Acts 9v10-19
Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.” And the Lord said to him, “Rise and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying, and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight.” But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to Your saints at Jerusalem. And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name.”
But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of Mine to carry My Name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of My Name.” So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized; and taking food, he was strengthened. For some days he was with the disciples at Damascus. (ESV)
We see Ananias’:
- Assignment (vv 10-12):
a. The Lord’s call – He spoke to him
b. The Lord’s specific command – telling him to go to a specific location and find Saul (see Proverbs 3:6). - Apprehension (vv 13-14):
a. His fear – he was fearful of Paul for his persecution of the Saints.
b. His faltering – he shared his concerns and doubts regarding Paul’s conversion and that he would be next in line). We must not allow our doubts and fears to doubt the Lord’s plan but trust fully in our Lord Jesus Christ. - Acceptance (vv 15-16):
a. The Lord’s answer.
b. The Lord’s assurance – Paul would suffer for Jesus).
c. The Lord’s acceptance. - Accomplishment (vv 17-19):
a. Ananias’ compliance – he followed the Lord’s instructions, which led to
b. Paul’s conversion – he was filled with the Holy Spirit and was baptized).
What are the consequence of Ananias’s compliance and Pauls’ conversion?
Paul made his way to Jerusalem and he planted churches and wrote 48% of the New Testament throughout his ministry!
This is a remarkable example of how God can use ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things.