Theme: Jesus Christ is building his catholic church; receive enemies as brothers

Why was Saul struck blind?
The blindness of Saul was most likely a form of judgement (cf. Acts 13:11; Deuteronomy 28:28-29).

Who was Saul/Paul?
Saul was born in Tarsus (Acts 21:39; 22:3) into a devout family of Jews (Acts 22:3; Romans 11:1; 2 Corinthians 11:22-23; Galatians 1:13-14; Philippians 3:5-6). Coming from the lineage of Benjamin, he spoke Hebrew and Aramaic. As a Roman citizen, he spoke Greek and likely also Latin as well as a local Sicilian dialect (Tarsus). His family was wealthy enough to send him to Jerusalem for schooling where he was educated at the feet of Gamaliel (cf. Acts 5:34-36; 22:3).

What is the way?
The ‘Way’ was the initial name given to Christian believers and it is used on a number of occasions throughout Acts (cf. 19:9, 23; 22:4; 24:14, 22). It is likely derived from Isaiah 40:3 and conveys the idea of the LORD restoring Israel. Used by Christians it affirms the belief that God is restoring Israel through Jesus and the community who submit to him are the renewed people of God.

Why are believers called saints? (9:13)
Believers in Jesus are called saints, literally translated as ‘holy ones.’ The expression as used by Ananias communicates the conviction that the people of God are the people who recognise Jesus of Nazareth as the Christ and submit to him.

Was Ananias an ordained office bearer in God’s church?
Ordination is the church’s recognition that a man has been called by God to a particular task in his church. Ananias was called and sent by God to bring His Word to Paul and to baptise him. We do not have Biblical testimony to confirm that he was formally ordained but we do have Biblical testimony that he was called (ordained) by God for a particular task in his church.