Homilies on the Acts of the Apostles — Homily 20

St. John Chrysostom

1. 0. Greeting

Acts IX. 10, 12

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. And the Lord said to him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prays, and has seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.

What may be the reason that He neither drew any one of high authority and importance, nor caused such to be forthcoming for the purpose of instructing Paul? It was, because it was not meet that he should be induced by men, but only by Christ Himself: as in fact this man taught him nothing, but merely baptized him; for, as soon as baptized ( φωτισθείς ), he was to draw upon himself the grace of the Spirit, by his zeal and exceeding earnestness. And that Ananias was no very distinguished person, is plain. For, the Lord, it says, spoke unto him in a vision, and Ananias answered and said, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he has done to Your saints at Jerusalem. [[Acts 9.13]] For if he spoke in objection to Him, much more would he have done so, had He sent an Angel. And this is why, in the former instance, neither is Philip told what the matter is; but he sees the Angel, and then the Spirit bids him go near to the chariot. But observe here how the Lord relieves him of his fear: He is blind, says He, and prays, and are you afraid? In the same way Moses also is afraid: so that the words betokened that he was afraid, and shrunk from the task, not that he did not believe. He said, have heard from many concerning this man. What do you say? God speaks, and you hesitate. They did not yet well know the power of Christ. And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on Your name. [[Acts 9.14]] How was that known? It is likely that they, being in fear, made minute enquiries. He does not say this, as thinking that Christ does not know the fact, but, such being the case, how, says he, can these things be? As in fact those (in the Gospel ) say, Who can be saved? — [[Mark 10.26]] This is done, in order that Paul may believe him that shall come to him: he has seen in a vision: it has showed him beforehand: he prays, says (the Lord): fear not. And observe, He speaks not to him of the success achieved: teaching us not to speak of our achievements. And, though He saw him afraid, for all this He said it not. You shall not be disbelieved: he has seen, says He, in a vision a man (named) Ananias: for this is why it was in a vision, namely, because he was blind. And not even the exceeding wonderfulness of the thing took possession of the disciple's mind, so greatly was he afraid. But observe: Paul being blind, in this way He restored to sight. But the Lord said to him, Go your way: for he is a chosen vessel unto Me, to bear My name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Is