Acts 9:15 kjv
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:
Acts 9:15 nkjv
But the Lord said to him, "Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel.
Acts 9:15 niv
But the Lord said to Ananias, "Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel.
Acts 9:15 esv
But the Lord said to him, "Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel.
Acts 9:15 nlt
But the Lord said, "Go, for Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel.
Acts 9 15 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Isa 49:6 | “I will also make you a light of the nations...” | Paul's mission fulfills Old Testament prophecy regarding the Messiah's servant. |
| Jer 1:5 | “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you...” | Divine foreknowledge and election, paralleling Paul's call. |
| Gal 1:15-16 | “But when He who had set me apart even from my mother’s womb and called me through His grace... to preach Him among the Gentiles...” | Paul's own testimony of his divine call and specific mission. |
| Rom 1:1 | “Paul, a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God...” | Paul's self-identification, emphasizing his divine appointment. |
| Acts 13:2 | “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” | Holy Spirit confirms the call to Gentile mission. |
| Eph 3:7-8 | “of which I became a minister according to the gift of God’s grace... to preach to the Gentiles the unfathomable riches of Christ...” | Paul's appointed role to declare Christ to non-Jews. |
| Acts 1:8 | “...you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.” | Broader commission to evangelize all nations, Paul's mission fulfills this. |
| Lk 24:47 | “...that repentance for forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed in His name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem.” | Christ's command to preach to all nations, reinforcing Paul's mission. |
| Acts 26:17-18 | “rescuing you from the Jewish people and from the Gentiles, to whom I am sending you, to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light...” | Christ's direct instruction to Paul during his conversion about his specific Gentile ministry. |
| Acts 15:14 | “Simeon has related how God first concerned Himself about taking from among the Gentiles a people for His name.” | Confirms God's plan for Gentile inclusion, seen in Paul's ministry. |
| Acts 20:24 | “But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God.” | Paul's dedication to fulfilling his divine commission. |
| Rom 9:23 | “...and He did so to make known the riches of His glory upon vessels of mercy, which He prepared beforehand for glory...” | The concept of "vessels" chosen and prepared by God for His purposes. |
| 2 Cor 5:19-20 | “...and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ...” | Bearing Christ's name as an ambassador proclaiming reconciliation. |
| Matt 10:18 | “and you will be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles.” | Prophecy of disciples testifying before rulers, fulfilled by Paul. |
| Acts 23:11 | “Be of good cheer, Paul; for as you have testified fully of Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome.” | Lord confirms Paul will testify before authorities, leading to his journey to Rome. |
| Phil 4:22 | “All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household.” | Evidence of the gospel's reach even to those in high authority, including royalty. |
| Acts 3:26 | “For you first, God raised up His Servant and sent Him to bless you by turning every one of you from your wicked ways.” | The gospel traditionally proclaimed first to the Jews. |
| Rom 10:1 | “My heart’s desire and my prayer to God for them is for their salvation.” | Paul's enduring burden for his own people, the sons of Israel. |
| Rom 11:11 | “But through their transgression salvation has come to the Gentiles, to make them jealous.” | Israel's temporary hardening facilitated Gentile inclusion, part of God's broader plan. |
| 1 Cor 9:16 | “For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for I am under compulsion; for woe is me if I do not preach the gospel.” | Paul's recognition of the divine imperative behind his ministry. |
| Acts 9:16 | “for I will show him how much he must suffer for My name’s sake.” | Immediate follow-up, highlighting the suffering that accompanies bearing Christ's name. |
Acts 9 verses
Acts 9 15 Meaning
The Lord declares to Ananias that Saul, who later becomes Paul, has been divinely chosen and specifically set apart for a pivotal mission. He is a designated vessel, uniquely equipped to carry and proclaim the message of Jesus Christ to all the major divisions of humanity: the Gentile nations, worldly rulers and authorities (kings), and ultimately, the people of Israel. This verse underscores God's sovereign election and Paul's divinely appointed, global ministry.
