Беседа 20

Acts 9:10–12. There was a disciple in Damascus named Ananias; and the Lord said to him in a vision: Ananias! He said: I, Lord. The Lord said to him: get up and go to the street, the so-called Straight, and ask in the house of Judas a Tarsian named Saul; he is now praying, and in a vision he saw a man named Ananias come to him and lay his hand on him so that he could receive his sight. A Christian should be concerned about the salvation of others. 1. Why did not (the Lord) call or send any of the chief apostles to announce Paul? Because he should have been introduced (into the Church) not by people, but by Christ himself; and this (Ananias) taught him nothing, but only baptized him. Upon baptism, he (Paul) immediately received the great grace of the Spirit for his zeal and great zeal. However, Ananias was also one of the very famous; this is evident both from what (the Lord) appeared to him and from the fact that he answers in the words: “Lord! I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he did to Your saints in Jerusalem” (Acts 9:13). If he objected to the Lord, then all the more (would he have done so) if (the Lord) had sent (to him) an angel. Therefore, even before that, the future was not revealed to Philip, but only an angel appeared to him, and then the Spirit commanded him to approach and approach the chariot (Acts 8:26, 29). Here, first of all, (the Lord) frees you from fear, and seems to say: look, he is praying, he is blind, and you are afraid? So Moses was afraid (Ex. 3:11); but these are the words only of the one who fears, and not of the unbeliever. Listen to the words themselves: “I have heard from many about this man.” What are you saying? God speaks, but do you doubt? So they did not yet know the power of Christ. “And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name” (Acts 9:14). How is this known? Probably, being in fear, they found out. (Ananias) says this not because Christ did not know this, but because he was perplexed as to how, under such circumstances, fulfillment (of the command) was possible. So at other times the disciples say: “Who can be saved?” (Mk.10:26) But look what was done so that Paul would believe the one who comes (to him); he saw in a vision (a man who) foretold him (about this). He prays, says (the Lord); so don't be afraid. Why does He not tell him about the change that has taken place (in Paul)? To teach us not to talk about our virtues; and more because he sees him in fear. He didn’t even say: he will believe you; but what? "Rise and Go". “And he saw in a vision a man laying his hand on him.” "In vision" because he was blind. And this great miracle did not convince the student: he was so afraid! But despite this, through him God restored sight to Paul, who was blind. “But the Lord said to him, Go, for he is My chosen vessel, to proclaim My name before the nations and kings and the children of Israel. And I will show him how much he must suffer for My name’s sake” (Acts 9:15, 16). He will not only be a believer, he says, but also a teacher and will speak with great boldness “before nations and kings.” Thus, he says, this teaching will grow, and both nations and all kings will submit to it. “Ananias went and entered the house and, laying his hands on him, said: Brother Saul! The Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the way you were walking, sent me so that you could receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit” (Acts 9:17). He immediately wins him over with the name (brother). “Jesus, who appeared on your way,” says. Christ did not tell him this; but he learned about it from the Spirit. “And immediately, as if scales fell from his eyes, and suddenly he received his sight; and he stood up and was baptized, and having eaten food, he became strong” (Acts 9:18, 19). As soon as he laid his hands on him, immediately the scales fell from his eyes. This (scale), some say, was the cause of his blindness. And why did not (the Lord) blind his eye? What was more surprising was that he did not see with his eyes open; in the same state he was under the law until the name of Jesus was placed on him. And immediately “he was baptized, and having taken food, he was strengthened.” He was exhausted both from travel and from fear, as well as from hunger and grief. And wanting to increase this sorrow of him, (the Lord) allowed him to remain blind until Ananias came. And lest anyone think that his blindness was only imaginary, for him it is scales. Consequently, he had no need of any other teaching; but what happened was a lesson. “And Saul was with the disciples in Damascus for several days. And immediately he began to preach in the synagogues about Jesus, that He is the Son of God” (Acts 9:19, 20). Look, he immediately became a teacher in the synagogues; was not ashamed of change, was not afraid to destroy what he was previously famous for; and not only was he a teacher, but also in synagogues. This is how a man became, who in the beginning caused death and was disposed to murder! Do you see what a clear sign happened on him? By this he surprised everyone, as the writer shows, adding: “and all who heard were amazed and said: Is this not the same one who persecuted in Jerusalem those who call on this name? and this is why he came here, to bind them and lead them to the high priests. And Saul grew stronger and stronger and confused the Jews living in Damascus, proving that this is the Christ” (Acts 9:21, 22). As an experienced knowledge of the law, he stopped their mouths and did not allow them to speak (the opposite). They thought that, having freed themselves from Stefan, they were freed from such competitions, but they met another stronger than Stefan. 