I Appeal To Caesar!

a devout and devoted follower of both Torah and Jesus Christ. The Lord says to this choice servant: “Arise and go to the street called Straight and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus, for behold he is praying.” Ananias is apprehensive, so the Lord says, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake.” Losing no time in getting to the little hostel at the end of Straight Street, Ananias knocks softly and enters the room. Saul rouses from the bamboo mat and sits upright, his sightless eyes wide with apprehension, acutely aware that at last the messenger of the Lord has arrived. Kneeling beside the broken Pharisee, the elderly disciple of Jesus places his hand on Saul’s shoulder; there is instant spiritual rapport. Saul hears astonishing words: he is to receive his sight back and be filled with the Ruach ha- Kodesh, the Holy Spirit! The scales fall from Saul’s eyes: the three days of encasement in darkness end! Wonderful newness sweeps over Saul, both spiritual and natural. He gazes with deep appreciation at the kind face of the elder kneeling beside him. Before Ananias can make any suggestion, Saul declares, “I have met the Master, and I will follow him! You must baptize me in the name of Jesus the Messiah!”