Ananias appears briefly in the New Testament, yet his obedience to God’s call and his role in healing and welcoming Saul (later the apostle Paul) played a pivotal part in the early spread of the gospel. Ananias’s story, found in Acts 9:10-19, showcases how God uses ordinary, seemingly unknown believers in His redemptive plan. By simply obeying God’s direction, Ananias helped launch Paul’s ministry, shaping the future of Christianity. His story serves as an encouragement to believers today that God can bring extraordinary opportunities to those who are willing, faithful, and responsive to His calling.
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Ananias’s Faith and Obedience to God’s Call
Ananias was a devoted disciple in Damascus. Saul, a known persecutor of Christians, had journeyed to Damascus intending to arrest those who followed Christ. However, after a divine encounter on the road, Saul was left blind and disoriented, fasting and praying for three days (Acts 9:9). During this time, God spoke to Ananias in a vision, instructing him to go to Saul and restore his sight (Acts 9:10-12). Ananias, though hesitant, expressed his concern to God about Saul’s notorious reputation, saying, “Lord, I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem” (Acts 9:13). Despite his fears, Ananias chose obedience, responding to God’s reassurance that Saul was His “chosen instrument to proclaim My name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel” (Acts 9:15).
Ananias’s obedience came at a personal risk. Saul’s reputation as a persecutor of Christians would have been well-known, and approaching him could have endangered Ananias’s life. Yet, Ananias went forward, trusting that God’s plan outweighed his own fears. His willingness to obey in faith serves as a powerful example for believers today, reminding us that God’s purposes can often lead us into situations that test our trust, yet bring profound impact when we choose faithfulness.
The Transformation of Saul and the Role of an “Ordinary” Believer
When Ananias arrived, he addressed Saul with words of acceptance: “Brother Saul.” This greeting alone conveyed an incredible act of grace, welcoming Saul into the family of faith despite his past (Acts 9:17). Ananias laid his hands on Saul, saying, “The Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit” (Acts 9:17). Immediately, Saul’s sight was restored, and he received the Holy Spirit, empowering him to begin his ministry as an apostle (Acts 9:18-19).
In this simple act, Ananias facilitated both a physical and a spiritual transformation for Saul. His faithfulness led to Saul’s healing, baptism, and eventual calling as the apostle Paul. Ananias’s story illustrates that God doesn’t require believers to have prominent roles or even be “in ministry” to be used in significant ways. Instead, God often brings His plans into the lives of everyday believers who are simply willing to listen and obey.
An Encouragement for Believers Today
Ananias’s life speaks volumes about how God values the faithful service of believers who may not seek recognition but are open to being used. Many believers today may feel unnoticed or ordinary, far removed from the mission fields or pulpits. Yet, just as Ananias was chosen to minister to Saul, God can bring pivotal moments into any believer’s life, offering opportunities to impact His kingdom in unexpected ways. These moments often come in our regular lives—in acts of kindness, in a willingness to serve, and in courageously stepping into situations that may seem challenging or uncomfortable.
God often uses believers right where they are, at the right time, to fulfill His purposes. Like Ananias, we may encounter opportunities that seem small or uncertain, yet these moments can have lasting effects on the lives of others. Ananias’s faith reminds us that even a single act of obedience can influence lives for generations, as Paul’s ministry would go on to impact countless individuals and help shape the early Church.
Conclusion
Ananias’s story is a powerful testimony to the faithfulness and obedience of an “ordinary” disciple. Although he may not be widely known, his willingness to answer God’s call led to the transformation of one of Christianity’s most influential leaders. His story encourages all believers to trust in God’s guidance and to be open to His leading, even when the path is uncertain. God can and does use those who are faithful, regardless of their status or title, to accomplish His purposes. Ananias’s legacy is a reminder that no act of obedience is insignificant in God’s kingdom, and that He often uses those who are simply willing to listen and obey.
Closing Passage
Ananias’s life reflects the truth found in 1 Corinthians 1:27-28: “But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong… so that no one may boast before him.” Through his quiet faithfulness, Ananias reminds believers today that God often uses what the world might overlook to bring about His redemptive plans.
All Scripture quoted from:
New International Version (NIV)
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