Vol.11 No.6

A Disciple Named Ananias
Meet the man God sent to the repentant persecutor Saul.
By Staci Osterman

“Saul of Tarsus is on his way here!” The messenger’s announcement startled the crowd gathered in the narrow Damascus street. “He received letters from the high priest to find and arrest the followers of Jesus who live in this city. They will be taken to Jerusalem to be tried and sentenced.” 

Ananias listened with a heavy heart. His head hung low as he walked back to his house. How often he shuddered when hearing of the great persecution in Jerusalem. There, Saul had made “havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.” Acts 8:3. Persecution was so great that many disciples fled to other towns where they could preach the gospel in safety. Unwilling to limit his cruelty to the disciples there, Saul now turned toward Damascus. 

Prior to Saul’s arrival, Ananias probably spent much time in prayer, because he was a “devout man according to the law.” Acts 22:12.

He had become a disciple, and his new life testified of his connection with the living Savior. In Damascus he had a “good report of all the Jews which dwelt there.”

CHOSEN OF GOD

Soon after, the Lord appeared to him in a vision. He immediately responded, “Behold, I am here, Lord.” Acts 9:10. These words reveal the submission of a converted heart. When God appeared to Isaiah, the prophet answered, “Here am I; send me.” Isaiah 6:9. When an angel announced to Mary that she was to be the mother of God’s Son, she responded in a similar manner. “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.” Luke 1:38. Even the child Samuel replied, “Speak; for thy servant heareth.” 1 Samuel 3:10.

Now God had chosen Ananias for a special work. “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, And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.” Acts 9:11, 12.

How astonishing those words must have sounded—“Behold, he prayeth.” Hadn’t Saul been “breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord” only days before?

Note the hesitation in Ananias’ voice. “Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name.” Verses 13, 14. Ananias had a close relationship with God, but he was also human. Fear welled up as he imagined facing the man who had terrorized the church. Had God made a mistake?

As Christians we often ask a similar question. With hearts stirred by His love, we boldly say, “I’ll go where you want me to go, Lord.” But when the call comes, we panic! He may be asking us to confront the sins of our children, witness to a grouchy neighbor, counsel a friend who is drifting from the Lord, or seek reconciliation with the one who has offended us.

Afraid of the response, we shrink from the task. For these doubting disciples, the reassuring words of the Lord to Ananias apply: “Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: For

I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake.” Verses 15, 16.

God saw in Saul a courageous warrior. He saw the missionary evangelist he would become through the Spirit’s power. He saw groups of Gentiles joining the church because of  Saul’s preaching. And He saw Saul’s martyrdom in Rome. God now asks Ananias, “Will you see Saul through My eyes?” How important it is that we ask God to help us see people as He sees them! “For the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7.

OBEDIENT TO GOD

With new vision, Ananias obeys the call. Arriving at the home where Saul is waiting, he places his hands on the former persecutor, and says, “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.” Acts 9:17.

How sweet those words must have been to Saul! He had been blinded and isolated from friends. The rulers in Jerusalem would now despise him. The disciples whom he had joined now feared him. Who would accept him? Those words “Brother Saul” spoke acceptance and trust. As further confirmation, “immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight.”

Ananias did not wait for Saul to prove his conversion but obeyed the clear direction of God. And as he did, prejudice melted into love. Tenderly, he nurtured Saul in the faith, confirming his experience and inspiring him with hope for the future. On the Damascus road, Saul asked, “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?” The answer came through Ananias. “And he said, The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know his will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth. For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard. And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.” Acts 22:14-16.

WITNESSING FOR GOD

In our world there are many sinners whom Christ desires to connect with His church. Despised and hopeless, they wander aimlessly. Then, like Saul, they meet the Savior and their lives are forever changed. Christ lovingly directs them to His children that they might receive fellowship, direction, and instruction in the faith.

Ananias powerfully illustrates the work to which we, as Christians, have been called. Through Christ’s love, we can overcome fears and prejudices and reach out to restore these repentant ones. We can accept them with open arms into our fellowship. We can sit beside them and give them a picture of the beautiful plan God has for their lives. Inspiring them with hope and confidence, we can aid them in reaching this high calling. There is no other work as important as this. Just as Ananias helped Saul to become the missionary Paul, so God wants to use us to reach the lost.

Are you willing to accept the call?