Fathers

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What the Fathers say

Acts 9:10

Eastern Fathers

John Chrysostom

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, 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. …

Homily on Acts 20 ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

Why did Ananias, not being among the most memorable and well-known disciples of the Savior, receive the authority to catechize and heal Paul, who was destined to become such a great preacher of the Gospel? Because Paul was to be instructed in the truths of the faith not by a man, but by Christ Himself. Therefore Ananias baptized and healed him, but did not teach him anything. And that he was not among the very well-known is evident from his apprehension and fear, which is revealed by his words. …

Commentary on Acts ↗

Oecumenius

Why, I ask, did he not bring any one of the great men who was worthy of trust, or hand him over to the instruction of Paul, but Ananias who was one of the seventy? Since he was not to be led by men, but by Christ himself. For this one neither taught him anything, but only baptized him. For having been enlightened at once he was about to draw much grace of the Spirit from zeal and eagerness. …

Commentary on Acts ↗