Why did Ananias hesitate to go to Saul in Damascus?
Ananias hesitated because he had heard from many how much evil Saul had done to the saints in Jerusalem, and he knew Saul now carried authority from the chief priests to arrest all who called on the Lord’s name. He feared Saul’s persecution and the threat his mission posed to believers.
Les explains that Ananias answered the Lord by recounting Saul’s reputation: he had heard by many how much evil Saul had done to the saints at Jerusalem. Ananias also pointed out that Saul was present with authority from the chief priests to bind or arrest all that call on the Lord’s name. His hesitation was therefore based on Saul’s known persecution and the official authority he carried. The Lord then told Ananias to go, because Saul was a chosen vessel to bear His name before the Gentiles.
More Questions
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.
Why was Ananias afraid to go to Saul?
Ananias dreaded going to Saul because Saul had authority from the chief priests to arrest Christians, and Ananias imagined being thrown into a dungeon.
Why did Ananias not want to go to Saul?
Ananias was afraid because Saul had authority from the chief priests to bind all who called on the Lord's name, and he imagined himself being put in a dungeon under Jerusalem.