Ananias prays for Saul / Acts Bible Study (Part 23) / Chapter 9

David Hathaway

In this episode David continues teaching from Acts 9.10-22.

In these verses Ananias, a disciple of the Lord, receives a vision, instructing him to go to Saul. It is revealed that Saul is God's chosen instrument to carry His name to the Gentiles, Kings and Israelites, and that Saul will suffer greatly for this cause. Upon being prayed for, Saul regains his sight and is filled with the Holy Spirit. He then gets baptised.

'In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, ‘Ananias!’

‘Yes, Lord,’ he answered.

The Lord told him, ‘Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.’

‘Lord,’ Ananias answered, ‘I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem. And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.’

But the Lord said to Ananias, ‘Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.’

Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, ‘Brother Saul, the Lord – Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here – has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.’ Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptised, and after taking some food, he regained his strength.' (Acts 9.10-22, NIV.)