Many times, people erroneously cite Acts 9, and specifically the words of Ananias to Saul in verse 17, as justification that Ananias, who was not an apostle, also possessed the ability to bring about the manifestation of the Holy Spirit/Ghost, the falling of or being filled with the Spirit/Ghost, by the laying on of his hands on Saul (Paul), whereas this is contrary to scripture which clearly indicates that only the apostles had this ability as their promised "power from on high" as stated to them by the Lord in Luke 24:49, and confirmed by such verses as Acts 5:12, Acts 6:6-8, Acts 8:9-19, Acts 19:6, and 2 Tim 1:6.
Their use of this verse is unjustified based on the following:
Notice the difference in the words of instruction given to Ananias in verse 12 by the Lord versus the words of Ananias to Saul in verse 17.
In verse 12, the Lord says nothing about being "filled with the Holy Ghost", only that Saul "might receive his sight". But Ananias words in verse 17 added that he, Saul, should "be filled with the Holy Ghost".
Acts 9:11-12 (KJV)
11And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, 12And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.
Acts 9:17 (KJV)
17And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.
Now, look at Acts 22:1-16 and the words of Paul (Saul) during his recount of the event to the crowd at Jerusalem, specifically verse 13. You'll see Paul's recount of the event also DOES NOT say anything about "being filled with the Holy Ghost", but only that he receive his sight which is consistent with the instructions the Lord initially gave to Ananias in Acts 9:12.
So, does this represent a conflict of scripture? No! Scripture cannot and does not contradict or conflict with scripture. So, what did Ananias mean, why did he say what he said in Acts 9:17, what does this really mean, and when would Saul have then been "filled with the Holy Ghost" to make the scriptures agree?
Note Acts 9:18 and Acts 22:16 below.
After Saul received his sight, he was immediately baptized. It was at this point, when Saul was baptized, that he received the Holy Ghost which is consistent with scripture. See Acts 2:38 (below) which defines when and how one receives the Holy Ghost.
Acts 22:12-13
12And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt there, 13Came unto me, and stood, and said unto me, Brother Saul, receive thy sight. And the same hour I looked up upon him.
Acts 9:18 (KJV)
18And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.
Acts 22:16 (KJV)
16And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.
Acts 2:38 (KJV)
38Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Their use of this verse is unjustified based on the following:
Notice the difference in the words of instruction given to Ananias in verse 12 by the Lord versus the words of Ananias to Saul in verse 17.
In verse 12, the Lord says nothing about being "filled with the Holy Ghost", only that Saul "might receive his sight". But Ananias words in verse 17 added that he, Saul, should "be filled with the Holy Ghost".
Acts 9:11-12 (KJV)
11And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, 12And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.
Acts 9:17 (KJV)
17And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.
Now, look at Acts 22:1-16 and the words of Paul (Saul) during his recount of the event to the crowd at Jerusalem, specifically verse 13. You'll see Paul's recount of the event also DOES NOT say anything about "being filled with the Holy Ghost", but only that he receive his sight which is consistent with the instructions the Lord initially gave to Ananias in Acts 9:12.
So, does this represent a conflict of scripture? No! Scripture cannot and does not contradict or conflict with scripture. So, what did Ananias mean, why did he say what he said in Acts 9:17, what does this really mean, and when would Saul have then been "filled with the Holy Ghost" to make the scriptures agree?
Note Acts 9:18 and Acts 22:16 below.
After Saul received his sight, he was immediately baptized. It was at this point, when Saul was baptized, that he received the Holy Ghost which is consistent with scripture. See Acts 2:38 (below) which defines when and how one receives the Holy Ghost.
Acts 22:12-13
12And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt there, 13Came unto me, and stood, and said unto me, Brother Saul, receive thy sight. And the same hour I looked up upon him.
Acts 9:18 (KJV)
18And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.
Acts 22:16 (KJV)
16And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.
Acts 2:38 (KJV)
38Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
