Acts 22:12

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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,

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 22:12 introduces Ananias, a figure of significant integrity and piety within the Jewish community in Damascus, as Paul recounts his conversion experience to a hostile crowd in Jerusalem. This verse establishes Ananias's impeccable reputation and devout adherence to the Mosaic Law, lending crucial credibility to Paul's testimony by demonstrating that his miraculous restoration and initial instruction came through a respected Jewish believer, not an outsider or a fringe figure.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 22 is Paul's personal defense before a tumultuous Jewish crowd in Jerusalem, who have just attempted to kill him in the temple. This speech is a powerful rhetorical strategy, as Paul meticulously recounts his past as a zealous persecutor of Christians, his dramatic encounter with the risen Christ on the Damascus road, and the subsequent divine intervention that led to his sight being restored and his calling affirmed. The introduction of Ananias in this narrative is pivotal, serving as the human instrument through whom God's will for Paul was further revealed. Paul emphasizes Ananias's standing within the Jewish community to underscore the legitimacy of his own transformative experience and subsequent ministry, aiming to bridge the chasm of animosity with his Jewish audience by showing that a respected member of their own faith tradition was involved in his conversion.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Damascus, a significant city in the Roman province of Syria, known for its diverse population, including a substantial Jewish community. In the first century, Jewish identity was deeply intertwined with adherence to the Mosaic Law and the traditions of the elders. A "devout man according to the law" would have been someone who scrupulously observed the commandments, dietary laws, Sabbath, and temple rituals, earning the respect of his peers. The phrase "having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt there" signifies a public reputation of unimpeachable character and faithfulness to Jewish customs, making Ananias a highly credible witness. For Paul to be ministered to by such a figure would have been a powerful statement to his Jewish audience, suggesting that his conversion was not a radical departure from God's covenant but a continuation within it, albeit with a new understanding of Messiah.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes in Acts and Paul's narrative. It highlights **Divine Providence**, demonstrating God's meticulous orchestration of events and His use of specific individuals, like Ananias, to fulfill His redemptive purposes, particularly in the calling of Paul as the [apostle to the Gentiles](/acts/9-15 "Acts 9:15 - Paul's Calling"). The emphasis on Ananias's character underscores the theme of **Credibility and Witness**, showing how a good reputation within a community can validate a divine encounter, especially when facing skepticism or hostility. Furthermore, it subtly introduces the theme of **Continuity and Discontinuity** between Judaism and Christianity, as a devout Jew becomes instrumental in the conversion of the future apostle of Christ, bridging the old covenant with the new, a theme Paul would later elaborate on in his epistles, such as in [Romans 9-11](/romans/9 "Romans 9-11 - Israel's Place in God's Plan").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **devout (Greek, _eusebḗs'_):** From the roots "eu" (well) and "sebō" (to revere), this term signifies someone who is "well-reverent" or pious. It describes a person characterized by genuine godliness, respect for divine things, and adherence to religious duties and practices. In the context of first-century Judaism, it denotes strict observance of the Mosaic Law and a life lived in accordance with God's commands.
* **according to the law (Greek, _katá ton nómon'_):** The preposition _katá_ (G2596) signifies "according to" or "in conformity with," while _nómos_ (G3551) refers to the Mosaic Law. This phrase explicitly reinforces Ananias's adherence to Jewish legal traditions and commandments, distinguishing him as a faithful and observant Jew, not merely a nominal one.
* **having a good report (Greek, _martyréō'_):** This verb, in its passive participle form, means "to be testified of," "to be well-attested," or "to be well-spoken of." It implies that Ananias's character, integrity, and faithfulness were widely recognized and publicly affirmed by the Jewish community in Damascus. This public commendation was crucial for Paul's defense, as it presented Ananias as an unimpeachable source of authority and legitimacy.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And one Ananias":** This introduces the specific individual whom God used in Paul's conversion narrative. The name Ananias (meaning "Yahweh is gracious") is common in Jewish tradition, but here it refers to a specific disciple in Damascus.
* **"a devout man according to the law":** This clause provides a critical descriptor of Ananias's character and religious standing. He was not a fringe figure or a new convert to Christianity without a prior reputation, but a deeply pious Jew who meticulously followed the Mosaic Law. This detail would have resonated powerfully with Paul's Jewish audience in Jerusalem.
* **"having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt [there]":** This further solidifies Ananias's credibility. His reputation was not limited to a small sect or group but was universally acknowledged and respected by the entire Jewish community in Damascus. This widespread affirmation of his character would have made his involvement in Paul's story more palatable and credible to the skeptical Jewish listeners.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Characterization** to establish Ananias's standing. By describing him as "a devout man according to the law" and one "having a good report of all the Jews," Luke (through Paul's testimony) immediately paints a picture of a person of impeccable religious and social standing. This detailed characterization is not merely descriptive; it serves a crucial **Rhetorical Purpose**. Paul is speaking to a hostile Jewish audience, and by emphasizing Ananias's unimpeachable Jewish credentials, he attempts to lend legitimacy to his own conversion story. The inclusion of this detail also functions as a form of **Ethos**, establishing the credibility of the person who ministered to Paul, thereby indirectly bolstering Paul's own message. There's also a subtle **Foreshadowing** of the divine authority that Ananias carries, as his human reputation sets the stage for his divinely appointed role in Paul's life.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 22:12 underscores the profound truth that God often chooses to work through ordinary, yet exemplary, individuals to accomplish His extraordinary purposes. Ananias's devoutness and good reputation were not incidental; they were integral to his suitability as an instrument in God's plan for Saul, the notorious persecutor. This highlights a theological principle: God uses people of integrity and established credibility to bridge divides and communicate His truth, especially in challenging contexts. Ananias's standing among the Jews would have made his witness to Paul, and subsequently Paul's recounting of it, far more impactful than if he had been an unknown or disreputable figure. This verse reminds us that our character and reputation, cultivated through faithfulness to God and respectful engagement with our communities, can become powerful avenues for God's redemptive work.

