Lives of Scripture

Ananias was a disciple living in Damascus when the Lord spoke to him in a vision, instructing him to go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and lay hands on Saul of Tarsus, who had been struck blind on the road to Damascus after encountering the risen Jesus (Acts 9:10-12). Ananias's reply is remarkably candid: he had heard from many how much harm Saul had done to the saints in Jerusalem, and knew Saul had come to Damascus with authority to arrest anyone calling on Jesus's name (9:13-14) -- a reasonable fear, given Saul's reputation as the church's most dangerous persecutor. The Lord's answer redirected Ananias entirely: "go, for he is a chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel," adding that Saul would also suffer greatly for that name (9:15-16). Ananias obeyed despite his fear, went to Saul, laid hands on him, and addressed him with startling warmth as "brother Saul" -- extending immediate fellowship to a man who, days earlier, had been actively hunting Christians for arrest and death (9:17). Something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, his sight was restored, and he was filled with the Holy Spirit and baptized (9:17-19). Ananias's brief but pivotal act of obedient, risk-taking faith helped launch the ministry of the man who would become the apostle Paul, the most influential missionary and writer in the New Testament.