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 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.
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
Linguistic Insights
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.