Brother Saul

“And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit." - Acts 9v17

There are certain little phrases in scripture that just amaze me. The term “Brother Saul” is one of them. In Acts 8 Saul actually took part in the stoning of Stephen, the first recorded martyr in the Bible. As chapter 9 opens he is on a rampage against the church. He is threatening them, wanting them killed, and even asks for permission to go to Damascus to find the ones who had scattered.

But something happened along the way – Saul got saved. He himself tells the story in detail later, but suffice it to say for now that God intervened and Saul accepted Christ as Saviour.

Up in Damascus there was a Christian named Ananias. The Lord spoke to him and told him to go talk to Saul. Of course Ananias was afraid – he knew who Saul was after all! But the Lord told Ananias that He was going to use Saul, so Ananias went.

I love his words when the meets Saul. Ananias walked up, put his hands on Saul and said, “Brother Saul.” Only one thing could change an enemy into a brother in a matter of moments – salvation through Christ! It would be kind of like us today saying, “Brother Osama,” “Brother Kim Jong-il,” or “Brother Fidel.” God’s love through his people is an amazing thing. Think about how we would see the world if we saw our enemies as potential brothers.