Topical Bible: Vision of Ananias of Christ

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The Vision of Ananias of Christ is a significant event recorded in the New Testament, specifically in the Book of Acts. This vision is pivotal in the narrative of Saul's conversion, who later becomes the Apostle Paul, a central figure in early Christianity. The account is found in Acts 9:10-19.

Context and Background

Ananias was a disciple of Jesus residing in Damascus. At this time, Saul, a zealous Pharisee, was actively persecuting Christians, having received authority from the high priest to arrest any followers of "the Way" in Damascus and bring them bound to Jerusalem (Acts 9:1-2). Saul's journey to Damascus was interrupted by a dramatic encounter with the risen Christ, resulting in his temporary blindness (Acts 9:3-9).

The Vision

In Acts 9:10-12, the Lord appears to Ananias in a vision, instructing him to go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for Saul of Tarsus. The Lord reveals to Ananias that Saul is praying and has seen a vision of a man named Ananias coming to restore his sight. The Berean Standard Bible records the Lord's words to Ananias: "Get up and 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" (Acts 9:11-12).

Ananias' Hesitation and Obedience

Ananias expresses concern about approaching Saul, aware of his reputation and the harm he has done to the saints in Jerusalem (Acts 9:13-14). However, the Lord reassures Ananias, explaining that Saul is a chosen instrument to proclaim His name to the Gentiles, kings, and the people of Israel. The Lord also indicates that Saul will suffer for His name (Acts 9:15-16).

Despite his initial hesitation, Ananias obeys the Lord's command. He goes to the house, lays hands on Saul, and addresses him as "Brother Saul," signifying acceptance and fellowship. Ananias declares, "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" (Acts 9:17).

The Outcome

Immediately, something like scales falls from Saul's eyes, and he regains his sight. He rises, is baptized, and after taking some food, regains his strength (Acts 9:18-19). This event marks the beginning of Saul's transformation into Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles, and underscores the power of divine intervention and the obedience of a faithful disciple.

Theological Significance

The Vision of Ananias of Christ highlights several key theological themes. It demonstrates God's sovereignty in choosing and calling individuals for His purposes, regardless of their past. Ananias' role emphasizes the importance of obedience and faith in God's plan, even when it involves personal risk or uncertainty. The vision also illustrates the transformative power of Christ's presence and the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer.

This event serves as a reminder of the unity and fellowship within the body of Christ, as Ananias' acceptance of Saul as a brother foreshadows the breaking down of barriers between Jews and Gentiles in the early Church.

Nave's Topical Index

Acts 9:10-12
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.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Grace Triumphant
... And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias ... And Ananias went his way, and entered
Into the house ... And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that He ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/grace triumphant.htm

From Persecutor to Disciple
... Christ had performed the work of revelation and ... and supplication, the Lord appeared
in vision to "a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias," telling him ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 12 from persecutor to.htm

Acts ix. 10, 12
... be induced by men, but only by Christ Himself: as ... And that Ananias was no very
distinguished person, is plain ... it says, "spake unto him in a vision, and Ananias ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xx acts ix 10.htm

Paul on his Own Conversion
... the words on the road and the commission received through Ananias as equally Christ's
voice ... the God of our fathers' who had 'appointed' the vision, and that ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/paul on his own conversion.htm

The Conversion of Paul.
... might receive his sight." This vision was intended not only to comfort Saul in his
distress, but to prepare him to receive Ananias, as a messenger of Christ.. ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xii the conversion of.htm

Paul's First Prayer
... shepherd of our souls rejoices in the vision of his ... that when he spoke these words
to Ananias, one of ... Jesus Christ was glad, and rejoiced more over that lost ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/pauls first prayer.htm

Saul's Conversion
... and unto him, said the Lord, in a vision, Ananias; and he said, Behold, I am here,
Lord." What a holy familiarity is there between Jesus Christ and regenerate ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/sauls conversion.htm

An Exposition of the Chapters of the Acts of the Apostles.
... U. How, when they had preached Christ in Iconium, and many had ... to be an apostle; *
and of what Ananias said to Paul in Damascus, and of the vision and the ...
/.../pamphilus/the writings of pamphilus/an exposition of the chapters.htm

Acts IX
... of fighting murderously against God and Christ was pressing ... there was a certain disciple
in Damascus, named Ananias. ... the Lord said to him in a vision, Ananias! ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts ix.htm

His Conversion
... community at Damascus, was informed, in a vision, of the ... He learned from Ananias
the future the Saviour had ... him: he had been apprehended by Christ in order to ...
/.../stalker/the life of st paul/chapter iii his conversion.htm