If we had to choose a man to be of first help to Saul of Tarsus perhaps we would have chosen one from a place of reputation, but God brings good from the lowliest of places. Ananias came from Damascus and is described as ‘a certain disciple’, a term used three times in Acts, two of them in chapter nine. What sort of man was he, to be chosen for such important service?
He was a Man of Communion. When the Lord appeared and called him by name, the immediate response was, ‘Behold, I am here, Lord’. He knew the voice of God and was prepared to listen to it. Those who are living in communion with God can expect to have His will revealed to them. Samuel had to learn to recognize the voice of the Lord, but this humble disciple was ready to respond to it. We learn more of him when Paul gave testimony of events after his conversion. What seemed to impress him about this servant of the Lord was he was ‘a devout man … having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt there’, Acts 22. 12. What we are, and what God is doing in us, is more important than what we know, and what God is doing through us!
He was a Man of Concern. Clearly, he was in touch with events which concerned the safety of the testimony and of the saints, for Saul’s evil reputation had spread. Yet the way in which he spoke with God reveals both a godly intimacy and a reverential respect.
He was a Man of Commitment. No detailed explanation of conversion is given. He was simply told ‘Go thy way’, v. 15, ‘And Ananias went his way’, v. 17. Here was commitment to obey the voice of God!
He was a Man of Compassion. All fears were now gone, the greeting was ‘Brother Saul’. He had been told to put his hand on him, but he put his hands on him! This warmth had not left Paul’s memory years later when standing before the Jews in Jerusalem, Acts 22. 13.
He was a Man of Conviction. More is found in the later account of Acts chapter 22 than in Acts chapter 9 of what God told him to say. Both passages show that he said all with attention to detail as a true steward of God.