Acts 9 15 Context
Acts 9 marks a pivotal turning point in the book of Acts and early Christian history: the radical conversion of Saul of Tarsus, a zealous persecutor of Christians. Earlier in the chapter, Saul is introduced as "breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord" (v. 1), on his way to Damascus to arrest believers. His dramatic encounter with the risen Jesus Christ on the road (vv. 3-9) leaves him temporarily blind and completely transformed.Following this encounter, the Lord speaks to Ananias, a disciple in Damascus, instructing him to go to Saul, lay hands on him, and restore his sight. Ananias, naturally, is apprehensive due to Saul's infamous reputation as a persecutor (vv. 13-14). Acts 9:15 is the Lord's direct, emphatic response to Ananias's hesitation, providing a divine revelation of Saul's true identity and future purpose. This revelation clarifies that Saul's transformation is not merely a change of heart, but a strategic divine appointment to fulfill a universal mission. The historical context reveals that early Christianity was largely Jewish, and the inclusion of Gentiles on equal terms was a radical concept that would define much of Paul's future ministry and the expansion of the church. This verse directly sets the stage for that outward movement, moving beyond Jewish boundaries.
Acts 9 15 Word analysis
- But the Lord: (Ho Kyrios de - ὁ Κύριος δέ). "The Lord" here explicitly refers to Jesus Christ, establishing divine authority. The particle "de" (but/and) marks a continuation and emphasis on the Lord's answer despite Ananias's hesitation.
- said to him: Ananias's direct conversation with Christ through a vision, indicating divine clarity and command.
- Go: (Poreuou - πορεύου). A present imperative verb, meaning "Keep on going" or "Go without delay." It signifies a strong, immediate command, directly addressing Ananias's reluctance and removing all doubt.
- for he: (hoti autos - ὅτι αὐτός). "For" introduces the divine rationale behind the command. "He" refers to Saul, specifically highlighting his new, divinely purposed identity.
- is a chosen instrument of Mine: (skeuos ekloges mou estin - σκεῦος ἐκλογῆς μού ἐστιν).
- chosen: (ekloges - ἐκλογῆς). Literally, "of election" or "of choosing." It points to God's sovereign, purposeful selection and predestination for a specific task. This choice is based entirely on God's will, not on Saul's previous merit or any human criteria.
- instrument: (skeuos - σκεῦος). Lit. "vessel," "container," or "tool." It metaphorically denotes someone used by God for a specific purpose. Saul is not the initiator but a utensil, entirely dependent on the one who uses him. This humbles the chosen and magnifies the Chooser.
- of Mine: (mou - μού). Possessive pronoun, emphasizing that Saul belongs to Christ and is consecrated for His service and purposes.
- to bear: (bastazai - βαστάσαι). An aorist infinitive, meaning "to carry," "to bear," "to bring," or "to convey." In this context, it implies proclaiming or delivering the message of Christ. It suggests a weighty, significant mission that involves active communication.
- My name: (mou to onoma - μού τὸ ὄνομα). "My name" refers to the entire person, authority, nature, power, and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. To bear His name is to proclaim who He is, what He has done, and what He commands. It signifies representing Christ Himself.
- before: (enopion - ἐνώπιον). Lit. "in the sight of" or "in the presence of." This preposition indicates a public proclamation, a testimony given openly.
- Gentiles: (ethnē - ἔθνη). Refers to all non-Jewish nations, distinct from the covenant people of Israel. This marks a significant shift from the initial, largely Jewish focus of the early church's evangelism, opening the door for widespread international missionary activity.
- and kings: (te basileis - τέ βασιλεῖς). Represents high political authority and power. Paul's ministry would indeed bring him before governors, caesars, and other powerful rulers (e.g., Felix, Festus, Agrippa). It signifies the universal scope of the gospel, reaching every strata of society.
