Finding Fr ie nd sh ip Issue No. 5
Katy Shevel | Friday, August 28 , 2026
One afternoon, a man named Ananias, a disciple of the growing Christian community in Damascus, warmly welcomed a new member into their ranks. This fresh recruit was unexpected. He was one named Saul of Tarsus, infamous throughout the region for persecuting Christians. If they were alive today in 2026, I wonder, how Ananias’ friends would react to Ananias’ astonishing reception of Saul? Oh, that’s such terrific news! #blessed We wouldn’t dream of saying anything negative about Ananias’ decision, especially not behind his back, at brunch, or on social media. Living in the first century Roman Empire, those in Ananias’ social circles would have had their fair share of doubts. Instead of eschewing a known threat, Ananias embraces him. Saul was dangerous. A Pharisee trained by Gamiliel, Saul had dedicated his life to eradicating the gospel—and accomplishing this by whatever means necessary. He was among those who actively participated in the early, itinerant, and brutal persecution of Christians. Everyone who followed the teachings of Jesus was a target and lived in terror. Instead of putting their vulnerable, oppressed community first, Ananias was taking the side of the enemy. Here’s the kicker: this wasn’t even Ananias’ choice.
In a vision, the Lord tells Ananias to seek out Saul. Inperson. Ananias isn’t too thrilled about this notion. After all, he knows who Saul is. In protest, Ananias makes his case: “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints in Jerusalem, and here has authority from the chief priests to bind all who invoke your name.” In response, the Lord says very clearly that Saul has been singled out to do sacred, important work for the gospel. Consequently, that Saul will also suffer for the cause. To find Saul, Ananias is told to go to a street called Straight. Interestingly enough, “Straight” is the only street name given in the entire Bible. At Straight Street, Ananias should look for a man at a fellow disciples’ place of residence. His sight and appetite have been taken away for three days. Ananias is told to then lay hands on this man, so that he can be healed and commissioned by the Holy Spirit. Seeing that arguing it futile, Ananias complies. He leaves at once and finds Saul kneeling, praying. As readers, we know precisely what has happened to Saul. He has just had his legendary conversion experience on the Road to Damascus. What may not be as obvious, however, is that Ananias has just had a significant change of heart himself. When he meets Saul, he uses a different greeting than the ones commonly used by his
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