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Acts 9:7 and Acts 22:9 ____ Am I on the right track or way off course?
mrl1970:
Forgive me if this subject was addressed on BT or in the forums previously as there is so much info to sift through.
There seems {at least at first glance) to be a contradiction in Acts 9:7 and Acts 22:9 as to whether or not a voice was heard. (this I believe was addressed however I do not remember a solution given) I will attempt to find the solution.
First look at the following verses.
1 Corinthians 15:44-46 (King James Version)
44It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.
45And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.
46Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual.
Notice the physical comes first then the spiritual.
There are other examples of this such as Galatians 3:23-25 where the physical law comes first then the spiritual law by faith.
Galatians 3:23-25 (King James Version)
23But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.
24Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
25But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.
Also we learn the physical stories first then their spiritual meaning.
I will use this to attempt to prove that there is not a contradiction in Acts 9:7 and Acts 22:9 by using this concept. So as not to add to God's Word I will use brackets
Acts 9:7 (King James Version
7And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a [physical] voice, but seeing no [spiritual] man.
Acts 22:9 (King James Version)
9And they that were with me saw indeed the [physical] light, and were afraid; but they heard not the [spiritual] voice of him that spake to me.
Am I on the right track or way off course?
skydreamers:
Wow, I don't know if you are on the right track or not, but I've wondered in the past about this seeming contradiction and how it could be reconciled. Your insight may very well be the key. It's late here for me so I will study this further when time permits, but at first glance, I'd say this is a more than plausible explanation. Way cool 8)...thanks so much for sharing!
Peace,
Diana
Kat:
Hi mrl,
I don't recall this scripture being discussed before. Neither could I find where Ray had addressed this either.
I do believe you have come to a good understanding of this.
In looking through the different translations I noticed that 'hear' in Acts 22:9, was also tranlated 'understand.'
NASB
Act 22:9 "And those who were with me saw the light, to be sure, but did not understand the voice of the One who was speaking to me.
Strong's
hear
G191
akouō
A primary verb; to hear (in various senses): - give (in the) audience (of), come (to the ears), ([shall]) hear (-er, -ken), be noised, be reported, understand.
mercy, peace, and love
Kat
jackson:
Hi MRL,
Loved your post. I think you are on the right track. I do see it a little different though.
As you correctly pointed out the physical always comes before the spiritual. So how would it be if we take Acts 9:7 and apply the physical nature to the entire verse. Conversly, Acts 22:9 could be read with a totally spiritual mind set.
Acts 9:7 And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a (physical) voice, but seeing no (physical) man.
They were given ears to hear this voice, but not eyes to disern its origen (thats kind of a metaphore for many people today wouldn't you say).
Acts 22:9 And they that were with me saw indeed a (spiritual) light, and were afraid; but they heard not the (spiritual) voice of him that spoke to me.
I think the spiritual light here refers to the new life given to Paul. The men could sense a change in him, indeed they saw him change. And yet they were not spiritually minded men and could not hear (or did not understand) that the voice (the force behind this magnificent transformation) was of Jesus (the Holy Spirit).
This is just the way I have always read it. Hope it helps.
In His Grace,
Jackson
Deborah-Leigh:
Hello mrl1970
Firstly, the scriptures do not contradict. God does not contradict Himself. We know that part so when an appearance of a contradiction surfaces we have to go to the next step and that is as Ray says, "notice the words".
So from that basis the first thing that appeared to me is the difference in RELATIONSHIP to Saul between those who heard and those who saw.
Act 9 : 7 The men WITH Saul ( who were ACCOMPANYING him, which journeyed WITH him, were TRAVELLING with him) stood speechless......
Act 22 :9 Now the men who were WITH ME ( those BEING WITH ME not just travelling with Saul but WITH SAUL) .....THEY SAW the light.
From the Expanded Edition Strong's Complete word study.
Light 5457 111 figuratively, moral and spiritual light and knowledge which enlightens the mind, soul or conscience; including also the idea of moral goodness, purity and holiness, and of consequent reward and happiness. (A) Generally, true knowledge of God and spiritual things......(B) By metonymy, the author or dispenser of moral and spiritual light, a moral teacher; ....used especially of Jesus as the great Teacher and Saviour of the world...
Those who were not just casually traveling with Saul but those who were WITH HIM saw the light.
Those who were accompanying Saul, heard the voice.
Again quoting from the Expanded Edition Strong's Complete word study.
Voice 5456 ...noise, sound.. 91) Generally, spoken of things of a trumpet or other instrument...the wind...rushing wings...chariots, waters...(ll) Specifically the voice or cry of a person.....
So for me to SEE the LIGHT is more intimate an experience. To both see and hear of course is the complete experience as in let those who have eyes see and those who have ears hear.
To add on to what you observe....perhaps we hear before we see...as in "faith comes by HEARING"... and then we get to both see and hear IF CHOSEN!
I am sure there is MUCH more to this! :D
Peace be to you
Arcturus :)
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