Acts 9:10

KJV

¶ And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I [am here], Lord.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} there was {G2258} a certain {G5100} disciple {G3101} at {G1722} Damascus {G1154}, named {G3686} Ananias {G367}; and {G2532} to {G4314} him {G846} said {G2036} the Lord {G2962} in {G1722} a vision {G3705}, Ananias {G367}. And {G1161} he said {G2036}, Behold {G2400}, I {G1473} am here, Lord {G2962}.

Complete Jewish Bible

There was a talmid in Dammesek, Hananyah by name; and in a vision the Lord said to him, “Hananyah!” He said, “Here I am, Lord.”

Berean Standard Bible

In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord spoke to him in a vision, “Ananias!” “Here I am, Lord,” he answered.

American Standard Version

Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and the Lord said unto him in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 9:10 introduces Ananias, a specific disciple residing in Damascus, who receives a direct, personal encounter with the Lord through a vision. This pivotal verse serves as a divine bridge, preparing the way for God's next move in the unfolding drama of Saul of Tarsus's conversion, setting the stage for his healing, restoration, and ultimate commission into ministry.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the dramatic and transformative encounter of Saul of Tarsus with the resurrected Jesus on the road to Damascus, as detailed in [Acts 9:1-9](/acts/9-1-9 "Saul's Conversion on the Road to Damascus"). Saul, blinded by the divine light and in a state of repentance and fasting, is now in Damascus, awaiting God's next instruction. Acts 9:10 shifts the narrative focus from Saul's immediate physical and spiritual crisis to the divine preparation of an instrument—Ananias—who will be crucial for Saul's healing and the confirmation of his new calling. The Lord's direct address to Ananias mirrors the earlier direct address to Saul, highlighting God's sovereign and personal involvement in the lives of His chosen vessels.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Damascus was a significant ancient city, a major trade hub, and home to a substantial Jewish population, which included a burgeoning community of early Christian believers. This community, though small, was known to Saul, who had traveled there specifically to persecute them, as indicated in [Acts 9:1-2](/acts/9-1-2 "Saul's Mission to Damascus"). The early Christians lived under constant threat of persecution, making Ananias's willingness to obey a potentially dangerous command particularly striking. His identity as a "disciple" suggests he was a known and respected member of the local Christian fellowship, likely part of the underground network of believers in the city. The concept of a divine "vision" was a recognized mode of revelation in both Jewish and early Christian contexts, signifying a direct communication from God.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Acts and the broader biblical narrative. It underscores the **Divine Initiative** in salvation history, demonstrating that God actively intervenes and orchestrates events, even when human agents are unaware or resistant. The Lord's specific call to Ananias, a seemingly ordinary believer, highlights the theme that **God Uses Ordinary People** for extraordinary purposes, a recurring motif seen throughout scripture, from Moses to Mary. Ananias's immediate and humble response, "Behold, I [am here], Lord," exemplifies the theme of **Readiness and Obedience** to God's call, a posture essential for those whom God chooses to employ in His redemptive plan. This echoes the availability of other biblical figures who responded to divine summons, such as Samuel in [1 Samuel 3:4](/1_samuel/3-4 "Samuel's Call") and Isaiah in [Isaiah 6:8](/isaiah/6-8 "Isaiah's Commission").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **disciple (Greek, _mathētḗs'_):** Derived from a verb meaning "to learn," this term signifies a learner or pupil. Ananias is identified not merely as a believer, but specifically as a "disciple," indicating his commitment to following Jesus's teachings and way of life. This identity is crucial, as it implies a readiness to be taught and to obey, setting the stage for his immediate response to the Lord's command.
* **Lord (Greek, _kýrios'_):** This term denotes one who is supreme in authority or a master. When used in the context of a divine address, as here, it unequivocally refers to Jesus Christ, recognized by Ananias as his sovereign Master. Ananias's use of "Lord" in his reply confirms his recognition of the divine source of the vision and his submission to Christ's authority.