2. But let us turn to what was said above about Ananias. (The Lord) did not say to him: talk and instruct him, because if the words: “he is now praying, and saw in a vision a man who laid his hand on him,” he did not convince, then even more so if he had said this. “I saw,” he says, “in a vision,” and therefore he will not disbelieve you; Don't be afraid, but go. So not everything was suddenly revealed to Philip then. "For he is My chosen vessel." With these words (the Lord) completely drives away the fear of (Ananias) and inspires him with courage, (imagining) how (Paul) will be devoted to Him to the point of enduring much. In a word: “vessel” shows that his anger was not natural; adds: “chosen” to show that he is pleasing to Him, since we choose what is pleasing. Hearing this, let no one think that Ananias says this because he does not believe what was said, or believes that Christ does not know the truth - let him not; but, having heard the name of Paul, in fear and trembling he did not heed what was said; so fear took possession of his soul at the name (of Paul), although after he heard that (the Lord) had blinded him, he should have been bold. “And here,” he says, “he has from the high priests the authority to bind all who call on Your name.” As if he were saying this: I’m afraid that somehow he won’t take me to Jerusalem; Why are you throwing me into the lion's mouth? Why are you betraying me to him? He is afraid and speaks in such a way that we will fully recognize the virtue of this man. If this was said by the Jews, then this is not at all surprising; if they do, and with such fear, then this serves as the greatest evidence of the power of God. "Brother Saul". Here there is great fear and even greater obedience after fear. Then, so that after the words: “chosen vessel,” you do not say that all this is the work of God, (the Lord), removing such a thought from you, adds the following: “to proclaim My name before the nations and kings and the sons of Israel.” Ananias heard what he strongly desired - that (Paul) would resist the Jews; therefore it is filled not only with joy, but also with boldness. “And I will show him,” says (the Lord), “how much he must suffer for My name.” These words are both prophetic and at the same time exhorting: if the one who was so furious is ready to endure everything, then how can one not want to baptize him, “so that he may receive his sight”? Well, says (Ananias), let him remain blind; he is now meek because he is blind; Why do you command me to open his eyes? Is it not so that he will bind (the believers) again? But do not be afraid of what will happen, (answers the Lord); he will use his insight not against us, but for us; to that: “so that he may receive his sight,” we must add this too. Do not be afraid: he will not do you any harm, but he himself will suffer a lot. And it is surprising that he will first suffer, and then he will go into danger. “The Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the way you walked, has sent me.” He did not say: blinded, but: “appeared to you.” This is how he expressed himself humbly, and did not say anything vain. In a similar way, Peter said about the lame man: “Why do you look at us as if we, through our own strength or piety, made him walk? "(Acts 3:12); also he: “who appeared to you on the way,” - he said this, laying on his hands, and severe blindness was resolved. When (the writer) says: “and, having taken food, he strengthened himself,” he shows that he was exhausted from grief due to blindness, and from fear, and from hunger. He did not want to take food until he was baptized and at the same time received great gifts. Does not say (Ananias): Jesus crucified, the Son of God, doing signs; but what? “He who appeared to you on the way” - what Paul knew - just as Christ did not add anything more and did not say: I am crucified, risen, but: “Whom you are persecuting.” He did not say (Ananias): The one whom you persecuted, so as not to appear angry and mocking. “He who appeared to you,” he says, “is on the way.” He Himself was not visible, but appeared by works. Wanting to soften the harshness of these words, he immediately added: “I received my sight and was filled with the Holy Spirit.” I came, he says, not to expose the past, but to give a gift. It seems to me that he (Paul), like Cornelius, immediately after uttering these words was granted the Spirit, although the one who taught was not one of the twelve. Thus, everything concerning Paul was not human and was not accomplished through man, but God Himself was the finisher. And at the same time (God) teaches him humility by not leading him to the supreme apostles, and shows that there is