The Persecutor-A Visit From Ananias

A Visit From Ananias

After appearing to Saul, Jesus also appeared to Ananias, telling him: "Go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man named Saul, from Tarsus. For, look! he is praying, and in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands upon him that he might recover sight." -Acts 9:11, 12.

Since Ananias knew of Saul, his surprise at Jesus' words is understandable. He said: "Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how many injurious things he did to your holy ones in Jerusalem. and he has authority from the chief priests to put in bonds all those calling upon your name." However, Jesus told Ananias: "Be on your way, because this man is a chosen vessel to me to bear my name to the nations as well as to kings and the sons of Israel." -Acts 9:13-15.

Reassured, Ananias went to the address Jesus had given him. Upon finding and greeting Saul, Ananias laid his hands on him. "And immediately, " says the account, "there fell from [Saul's] eyes what looked like scales, and he recovered sight." Saul was now ready to listen. Ananias' words confirmed what Saul probably had understood from the words of Jesus: "The God of our forefathers has chose you to come to know his will and to see the righteous One and to hear the voice of his mouth, because you are to be a witness for him to all men of things you have seen and heard. and now why are you delaying? Rise, get baptized and wash your sins away by your calling upon his name." The result? Saul "rose and was baptized, and he took food and gained strength." -Acts 9:17-19; 22:12-16.

After fulfilling his commission, faithful Ananias disappeared from the scene as quickly as he entered it, and we are told no more about him. But Saul astonished all who heard him! The former persecutor, who came to Damascus to arrest Jesus' disciples, began to preach in the synagogues and to prove that Jesus was the Christ. -Acts 9:20-22.

Next time: The Persecutor- "Apostle To The Nations"

Watchtower, 2000