Why did the Lord emphasize to Ananias the purpose of saving Saul?
The Lord emphasized Saul's purpose to Ananias because Saul's conversion marked a major change of direction in God's program. From Genesis 12 through Acts 9, God dealt almost exclusively with Israel. Ananias needed to understand that saving this persecuting Jewish zealot signaled a shift, not just another Israelite blessing.
Les explains that the Lord had to make such an emphasis to Ananias so he would understand what the purpose was in saving this Jewish zealot. Saul had been putting Jews to death for having embraced Jesus of Nazareth as the Messiah. Ananias had to realize that now there was going to be a change of direction. Up until Acts chapter 9, from Genesis 12, it was God dealing with the nation of Israel, not exclusively but almost. So the salvation of Saul was not just another individual conversion within the old framework; it signaled a transition that Ananias needed to grasp.
More Questions
What did God commission Saul to be in Acts 9?
In Acts 9, instead of Israel going out to the nations with the Gospel, God commissioned Saul to be the Apostle of the Gentiles.