The early church · Damascus, c. AD 34
Ananias of Damascus in the Bible
The disciple who called Saul “brother”. Name meaning: From the Greek Ananias, a form of the Hebrew Hananiah, “the LORD has been gracious” (a name also borne by one of Daniel’s companions, Dan 1:6)
Ananias is a devout disciple in Damascus, well spoken of by all the Jews of the city. In a vision, the Lord sends him to Saul of Tarsus, the persecutor who has been struck blind. In spite of his fear, Ananias obeys, lays his hands on Saul, calls him “brother,” and Saul regains his sight and is filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 9:10-18; 22:12-16). He is not to be confused with the other men named Ananias in Acts.
Key moments
- The Lord calls him in a vision: “Behold, I am here, Lord” Acts 9:10
- He is told to go to Judas’s house on Straight Street Acts 9:11
- He objects, and the Lord reveals Saul’s calling Acts 9:13–15
- He lays his hands on Saul: “Brother Saul” Acts 9:17
- Saul regains his sight and is baptized Acts 9:18
- He tells Saul that he will be a witness to what he has seen and heard Acts 22:14–15
- “Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins” Acts 22:16
Strengths
- Obedience
- Devotion
- Courage
- Kindness
Weaknesses
His one hesitation: when told to go to Saul, Ananias reminds the Lord of the harm done to the saints in Jerusalem (Acts 9:13-14). The Lord sets him straight, and he obeys.
Lessons for today
- Obey the Lord even when the order is frightening: Ananias goes to the man who came to arrest Christians (Acts 9:13-17).
- Welcome as a brother the one whom God has taken hold of: “Brother Saul” (Acts 9:17).
- God can use a disciple of whom the Bible says little to accomplish a great purpose (Acts 9:10-17; 22:12-16).
- A devout life leaves a good reputation, even among those who do not share the Christian faith (Acts 22:12).
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:
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 now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.
People around Ananias of Damascus
- Saul (Paul) — Persecutor turned apostle, on whom he lays his hands
- Jesus — The Lord who calls him in a vision and sends him
- Judas of Damascus — Saul’s host, on the street called Straight
- The disciples in Damascus — Believers with whom Saul stays some days after his healing
Quiz: how well do you know Ananias of Damascus?
In which city did the disciple Ananias live, to whom the Lord spoke in a vision?
“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.” Acts 9:10
For how many days was Saul without sight, neither eating nor drinking, before Ananias came?
After the light on the road to Damascus, Saul “was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.” Ananias then came to lay hands on him. Acts 9:9
What did Ananias call Saul as he laid his hands on him?
Ananias said, “Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus… hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Acts 9:17
There are many more questions like these in Bible Academy, each with its explanation and verse. Start your free trial.