Topical Bible: Judas of Damascus

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Topical Encyclopedia

Judas of Damascus is a biblical figure mentioned in the New Testament, specifically in the Book of Acts. He is known for his role in the pivotal event of Saul's conversion to Christianity. Judas's house in Damascus served as a significant location in the early Christian narrative.

Biblical Account

The primary reference to Judas of Damascus is found in Acts 9:11-12. After Saul of Tarsus, who later became the Apostle Paul, encountered the risen Christ on the road to Damascus, he was struck blind. Saul was led into the city, where he stayed at the house of Judas. The Lord instructed Ananias, a disciple in Damascus, to visit Saul at Judas's house. The scripture states: "The Lord told him, 'Get up and go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight'" (Acts 9:11-12).

Historical and Cultural Context

Judas's house was located on Straight Street, a prominent thoroughfare in ancient Damascus, which still exists today as a major street in the city. This detail underscores the historical authenticity of the account, as Straight Street was a well-known location in the ancient world. The mention of Judas's house indicates that he was likely a person of some standing or means, as his home was used as a place of refuge and healing for Saul.

Role in Saul's Conversion

Judas's role, though brief, is crucial in the narrative of Saul's conversion. His house became the setting for a transformative moment in early Christian history. Saul, a fierce persecutor of Christians, was led to Judas's home in a state of vulnerability and dependence. It was here that Ananias, obeying the divine command, laid hands on Saul, leading to the restoration of his sight and his subsequent baptism. This event marked the beginning of Saul's journey as Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles.

Theological Significance

Judas of Damascus is a testament to the interconnectedness of the early Christian community. His willingness to host Saul, a notorious persecutor, reflects the radical hospitality and obedience to God's will that characterized the early believers. Judas's house became a place of divine encounter and transformation, illustrating how God uses ordinary people and places to accomplish His purposes.

Legacy

While Judas of Damascus is not mentioned elsewhere in the New Testament, his brief appearance highlights the importance of hospitality and obedience in the Christian faith. His role in Saul's conversion narrative serves as a reminder of the profound impact that seemingly small acts of faithfulness can have in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

Judas of Damascus

JUDAS OF DAMASCUS

See JUDAS, (6).

Library

Paul and his Praying (Continued)
... One was when he was in the house of Judas, in Damascus, after he had been
stricken to the earth and brought under conviction. He ...
/.../bounds/prayer and praying men/xiv paul and his praying.htm

Book 12 Footnotes
... Azelus, Adores, Abraham, and Israel kings of Judea, and successors to this Damascus. ...
appellation of Maccabee was not first of all given to Judas Maccabeus, nor ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 12 footnotes.htm

Grace Triumphant
... What a different entry he made into Damascus from what he expected, and what a
different man it was that crawled up to the door of Judas, in the street that is ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/grace triumphant.htm

How Antiochus, who was Called Dionysus, and after Him Aretas Made ...
... From The Death Of Judas Maccabeus To The Death Of Queen Alexandra. ... 41] and was Philip's
brother, aspired to the dominion, and came to Damascus, and got the ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 15 how antiochus who.htm

From Persecutor to Disciple
... While Saul in solitude at the house of Judas continued in prayer and supplication,
the Lord appeared in vision to "a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 12 from persecutor to.htm

Paul's First Prayer
... and a right spirit"turned his aim and object"led him to Damascus"laid him ... the street
which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/pauls first prayer.htm

Assurance of Salvation.
... Who is he that condemneth?'" (Romans 8:33, 34). Faith is Saul praying in
the house of Judas at Damascus, sorrowful, blind, and alone. ...
/.../moody/the way to god and how to find it/chapter vii assurance of salvation.htm

First Ministry in Jud??a --John's Second Testimony.
... we know but few, such as Mary, Martha, Lazarus, Simeon, and Judas Iscariot]; and ...
at Sychar, at the foot of Mount Ebal, and follows the Damascus road northward ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xxv first ministry in judaeajohns.htm

Finger-Posts
... One's lips refuse to repeat the word "Judas" of them, even in the inner ... Paul's
unmistakable vision on the Damascus road brought a passion of love, and an ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks on following the christ/finger-posts.htm

The Conversion of Paul.
... "And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias ... Arise, and go into the
street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas, for one ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xii the conversion of.htm