Ananias of Damascus

Life and work

Ananias is introduced simply as "a disciple" living in Damascus. After Saul of Tarsus was struck blind on the road to Damascus during his famous encounter with the risen Christ, the Lord appeared to Ananias in a vision and instructed him to go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for Saul, who was praying and had himself seen a vision of a man named Ananias coming to restore his sight (Acts 9:10-12).

Ananias objected, telling the Lord he had heard how much harm Saul had done to believers in Jerusalem and that he had come to Damascus with authority to arrest anyone who called on Jesus's name. The Lord responded that Saul was his chosen instrument to carry his name before Gentiles, kings, and Israel, and told Ananias how much Saul would suffer for that name (Acts 9:13-16).

Ananias went as instructed, laid hands on Saul, and called him "Brother Saul" — addressing the very man who had come to persecute people like him. Something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, his sight returned, and Ananias baptized him. Saul then took food and regained his strength (Acts 9:17-19). Ananias is not mentioned again in Acts; Paul himself later recounts the episode when giving his testimony before a crowd in Jerusalem, describing Ananias as "a devout observer of the law and highly respected by all the Jews living" in Damascus (Acts 22:12-16).

Extra-biblical evidence

No extra-biblical source records this Ananias; he should not be confused with the different Ananias of Acts 5, who died after lying to Peter about withholding proceeds from a sale of property.

Scripture references

• Acts 9:10-19 — Ananias restores Saul's sight and baptizes him
• Acts 22:12-16 — Paul recounts Ananias's role in his testimony

Reflect

Ananias was asked to go help the man who had come to arrest him — what is the most uncomfortable thing you sense you're supposed to do?