Ananias of Damascus

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Embankment

Senior Member
#1
Feb 28, 2017
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#1
What can we deduce from scripture about the character of Ananias? He was obviously a follower of TheWay when asked by God to heal Saul’s sight and baptize him.
Paul later refers to Ananias as Jew held in high regard and keeper of the law. Paul says this when he himself is saying he is no longer under the law.
I have no answers but find Ananias’ character to be a bit puzzling. Also, many regard him is one of the 72 sent by Christ but I can’t seem to find much to support this.
All interesting to me. What are your thoughts on this subject? Have a blessed evening!
 
R

rrcn

Active member
#2
Oct 15, 2023
579
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#2
That he was contacted directly by Jesus and answered that he call to minister to Paul who was God’s chosen apostle to the gentiles is all I need to know about him.
[Act 9:10, 12-13, 17 KJV] 10 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. ... 12 And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting [his] hand on him, that he might receive his sight. 13 Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: ... 17 And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, [even] Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.
 
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UnoiAmarah

Junior Member
#3
Jul 28, 2017
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#3
  • 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. Acts 9:10
  • And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt there, Acts 22:12
Can't help but notice that Ananias goes from a disciple and and devout man and then Saul begins to reveal the actual identity of who Ananias really is. As also the high priest doth bear me witness, and all the estate of the elders: Acts 22:5
  • And the high priest Ananias commanded them that stood by him to smite him on the mouth. Acts 23:2
  • And after five days Ananias the high priest descended with the elders, and with a certain orator named Tertullus, who informed the governor against Paul. Acts 24:1
So was Ananias and Annas the same person?
  • Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests, the word of God came unto John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness. Luke 3:2
  • And led him away to Annas first; for he was father in law to Caiaphas, which was the high priest that same year. John 18:13
  • And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem. Acts 4:6
Kinda like the name usage of Noe and Noah in the Gospels.
  • For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, Matt 24:38
  • Which was the son of Cainan, which was the son of Arphaxad, which was the son of Sem, which was the son of Noe, which was the son of Lamech, Luke 3:36




 
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tedincarolina

Active member
#5
Jul 25, 2024
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#5
Hey @Embankment

I also wouldn't see him as being one of those who were sent out. The Scriptures only discuss him as a man who lived in the same city that Paul was in. That he was a believer in the Lord Jesus is a given, since the Scriptures testify that Ananias spoke with the Lord. However, just as Paul was, a jew who had always kept the law, before Jesus became known to him. I think Paul's intent here is to confirm for us that Ananias was a faithful follower of God. First as a law observant Jew, but now as a blood bought saint.
 
E

Embankment

Senior Member
#6
Feb 28, 2017
703
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#6
tedincarolina said:
Hey @Embankment

I also wouldn't see him as being one of those who were sent out. The Scriptures only discuss him as a man who lived in the same city that Paul was in. That he was a believer in the Lord Jesus is a given, since the Scriptures testify that Ananias spoke with the Lord. However, just as Paul was, a jew who had always kept the law, before Jesus became known to him. I think Paul's intent here is to confirm for us that Ananias was a faithful follower of God. First as a law observant Jew, but now as a blood bought saint.
Click to expand...
I like that depiction!
 
B

Bruce_Leiter

Active member
#7
Feb 17, 2023
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#7
I know as much as the Bible says about Ananias, and that's enough for me.
 
Magenta

Magenta

Senior Member
#8
Jul 3, 2015
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#8
Three men by the name of Ananias appear in the Bible, and each plays a role in the New Testament book of Acts.

More here (<= link).
 
R

rrcn

Active member
#9
Oct 15, 2023
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#9
Bruce_Leiter said:
I know as much as the Bible says about Ananias, and that's enough for me.
Click to expand...
Me too, when Jesus spoke with him he answered and when he expresses fear Jesus reassured him.

[Act 9:10, 13 KJV] 10 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. ... 13 Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem:
 
P

presidente

Senior Member
#10
May 29, 2013
9,165
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#10
Embankment said:
What can we deduce from scripture about the character of Ananias? He was obviously a follower of TheWay when asked by God to heal Saul’s sight and baptize him.
Paul later refers to Ananias as Jew held in high regard and keeper of the law. Paul says this when he himself is saying he is no longer under the law.
I have no answers but find Ananias’ character to be a bit puzzling. Also, many regard him is one of the 72 sent by Christ but I can’t seem to find much to support this.
All interesting to me. What are your thoughts on this subject? Have a blessed evening!
Click to expand...

If you read Acts 22, you will see that James and the elders were leading people who were zealous for the law. Keeping the law, or trying to, and seeking to be __justified__ by the law are two different things. Jewish Christians didn't have to start eating pork to be saved.

I got the impression from reading that there were some commentators in the early centuries of Christianity who tried to make anyone important or influential into members of the 70 apostles.

Ananias doesn't fit with the theory that spiritual gifts were only passed on by the laying on of the apostles hands, or the idea that only the apostles did miracles. At least, not only the 12 apostles and Paul. Why? Because Ananias laid hands on Paul and he was healed. He was sent that Paul might be healed and filled with the Holy Ghost... and Ananias, who was not one of the 12, laid hands on him. And whether Paul received the Spirit through Ananias or not, he didn't get it through the 12. They that seemed to be somewhat, Paul wrote, added nothing to him.

I like the story of Ananias because it may be an example of God using a 'regular guy.' He's called a disciple. Just look what God did through a disciple who may not have been an apostle or even an elder of the church at the time. He's not even called a deacon or one of the seven.
 
