowing metal, as if full of fire, and that from there down he looked like fire; and brilliant light surrounded him. Third, these discrepancies may well have been evident to the writers, who did not see fit to remove or explain every problem. Nevertheless, at some point in time Saul did arrive in Jerusalem. At midday we stumble as if it were twilight; among the strong, we are like the dead (Isaiah 59:10). Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day (2 Timothy 1:8-12). Even if he were not one of these men, he would surely have hated to hear the gospel. The children will practice being giving and friendly with someone that they do not know. What is the significance of the story of Ananias and Sapphira? What do Ananias actions, when asked in the passage to heal Saul, suggest about his feelings toward him? The remaining verses of this account describe the results of Sauls conversion, all of which serve as dramatic proof of his radical transformation as a result of his encounter with the risen Lord on the road to Damascus. 5 Why did Ananias and Sapphira lie to God? also 16:17; 18:25-26). My names sake". The election of Saul to salvation was specific and thus, personal. It does not store any personal data. Ananias not only 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. Web The children will describe Ananias as a man who helped Saul even though he was afraid. Second, we are not given enough information in the biblical text to solve them dogmatically. many pulpits today promise to those who will follow Jesus? The Essene community at Qumran used the same designation to describe its mode of life. 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. What happened to Ananias and Sapphira as a result of lying to God? 17 Nevertheless, each one should retain the place in life that the Lord assigned to him and to which God has called him. Leave them; they are blind guides. This would leave AD 33-46 for the visit to Arabia (Gal. 148 I would assume that Saul was one of those who covered his ears so as not to hear the praise of Stephen, as reported in Acts 7:57. 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. Paul was overwhelmed by a flash of heavenly light. A devout Hellenistic Jew, of the tribe of Benjamin, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, Saul was a member of the Pharisees and was taught by none other than Gamaliel, What was the decision of Ananias and Sapphira? Matt. He amazed everyone because they knew he was speaking the same words as the people he had been persecuting. %PDF-1.2 % Even then he knew he wanted to live the life of a religious. 16and I will show him what he will have to suffer for my name. But as I see the call of God referred to in the New Testament, it seems that the call of salvation assumes other callings, to which Paul and other New Testament writers made frequent reference: Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God (Romans 1:1). Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. (5) Sauls salvation was an act of divine grace. 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. 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. What was Ananias role in Sauls conversion to Christianity? WebAnanias, I am sure. 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. 32As Peter was passing through every region, he went down to the holy ones living in Lydda. 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. (3) The racial expansion from the Jews to the Gentiles. The answer to both questions is no. We dont know why Ananias is only mentioned once after Acts chapter nine. The sun will no more be your light by day, nor will the brightness of the moon shine on you, for the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory (Isaiah 60:19). The couple wanted to appear as outstanding church members, but they didnt want to part with their possessions. (6) Little emphasis is placed on Sauls reception of the Holy Spirit, and nothing is said about what happened as Saul received the Spirit. His disciples150 lowered him in a basket, from the window of a room which was in the wall of the city (9:25). We can overcome our fears if, like Ananias, we trust that Jesus is directing the preaching work, Suppose you were a Christian who had just arrived in Damascus, and you had been able to learn the whereabouts of a group of believers. It is the invitation for sinful Israelites to be saved, by repenting and calling on the name of the Lord for salvation: Seek the LORD while He may be found; Call upon Him while He is near. WebAnswer: > 10 There was a disciple in Damascus named Ananias, and the Lord said to him in a vision, Ananias. Here I am, Lord, he replied. The LORD identified Himself as the Jesus, whom he had been persecuting. The result was the restoration of Sauls sight and, it would seem, Sauls reception of the Holy Spirit. We would readily grant that every conversion which is recorded is unique, to some degree. It was irresistible argument and spread consternation among the Jews. 7 But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. (12) The same Saul who played a role in Stephens execution was to become, in large measure, his replacement. Lesson Text Acts 9:1-19 Scripture Memory Verse 1:26); but for Saul the one who bore a human form identified himself as a historical person: `I am Jesus. Few of Sauls distinctive insights into the significance of the gospel cannot be traced back to the Damascus-road event, or to the outworking of that event in his life and thought. 