The Courage Of Ananias

Acts 9:10-19

Tucked into the story of the conversion of Paul to Christianity is a brief glimpse of another man; one that you and I may be able to identify with more than Paul. This Ananias was a resident of Damascus where Saul (Paul) had been taken after his encounter with Christ. In that encounter Paul had been struck blind. Those with him had taken him to the house of a man named Judas where he had been for three days without taking food or water.

The Lord came to Ananias in a vision and told him to go explain to Paul what had happened. Ananias was fearful because he had heard of Paul’s reputation of “breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord” (9:1). You and I can understand that fear because often when we feel the Holy Spirit leading us to witness to someone about our faith a feeling of hesitancy or fear grips us. Ananias knew that Paul was intent on persecuting Christians. The Lord told Ananias that Paul was a chosen instrument who would witness to the Gentiles, kings and sons of Israel (v. 15).

I’m impressed that once Ananias understood he obeyed. The next thing we are told he is with Paul and explained to him what was happening “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road by which you were coming, has sent me so that you may regain your sight, and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Saul immediately regained his sight, arose and was baptized and immediately began to proclaim Jesus.

We all know the story of Saul, but we often fail to learn the lesson of Ananias. This quiet faithful Christian was faithful in obeying the Lord in what could have been a difficult situation. Can you imagine the blessing that must have come to Ananias, not only at Saul’s reaction but even years later as he observed the impact Paul had on the world?

We are often given opportunity to share our faith in the Lord Jesus and hesitate because of fear. The Lord wants us to be bold in our witness to others. I think we can see this from the attitude of boldness that has been demonstrated by so many so far in this book. I pray that you will take advantage of the opportunities you are given to share your faith.