And has seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hands on him, that he might receive his sight.
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George Leo Haydock
AD 1849
And he saw a man This verse, which is by way of a parenthesis, contains the words of the historian, St. Luke, telling us what St. Paul saw in a vision, and what the Spirit at the same time revealed to Ananias. (Witham)
This verse is a parenthesis. It contains not the words of Christ to Ananias, but St. Luke here relates what was shown to Paul, at the time Ananias entered. This vision was shown to him, that he might know Ananias was sent by God. (Menochius)
He did not persuade him, much less had He said this. So that he shall not disbelieve you, he has seen in a vision. Observe how in the former instance neither is Philip told all immediately. Fear not, He says: for this man is a chosen vessel for Me.
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.
these words are spoken): for not only will he do you no harm, but he will suffer many things. And what is wonderful indeed is, that he shall first know how great things he shall suffer, and then shall take the field against the perils.— Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus— he says not, Who made you blind, but, Who appeared with you in the way, has sent me unto you that you may receive your sight
