Ananias: Was he Weak

[Salty]

In this link about the conversion of Saul, the writer states
"Ananias showed weakness here. He did not have unwavering trust in God. "

In Acts 9: 10-113 he "questions" God about Saul. Do you think Ananias was really questioning God, or was it just a natural reaction to such a command. Do you see a weakness in Ananias. What would we have done?

Salty

 

[BaptistBob]

In this link about the conversion of Saul, the writer states
"Ananias showed weakness here. He did not have unwavering trust in God. "

In Acts 9: 10-113 he "questions" God about Saul. Do you think Ananias was really questioning God, or was it just a natural reaction to such a command. Do you see a weakness in Ananias. What would we have done?

Salty

If I heard God speak in an audible voice, I'd do whatever he said, pronto. However, I wonder what his vision experience was like. If it was sort of an alternative reality experience, I might have done the same sort of thing.

 

[Tom Butler]

Ananias wasn't weak. He was acting perfectly normally.

 

[BaptistBob]

Job asked God questions, and it is said that Job did not sin by doing so.

 

[donnA]

I wonder if once you believe you've heard from God, isn't it a good thing to confirm it, and make sure?

 

[Amy.G]

I would say that he was just expressing to God his fear of Saul. God let him know that no harm would come to him.

 

[Scarlett O.]

"Ananias showed weakness here. He did not have unwavering trust in God. "

I don't see a weakness at all. Here's how I read that passage.

God came to Ananias in a vision and Ananias said, "I'm here Lord!"

God said, "Go to this address that I give you and ask for Saul of Tarsus. He's expecting you. I've given him a vision that you are coming to lay hands on him."

Ananias said, "Ummm ..... I've heard about this guy. He done much evil to your saints in Jerusalem and he's got permission to arrest Christians here, too."

God said, "Go on now, I'm about to use this man to carry My Name to Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. And I'm about to show him terrible things that he must suffer."

And then Ananias not only obeyed God immediately, but he called Saul "brother" telling him that he same Jesus that he met on the Damascus Road has sent him to lay hands on him.

This conversation, to me, doesn't show a lack of faith or weakness at all.

 

[Allan]

I don't see a weakness at all. Here's how I read that passage.

God came to Ananias in a vision and Ananias said, "I'm here Lord!"

God said, "Go to this address that I give you and ask for Saul of Tarsus. He's expecting you. I've given him a vision that you are coming to lay hands on him."

Ananias said, "Ummm ..... I've heard about this guy. He done much evil to your saints in Jerusalem and he's got permission to arrest Christians here, too."

God said, "Go on now, I'm about to use this man to carry My Name to Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. And I'm about to show him terrible things that he must suffer."

And then Ananias not only obeyed God immediately, but he called Saul "brother" telling him that he same Jesus that he met on the Damascus Road has sent him to lay hands on him.

This conversation, to me, doesn't show a lack of faith or weakness at all.

I'll agree here. It isn't so much a lack or weakness of faith but could be seen as more akin to double checking if he heard the Lord correctly about the guy he was to go and see. I can kinda see his mind flashing for a brief second something like saying - Saul, the same Saul whom we are all fleeing from for his persecution. You want me to go to 'THAT' Saul?? :smilewinkgrin:

 

[sag38]

I would agree. Most on this board would be wary if Bill Clinton suddenly started preaching the gospel in that the hour is late and today is the day of salvation in Christ Jesus alone. My faith in the legitimacy of his calling would be weak too.

 

[gb93433]

In this link about the conversion of Saul, the writer states
"Ananias showed weakness here. He did not have unwavering trust in God. "

Looks to me like rationalism entered in the dialog when wrestling with God.

 

[ituttut]

In this link about the conversion of Saul, the writer states
"Ananias showed weakness here. He did not have unwavering trust in God. "

In Acts 9: 10-113 he "questions" God about Saul. Do you think Ananias was really questioning God, or was it just a natural reaction to such a command. Do you see a weakness in Ananias. What would we have done?

Some good answers have been given. Isn't it wonderful in those dispensations that God spoke directly to people, and then to His people? They could talk to Him, conversing, and asking questions, and then being assured everything is OK, as long as they obeyed.

This happened all the way through the Bible from the beginning, until about the close of the 1st Century A.D. But we can still speak to Him today in prayer through the Holy Spirit, and He will understand our fears, and our doubts. We have something today that they did not have. We have the Word of God from the beginning until the end, and the indwelling of the Spirit, but not the power thereof.He has told us everything we need to know. All we have to do is believe what He tells us as we Live, and we will Live with Him in Eternity.

Was Ananias Weak? Aren't we all, an probably have asked about our fears. But I believe Ananias was on good enough terms with God to converse with Him. I believe the Holy Spirit injected these verses into His Word to tell us we can ask questions as we approach God in the Spirit as we Pray, and talk to Him in our daily lives.

They could question God in events that could impact in one-way or another, and we can do the same today. But today, as He does not entertain direct physical, or visual verbal conversation with us, He does continue to hear us out. We all have at least on thorn in the flesh, but He says MY Grace is enough.