The Apostles: Ananias

Ananias is mentioned in the book of Acts when he is sent to restore Paul’s sight.

The name Ananias means favored of the Lord.

We first meet him in the story of Paul’s conversion.

“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.”  {Acts 9:10}

We discover he is from Damascus, which is in present day Syria.

He recognized the name of the Lord and answered right away. He’s saying in essence, “Here I am. What can I do for you?”

And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight. {Acts 9:12}

Ananias went in and put his hands on Saul {later became Paul} and his sight was restored. The Lord gave him instructions in a vision of what to do.

Ananias came in to Saul/Paul

Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem  {Acts 9:13}

Clearly Ananias has heard of Saul, because he tells the Lord of the evil he’s done. However, he does as commanded and obeys the Lord’s command.

Later, once Saul has become Paul, he speaks of Ananias.

And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt there.  {Acts 22:12}

Paul tells us that Ananias is a devout, just and Godly man. He has a good reputation.

We can all learn from Ananias to be willing to go wherever the Lord commands.

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