What Shall I Do To Be Saved?

By Rev. Dr. Curian Kaniyamparambil

Question 96. What about the argument that Paul got his power directly from God, not from the apostles

God called him directly but he received the authority from Ananias! The sequence of events that took place in relation to St. Paul receiving his authority are:

And I (Saul) said, what shall I do, my Lord? And the Lord said to me, 'Arise and go into Damascus, and there it shall be told to you, all things which are appointed for you to do". (Acts 22:10) (Our Lord could have given Paul the authority then and there itself.)
There was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias: and to him the Lord said in a vision," Arise and go to a street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus, for behold he is praying" (Acts 9:9,10)
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 way as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit" (Acts 9: 17)
"and he arose and was baptized" (Acts 9:18)

Why did our Lord ask Saul to meet with Ananias? Why didn't He give the power to Saul Himself? Our Lord appointed the apostles with authority and wanted no exceptions. We have such glaring incidents and still have people saying that they received authority directly from the Lord! Let me tell you that this is impossible and if anyone teaches likewise, it is a heresy.

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