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[Brian]

The author of Hebrews shows us that Jesus was made to be like his human brothers. Jesus was made to suffer and be tempted and tested so that he could become our perfect sacrifice. The following verses contain references to both Psalms 8 and 22, also Isaiah chapter 8. We go on to read in Hebrews chapter 4 that Jesus is our great high priest and that he has sympathy for our weaknesses because he was also tempted; though he remained sinless.

Hebrews 2:5-18 NIV
It is not to angels that he has subjected the world to come, about which we are speaking. But there is a place where someone has testified:

“What is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?
You made him a little lower than the angels; you crowned him with glory and honor and put everything under his feet.”

In putting everything under him, God left nothing that is not subject to him. Yet at present we do not see everything subject to him. But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.
In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering. Both the one who makes men holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers. He says,

“I will declare your name to my brothers; in the presence of the congregation I will sing your praises.”

And again,
“I will put my trust in him.”

And again he says,
“Here am I, and the children God has given me.”

Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death–that is, the devil- and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham's descendants. For this reason he had to be made like his brothers in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted

Hebrews 4:14-16 NIV
Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are–yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
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Enjoy a blessed and safe 4th of July weekend!

[Brian]

Several weeks ago we looked at the first several chapters of Proverbs, but there is so much more to learn from King Solomon that was not covered. Let's get more in depth with these chapters.
Solomon writes in chapter 1 as though wisdom is personified. In the following verses he gives us a strong warning against rejecting wisdom. The words especially talk to the young who must choose between embracing wisdom or a foolish life of mockery.

Proverbs 1:20-33 NIV
Wisdom calls aloud in the street, she raises her voice in the public squares; at the head of the noisy streets she cries out, in the gateways of the city she makes her speech:
“How long will you simple ones love your simple ways? How long will mockers delight in mockery and fools hate knowledge? If you had responded to my rebuke, I would have poured out my heart to you and made my thoughts known to you. But since you rejected me when I called and no one gave heed when I stretched out my hand, since you ignored all my advice and would not accept my rebuke, I in turn will laugh at your disaster; I will mock when calamity overtakes you- when calamity overtakes you like a storm, when disaster sweeps over you like a whirlwind, when distress and trouble overwhelm you.
“Then they will call to me but I will not answer; they will look for me but will not find me. Since they hated knowledge and did not choose to fear the Lord, since they would not accept my advice and spurned my rebuke, they will eat the fruit of their ways and be filled with the fruit of their schemes. For the waywardness of the simple will kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them; but whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm.”

[Brian]

The conclusion of Proverbs chapter 2 gives us many moral benefits of wisdom. Welcome wisdom and instruction of the Word of God into your life and you will not stray from a righteous life. Wisdom will keep you away from such things as adultery and other evil perversions. Wisdom will keep you on the path to salvation and the heavenly reward.

Proverbs 2:12-22 NIV
Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men, from men whose words are perverse, who leave the straight paths to walk in dark ways, who delight in doing wrong and rejoice in the perverseness of evil, whose paths are crooked and who are devious in their ways.
It will save you also from the adulteress, from the wayward wife with her seductive words, who has left the partner of her youth and ignored the covenant she made before God. For her house leads down to death and her paths to the spirits of the dead. None who go to her return or attain the paths of life.
Thus you will walk in the ways of good men and keep to the paths of the righteous. For the upright will live in the land, and the blameless will remain in it; but the wicked will be cut off from the land, and the unfaithful will be torn from it.

[Brian]

The conclusion of Proverbs chapter 3 gives us more wisdom. Solomon tells us several things we should avoid.

Proverbs 3:27-35 NIV
Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act. Do not say to your neighbor,“Come back later; I'll give it tomorrow”- when you now have it with you.
Do not plot harm against your neighbor, who lives trustfully near you.
Do not accuse a man for no reason- when he has done you no harm.
Do not envy a violent man or choose any of his ways, for the Lord detests a perverse man but takes the upright into his confidence.
The Lord's curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the righteous. He mocks proud mockers but gives grace to the humble. The wise inherit honor, but fools he holds up to shame.
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Enjoy a blessed day for this is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it!

