Acts 22:12

And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt [there],

And {G1161} one {G5100} Ananias {G367}, a devout {G2152} man {G435} according {G2596} to the law {G3551}, having a good report {G3140} of {G5259} all {G3956} the Jews {G2453} which dwelt {G2730} there,

“A man named Hananyah, an observant follower of the Torah who was highly regarded by the entire Jewish community there,

There a man named Ananias, a devout observer of the law who was highly regarded by all the Jews living there,

And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, well reported of by all the Jews that dwelt there,

Acts 22:12 introduces Ananias, a pivotal figure in the narrative of Saul's (later Paul's) conversion and early ministry. This verse is part of Paul's defense before the Jewish crowd in Jerusalem, where he recounts his dramatic encounter with Christ on the road to Damascus and the subsequent events that led to his restoration and calling.

Context

In Acts chapter 22, Paul is giving his personal testimony to the Jewish people who had just attempted to kill him in the temple. He recounts his zealous past as a persecutor of Christians, his blinding vision of Christ on the road to Damascus, and then introduces Ananias as the one sent by God to restore his sight and give him further instruction. This particular verse emphasizes Ananias's standing within the Jewish community in Damascus, setting the stage for his crucial interaction with the newly converted Saul.

Key Themes

  • Divine Providence: This verse highlights how God orchestrates events and uses specific individuals, even those seemingly insignificant in the broader narrative, to fulfill His purposes. Ananias was a critical link in God's plan for Paul's calling to be an apostle to the Gentiles.
  • Reputation and Piety: Ananias is described as a "devout man according to the law" and one "having a good report of all the Jews." This emphasizes his strong adherence to Jewish tradition and his respected standing within the community. This detail is significant because it would have lent credibility to Paul's testimony in the eyes of his Jewish audience, showing that a respected Jew, not merely a Christian, ministered to him.
  • Obedience and Faith: Though not explicitly stated in this verse, the subsequent narrative (Acts 9:10-19) reveals Ananias's initial reluctance but ultimate obedience to God's command to visit the notorious Saul, demonstrating profound faith in God's directive.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Devout man" (Greek: eusebēs - εὐσεβής): This term signifies someone who is pious, reverent, and religiously sincere, particularly in their adherence to established religious practices. It underscores Ananias's deep commitment to the Jewish faith and Mosaic Law.
  • "According to the law" (Greek: kata ton nomon - κατὰ τὸν νόμον): This phrase further reinforces Ananias's strict observance of Jewish law and customs, distinguishing him as a faithful Jew.
  • "Having a good report" (Greek: martyroumenos - μαρτυρούμενος): This means he was "well-attested" or "well-spoken of." It implies that his character and integrity were widely recognized and respected by his fellow Jews. This public affirmation of his character would have been crucial for Paul's defense, as it showed that the man who ministered to him was not some fringe figure but a reputable member of the Jewish community.

Practical Application

Ananias's example reminds us that God often uses ordinary, faithful individuals to accomplish extraordinary tasks. His good reputation among both Jews and early Christians likely made him an ideal bridge-builder in a time of intense tension. This verse encourages believers to cultivate a character of integrity and devotion, as a good reputation can open doors for ministry and witness. It also highlights the importance of obedience to God's calling, even when it seems daunting or requires interacting with those we might naturally fear or distrust, much like Ananias's initial hesitation to meet Saul.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Acts 10:22

    And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee.

  • Acts 6:3

    Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.

  • 3 John 1:12

    ¶ Demetrius hath good report of all [men], and of the truth itself: yea, and we [also] bear record; and ye know that our record is true.

  • 1 Timothy 3:7

    Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

  • Luke 2:25

    ¶ And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name [was] Simeon; and the same man [was] just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.

  • 2 Corinthians 6:8

    By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and [yet] true;

  • Hebrews 11:2

    For by it the elders obtained a good report.

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