Albert Barnes Commentary Acts 9:13-14

"But Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard from many of this man, how much evil he did to thy saints at Jerusalem: and here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call upon thy name." — Acts 9:13-14 (ASV)

I have heard by many, etc. This was in the vision, Acts 9:10. The passage of such a train of thoughts through the mind was perfectly natural at the command to go and search out Saul. There would instantly occur all that had been heard of his fury in persecution, and the expression here may indicate the state of a mind amazed that such a one should need his counsel, and afraid, perhaps, of entrusting himself to one so bent on persecution.

All this evidently passed in the dream or vision of Ananias, and perhaps cannot be considered as any deliberate unwillingness to go to him. It is clear, however, that such thoughts should have been banished, and that he should have gone at once to the praying Saul. When Christ commands, we should allow no suggestion of our own thoughts, and no apprehension of our own danger, to interfere.

By many. Probably many who had fled from persecution, and had taken refuge in Damascus. It is also evident, Acts 9:14, that Ananias had been informed, perhaps by letters from the Christians at Jerusalem, of Saul's purpose in going to Damascus.

To thy saints. Christians; called saints—agioiv—because they are holy, or consecrated to God.