* [Acts 9:10-19](/acts/9-10-19 "Acts 9:10-19 - Ananias and Saul")
* [Acts 10:22](/acts/10-22 "Acts 10:22 - Cornelius's Good Reputation")
* [1 Timothy 3:7](/1_timothy/3-7 "1 Timothy 3:7 - The Importance of a Good Reputation for Leaders")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ananias's brief but pivotal appearance in Acts 22:12 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. His life demonstrates that faithfulness to God and a good reputation within one's community are not merely personal virtues but powerful tools for ministry. In a world often characterized by suspicion and division, a life marked by integrity, piety, and respect can open doors for the gospel that mere rhetoric cannot. Ananias was willing to step into a daunting situation, trusting God's command even when it meant encountering a notorious persecutor. This challenges us to consider how our own character and standing might be used by God to reach those who seem unreachable or to bridge seemingly insurmountable divides. It encourages us to live lives that are "well-reported of" not for personal glory, but for the sake of God's kingdom and the advancement of His truth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does cultivating a good reputation, as exemplified by Ananias, contribute to effective Christian witness in today's society?**
* **In what ways might God be calling you to step out in faith, like Ananias, to minister to someone you might initially fear or distrust?**
* **What aspects of Ananias's "devoutness according to the law" can be translated into contemporary Christian living to foster spiritual depth and community respect?**

### FAQ
**Why was Ananias's good reputation among the Jews so important to Paul's testimony?**

Answer: Ananias's good reputation was crucial because Paul was addressing a hostile Jewish crowd in Jerusalem who viewed him as a traitor to their faith. By emphasizing that Ananias was "a devout man according to the law" and "having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt there," Paul was able to lend significant credibility to his conversion story. It showed that his encounter with Christ and subsequent restoration of sight and calling were not the result of some fringe cult or an outsider, but were mediated through a highly respected and observant member of their own Jewish community in Damascus. This detail aimed to soften the crowd's animosity and validate the divine nature of Paul's experience, making it more difficult for them to dismiss his testimony outright. It underscored that even within the framework of Jewish piety, God was working in new and unexpected ways, as seen in [Acts 9:10-19](/acts/9-10-19 "Acts 9:10-19 - Ananias's Role in Paul's Conversion").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Ananias himself is a devout Jew, his role in Acts 22:12, as recounted by Paul, points powerfully to the Christ-centered fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. Ananias, a man "according to the law," becomes the instrument through whom the new covenant's grace is extended to Saul, the zealous persecutor of Christ's followers. This moment foreshadows how Christ, the [fulfillment of the Law](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law"), uses those who are faithful within the old covenant framework to bring others into the reality of the new. Ananias's obedience to visit Saul, despite his initial fear, mirrors the ultimate obedience of Christ to the Father's will, even unto death on the cross, as described in [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience"). Just as Ananias was sent by God to restore sight and impart spiritual truth to Paul, Christ is the ultimate restorer of spiritual sight, turning people from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, as Paul himself would later proclaim in [Acts 26:18](/acts/26-18 "Acts 26:18 - Paul's Commission to Open Eyes"). Ananias's good report among the Jews also subtly prefigures the universal testimony to Christ's character and redemptive work, which is "good news" for all people, Jew and Gentile alike, as articulated in [Romans 1:16](/romans/1-16 "Romans 1:16 - The Gospel for Jew and Gentile").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.