[Brian]

Allow me to stray from the beginning chapters of Proverbs, so that I can share something put on my heart today from the ending chapters of the same book. I pray that no one has the same fears that have plagued me over the years concerning my daily bread. Even though God has always provided for me and I have never been in need, I still have spent a great part of my life in fear that my needs might suddenly be taken away. Let us agree with the following words of prayer that Agur wrote and are found in Proverbs 30. Thank you Lord for our daily bread. Amen!

Proverbs 30:7-9 NIV
“Two things I ask of you, O Lord; do not refuse me before I die:
Keep falsehood and lies far from me; Give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say,‘Who is the Lord?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.

Please join me also in this epilogue of the book of Proverbs. It is a wonderful poem written to give honor to a wife of noble character. Enjoy the word and give thanks to God; in particular those of us who are blessed by God with such a wife. Amen and Amen!

Proverbs 31:10-31 NIV
A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls. She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes. She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:“Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

[Brian]

Once again we find Solomon personifying wisdom. Even more specifically, he writes as though wisdom is female. Chapter 4 of Proverbs shows us that wisdom is supreme. Seek wisdom and love her. Stay off the path of the wicked and the foolish.

Proverbs 4:1-17 NIV
Listen, my sons, to a father's instruction; pay attention and gain understanding. I give you sound learning, so do not forsake my teaching. When I was a boy in my father's house, still tender, and an only child of my mother, he taught me and said,“Lay hold of my words with all your heart; keep my commands and you will live. Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or swerve from them. Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. Esteem her, and she will exalt you;
embrace her, and she will honor you. She will set a garland of grace on your head and present you with a crown of splendor.”
Listen, my son, accept what I say, and the years of your life will be many. I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble. Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life. Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evil men. Avoid it, do not travel on it;
turn from it and go on your way. For they cannot sleep till they do evil; they are robbed of slumber till they make someone fall. They eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence.

[Brian]

I spent a lot of time trying to find the path for this week's devotionals. I finally decided to look to Jesus. Isn't Jesus the answer to our problems?
At the very end of the Sermon on the Mount as written in Matthew chapters 5-7, Jesus told a parable about two builders. One was wise and the other foolish. The lesson of the parable is to build your faith on a foundation of rock. That rock is Jesus Christ. Amen!

Matthew 7:24-29 NIV
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”
When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.

[Brian]

Peter calls Jesus a living Stone in the second chapter of his first letter. The inlaid quotes in these passages are from Isaiah 28:16, Psalm 118:22 and Isaiah 8:14. We learn that Jesus should not only be the foundation of our faith, but also the cornerstone and the capstone. It sounds like we better surround ourselves with Christ and the Word of God.
Peter also warns the unbelievers in this chapter. We learn that if you refuse to believe and disobey God's message, you will stumble over such a stone.

1 Peter 2:4-12 NIV
As you come to him, the living Stone-rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him- you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For in Scripture it says:

“See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame.”

Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe,

“The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone,”

and,

“A stone that causes men to stumble and a rock that makes them fall.”

They stumble because they disobey the message-which is also what they were destined for.
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. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.

[Brian]

Hannah was one of two wives of Elkanah. She was unable to have children and the other wife taunted her, because of her barren womb. Hannah prayed in the presence of Eli the priest for a son to be born to her. She vowed that if she had a son, she would dedicate him to the Lord for service in the temple his whole life. Hannah fulfilled her vow after the birth of Samuel.
We see in her recorded prayer of praise that she refers to God as a Rock. Hannah tells us many wonders within God's power. Be blessed while reading this prayer.

