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 9:15 mean?

Explanation

Acts 9:15 presents a part of the conversation between the Lord and Ananias regarding Saul (who later becomes known as the Apostle Paul).

In this verse, the Lord is responding to Ananias's concerns about Saul, who is known for his persecution of Christians.

The Lord reassures Ananias by stating that Saul is a "chosen vessel" destined to carry God's name before various groups of people: the Gentiles (non-Jews), kings, and the children of Israel (Jews).

This implies a divine appointment for Saul to become a significant figure in the spread of Christianity. It points toward Saul's transformation from a persecutor to a principal messenger of the Christian faith.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

The verse is set in the context of the early Christian church, shortly after the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The narrative of Acts, written by Luke, depicts the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the subsequent spread of the gospel message.

Saul of Tarsus, who later becomes Paul, originally took part in the violent persecution of Christians.

His conversion, however, became a pivotal moment in the history of Christianity.

The historical context of this directive emphasizes the church's expansion and the inclusion of Gentiles alongside Jews in the Christian community.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, Acts 9:15 demonstrates God's sovereignty in choosing individuals for His purposes, regardless of their past.

The verse also highlights the universal nature of the Christian message, as Paul is chosen to take the gospel to all people, breaking the barriers between Jews and Gentiles.

Additionally, Paul's designation as a "chosen vessel" reflects the Christian belief that God prepares and uses people to fulfill His divine plans, emphasizing the concept of divine election and calling.

Practical Applications

In a practical sense, this verse encourages believers to be open to God's call in their lives, even when it seems surprising or unlikely. It reminds Christians of their responsibility to share the gospel across social, political, and ethnic boundaries.

The verse also offers hope for personal transformation, as it showcases the potential for individuals to change and be used by God for noble purposes.

Cross-References

Ephesians 3:8 - "Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;"
Galatians 1:15-16 - "But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace, To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:"
1 Timothy 2:7 - "Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity."

Language Study

The Greek word for "chosen vessel" in the original text of Acts 9:15 is "skeuos eklogēs," which literally means "a vessel of choice." The term "skeuos" refers to an instrument or a container, illustrating that Paul is to be an instrument for God's use.

The word "eklogēs," from which we derive the English 'election,' emphasizes the element of divine choice and purpose in Paul's mission.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In comparing this verse with other cultural and religious stories, one might consider the theme of calling or divine selection, which is common in many traditions.

For example, in Greek mythology, figures are often chosen by the gods for specific tasks or quests.

Similarly, in Judaism, certain individuals like Moses and the prophets are chosen by God for special purposes.

This verse reflects a broader religious motif where divine forces select individuals for their roles in the fulfillment of a larger narrative.

Scientific Perspectives

While there is no direct intersection with scientific understanding in this verse, the concept of transformation and change in an individual (such as Saul to Paul) could be explored through psychological studies on personal change and growth.

Furthermore, discussions around the psychological impact of religious experiences could also be relevant when considering Saul's radical transformation after his encounter with Christ.

Commentaries

Commentators have offered various insights on Acts 9:15. For example:

John Calvin recognized Paul's appointment as a demonstration of God's mercy, noting that, despite his former persecution of Christians, Paul was chosen as an instrument of God's grace.
Matthew Henry emphasized the significance of Paul's mission to the Gentiles, kings, and Israelites, highlighting that no one is beyond the reach of God's mercy.
The Pulpit Commentary reflects on the term "chosen vessel" and Paul's effectiveness as a witness to different social groups, signifying the widening of the gospel's appeal.

These perspectives depict Acts 9:15 as a foundational text for understanding Paul's role and the expansiveness of the early Christian mission.

Acts 9

Acts 9

What does Acts 9:15 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 9:15 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?