Acts 9 gives us one of the most famous conversions in history: Saul, the violent persecutor, meets Jesus on the road to Damascus and everything changes (Acts 9:1–9). But if you look closely, the story doesn’t end with Saul hitting the ground. It continues in the quiet faithfulness of a man most people overlook: Ananias.
And that’s where this gets personal, because you may never have a “Damascus road” moment. But you can absolutely live an Ananias kind of life.
After Saul meets Jesus, he’s left blind and helpless for three days—sitting in darkness, not eating or drinking, praying (Acts 9:9, 11). It’s a powerful picture: real conversion often includes a kind of disorientation. When Jesus interrupts your life, you don’t instantly have everything figured out. You need healing. You need clarity. You need community.
That’s exactly why Jesus sends Ananias.
# Why Jesus Used Ananias
Honestly, Jesus didn’t need Ananias. He could have restored Saul’s sight directly. He could have explained the next steps Himself. But He chose to involve a regular disciple in Damascus (Acts 9:10–12). That choice says something important: Jesus doesn’t just save individuals; He brings people into His body.
Remember what Jesus said to Saul: “Why do you persecute me?” (Acts 9:4–5). Saul had been attacking Christians, but Jesus took it personally. The church is not a spiritual add-on; it’s Christ’s own body. So Saul didn’t just need a private experience with Jesus—he needed reconciliation with Jesus’ people. And the church needed help receiving the man who had terrorized them.
Ananias becomes that bridge.
# Three Marks of an Ananias Heart
Ananias shows us what spiritual maturity looks like when nobody’s applauding.
First, obedience that moves toward hard things. When the Lord calls him, Ananias responds, “Here I am, Lord” (Acts 9:10). That’s not casual spirituality; that’s surrender. And then the assignment comes: go to Saul. The Saul. Ananias doesn’t pretend it’s easy—he voices his fear and concerns (Acts 9:13–14). But God doesn’t argue with him; He simply says, “Go” (Acts 9:15). And Ananias goes.
Second, faith that trusts God’s surprising plans. God tells Ananias that Saul is “my chosen instrument” (Acts 9:15–16). Imagine hearing that about the person you associate with trauma and loss. Yet Ananias believes God can transform even this enemy into a servant. Faith isn’t only trusting Jesus for forgiveness; it’s trusting Jesus’ wisdom when He writes a story you wouldn’t have chosen.
Third, grace that welcomes the undeserving. When Ananias finally meets Saul, his first word is stunning: “Brother Saul” (Acts 9:17). Not “So you’re the one.” Not “Let’s see if this is real.” Just brother. That one word must have landed like water on scorched ground. Then Ananias lays hands on him, Saul receives his sight, is filled with the Holy Spirit, and is baptized (Acts 9:17–18). No probation period. No cold distance. Grace, offered freely.
# What This Looks Like for You
If you want to grow spiritually, ask God to make you the kind of person He can send.
Maybe your “Ananias moment” is:
- moving toward someone you’d rather avoid
- welcoming a new believer without suspicion or superiority
- letting the church support you instead of insisting you’re fine
- obeying Scripture when it challenges your comfort, reputation, or fear
There are no lone-ranger Christians in Acts 9. Saul needed Ananias, and the church needed to learn how to receive Saul. We still do.
# The Quiet Joy of Being Used by God
Ananias never becomes famous. He’s barely mentioned again. But he was there at the crucial moment—helping a shaken new believer take his first steps. And God still writes His biggest stories through people like that.
You may not be called to be a Saul. But you can be an Ananias: obedient, faithful, and gracious—ready to say, “Here I am, Lord,” and mean it.
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