Saul had received a light from heaven that stopped him in his tracks. He was persecuting Jesus and his Church. It is the Lord of the Church who stops Saul. God had an instrument at Damascus. His name was Ananias. See Acts 22:10ff. You just never know when God is going to use you!

1 – His call (vs. 10)

It is the Lord himself who calls to Ananias in a vision.

• The response to that call – “Behold I am here Lord”. This is the way we ought to respond to the Lord when he calls us. This is a similar response to those in the Old Testament when God called Abraham, Jacob and Moses. What is your answer to God’s call? God can call you to do many things.
• The requirements – God tells Ananias where to go. God also tells Ananias what to do and whom to see. Go always has his man or woman who will do his bidding. God always has a plan. You take care of your responsibility.

2 – His concern (vs. 11-16)

Ananias is right to be concerned. He is concerned about two things:-

• The meanness of Saul. (vs. 11-13). Ananias has heard of Saul and it is not good! Saul has made havoc of the Church up to now. Ananias wonders if this is what God really wants. Jonah ran away from the presence of the Lord. God tells Ananias that Saul is praying. God gave Ananias words that should encourage him.
• The mission of Saul. (vs. 14). Ananias is concerned that Saul has authority to kill those who call upon the name of Jesus. A Christian will call upon the name of Jesus. See Acts 7:59 – Stephen. It is simple to get saved. All you have to do is seriously call upon the name of the Lord.

There is nothing to worry about because God has a few reasons for calling Saul.

• His glory – God has chosen Saul and he has also chosen Ananias. Saul will bear his name before kings and everywhere.
• His groaning. We want the glory but not the groaning. We want the power but we don’t want the pain. God makes it clear that Saul will suffer much for God. See Acts 20:22ff. Saul could still do it with joy

Saul is God’s chosen vessel and God will bring him glory and groaning. We need to do the same things for God in our lives. We all have glory and groaning in our lives. Can we still live our lives in joy? Are we committed to the Lord?

3 – His compliance (vs. 17-19)

It is better to comply then to complain like Jonah.

• Saul’s conversion (vs. 17) – Ananias called him “brother Saul”. He believed God rather than his fears. Saul received his sight and was filled with the Holy Spirit. The best came last. The Spirit changed Saul’s life by using the gifts that he already had in supernatural ways.
• Saul’s transformation – Saul’s bad gifts were filled with good gifts. Instead of hate there was love.
• Saul’s confirmation – Saul was baptised and received physical and spiritual sight. Saul who persecuted the church was now saved. It came about because Ananias allowed himself to be God’s Instrument. You never know how God will use you, if you let him.

Categories: Acts