The Weight of Fear and the Choice of Obedience
In this post i would like to share the story of a lesser known disciple and how this devout disciple chose to conquer his terror and was obedient to the voice of God.
The conversion of Saul (who became the Apostle Paul) is an epic story, yet its success hinged on the quiet, crucial choice of one man: Ananias. As we look at this pivotal moment in Acts 9, we are looking into the heart of a disciple who received a command that defied every human instinct for self-preservation. Ananias was understandably terrified. Yet, his story is a magnificent demonstration of how a believer overcomes rational fear with radical trust. Let us explore how this devout man chose to conquer his fear and was obedient. His obedience set the stage for one of the greatest ministries in Christian history.
Who is Ananias
The Bible provides a concise but powerful portrait of Ananias, which speaks volumes about his character and standing within the early Christian community.
A Devout Disciple
Acts 9:10 gives us Ananias’s primary identity. He is a loyal follower of Jesus Christ. He is introduced simply as “a disciple at Damascus” . This indicates he was a committed believer, likely part of the persecuted community that Saul had traveled to Damascus to eradicate.
A Man of Good Reputation
Later in the Book of Acts, Paul himself gives a description of Ananias when recounting his conversion story in Jerusalem:
“A certain Ananias, a devout man according to the law, well spoken of by all the Jews who lived there…” (Acts 22:12).
This detail is significant:
Devout according to the law
He maintained fidelity to his Jewish heritage while being a follower of Christ. This was a common, respected position in the early Church.
Well spoken of by all the Jews
This means Ananias had a high moral and spiritual reputation, even among those who did not accept Jesus as the Messiah. His faith was respected across the religious community, suggesting a life of integrity and obedience.
A Receiver of Divine Vision
Ananias was spiritually attuned, receiving clear direction from the Lord in a vision. The Lord spoke to him, calling him by name, “Ananias!” (Acts 9:10). This implies a personal relationship and familiarity between the disciple and Christ.
Ananias Marching Orders
The Lord chose this ordinary man for an extraordinary mission. In a vision, the Lord gave Ananias a specific, startling command:
“Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying.
Ananias was instructed to approach Saul.His commission involved three specific actions:
- He was to lay hands on Saul to restore his sight.
- He was to lay hands on Saul so that he might be filled with the Holy Spirit.
- He was to verbally affirm Saul’s new calling: “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus… has sent me…” (Acts 9:17).
Ananias Personal Fears
The command was a direct imposition on Ananias’s personal safety and well-being. The man Saul was renowned for arresting, torturing and killing the followers of Jesus Christ. So this command went against every instinct for self-preservation. Ananias was understandably terrified, his mind screaming a hundred logical reasons to refuse.Yet, this story is a magnificent demonstration of how a believer overcomes rational fear with radical trust.
God’s View Vs Ananias View
- The Ananias View:
Saul is an enemy, a destroyer. Someone who is a persecutor. Acts 9:13-14 indicates Ananias fears. “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem. And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name”.
Ananias’s fear was completely valid, but the Lord’s answer completely redefined the risk.
- God’s View:
Saul is a “chosen instrument”—a tool I have selected for a massive work. Acts 9:15 gives God’s response to Ananias
“Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel”.
Hope you enjoyed this reading. Part 2 of this post will follow where we will learn more about the Ananias obedience. We hope that you will visit us again. Be Blessed.