nothing human here. He was not vouchsafed the Spirit that works signs, so that through this his faith might be manifested, since he (then) did not perform miracles. “And immediately,” says (the writer), “he began to preach in the synagogues about Jesus, that He is the Son of God.” He did not preach that He had risen, or that He was alive; but what? He very precisely stated the dogma: “that He is the Son of God.” They, hearing this, remain in unbelief, whereas they should not only believe, but also be horrified. And why do they say not simply that he was a persecutor, but that he “who persecuted in Jerusalem those who called on this name?” They express extreme fury by this. And they did not say: Jesus, not wanting to even hear this name out of hatred: they were so hardened! “And I came here for this.” We cannot say, they say, that he treated the apostles first. 3. Look how much evidence there is that Paul was one of the enemies (of Christ)! Not only was he not ashamed of this, but he also boasted. “Saul grew stronger and stronger and confused the Jews,” he stopped their mouths, did not allow them to say anything (opposite), proving “that this is Christ,” and teaching this, because he immediately became a teacher. “When quite some time had passed, the Jews agreed to kill him” (Acts 9:23). The Jews again resort to cruel intent; but they no longer look for slanderers, accusers and false witnesses, they no longer want to have them; And what? Finally, they act on their own. They saw that things were increasing; That's why they don't produce ships. “But Saul learned about their plan. And they kept watch at the gate day and night to kill him” (Acts 9:24). Why? Because it was more unbearable for them than all the signs that had already happened before, with five thousand, with three thousand (converted to Christ), and everyone in general. And look, now he is saved not by grace, but by human wisdom, so that you understand the virtue of this man, who became famous even without miracles. “The disciples took him by night and let him down the wall in a basket” (Acts 9:25). This was how it should have been so that the matter would not have been noticed. So what? Having escaped such danger, does he remain (calm)? No, but he goes where he could excite them even more. It still seemed incredible to many that he actually believed. That's why this happened after quite a few days. What does this mean? He probably did not want to leave there at first, as many may have asked; when he learned (about the plan of the Jews), then he allowed his disciples (to let him down); and he already had disciples. Pointing to this, he himself said: “In Damascus, the regional governor of King Aretas guarded the city of Damascus to capture me; and I was lowered down the wall from the window in a basket and escaped his hands” (2 Cor. 11:32). And see how the evangelist does not say anything vain and does not praise Paul, but only that they aroused the king to this. So they brought him down alone and no one with him. This is also not in vain, so that he himself could appear to the apostles in Jerusalem; or better yet, they let him down so that he could then seek salvation for himself; but he did the opposite, going straight to the furious ones. So it ignited, it burned so intensely! And look how he follows (Christ), from the first day keeping the commandment that the apostles heard: “Whoever does not take his cross and follow Me” (Matt. 10:38). The very fact that he came after the others made him the most zealous, and in fact, what was said was fulfilled here: “to whom little is forgiven, he loves little” (Luke 7:47), so that the later he came, the more he loved. Therefore, condemning his previous life and often reproaching himself, he did not consider anything sufficient to make amends for the past. And look, they do not say to him: you were a persecutor, why did you change? They were ashamed (to say this); Instead, they consulted among themselves. Otherwise, he would have told them much more justly: this is especially what should enlighten you, as he defended himself before Agrippa (Acts 26:9-20). Let us, I exhort you, imitate him, and be ready for all dangers. How, they will say, did he take flight? He did this not out of cowardice, but saved himself for preaching. If he had been afraid, he would not have gone to Jerusalem, would not have taught immediately, and would have given up his jealousy. But he acted not out of fear, but out of prudence. He was taught by the suffering of Stephen. Therefore, he did not consider it great to die for preaching if it was not connected with great benefit. This is a man who did not even want to see Christ, whom he now most of all would like to see, when the service to his people had not yet been fulfilled. Such should be the soul of a Christian! 