Who is Ananias in Acts 9?
Ananias in Acts 9 is a believing Jew in Damascus whom the Lord supernaturally approaches. Warned that Saul of Tarsus is in town, Ananias questions the Lord about Saul's persecution, but the Lord tells him to go, for Saul is a chosen vessel to bear His name before Gentiles, kings, and Israel.
Les explains that the scene is Damascus, where Ananias, a believing Jew, is supernaturally approached by the Lord from glory. The Lord warns him that Saul of Tarsus is in town and will come to his house. In verse 13, Ananias answers with concern, having heard how much evil Saul did to the saints of Jerusalem by persecuting them, and that in Damascus he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Jesus of Nazareth as the Messiah. But the Lord says in verse 15, 'Go thy way, don't argue with me,' for Saul is a chosen vessel to bear His name before the Gentiles first, then kings, and the children of Israel. Verse 16 adds that God tells Ananias, while Saul is still recovering from his experience on the road, that He will show Saul how great things he must suffer for His name's sake. Les also relates this to the question of why bad things happen to good people, mentioning a book by that title.
And 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.
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