1 Samuel 2:1-11 NIV
Then Hannah prayed and said:
“My heart rejoices in the Lord; in the Lord my horn is lifted high. My mouth boasts over my enemies, for I delight in your deliverance.
“There is no one holy like the Lord; there is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God.
“Do not keep talking so proudly or let your mouth speak such arrogance, for the Lord is a God who knows, and by him deeds are weighed.
“The bows of the warriors are broken, but those who stumbled are armed with strength. Those who were full hire themselves out for food, but those who were hungry hunger no more. She who was barren has borne seven children, but she who has had many sons pines away.
“The Lord brings death and makes alive; he brings down to the grave and raises up. The Lord sends poverty and wealth; he humbles and he exalts. He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; he seats them with princes and has them inherit a throne of honor.
“For the foundations of the earth are the Lord's; upon them he has set the world. He will guard the feet of his saints, but the wicked will be silenced in darkness.
“It is not by strength that one prevails; those who oppose the Lord will be shattered. He will thunder against them from heaven; the Lord will judge the ends of the earth.
“He will give strength to his king and exalt the horn of his anointed.”
Then Elkanah went home to Ramah, but the boy ministered before the Lord under Eli the priest.

[Brian]

We put on the construction helmets again today. Paul confirms to us in Ephesians that Jesus Christ is our cornerstone. Jesus preached peace to both Jews and Gentiles. Jesus taught that all people could be brought into the house of God. Continue to build your faith foundation on our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 2:17-22 NIV
He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.
Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.

[Brian]

Paul wrote about divisions in the church at Corinth. The people were quarelling over which teacher should be followed. Some wanted to be taught by Paul and some by Apollos and some Cephas. Paul showed them that the foundation was Christ. Many can build on the foundation. Do you want to build with precious metals or with hay and straw? I want to build a strong temple for God that can't be destroyed.

1 Corinthians 3:10-17 NIV
By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should be careful how he builds. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man's work. If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames.
Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you? If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him; for God's temple is sacred, and you are that temple.
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Enjoy a safe and blessed weekend!

[Brian]

Jesus Christ is King of kings and Lord of lords! The first words of the book of John and words written by Paul in Colossians, show us that Jesus has been around since the very beginning and that He is supreme. Amen!

John 1:1-3 NIV
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.

Colossians 1:15-23 NIV
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation- if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven.

[Brian]

We see in the second chapter of Philippians that Jesus was raised from the dead and exalted above everything. He is given the name above every name. We also see an example in Isaiah of how the Old Testament Prophets were consistently pointing to our Lord Jesus. Isaiah gave us this prophecy of the exaltation of Jesus well before He became flesh and lived among us.

Philippians 2:5-11 NIV
Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:

Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death- even death on a cross!
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Isaiah 52:13-15 NIV
See, my servant will act wisely; he will be raised and lifted up and highly exalted. Just as there were many who were appalled at him- his appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any man and his form marred beyond human likeness- so will he sprinkle many nations, and kings will shut their mouths because of him. For what they were not told, they will see, and what they have not heard, they will understand.

[Brian]

I find two things to think about in the following verses from Ephesians chapter 1. First, Paul shows us that Christians need to continually pray for each other and give thanks for each other. Secondly, we see more scripture confirming the supremacy of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He has complete authority over all creation and will reign for eternity.

Ephesians 1:15-23 NIV
For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.

[Brian]

In Acts chapter two we read a sermon of Peter. In this sermon he references King David's prophetical words from Psalms 16 and 110. Peter tells the people about the exaltation of Jesus Christ our Lord. It turned out to be a great message which resulted in three thousand people being saved that day. Amen!

Acts 2:29-41 NIV
“Brothers, I can tell you confidently that the patriarch David died and was buried, and his tomb is here to this day. But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that he would place one of his descendants on his throne. Seeing what was ahead, he spoke of the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to the grave, nor did his body see decay. God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of the fact. Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear. For David did not ascend to heaven, and yet he said,

“‘The Lord said to my Lord:“Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.”’

“Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.”
When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles,“Brothers, what shall we do?”
Peter replied,“Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off-for all whom the Lord our God will call.”
With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them,“Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

[Brian]

The gospel confirms that Jesus has been given full authority and has ascended to the right hand of God. We also get Jesus' assurance that He will be with us always. Put all your cares in Jesus' hands, because He cares for you. Praise Jesus! Hallelujah!

