Acts 9

And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,

And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.

And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:

And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?

And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.

And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man.

And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus.

And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.

And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord.

And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth,

And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.

Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem:

And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name.

But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:

For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.

And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.

And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.

And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.

And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.

But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests?

But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.

And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him:

But their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him.

Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket.

And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple.

But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.

And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem.

And he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him.

Which when the brethren knew, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus.

Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.

And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all quarters, he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda.

And there he found a certain man named Aeneas, which had kept his bed eight years, and was sick of the palsy.

And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately.

And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord.

Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.

And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber.

And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them.

Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them.

But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up.

And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive.

And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord.

And it came to pass, that he tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner.

What does Acts 9:14 mean?

Explanation

Acts 9:14 references a time when Saul (who would become Paul after his conversion) was still persecuting Christians.

The verse reflects the concern of Ananias, a disciple of Jesus in Damascus, who is speaking to the Lord in a vision.

Ananias is hesitant to go and meet Saul because he has heard of Saul's reputation for arresting followers of "the Way," as Christians were initially called.

The "chief priests" here are the Jewish religious leaders who gave Saul the authority to arrest those who called upon the name of Jesus, which means those who professed faith in Jesus Christ and followed Him.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

During the time this verse was penned, Christianity was emerging as a new faith separate from Judaism.

Saul (later Paul) was a zealous Jew and a Pharisee who fiercely opposed the fledgling Christian movement.

The high priesthood of the time, under the Sanhedrin (the Jewish ruling council), viewed the followers of Jesus as a sect threatening the Jewish religious establishment and traditional beliefs.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse highlights the early church's persecution and the willingness of the religious establishment to stifle what they saw as heresy.

From a Christian perspective, it shows God's ability to use even the most ardent opponents of the faith for His purposes. Saul's journey mirrors the transformation that the gospel message can bring about in individuals, no matter their past.

Practical Applications

This verse encourages modern believers to trust in God's sovereign plan, even when facing opposition or persecution.

It serves as a reminder of the power of intercession and obedience, as Ananias, despite his fears, obeyed the Lord's instruction to go to Saul, which resulted in Saul's pivotal conversion.

Cross-References

Acts 9:1-2: "And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem."
Acts 22:4-5: "And I persecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women.

As also the high priest doth bear me witness, and all the estate of the elders: from whom also I received letters unto the brethren, and went to Damascus, to bring them which were there bound unto Jerusalem, for to be punished."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the phrase "to bind" comes from the Greek word "desai," which means to bind or tie up, implying legal arrest and imprisonment.

"To call on" is from "epikaleō," referring to invoking a name, which in the context of "thy name" implies worship and allegiance to Jesus Christ.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The theme of persecution for religious beliefs is common throughout history and across various cultures.

The narrative of Saul's authority from the chief priests parallels stories from other ancient civilizations where religious leaders had the power to enforce orthodoxy and penalize dissenters.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific perspectives do not directly align with this verse as it recounts a historical and religious event rather than discussing natural phenomena.

However, psychological studies on religious conversion could provide insight into Saul's dramatic change in belief and behavior following his subsequent conversion experience.

Commentaries

Commentaries on this verse offer insight into the severity of early Christian persecution and the significant role Saul played in that narrative.

They discuss Ananias's natural apprehension and highlight the idea that God often calls His followers to act against their fears.

Experts also note the legal power held by the chief priests and the Sanhedrin, further emphasizing the threat Saul posed to early Christians.

Acts 9

Acts 9

What does Acts 9:14 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Acts 9:14 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?