12 That is why I am suffering as I am. 20 The Redeemer will come to Zion, to those in Jacob who repent of their sins, declares the Lord. 39So Peter got up and went with them. At first, I thought this was unique with Saul. Say to them, This is what the Sovereign Lord says. 5 And whether they listen or fail to listenfor they are a rebellious housethey will know that a prophet has been among them. Ananias was a disciple of Jesus who lived in Damascus and was Not only does the narrator tell the story of Sauls transformation from persecutor to apostle in Acts 9, Saul himself re-tells the story twice when defending himself before persecutors (before the tribune in Jerusalem, Acts 22:1-21; and before Agrippa, Acts 26:1-23). >zZ0y^C{tg 21 Were you a slave when you were called? Just as Saul had opposed those who believed, so Bar-Jesus opposed the proconsuls conversion. So it would appear. In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and placing his hands on him so that he may regain his sight (Acts 9:10-12). He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him (Daniel 2:22). You may unsubscribe from Bible Gateways emails at any time. The only question is who is the LORD? The men who traveled with Saul were frightened and confused. And He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. It is a miraculous, dramatic reversal, first of ones beliefs, and then of ones behavior. The Lord looked and was displeased that there was no justice. This method of argument Paul continued to use with the Jews (Acts 17:3). 6 What was Ananias role in Sauls conversion to Christianity? It is not clear Some were amazed, taking note of the dramatic turn-about in Sauls faith and practice (9:21). * [9:1930] This is a brief resume of Pauls initial experience as an apostolic preacher. Scripture taken from the New King James Version. But his blindness was symbolic of his condition. 12 In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands onq him to restore his sight.. It would seem not to be there on the road to Damascus. 1:11--2:10; Ephesians 3:1-13; cf. 1 Corinthians 9:1; 15:4-11). 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. Christianity was described as putting off the old and putting on the new (Colossians 3). The voice of bridegroom and bride will never be heard in you again. Nothing is more evident in the account of Sauls conversion than his radical reversal. (2) Sauls salvation was exclusively the work of a sovereign God. In spite of the clear and present danger, Ananias went and began to look for the Christian hunter Saul. Could Judas have been a Christian? Ananias found But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. And He is the image of the invisible God, the first-born of all creation. Who is blind like the one committed to me, blind like the servant of the Lord? (Isaiah 42:18-19). The conversion of Saul is a very crucial event in this book, which spells out from a historical point of view (Romans, from a theological viewpoint) the relationship of Jews and Gentiles in the plans and purposes of God. My names sake" (Acts 9:16) even before his ministry began. I very much doubt anyone prayed that this Saul might be saved. It was an act of faith and bravery equivalent to helping a lion out of a trap. I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. Saul, the typical (albeit more zealous) Jew, opposed God in the person of Christ and His body, the church, even while he thought he was serving Him. Handed down. To whom did the Lord communicate "in a vision"? Perhaps Ananias called a meeting of the church to discuss how they would deal with Sauls arrival. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCBs) mission is to encounter the mercy of Christ and to accompany His people with joy. There are two primary options for preaching from this text. All Ananias did was to obey Christs command to go pray with Saul so that Saul could do all those things. (9) On the road to Damascus, Saul did far more than to see a bright light and to hear a voice from heaven. Though I have fallen, I will rise. 30And when the brothers learned of this, they took him down to Caesarea and sent him on his way to Tarsus.p. Shortly afterwards, the Lord spoke to a disciple named Ananias, asking him to go to Saul, place his hands on him, and restore his sight. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. They could hear the voice but they did not see anyone who was speaking. 