Read: Acts 9:10-18
So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul . . . ” (v. 17)
One commentator calls Ananias “one of the forgotten heroes of the Christian church” (William Barclay, The Acts of the Apostles). Indeed he is! The fact that he referred to Saul as “brother” gets to the very heart of the Christian faith. It shows what happens to people when they believe in Jesus: they start to live like him.
Obviously Ananias was being asked to do something quite intimidating. Meeting with Saul, the one who had gained a reputation as a persecutor of Christians, would have never have occurred Ananias on his own. He was risking his life in going to see this man. But once again the Lord intervened by telling Ananias that Saul was praying! Ananias’s going was of utmost importance because God would use Saul to be his “chosen instrument” to carry the gospel to Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel.
So Ananias, not without fear and trepidation, went, and he greeted the former persecutor of the church with those beautiful words, “Brother Saul.” What a welcome that was! God had brought together as brothers two men who until that day had been enemies.
God is still in the business of reconciliation and forgiveness. And he wants you to be an Ananias in this day and age as well. —John Koedyker
As you pray, ask God to show you someone whom he wants you to embrace as a brother or sister.
About the Author
Rev. John C. Koedyker is an ordained minister in the Reformed Church in America. He has served as a missionary to Japan as well as pastor of several churches in Iowa and Michigan. Until recently he served Muskegon Classis as its Stated Clerk for 18 years. He resides in Grand Haven, Michigan.
