Ananias (from Damascus, baptized Paul)

Ananias was a devout disciple living in Damascus, known for his good testimony among the city's Jewish population and his faithfulness to the law. Through a vision he received a direct commission from the risen Lord to go to Straight Street and seek out Saul of Tarsus, who had been knocked to the ground and blinded on the way to Damascus. Although Ananias feared Saul's reputation as a ruthless persecutor of believers, he chose to obey the Lord's voice. When he laid hands on Saul, his sight was restored and he was filled with the Holy Spirit. Then Ananias baptized him and delivered God's calling: Saul was chosen as an instrument to carry the Lord's name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. Ananias' courageous obedience thus became a key moment in salvation history – without his willingness to serve, the transition from persecutor Saul to apostle Paul might have looked completely different.