7 Did God Judge Ananias and Sapphira for the same sin? Questions: Why were Ananias and Sapphira not given a second chance? You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson. 12 In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands onq him to restore his sight.. He is trying to inform God of whats going on. 2:22, Acts 13:2; 22:21; Rom. WebAnanias was afraid of Saul. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Sauls Conversion. Barnabas, one of the Christians, assured them Sauls faith was genuine. The children will practice being giving and friendly with someone that they do not know. It was time for Saul to ponder what he had seen and heard. What happened when Ananias anointed Saul? Salvation is the miracle whereby God removes the blindness of sin and of Satan, whereby God replaces death with life. We know that Paul was not instantly a biblical scholar or a seasoned apostle. In peace, as in persecution, the church was comforted and continued to increase. The salvation of Saul was to result in the gospel being preached to distant people and lands, and in the extension of the church to many key cities. We know from Romans 7, for example, that Paul had struggles in his spiritual walk. WebAnd was Ana- nias still reluctant to help Saul after the Lord explained the situation to him? That Luke would narrate this conversion three times is testimony to the importance he attaches to it. What is remarkable about the Lord's directions to Ananias? also Psalm 50:15; Joel 2:32; Jeremiah 29:12; 33:3-8). God then used this man to further His purposes in launching the career of the most influential of the apostles. 142 His companions therefore took him by the hand and led him through the gate of Damascus to the place where, presumably, arrangements had been made for him to stay. F. F. Bruce, The Book of Acts, Revised Edition (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1988), p. 185. What is remarkable about the Lord's directions to Ananias? A devout Hellenistic Jew, of the tribe of Benjamin, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, Saul was a member of the Pharisees and was taught by none other than Gamaliel, whom we have already met (Acts 5:34-40). . 6 After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. 143 . 10 i There was a disciple in Damascus named Ananias, and the Lord said to him in a vision, Ananias. He answered, Here I am, Lord. 11 The Lord said to him, Get up and go to the street called Straight and ask at the house of This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. It is here that Paul took the leadership and became the dominant or leading individual, instead of Barnabas. (4) More space is devoted to the process of getting Ananias to Saul than is devoted to getting Saul to Damascus and to the home of Judas. You, my brothers, were called to be free. One thing was certain; no matter how much time had passed, the apostles were not yet convinced of Sauls conversion. Proving (sunbibazon). Let us suppose further that the church had gathered on this particular evening for a time of prayer, prompted by the news that Saul was soon to arrive, with all the necessary legal machinery (that is, the authorization of the chief priests and the Sanhedrin130) to arrest and extradite131 the saints who were in the city. At first Ananias was afraid because he knew how Saul persecuted the Christians, but the Lord said that Saul had a special ministry he must fulfill. Ananias was afraid because he knew Sauls reputation as a merciless persecutor of the church. Also, By divine revelation, Peter called out Ananias for lying to the Holy Spirit and to God. 140 They are called his sunodeuontes, `those who were in the caravan with Him (cf. 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. 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. gJi\!2LITShA%)&bqd=/)@Eg*tttpt @V6wCAp{GyAGG9h d=u3zDca{y:&0}=!P`XX z;g3 {~paveta +w Would the church not have undertaken the task of discipling these folks? Israel too will look on Him whom they have pierced and mourn. But then the preacher can continue that even though Ananias didnt know about Sauls epiphany, he did as the Lord told him anyway. About three hours later, Sapphira arrived. We know nothing of Ananias beyond this story in the shadows. Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped (Isaiah 35:5). Dont let it trouble youalthough if you can gain your freedom, do so. For less than $5/mo. Used by permission. The words and actions of Ananias are an evidence of his faith and obedience to the divine commission he was given, as outlined by Luke in the verses above. FOR WHO HAS KNOWN THE MIND OF THE LORD, OR WHO BECAME HIS COUNSELOR? Frequent biblical texts speak of God in terms of light: You are resplendent with light, more majestic than mountains rich with game (Psalm 76:4). We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. This old city is the most enduring in the history of the world (Knowling). The Church at Peace. In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.. 