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 9:16 mean?

Explanation

Acts 9:16 contains a statement by God regarding the newly converted Saul, who is later known as Paul.

In this verse, God speaks to Ananias, who is hesitant to meet Saul due to Saul's notorious reputation for persecuting Christians.

The verse relays God's assurance that He has a specific plan for Saul, which includes Saul enduring suffering for the cause of Christ.

Literally, it suggests that part of Saul's life mission will be to face hardships as a consequence of his dedication to spreading the message of Jesus.

Deeper meanings can be inferred about the nature of Christian discipleship, that it involves sacrifice and sometimes suffering for the sake of faith and for the spreading of the gospel.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Acts 9:16 is part of the larger narrative of Saul's conversion in the Book of Acts, which serves as a historical account of the early Christian Church after Jesus' ascension.

Saul of Tarsus, later known as the Apostle Paul, had been a devout Jew and a vigorous persecutor of Christians.

His transformation follows an intense encounter with the risen Christ on the road to Damascus.

The book is attributed to Luke, the same author of the Gospel according to Luke.

The verse underlines the remarkable turning point in Saul’s life as he becomes one of Christianity’s most influential apostles. At the time, Christianity was still seen as a Jewish sect, and converts often faced persecution from both Jewish and Roman authorities.

Theological Insights

From a theological viewpoint, Acts 9:16 may be examined from multiple perspectives.

It represents the theme of divine calling and predestination, where God has a specific plan for individuals.

Suffering in Christian theology is often viewed as a form of participation in Christ's own sufferings and as a test of faith.

From a more providential angle, Saul's promised suffering can be interpreted as a form of spiritual formation that shapes him into a vessel suited for his mission.

Practical Applications

Practically, Acts 9:16 offers several applications for daily living.

It encourages believers to remain steadfast in the face of trials, trusting that God has a purpose in hardship.

It might also embolden Christians to step out in faith even when the road ahead appears difficult, confirming that suffering does not negate God's presence or plans.

Additionally, it offers perspective to those who might feel unworthy of God's call due to their past since Saul's conversion illustrates the transformative power of God's grace.

Cross-References

2 Timothy 3:12: "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution."
Philippians 1:29: "For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;"
1 Peter 4:16: "Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf."
Romans 8:17: "And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together."

Language Study

The key word in Acts 9:16 is the Greek verb "dei," often translated "must" in English, which indicates something necessary or of obligation.

This underscores the idea that Saul's suffering was not incidental, but a requisite part of his calling.

Another Greek word of interest is "pascho," translated as "to suffer." This term can refer to experiencing a broad range of adversities or hardships, and is linked to the sufferings of Christ in the New Testament.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In comparison to other religious texts or ancient myths, the concept of suffering in the service of a divine cause is not unique to Christianity.

Many religions and mythologies have stories of followers or heroes who endure hardship for a greater purpose or to adhere to their spiritual path.

What distinguishes Christianity, in this case, is the close identification of the believer's suffering with the suffering of its central figure, Jesus Christ, and the notion of suffering as a part of discipleship.

Scientific Perspectives

The scientific study of psychology may offer insights into the beneficial roles that facing adversity can play in personal growth and resilience, sometimes referred to as "post-traumatic growth." While the verse itself does not lend directly to empirical analysis, the idea that experiencing and overcoming challenges can lead to psychological and spiritual development resonates with certain modern psychological understandings of human development and coping strategies.

Commentaries

Commentators have provided various insights into Acts 9:16.

John Calvin commented on the necessity of Paul's suffering in relation to his previous life as a persecutor, suggesting a form of divine justice and a humbling process for Paul.

Matthew Henry highlights the compassion of Jesus for Paul, but also emphasizes the honor bestowed upon Paul to suffer for Christ.

These and other interpretations acknowledge that suffering in the life of a Christian is not meaningless and often serves a larger purpose within God's providential plan.

Acts 9

Acts 9

What does Acts 9:16 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 9:16 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?