Obedience, Transformation, and Community

Acts 9:17–19 (NASB95) 

17So Ananias departed and entered the house, and after laying his hands on him said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road by which you were coming, has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18And immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he regained his sight, and he got up and was baptized; 19and he took food and was strengthened. Now for several days he was with the disciples who were at Damascus.

Acts 9:17–19 highlights the pivotal role of Ananias, a disciple who courageously obeys Jesus’s command to visit Saul despite his initial fear. Ananias’s mission is twofold: to restore Saul’s physical sight and to affirm his divine calling. His obedience demonstrates profound trust in God’s plan, even when it involves personal risk. By addressing Saul as “brother,” Ananias extends a powerful gesture of acceptance, symbolizing Saul’s inclusion in the community of believers. This act of faith reminds us that God uses all individuals to achieve extraordinary purposes. 

Saul’s transformation is central to this passage. Once a fierce persecutor of Christians, Saul undergoes a profound spiritual awakening as his sight is restored. This physical healing mirrors the deeper spiritual clarity he gains through his encounter with Christ. The filling of the Holy Spirit empowers Saul for his future ministry, marking a decisive turning point in his life. His baptism signifies his official entry into the Christian community, representing a new beginning and a commitment to his faith. The act of eating after baptism further highlights fellowship and the shared identity of believers as members of God’s family.  

Ananias’s willingness to obey Jesus’s command, despite his fears, challenges us to trust God’s plan even when it feels overwhelming. I encourage you to step out in faith, knowing that God often works through our obedience to achieve His purposes. The shared meal after Saul’s baptism highlights the importance of community. How can we at JMC cultivate spaces for fellowship and discipleship, where believers can grow together in faith and love?  

Blessings, 

Ryan Goodnight