Background
Acts Chapter 9
Saul was a man driven by relentless fury against the followers of Jesus. Armed with the authority of the high priest Caiaphas, he was determined to crush the growing Christian movement at any cost. His reputation preceded him as someone who mercilessly pursued believers, and the stoning of Stephen—one of Jesus’ most faithful followers—was a grim testament to his violent resolve. With a heart full of zeal for the law, Saul sought to extinguish the name of Jesus from the earth, and Christians everywhere lived in fear of his brutal mission.
But on the road to Damascus, everything changed. Saul, breathing threats and violence, was suddenly confronted by the risen Jesus in a moment that shattered his world. Struck blind and broken by the overwhelming encounter, he was left to grapple with the reality that the very One he persecuted was indeed Lord. Now, sitting in darkness, Saul was a man undone—physically blinded but spiritually awakened, waiting in silence and bewilderment, unsure of what would come next.
Ananias
God chose to minister to Saul through Ananias, an ordinary man and a disciple in Damascus. We know very little about Ananias—there’s no mention of him before or after this significant encounter with Saul. We don’t know how he came to be in Damascus or what his life was like afterward. From what we do know, he appears to be an ordinary follower of Jesus, described simply as “a certain disciple.”
Ananias wasn’t an apostle, prophet, pastor, evangelist, elder, or deacon. Yet God used him precisely because of his ordinariness. If a well-known leader had ministered to Saul, people might have questioned whether Saul’s gospel came from man rather than from Jesus. In this way, God chose to use an ordinary disciple, showing that there is special work for every believer. God delights in using those who are willing, and Ananias was such a servant.
God spoke to Ananias in a completely different way than He did to Saul. While Saul experienced a dramatic, life-altering confrontation, Ananias heard God’s voice gently in a vision. His response, “Here I am, Lord,” was simple yet profound—he was ready to obey, even though God asked him to do something dangerous. Meeting Saul, the notorious persecutor of Christians, was bold and risky. Ananias understandably sought confirmation from God, and God reassured him along the way.
God’s instructions were clear: “Arise and go.” Interestingly, in Ananias’ vision, God informed him of Saul’s vision, weaving their experiences together. Though Ananias knew of Saul’s violent reputation and feared the persecution he represented, God had already chosen Saul as His vessel, seeing the potential in him long before it became evident to anyone else. It wouldn’t have been surprising if Ananias doubted such a grand calling for someone like Saul.
God also revealed that Saul would suffer greatly for His name’s sake. This was a sobering part of the grand call on Saul’s life, as he would leave behind privilege to embrace a mission filled with suffering.
With courage, Ananias obeyed and went to meet Saul. Christians had always faced the risk of false conversions used to infiltrate their ranks, and Ananias had to overcome that fear. When Ananias laid his hands on Saul and prayed, Saul was healed and filled with the Holy Spirit. By calling him “Brother Saul,” Ananias expressed the love and grace of God. Though Saul couldn’t see the love in Ananias’ face, he felt it through the touch of his hands and the warmth of his words.
WHERE IN THE BIBLE
Ananias is only mentioned in the Bible three times, in the following contexts:
Acts 9:10–19 – This is the most well-known mention of Ananias, where God calls him to go to Saul (later Paul) in Damascus after Saul’s encounter with Jesus on the road.
Acts 22:12 – Paul, in recounting his conversion story before a crowd in Jerusalem, refers to Ananias as “a devout man according to the law” who helped restore his sight and led him to be baptized.
Acts 24:16 – Paul mentions Ananias again in his defense before King Agrippa, again describing how Ananias ministered to him following his vision.
So, while Ananias plays a critical role in Saul’s conversion, his mentions are relatively few, focusing on his role as a disciple and messenger in Paul’s transformation.
SUMMARY
I have learned a lot from Ananias, to summarize, He is:
- A Devoted Follower of Jesus
Ananias was a dedicated disciple in Damascus, ready to respond to God’s call with “Here I am, Lord,” showing his strong faith. - Obedient and Brave
Despite his fears of Saul’s reputation, Ananias courageously obeyed God’s command, trusting in His plan. - Compassionate and Humble
Ananias didn’t seek recognition but humbly did what God asked. His compassion showed when he called Saul “Brother,” offering forgiveness and love. And his touch helped Saul feel this compassion when he could not see. - An Instrument of Healing
God used Ananias to restore Saul’s sight and help him receive the Holy Spirit, making him an important part of Saul’s transformation. - Ordinary but Willing
Ananias wasn’t a church leader, just an ordinary believer, but his willingness to obey God made him key in this important moment. - Part of Saul’s Conversion
God chose Ananias to help Saul take his first steps as a Christian, beginning Saul’s journey to becoming the Apostle Paul. - Attuned to God’s Voice
Ananias was open to hearing from God in a vision, showing his close relationship with Him and his willingness to follow divine guidance.