- and the sons of Israel: (te huiōn Israēl - τέ υἱῶν Ἰσραήλ). This refers to the Jewish people, Abraham's descendants. While Paul was preeminently the apostle to the Gentiles, his commission still included ministering to his own countrymen first (Rom 1:16, Acts 13:46). This shows the comprehensive nature of his calling—to all peoples.
Words-group analysis
- But the Lord said to him, 'Go,': This opening immediately establishes divine initiative and command. It's a clear directive, cutting through Ananias's fear and doubt, compelling immediate action.
- for he is a chosen instrument of Mine,: This is the core revelation. "Chosen instrument" defines Saul's new identity and purpose. It speaks to God's sovereignty (He chose), His providence (He equipped), and His utility (Saul is a tool). This phrase sets Saul apart as divinely appointed and destined.
- to bear My name: This defines the content of Paul's mission. It is not his own message, but the very essence and authority of Christ Himself. "Bearing" implies active delivery, declaration, and demonstration of who Jesus is.
- before Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel: This defines the scope of Paul's mission. It encompasses literally "the nations" (Gentiles), "the rulers" (kings), and "the chosen people" (Israel). This universal reach demonstrates God's inclusive plan for salvation, breaking down barriers between different human groups.
Acts 9 15 Bonus section
- A "Weapon" in God's Hand: The Greek word skeuos (instrument/vessel) can also refer to military equipment or a tool. In this sense, Paul was to be a spiritual weapon in God's hand against the strongholds of sin and false doctrine, furthering the kingdom of God.
- The Paradox of Grace: That a violent persecutor became God's primary apostle to the Gentiles powerfully demonstrates the transformative power and vastness of God's grace, where enemies become agents of reconciliation. This theme resonates throughout Paul's own writings (e.g., 1 Tim 1:12-16).
- Foundation for Gentile Inclusion: This verse is foundational for understanding the universal scope of the church's mission and the breaking down of barriers between Jew and Gentile, a theme heavily elaborated upon in Paul's epistles. It anticipated the pivotal discussion in Acts 15 regarding Gentile inclusion.
- Divine Choice and Human Will: While Saul was "chosen," his conversion was also a radical personal surrender. This highlights the interplay between divine election and human response in salvation and service. Ananias's initial reluctance and subsequent obedience also exemplify human struggle and yielding to God's will.
Acts 9 15 Commentary
Acts 9:15 is a pivotal statement from the Lord Jesus Christ Himself, laying out the precise scope and nature of Saul's future ministry. It serves as divine confirmation not only to Ananias but to the broader church concerning God's radical plan for the zealous persecutor. The designation "chosen instrument" or "vessel of election" underlines that Saul's transformation was not random or accidental, nor was his selection based on his former religious zeal or legalistic merits. Instead, it was an act of pure, sovereign grace—God's pre-ordained purpose being fulfilled through a most unlikely candidate.
This verse reveals God's strategy for gospel expansion: Paul would be the primary agent for bringing the message of Jesus to the wider world, specifically focusing on the Gentiles. His former identity as a devout Pharisee and a persecutor, paradoxically, equipped him for this task. His deep understanding of the Old Testament Law and prophecy made him uniquely capable of debating with Jews and presenting the gospel within their framework, while his Roman citizenship and hellenistic education prepared him for engaging with the Gentile world.
The triple target audience – Gentiles, kings, and the sons of Israel – demonstrates the truly universal and all-encompassing nature of Paul's calling. No group or social stratum was to be excluded from hearing Christ's name proclaimed. "Bearing My name" means much more than merely uttering Jesus's name; it encompasses proclaiming His identity, authority, saving work, and establishing His Lordship. This commission was both an immense privilege and a call to immense suffering, as revealed in the very next verse (Acts 9:16). Ananias’s obedience in this moment was crucial for the unfolding of God’s redemptive plan for countless souls.