Acts 9:15 meaning
In a pivotal moment, God conveys to Ananias that Saul of Tarsus, once a notorious persecutor of Christians, is now designated as a "chosen instrument." This transformation highlights not only Saul's impending role as a proponent of the Gospel but also emphasizes God's authority to repurpose who He chooses for His Kingdom tasks. Ananias learns that Saul will bear witness of Christ not just to the Jews but to Gentiles and kings, indicating the universal outreach of the Christian message. This reflects God's intention for the Gospel to penetrate all societal strata, challenging both Jewish and Gentile boundaries.
The deeper significance here speaks to God's sovereignty in salvation, showcasing His power to redeem even the fiercest of opponents into passionate advocates. This verse illustrates that the church must often confront its biases and fears, as the Lord frequently operates outside of human expectations. We understand from Acts 9:15 that God's calling involves not only a mission but also forthcoming suffering, signifying that service to Christ may lead to trials but is ultimately for His glory and purpose. This revelation reassures believers today that God can use anyone for His great works, regardless of past transgressions.
This quick synopsis was AI autogenerated utilizing existing TheBibleSays commentaries as the primary source material. To read a related commentary that has been fully developed, see the list below. If there is an issue with this summary please let us know by emailing:[email protected]
Deeper Commentary Covering this Verse:
- Acts 9:10-19a meaning. Jesus speaks to a believer in Damascus named Ananias, telling him to go to Saul and heal his blindness. Ananias understandably hesitates, since this Saul is famously persecuting the church, and had arrived in Damascus with the intention to arrest believers, bind them, and take them away to Jerusalem. Jesus tells Ananias that Saul has been chosen to spread the gospel and suffer for His sake. So Ananias obeys. He puts his hands on Saul, and Saul’s sight returns. Saul is baptized.
Other Relevant Commentaries:
- Acts 9:1-9 meaning. Saul the Pharisee continues his aggressive campaign against believers. He sets out on a journey to Damascus in Syria to arrest any disciples of Jesus there. When he has almost arrived to his destination, a light from heaven flashes and knocks him down, blinding him. The voice of Jesus asks Saul why he is persecuting Him. Saul goes into the city, still blind, and does not eat or drink for three days.
- Acts 15:22-35 meaning. The apostles and elders choose two men, Judas and Silas, to accompany Paul and Barnabas back to Antioch with a letter written to Gentile believers. The letter summarizes the conclusion of the Council: “The men teaching you to become circumcised and follow the Law were not sent by us. You do not need to do that. We agree with Paul and Barnabas and have sent our own men who will confirm this. As long as you stay away from idolatry, things sacrificed to idols, and immoral sex, you will do well.”
- 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 meaning. Paul now moves to some Old Testament examples of sowing and reaping; where we put our efforts determines the resulting consequences. This principle applies not only to investments that are of a material nature, but also spiritual ones as well. Being generous from the heart creates bounty both in this age as well as in the age to come. Ultimately, all bounty comes from the same source, the indescribable gift of God.