Who was Ananias in Acts 9?
Ananias was a believing Jew in Damascus whom the Lord from glory supernaturally approached about Saul of Tarsus coming to his house. Ananias objected, citing Saul's persecution of Jerusalem's saints and his authority to bind those calling on Jesus. The Lord replied that Saul was a chosen vessel to bear His name before Gentiles, kings, and Israel.
Les explains that in Acts chapter 9, Ananias is a believing Jew in Damascus whom the Lord supernaturally approaches from glory. The Lord warns Ananias that Saul of Tarsus is in town and will be coming to his house. In verse 13 Ananias answers, "But Lord, I have heard by many of this man how much evil he hath done to the saints of Jerusalem," referring to Saul's persecution of them, and he notes that in Damascus Saul has authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on Jesus of Nazareth as the Messiah. In verse 15 the Lord tells Ananias, "Go thy way, don't argue with me," because Saul is a chosen vessel to bear His name before the Gentiles first, then kings, and the children of Israel. Verse 16 adds that while Saul is still recovering from his experience on the road, God tells Ananias He will show Saul how great things he must suffer for His name's sake. Les also reflects on why bad things happen to good people, mentioning a bestseller he thinks was written by a Jewish individual.
Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem:
More Questions
What was Ananias's objection to the Lord about Saul in Acts 9:13?
Ananias answered the Lord by objecting that he had heard from many how much evil Saul had done to the saints of Jerusalem through persecuting them.
How did Ananias respond when the Lord told him about Saul?
Ananias answered the Lord by saying he had heard from many how much evil Saul had done to the saints in Jerusalem by persecuting them.