Matthew 28:18-20 NIV
Then Jesus came to them and said,“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Mark 16:19-20 NIV
After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, he was taken up into heaven and he sat at the right hand of God. Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it.
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Enjoy a safe and blessed weekend!

[Brian]

Has God been calling you to do work for His kingdom? If so, are you trying to make excuses and avoid the work? If God is calling you then He will surely give you the equipment you need for success.
Let's look at part of Moses' struggle with God, when he was called to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. Each time Moses tried to make an excuse, God gave him an answer. God will do the same for you.

Exodus 3:11-12 NIV
But Moses said to God,“Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” And God said,“I will be with you. And this will be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God on this mountain.”

Exodus 4:1-5 NIV
Moses answered,“What if they do not believe me or listen to me and say,‘The Lord did not appear to you’?” Then the Lord said to him,“What is that in your hand?”“A staff,” he replied. The Lord said,“Throw it on the ground.” Moses threw it on the ground and it became a snake, and he ran from it. Then the Lord said to him,“Reach out your hand and take it by the tail.” So Moses reached out and took hold of the snake and it turned back into a staff in his hand.“This,” said the Lord,“is so that they may believe that the Lord, the God of their fathers-the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob-has appeared to you.”

Exodus 4:10-12 NIV
Moses said to the Lord,“O Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.” The Lord said to him,“Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.”

[Brian]

The Lord called Jeremiah to be a prophet for the people. He assured Jeremiah that he was chosen even before he was born. Jeremiah tried to make an excuse that he was too young, but God gave him the words and the strength that he needed to succeed.
God loves you and will certainly equip you to accomplish anything He calls you to do.

Jeremiah 1:4-10 NIV
The word of the Lord came to me, saying,
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”
“Ah, Sovereign Lord,” I said,“I do not know how to speak; I am only a child.”
But the Lord said to me,“Do not say,‘I am only a child.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord. Then the Lord reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me,“Now, I have put my words in your mouth. See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.”
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Enjoy a blessed day in God's love.

[Brian]

Gideon was another young man who God called to lead. The Israelites needed deliverance from the oppression of the Midianites. Gideon thought he was too weak to accomplish such a mission, but God gave him the equipment. Gideon asked for several signs that God would truly be with him and God patiently showed him every requested sign. The book of Judges chapters 6-8 tell the story of Gideon's triumph with the stength of the Lord behind him.

Judges 6:14-21 NIV
The LORD turned to him and said,“Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian's hand. Am I not sending you?”
“But Lord,” Gideon asked,“how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.”
The LORD answered,“I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites together.”
Gideon replied,“If now I have found favor in your eyes, give me a sign that it is really you talking to me. Please do not go away until I come back and bring my offering and set it before you.”
And the LORD said,“I will wait until you return.”
Gideon went in, prepared a young goat, and from an ephah of flour he made bread without yeast. Putting the meat in a basket and its broth in a pot, he brought them out and offered them to him under the oak.
The angel of God said to him,“Take the meat and the unleavened bread, place them on this rock, and pour out the broth.” And Gideon did so. With the tip of the staff that was in his hand, the angel of the LORD touched the meat and the unleavened bread. Fire flared from the rock, consuming the meat and the bread. And the angel of the LORD disappeared.

[Brian]

The conversion of Saul, who later was known as Paul is one of the greatest stories of God preparing a man called to do His work. Saul was a man who persecuted Christians until the day he was called. Saul accepted this conversion, was baptized and began spreading the word that Jesus is the Son of God. Amen!

Acts 9:10-21 NIV
In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision,“Ananias!”
“Yes, Lord,” he answered.
The Lord told him,“Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.”
“Lord,” Ananias answered,“I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your saints in Jerusalem. And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.”
But the Lord said to Ananias,“Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.”
Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said,“Brother Saul, the Lord-Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here-has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, and after taking some food, he regained his strength.
Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus. At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God. All those who heard him were astonished and asked,“Isn't he the man who raised havoc in Jerusalem among those who call on this name? And hasn't he come here to take them as prisoners to the chief priests?”