4. Paul's character was expressed from the very beginning and from the first step of his career; or better yet, even before that. And what he did not according to reason, he did, guided by human reasoning. If, after so much time, he did not want to give up (from life, without benefit to others), then even more so at the beginning of his activity, when he had just left the pier. Christ does not deliver him from danger, but allows him, because he wants many things to be accomplished by human prudence; on the other hand, he allows it in order to teach us that they were also people, and that grace did not always accomplish everything. After all, if this were not the case, then one could liken them simply to trees. Therefore, they themselves did a lot (by their) actions. Let us do the same, and we will also strive for the salvation of our brethren. This is not lower than martyrdom, that is, not to deny any suffering for the salvation of many; nothing is more pleasing to God. Again I will say what I have often said; I’ll say it because I really want it. Christ did the same, teaching forgiveness (offenses); He said: when you “pray”, then “forgive” if you have anything against anyone (Matthew 5:23–24; Matthew 6:14); and also, talking with Peter, he said: “I do not say to you, until seven times, but until seventy times seven” (Matthew 18:22); and by his very deed he let go of everything that had been done against Him. So we, knowing that this is the goal of Christianity, constantly talk about it. There is nothing colder than a Christian who does not care about the salvation of others. Here you cannot excuse yourself by poverty; She who puts in two mites will convict you (Luke 21:2); and Peter said: “I have no silver or gold” (Acts 3:6). And Paul was so poor that he often went hungry and did not have the food he needed. You cannot excuse yourself by ignorance; and they were humble and not from nobles. You cannot point out ignorance; and they were unlearned. Even if you were a slave, even if you were a fugitive, then you can fulfill your task; such was Onesimus, and, however, look at what (Paul) calls him to and to what dignity he elevates: “if you have fellowship with me,” he says, “in my bonds” (Phil. 1:10, 17). You cannot apologize through weakness; such was Timothy, who often suffered from illnesses. And that he was weak, listen: “drink a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent illnesses” (1 Tim. 5:23). Everyone can be useful to their neighbor if they want to do what depends on them. Do you not see the barren trees, how strong they are, how beautiful, tall, smooth and tall? But, if we had a garden, then we would rather have fruitful pomegranate or olive trees than them, because they give (only) pleasure and not benefit, although, however, there is some small benefit from them. Such are those who care only about themselves, or even worse; they are only suitable for burning, while those (trees are suitable) both for construction and for storing things in them. Such were those virgins, although pure, adorned and chaste, they brought no benefit to anyone; that is why they are condemned to be burned (Matthew 15:1-12). Such were those who did not feed Christ; Note that none of them is condemned for their own sins: neither for adultery, nor for perjury, nor for anything at all, but for not being useful to another. Such was the talent buried in the ground, impeccable in his life, but useless for another (Matthew 25:18-28). And how can such a person be a Christian? Tell me: if leaven mixed with flour does not impart its properties to the whole (mixture), then is it leaven? Also, if myrrh does not impart fragrance to those approaching, then can we call it myrrh? Don’t say: it’s impossible for me to help others; if you were a (true) Christian, it would be impossible not to be. Just as what constitutes a property (of a thing) cannot be contrary to it, so it is here, because it constitutes a property of a Christian. Don't insult God. If you were to say that the sun cannot shine, you would insult Him; if you say that a Christian cannot be useful, then you will (also) insult God and call (Him) a liar, because it is more likely that the sun will neither warm nor shine than a Christian will not enlighten; It is sooner that the light become darkness than this. Don't say it's impossible; the opposite of this is impossible. Don't insult God. If we do well what depends on us, then, without a doubt, this will also happen as a natural consequence. The light of a Christian cannot be hidden; a lamp so bright cannot be hidden. Let's not be careless. Just as from virtue comes benefit both for us and for those who have been blessed by us, so from malice comes extreme harm - both for us and for those embittered by us. Let, for example, some simple person suffer from another countless evils and let no one (for this) take revenge, but even let them do him good: what instruction would not be stronger than what words, what admonitions? What rage will not this soften and extinguish? So, knowing this, let us love virtue, because it is impossible to be saved otherwise than by spending our present life in such good deeds, so as to be worthy of future blessings - according to the grace and love for mankind of our Lord Jesus Christ, with whom to the Father, with the Holy Spirit, be glory, power, honor, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen. These conversations were delivered by the saint in Constantinople in 400 or 401. The paragraphs in the text were arranged by us – Editorial staff of “ABC of Faith” You might be interested in: