Ananias' Vision About Saul

Illustration of Ananias' Vision About Saul

In the Book of Acts, following Saul's dramatic encounter with the risen Christ on the road to Damascus, which left him blind, the Lord appears in a vision to a disciple named Ananias instructing him to visit Saul at the house of Judas and restore his sight by laying hands on him. Ananias expresses reluctance due to Saul's reputation as a fierce persecutor of the early Christian church, but God reveals that Saul is a chosen instrument destined to proclaim the gospel to Gentiles, kings, and the people of Israel. This divine intervention highlights God's sovereign grace in transforming an enemy of the faith into the apostle Paul, whose missionary journeys would profoundly shape the spread of Christianity throughout the Roman Empire.

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Details

Category
Early Church
Dreamer
Ananias
Interpretation
God's choice of instruments defies human logic. The greatest persecutor becomes the greatest apostle.

Key Passages

The Vision

Acts 9:10-16

A10nd 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.

11 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, 12 And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight. 13 Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: 14 And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name. 15 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: 16 For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my nameโ€™s sake.

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