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Ananias Ministers to Saul
The Divine Appointment: Ananias Ministers to Saul
The narrative of Ananias's ministry to Saul, found primarily in the ninth chapter of the book of Acts, stands as a profound testament to God's sovereign grace, His redemptive power, and His unconventional methods. It highlights the crucial role of an obedient believer in facilitating the transformation of one of Christianity's most formidable adversaries into its most fervent apostle. Before this pivotal encounter, Saul of Tarsus was a zealous persecutor of the church, "breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord," (Acts 9:1) and actively seeking to imprison those who called upon the name of Jesus.
His journey to Damascus was undertaken with malevolent intent, armed with letters from the high priest, authorizing him to bring bound "any that were of this way, whether they were men or women," (Acts 9:2) back to Jerusalem for punishment. Yet, God, in His infinite wisdom and mercy, had a radically different plan for Saul. This plan would involve a blinding light, a divine voice, and the humble obedience of a disciple named Ananias.
The Call to Ananias: A Challenging Commission
As Saul lay blind and helpless in Damascus, wrestling with the implications of his encounter with the risen Christ, the Lord was simultaneously preparing His instrument of mercy. Ananias, a disciple in Damascus, was a man of good report, as later recounted by Paul himself in Acts 22:12, "And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt there." God chose this ordinary man for an extraordinary mission. The divine call came to Ananias in a vision:
And the Lord said unto him in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord. And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth.
This command must have struck Ananias with considerable apprehension. The name "Saul of Tarsus" was synonymous with terror among believers. His reputation for persecution preceded him, and Ananias, like any prudent believer, was aware of the danger. His immediate response was not outright disobedience but an honest expression of his fear and concern, rooted in the very real threats Saul posed:
Then Ananias answered, 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.
Ananias's hesitation was understandable, yet God's reply was firm and definitive, revealing the magnitude of His divine purpose for Saul:
But the Lord said unto him, 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.
This divine reassurance transformed Ananias's fear into faith. He was not merely being sent to an enemy, but to a "chosen vessel" through whom God would accomplish His global mission. The Lord not only revealed Saul's future ministry but also his future suffering, preparing Ananias for the profound paradox of God's work.
Ananias's Obedience and the Act of Ministry
Armed with this divine revelation and empowered by the Lord's clear command, Ananias rose in faith and went. His obedience is a powerful example for every believer. He did not question further; he simply went to the specified street and house, demonstrating trust in God's word over his own understanding or fear. Upon finding Saul, Ananias initiated the ministry God had ordained:
And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, 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.
This simple greeting, "Brother Saul," speaks volumes. It signifies an immediate acceptance and recognition of Saul's new status in Christ, despite his past. It was a profound act of grace and reconciliation. Ananias, by laying hands on Saul, acted as God's physical conduit for healing and spiritual empowerment. The results were immediate and miraculous:
And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized. And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.
The falling of the "scales" from Saul's eyes was both a literal physical healing and a powerful symbolic representation of his spiritual blindness being removed. He received not only his physical sight but also a clear understanding of Jesus as the Messiah and Lord. Following this, he was filled with the Holy Ghost, signifying his spiritual regeneration and empowerment for ministry. His subsequent baptism publicly declared his new faith and allegiance to Christ.
The Significance of Ananias's Ministry
Ananias's role in Saul's conversion and commissioning is often overlooked, yet it is undeniably pivotal. His ministry encompassed several crucial aspects:
- Physical Healing: He was God's instrument to restore Saul's sight, a visible sign of God's power and mercy.
- Spiritual Impartation: Through Ananias, Saul was "filled with the Holy Ghost," marking his endowment with divine power for his future apostolic calling. This was not merely an intellectual assent to truth but a profound spiritual experience.
- Affirmation and Welcome: Ananias's greeting, "Brother Saul," and his willingness to minister to a former persecutor, extended grace and acceptance, integrating Saul into the community of believers. This was crucial for Saul's immediate discipleship and future collaboration with other apostles.
- Confirmation of Divine Call: Ananias confirmed to Saul the very identity of the Lord who appeared to him on the road and articulated God's specific plan for his life. This removed any lingering doubt Saul might have had about the encounter being a mere hallucination or a demonic deception.
- Laying on of Hands and Baptism: These acts, performed by Ananias, were essential for Saul's entry into the Christian community and his public declaration of faith.
Ananias's obedience was a direct catalyst for the unleashing of Paul's ministry, which would profoundly shape the trajectory of Christianity. Without Ananias, Saul might have remained blind, or at least unconfirmed in his new faith, potentially delaying or altering God's plan for him.
Lessons for Believers Today
The account of Ananias's ministry to Saul offers timeless lessons for believers:
In conclusion, Ananias, the faithful disciple in Damascus, played an indispensable role in the early church's history. His willingness to overcome fear and obey God's seemingly risky command led directly to the restoration of sight, spiritual empowerment, and baptism of Saul of Tarsus, paving the way for the Apostle Paul's unparalleled ministry. Ananias's story is a powerful reminder that God often uses the humble obedience of one person to accomplish His grandest designs, echoing the truth that even the smallest acts of faith can have eternal consequences for the Kingdom of God.
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