Verse 17
Ananias communicated his Christian love for his new Christian brother with a touch and a loving word of greeting: "Brother." He then explained his purpose for coming to Saul. It was to restore his sight and to enable Saul to experience the filling of the Spirit. Ananias’ purpose was not to commission Saul. Saul’s commission came directly from the Lord, though Ananias announced it (Acts 22:14-16).
"The choice of Ananias for this task made it clear that Saul of Tarsus was not dependent upon the Twelve, and also that an apostle was not required for bestowing the Spirit (as might have been concluded from the case in Samaria)." [Note: Kent, pp. 83-84.]
The Holy Spirit filled Saul as he responded to God’s Word appropriately. We may infer that Saul’s conversion happened on the Damascus road and that he received the baptism of the Spirit at the same time. [Note: Ibid., p. 85.] Notice again the importance of being filled with (under the control of) the Holy Spirit. This is the first time Luke wrote that the Spirit came on someone outside the land of Israel.
Be the first to react on this!
