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 9:17 mean?

Explanation

Acts 9:17 depicts a crucial moment in the life of Saul (later known as the Apostle Paul) on the road to his conversion to Christianity.

In this verse, Ananias, who is called by God, addresses Saul as "Brother," signaling a recognition of Saul's nascent membership in the Christian community despite his previous actions against them.

Ananias is a disciple in Damascus, and despite being aware of Saul's reputation, he obediently follows God's instructions to seek Saul out.

The laying on of hands by Ananias serves a dual purpose: to restore Saul's physical sight, which had been lost after his vision of Jesus on the road to Damascus, and to be filled with the Holy Ghost, signifying the spiritual awakening and empowerment that is central to Christian conversion and discipleship.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

This verse occurs during a time of significant persecution of the early Christian church. Saul of Tarsus, prior to his conversion, played a prominent role in the persecution, zealously hunting down Christians.

However, as he was traveling to Damascus to pursue this task, he experienced a supernatural encounter with the risen Christ, which left him physically blind.

Meanwhile, Ananias, a disciple in Damascus, is instructed through a vision to go to Saul.

Despite his reservations and fear, he obeys, which leads to the moment captured in Acts 9:17.

This event is pivotal for the expansion of early Christianity, as Saul, later Paul, becomes one of the most influential figures in spreading the gospel.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse is significant in several ways.

For one, it underscores the Christian belief in the intervention of the divine in human affairs.

The transformation of Saul, a fierce persecutor of Christians, into one of the most devoted apostles of Christ is seen as a powerful example of God's grace and redemptive power.

Additionally, the filling of the Holy Spirit is central in Christian theology, representing the presence and power of God within the believer, enabling them to live a righteous life and serve God effectively.

Practical Applications

In daily life, the teachings of this verse encourage forgiveness and faith in personal transformation.

It suggests that even those who have committed severe wrongs can change and be accepted into a community.

For modern believers, it also reinforces the importance of obedience to God's instructions, even when they seem challenging or dangerous.

It illustrates the power of spiritual intervention in overcoming physical and emotional obstacles.

Cross-References

Acts 22:12-16 - The account of Ananias restoring Saul's sight and his baptism.
Acts 26:12-18 - Paul recounts his conversion on the road to Damascus.
John 9:6-7 - Another instance of Jesus healing a man's sight, symbolizing spiritual as well as physical sight.
Galatians 1:15-16 - Paul reflects on his calling by God.
Ephesians 1:17-18 - Paul prays for believers to receive a spirit of wisdom and revelation.

Language Study

The original Greek language used in Acts 9:17 provides depth to the narrative.

The name "Ananias" (Ἁνανίας) means "gracious," and the word for "brother" (ἀδελφός) implies a familial bond among believers. When Ananias refers to Jesus as "the Lord" (κύριος), it emphasizes Jesus' divine authority.

The phrase "be filled" (πλησθῆναι) conveys a sense of receiving something to completion, often used in the context of the Holy Spirit filling believers.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The conversion of Saul has parallels in various other ancient cultures and religions, where a transformative encounter with a divine being results in a life-altering change in a person's purpose and identity.

Mystical experiences leading to spiritual awakenings are a common theme in many religious traditions, illustrating the human search for meaning and connection with the divine.

However, the specific Christian interpretation of such an encounter focuses on the grace of God and the power of the Holy Spirit to compel a conversion of heart and life purpose.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific perspectives tend to view religious conversion experiences through psychological and neurobiological lenses.

Studies on brain activity during religious experiences often seek to understand how certain beliefs, practices, or encounters can lead to profound changes in a person's values and behavior.

While science can explore the neural correlates of such experiences, it remains agnostic regarding the metaphysical claims associated with them, such as the presence of the Holy Spirit or divine intervention.

Commentaries

Commentaries on Acts 9:17 from biblical scholars highlight the significance of Ananias's role in Saul's conversion. They often emphasize Ananias's obedience despite his reasonable fear of Saul's reputation.

Scholars also analyze Saul's experience as a profound example of Christian conversion that includes both a dramatic revelation of Christ and the subsequent changes that follow a filled life with the Holy Spirit.

They often reflect on the impact of Paul's subsequent ministry, recognizing the importance of this event in the wider context of the spread of Christianity and the shaping of Christian theology.

Acts 9

Acts 9

What does Acts 9:17 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 9:17 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?