Acts 9 11

Acts 9:11 kjv

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

Acts 9:11 nkjv

So the Lord said to him, "Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying.

Acts 9:11 niv

The Lord told him, "Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying.

Acts 9:11 esv

And the Lord said to him, "Rise and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying,

Acts 9:11 nlt

The Lord said, "Go over to Straight Street, to the house of Judas. When you get there, ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul. He is praying to me right now.

Acts 9 verses

Acts 9 11 Meaning

Acts 9:11 is a pivotal verse describing the Lord Jesus's precise instructions to Ananias, a devout disciple in Damascus, regarding Saul, the former persecutor. The verse conveys God's intimate knowledge of human location and activity, specifically revealing Saul's profound spiritual transformation through prayer, an act unknown to others but revealed by God. It marks the divine initiation of the mission to Saul, preparing for his healing and future apostleship.

Acts 9 11 Context

Acts chapter 9 opens with Saul, still breathing threats against disciples of the Lord, journeying to Damascus with authority to arrest Christians. On the road, he encounters the risen Jesus, who blinds him and commissions him, leading to Saul's immediate repentance and the dramatic reversal of his life. Blinded and utterly changed, Saul is led into Damascus, where he spends three days fasting and praying. It is within this specific immediate aftermath of Saul's conversion experience that Acts 9:11 details the Lord's instruction to Ananias. Ananias, a local disciple known for his piety, receives a divine vision directing him to find Saul, providing extremely precise location details in a foreign city. This specific divine guidance highlights God's sovereignty, orchestration of events, and profound interest in individuals for His kingdom purposes. Historically, Damascus was a major ancient city, a vibrant center of trade and culture, and the "Street called Straight" (Via Recta in Latin) was indeed a main thoroughfare traversing the city from east to west, adding to the geographical accuracy and authenticity of the account.

Acts 9 11 Word analysis

• And the Lord said unto him:
  • Lord: (Greek: Kyrios, κύριος). Here, it specifically refers to the risen Jesus Christ, not simply a general divine authority. This establishes Jesus's ongoing active role in guiding His church and directly communicating with His servants post-ascension. It reinforces His sovereignty and omnipotence, especially after His triumph over death.
  • said unto him: Indicates a direct, audible communication or a clear vision/auditory impression to Ananias, necessitating his response and obedience. This is characteristic of God's communication with His prophets and servants throughout biblical history.
• Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight,
  • Arise: (Greek: Anastas, ἀναστάς, a participle indicating immediate action). This is an imperative, a direct command signifying urgency and requiring prompt obedience from Ananias. It mirrors other divine commands to "arise" for action (e.g., Exod 32:7, Judg 4:14).
  • go into the street: (Greek: Rhumēn, ῥύμην, street or alleyway). Emphasizes a specific path of action.
  • which is called Straight: (Greek: Euthian, Εὐθεῖαν, straight). This refers to a known, literal street in ancient Damascus, providing an exact and verifiable location. Its name might also symbolically reflect the "straight" path of righteousness or the directness of God's leading, though its primary meaning here is geographical. The precision underscores the divine foreknowledge and meticulous planning of God.
• and inquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus:
  • inquire: (Greek: Zētēson, ζήτησον, seek, look for, investigate). This command implies a specific, deliberate search within the indicated dwelling.
  • in the house of Judas: This specifies an exact private dwelling. The commonness of the name Judas indicates it's a house rather than a well-known public building. It signifies God's precise knowledge down to the level of individual households in a major city.
  • for one called Saul, of Tarsus:
    • Saul: The persecutor, the enemy of the Church, now transformed. His original name as a Hebrew before his ministry to Gentiles.
    • of Tarsus: Identifies his birthplace in Cilicia, an important city known for its university and Hellenistic culture. This detail would have been significant for Ananias, identifying him as a Hellenistic Jew, possibly raising Ananias's caution due to his notoriety (Acts 9:13). For future readers, it highlights Saul's unique background – a Roman citizen, well-educated Pharisee with extensive knowledge of Jewish law and Greek culture – all divinely prepared for his later role as Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles (Acts 22:3).
• for, behold, he prayeth,
  • for, behold: (Greek: Idou, ἰδοὺ, behold, look). This is an emphatic interjection, drawing Ananias's immediate attention to the most crucial, verifying piece of information. It acts as an undeniable sign of Saul's changed heart.
  • he prayeth: (Greek: Proseuchetai, προσεύχεται, present tense verb, "he is praying" or "he habitually prays"). This is the defining and transforming detail. Saul, known for breathing threats, is now in fervent prayer. This is not merely an external action but evidence of an inward transformation – a humbled spirit, repentance, and dependence on God (Ps 51:17). God's revelation of Saul's private prayer confirms its genuineness to Ananias, allaying his potential fears about approaching such a notorious figure. It signifies that God primarily looks upon the heart. This profound act of prayer is a fruit of his encounter with Christ and a direct consequence of his new faith, a testament to God's immediate work in a human soul.

Acts 9 11 Bonus section

The geographical accuracy of "the Street called Straight" (Via Recta), which still exists in Damascus, serves as extra-biblical confirmation of the narrative's authenticity. This attention to detail underscores Luke's meticulous historical reporting. The encounter at this precise location emphasizes that God's plan is concrete, not abstract. The fact that Saul, who "breathed threats" (Acts 9:1) upon Christians, is now found praying highlights the instantaneous and complete reversal wrought by Christ's intervention. This demonstrates the core Christian message of radical transformation through grace and serves as an archetype for conversion experiences, where the outward profession is often accompanied by the inward, unseen work of the Spirit expressed through repentance and prayer. The house of Judas might represent ordinary hospitality providing refuge and comfort in a time of crisis and vulnerability, setting an example for Christian fellowship and service to the newly converted.

Acts 9 11 Commentary

Acts 9:11 is a powerful illustration of God's precise sovereignty and grace in bringing about salvation and calling His servants. It shows the risen Lord actively involved in the lives of His followers, providing specific and verifiable instructions. The level of detail – a specific street, a specific house, a specific individual known by name and origin – testifies to God's omniscience and deliberate orchestration of events. The key to Ananias's understanding and acceptance of this dangerous mission lies in the profound declaration: "behold, he prayeth." This revelation of Saul's unseen, heartfelt prayer signifies a genuine, radical spiritual transformation. It means Saul, the proud Pharisee and violent persecutor, has humbled himself before the Lord, acknowledging his sin and dependence, a truly changed man. This moment sets the stage for Saul's baptism, healing, and the launch of his extraordinary ministry as the Apostle to the Gentiles, showcasing God's ability to redeem and repurpose even the most fervent enemies for His glorious purposes.