And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord 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, And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight. 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. 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. 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. 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. And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God. Act 9:10-20 KJV
Act 22:12-16 KJV And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt there, 13 Came unto me, and stood, and said unto me, Brother Saul, receive thy sight. And the same hour I looked up upon him. 14 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. 15 For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard. 16 And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.
There was a certain man at Jerusalem named Ananias...And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias
Both previously unknown:
One became infamous for lying to the Holy Ghost, the other became famous for obeying the Holy Ghost
One allowed Satan to fill his heart; the other allowed God to direct him
One wanted to be known as a generous man, the other already had a good report of all Jews.
One was pretentious and deceitful; the other was devout according to the law
One died in ignominy and shame, the other lives on as the man who launched the apostle Paul on his mission.
Obedience led Ananias to launch the world's foremost apostle and missionary.
He was the first person Paul saw after recovering from his blindness.
Paul referred to him in glowing terms of praise.
He also was not disobedient to the heavenly vision!
He was made the subject of Paul's vision
Ananias comes through as a brave, obedient, devout man and a man of good report.
Saul was not in a house full of Christians. he was in a house of his friends who no doubt shared the same purpose i.e. opposition to the Christians.
You may say he stepped right into the viper's nest to meet the king viper.
It takes a certain kind of courage to do that! These were dangerous times.
Knowing who Saul was and his declared mission, it was no little thing to walk into that house with the re-commission from God! It may not be the place you want to be but it is the place God wants you to be!
WE HAVE FROM THE BIBLE THE FOLLOWING DESCRIPTION OF ANANIAS:
1. A certain disciple
It is possible that he was not in some type of leadership position or both Paul and Luke would have mentioned it. It should remind us that "Of a truth...God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him." Acts 10:34-35.
2. A devout man according to the law
He met all the qualifications of being a devout man in line with the Law of God. He lived according to the requirements laid out in the Law of God.
3. Had a good report of all the Jews
His reputation was good not only in the Christian community but among all the Jews. He not only studied the Law and knew it. He practiced it in righteousness and truth so that his devoted lifestyle was observed and known by all.
WE CAN ALSO DEDUCE THE FOLLOWING ABOUT ANANIAS:
1. He was yielded to the moving of the Holy Ghost
He was available to receive a vision from God concerning Saul. He was thus able to learn about Paul's call and mission in this life. His lifestyle shows that he
2. He was a cautious man
He was not full of false bravado. He reasoned with the Lord about Saul's motive and reason for being in Damascus based on what he had heard but was satisfied with the Lord's explanation and assurance. Note that Ananias was not making an excuse or looking for a reason not to go! He was genuinely concerned about Saul's reputation, purposes and plans.
3. He was obedient and acknowledged the authority of the Lord.
He obeyed the Lord by following through with the commandment of the Lord. He went to the home where Saul was staying addressed Saul as Brother Saul despite the possible consequences. Remember no one else knew what was going on and Saul was most likely staying with Jewish friends who had the same desire and plan that Saul set out with to Damascus. As a result of his faith and obedience, Ananias healed Saul, gave him his commission and baptized him.
Ananias probably had no idea of the impact his obedience he was remembered by Paul when Paul made his defense before Agrippa in Acts 22.
What applications can we make from this?
1. GOD CAN USE YOU REGARDLESS OF STATION IN LIFE OR IMPORTANCE IN SOCIETY
There are many who feel that they are not in any way equipped to be used by God. We should remember "... that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence. 1Co 1:26-29 KJV
2. WE SHOULD BE IN A POSITION WHERE WE ARE ABLE TO HEAR GOD'S VOICE AND UNDERSTAND HIS MESSAGE.
Being in position to hear God's voice is not referring to any particular geographical location. It refers to a state of mind and spirit as Ananias who was devout and had a good report. We should not expect that God only sees us on Sundays in church or on other church days, but should realize that God is near all the time in public places when all see us and in private places where we think no one sees. It is necessary for us to realize that we live a life unto God. Our allegiance is to Him. When we live according to His Word in order to please Him alone, it stands to reason that men will notice our lifestyle and behavior They will hear our words but will also see our actions and attitude. Living to please God will have an impact not only on our brethren and those outside but it will also result in us being in a better position to hear God and get a glimpse of His plans and purposes.
3. WE SHOULD BE READY TO OBEY GOD FOR WHO KNOWS WHAT THAT SEEMINGLY INSIGNIFICANT ACT MAY RESULT IN FOR THE REST OF THE WORLD!
When God gives you an urge to speak to someone do not let fear and nervousness deter you. You never know what your words or action may result in? God does not deal in vagueness but in a definite way. He will give you definite directions and instructions about what He wants you to do. It is up to you to obey. And she went and did according to the saying of Elijah: and she, and he, and her house, did eat many days. And the barrel of meal wasted not, neither did the cruse of oil fail, according to the word of the LORD, which he spake by Elijah. 1Ki 17:15-16 KJV