92 0 obj << /Linearized 1 /O 94 /H [ 1243 743 ] /L 503600 /E 43371 /N 16 /T 501642 >> endobj xref 92 42 0000000016 00000 n 0000001188 00000 n 0000001986 00000 n 0000002200 00000 n 0000002434 00000 n 0000002614 00000 n 0000002636 00000 n 0000004226 00000 n 0000004248 00000 n 0000005775 00000 n 0000005798 00000 n 0000008986 00000 n 0000009009 00000 n 0000012094 00000 n 0000012305 00000 n 0000013156 00000 n 0000014011 00000 n 0000014230 00000 n 0000014604 00000 n 0000014827 00000 n 0000023280 00000 n 0000023869 00000 n 0000024230 00000 n 0000024446 00000 n 0000024731 00000 n 0000024987 00000 n 0000025380 00000 n 0000026152 00000 n 0000026257 00000 n 0000029454 00000 n 0000029477 00000 n 0000032108 00000 n 0000032131 00000 n 0000034910 00000 n 0000034933 00000 n 0000037945 00000 n 0000040047 00000 n 0000040070 00000 n 0000043063 00000 n 0000043141 00000 n 0000001243 00000 n 0000001964 00000 n trailer << /Size 134 /Info 91 0 R /Root 93 0 R /Prev 501632 /ID[<3cb89dccfaad5f26269ffad0f6f6443b><3cb89dccfaad5f26269ffad0f6f6443b>] >> startxref 0 %%EOF 93 0 obj << /Type /Catalog /Pages 89 0 R >> endobj 132 0 obj << /S 672 /Filter /FlateDecode /Length 133 0 R >> stream The laying on of Ananias hands was also an expression of unity, as was the later right hand of fellowship extended by some of the apostles to Saul (Galatians 2:9). During his conversion Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you (Isaiah 60:1). Enough revelation for the moment. 12 The land will mourn, each clan by itself, with their wives by themselves: the clan of the house of David and their wives, the clan of the house of Nathan and their wives, 13 the clan of the house of Levi and their wives, the clan of Shimei and their wives, 14 and all the rest of the clans and their wives. 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. There is more space devoted to convincing Ananias than there is to the conversion of Saul. 37Now during those days she fell sick and died, so after washing her, they laid [her] out in a room upstairs. 136 E. M. Blaiklock, The Acts of the Apostles (Grand Rapids: Wm. They were based, as I understand it, on what the Lord had revealed to Ananias and not on any confession or actions of Saul, for these seem to follow these initial actions and words of Ananias. Present active participle of sunbubazo, old verb to make go together, to coalesce, to knit together. It was Gods initiative all the way. 15:21). All of this account describes the two complementary divine visions which Ananias and Saul received. 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). 2023 United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. For in Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authoritiesall things have been created through Him and for Him. And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he In love He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved (Ephesians 1:3-6). Julius Caesar confirmed those rights and privileges anew to the Jewish nation (although Judaea was no longer a sovereign state), and more particularly to the high-priesthood. F. F. Bruce, The Book of Acts, Revised Edition (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1988), pp. The words, Brother Saul must not have come easily to Ananias. 12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service. Nevertheless, Ananias obeyed. For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life (1 Thessalonians 4:7). 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). Saul, in my opinion, is portrayed by Luke as the first-fruits of these promises. And, who knows, God may even answer those prayers and the persons life be blessed and changed in ways we cannot even imagine.. The first thing we shall do is to make some observations on the passage as a whole to attempt to see the forest before we scrutinize the trees. After this incident with Paul we hear no more of him. 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. One is the truth from God Himself, (what was bad was that they lied about the amount). And if this was important for Saul to do, it was equally important for the church to accept him into their fellowship, as an expression of their unity in Christ. * [9:29] Hellenists: see note on Acts 6:17. Sauls conversion was a miracle, short and simple, but not so much the result of the external miracle of the bright light and the voice of the Lord as the internal transformation and illumination which God wrought: 15 But when God, who set me apart from birth and called me by his grace, was pleased 16 to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not consult any man (Galatians 1:15-16). 31 So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria enjoyed peace, being built up; and, going on in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it continued to increase. 2:7; 2 Tim. 15:8; Gal. No, I worked harder than all of themyet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.7 I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of Gods grace given me through the working of his power.