Wansvic

Wansvic

Well-known member
#11
Nov 27, 2018
5,265
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#11
presidente said:
If you read Acts 22, you will see that James and the elders were leading people who were zealous for the law. Keeping the law, or trying to, and seeking to be __justified__ by the law are two different things. Jewish Christians didn't have to start eating pork to be saved.

I got the impression from reading that there were some commentators in the early centuries of Christianity who tried to make anyone important or influential into members of the 70 apostles.

Ananias doesn't fit with the theory that spiritual gifts were only passed on by the laying on of the apostles hands, or the idea that only the apostles did miracles. At least, not only the 12 apostles and Paul. Why? Because Ananias laid hands on Paul and he was healed. He was sent that Paul might be healed and filled with the Holy Ghost... and Ananias, who was not one of the 12, laid hands on him. And whether Paul received the Spirit through Ananias or not, he didn't get it through the 12. They that seemed to be somewhat, Paul wrote, added nothing to him.

I like the story of Ananias because it may be an example of God using a 'regular guy.' He's called a disciple. Just look what God did through a disciple who may not have been an apostle or even an elder of the church at the time. He's not even called a deacon or one of the seven.
Click to expand...
The following commentary makes exactly the point you referenced:
Acts 9:10-19
"God can use even the most obscure saint. Were it not for the conversion of Saul, we would never have heard of Ananias; and yet Ananias had an important part to play in the ongoing work of the church. Behind many well-known servants of God are lesser-known believers who have influenced them. God keeps the books and will see to it that each servant will get a just reward. The important thing is not fame but faithfulness (1 Cor 4:1-5).

The experience of Ananias also reminds us that we should never be afraid to obey God's will. Ananias at first argued with the Lord and gave some good reasons why he should not visit Saul. But the Lord had everything under control, and Ananias obeyed by faith. When God commands, we must remember that He is working "at both ends of the fine," and that His perfect will is always the best.

There is a third encouragement: God's works are always balanced. God balanced a great public miracle with a quiet meeting in the house of Judas. The bright light and the voice from heaven were dramatic events, but - the visit of Ananias was somewhat ordinary. The hand of God pushed Saul from his "high horse," but God used the hand of a man to bring Saul what he most needed. God spoke from heaven, but He also spoke through an obedient disciple who gave the message to Saul. The "ordinary" events were just as much a part of the miracle as were the extraordinary.

Finally, we must never underestimate the value of one person brought to Christ. Peter was ministering to thousands in Jerusalem, and Philip had seen a great harvest among the Samaritan people, but Ananias was sent to only one man. Yet what a man! Saul of Tarsus became Paul the apostle, and his life and ministry have influenced people and nations ever since. Even secular historians confess that Paul is one of the significant figures in world history.

On April 21, 1855, Edward Kimball led one of his Sunday School boys to faith in Christ, Little did he realize that Dwight L. Moody would one day become the world's leading evangelist. The ministry of Norman B. Harrison in an obscure Bible conference was used of God to bring Theodore Epp to faith in Christ, and God used. Theodore Epp to build the Back to the Bible ministry around the world. Our task is to lead men and women to Christ; God's task is to use them for His glory; and every person is important to God. (from The Bible Exposition Commentary)
 
R

rrcn

Active member
#12
Oct 15, 2023
579
183
43
#12
rrcn said:
That he was contacted directly by Jesus and answered that he call to minister to Paul who was God’s chosen apostle to the gentiles is all I need to know about him.
[Act 9:10, 12-13, 17 KJV] 10 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. ... 12 And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting [his] hand on him, that he might receive his sight. 13 Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: ... 17 And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, [even] Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.
Click to expand...
Ananias was in pretty good company:
[Act 9:10 KJV] 10 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.


[Gen 22:11 KJV] 11 And the angel of the LORD called unto him out of heaven, and said, Abraham, Abraham: and he said, Here [am] I.
[Exo 3:4 KJV] 4 And when the LORD saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here [am] I.
(Samuel, was young so Eli gave him instructions)
[1Sa 3:4, 6, 8 KJV] 4 That the LORD called Samuel: and he answered, Here [am] I. ... 6 And the LORD called yet again, Samuel. And Samuel arose and went to Eli, and said, Here [am] I; for thou didst call me. And he answered, I called not, my son; lie down again. ... 8 And the LORD called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli, and said, Here [am] I; for thou didst call me. And[1Sa 3:9 KJV] 9 Therefore Eli said unto Samuel, Go, lie down: and it shall be, if he call thee, that thou shalt say, Speak, LORD; for thy servant heareth. So Samuel went and lay down in his place. Eli perceived that the LORD had called the child.
[1Sa 3:9 KJV] 9 Therefore Eli said unto Samuel, Go, lie down: and it shall be, if he call thee, that thou shalt say, Speak, LORD; for thy servant heareth. So Samuel went and lay down in his place.

[Isa 6:8 KJV] 8 Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here [am] I; send me.

I had a little trouble with the editing but I believe I have everything back in place.
 
J

j55

Active member
#13
Sep 29, 2024
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#13
Ananias was obiedence to carrying out Jesus instructions. Saul was persecution the church. And Jesus intervention in his life.

Saul name change to Paul. He received the holy Spirit.

Paul is one of God's Elect. Chosen vessel.

Ephesians chapter 1. The saints are the election. They are predestined and chosen before foundation of the world.

The position for election can't be voluntary.

Those who have free will are different story.
 
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