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Even though Saul believes himself to be a spiritual leader, he is really in the position of a blind
person leading the blind (Matthew 15:14). Religion and its leaders are blind. Those who follow
religion are blind and head toward hell and ultimately to the Lake of Fire. Saul is physically
experiencing the blindness he has walked in for so many years.

During these early days, Saul does not eat or drink, but prays until Ananias comes and lays

hands on him for the recovery of his sight.

ANANIAS INSTRUCTED TO GO TO SAUL

Act 9:9 And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.

Act 9:10 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.

The name “Ananias” means protected by the Lord. He is not in the fivefold ministry. He is a

layman, a church worker the Lord uses to point Saul in the right direction.

Because of his arrogance, Saul might expect a minister from the local church like Peter, John, or
one of the original disciples to come and lay hands on him. But God wants Saul to learn early
the power of any man or woman dedicated to the Lord. A man’s position and power before he
is born-again is of no value to the Lord. God will invest much time to work the religious
background and pride out of Saul of Tarsus. Just as Moses had to learn humility in the backside
of the wilderness, Saul also learns humility and becomes the apostle Paul.

Ananias is referred to as a “certain” disciple because God uses him to direct one of God’s most
influential ministers (22:12-13). Ananias receives a vision from God (2:17) and is obedient to it.
He also understands grace and will lay hands on Saul, yet will keep this fact hidden from others.
Most men, if given this task would brag about being used by God to lay hands on a figure as
prominent as Saul of Tarsus. But Ananias is humble, and God knows he can be trusted.

Act 9:11 And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and
enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth,

All but one street in Damascus wound and curved through the city. This street was called
“Straight Street” and still exists in Damascus today, one of the oldest cities in the world.

Saul is still blind and still praying, waiting to hear from the Lord. He refuses to move until he
knows with a certainty he is responding to the will of God. Saul continues to be obedient to
what he knows, which is very little.

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