* **Behold (Greek, _idoú'_):** This is an imperative, meaning "lo!" or "see!" It serves as an interjection to draw attention to what follows. In Ananias's response, "Behold, I [am here], Lord," it functions as an emphatic declaration of presence and readiness. It's not just a physical acknowledgment but a spiritual posture of attentiveness and availability, signaling a willingness to hear and obey the divine instruction.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias":** This opening clause introduces the new character, Ananias, emphasizing his identity as a "disciple" (a follower of Jesus) and his specific location in Damascus. The term "certain" (Greek, _tìs'_) suggests he was not necessarily a prominent leader in the broader church but a specific, known individual within the local community, highlighting God's use of seemingly ordinary people. His name, Ananias, is of Hebrew origin, meaning "Yahweh has been gracious."
* **"and to him said the Lord in a vision, "Ananias.":"** This clause describes the divine initiative. The "Lord" (Jesus Christ) directly communicates with Ananias, not through an intermediary but "in a vision" (Greek, _hórama'_), indicating a supernatural, direct revelation. The Lord's calling Ananias by name signifies a personal and intimate summons, similar to how God often calls His chosen servants in the Old Testament. This direct address underscores the divine authority and the specific nature of the impending command.
* **"And he said, Behold, I [am here], Lord.":** Ananias's immediate and humble response is a classic biblical expression of readiness and availability. The phrase "Behold, I [am here]" (Greek, _Idou egō'_) is the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew _Hineni_, signifying not just physical presence but a spiritual posture of attentiveness, submission, and willingness to obey whatever God commands. His address of "Lord" confirms his recognition of the divine speaker and his obedient submission to Christ's authority.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs a **Divine Call Narrative** structure, a common biblical motif where God initiates contact with an individual, often by name, and the individual responds with a declaration of readiness. This pattern establishes the divine authority of the call and the recipient's posture of obedience. The direct **Dialogue** between the Lord and Ananias ("Ananias." "Behold, I [am here], Lord.") creates immediacy and emphasizes the personal nature of God's interaction with His servants. There is also an element of **Foreshadowing**, as Ananias's prompt and obedient response sets the stage for the challenging and counter-intuitive command he is about to receive regarding Saul, hinting at the profound and unexpected ways God works through His people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 9:10 powerfully illustrates God's sovereign and meticulous orchestration of His redemptive plan, demonstrating that He prepares both the one who needs ministry (Saul) and the one who will minister (Ananias). It underscores that God's work is not dependent on human prominence or perceived capability, but on divine initiative and human availability. Ananias's humble "Here I am, Lord" embodies a profound theological truth: true discipleship is marked by a readiness to obey God's voice, even when the path ahead is uncertain or seemingly dangerous. This verse also highlights the interconnectedness of the early Christian community, where individual believers played crucial, divinely appointed roles in the expansion of the gospel.

* [1 Samuel 3:4](/1_samuel/3-4 "Samuel's Call")
* [Isaiah 6:8](/isaiah/6-8 "Isaiah's Commission")
* [Luke 1:38](/luke/1-38 "Mary's Submission to God's Will")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ananias's immediate and unreserved response to the Lord's call serves as a profound challenge and encouragement for believers today. In a world often characterized by hesitation, self-preservation, or a desire for clarity before commitment, Ananias's "Behold, I [am here], Lord" exemplifies a heart fully yielded to divine will. This posture of availability is essential for effective service, reminding us that God often calls us to tasks that may seem daunting, inconvenient, or beyond our perceived capabilities. Our readiness to say "yes" to God, even when we don't know the full scope of His plan, opens the door for Him to work powerfully through us, just as He did through Ananias in ministering to Saul. This verse also reminds us that every disciple, regardless of their public profile, is vital to God's kingdom work, and that our willingness to be used by Him, even in seemingly small or hidden ways, can have world-changing impact.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How readily do I respond when I sense God's prompting or call in my life?**
* **What fears or hesitations might prevent me from saying, "Behold, I [am here], Lord," with a truly open heart?**
* **In what "Damascus" situations might God be calling me to step out in faith and minister to someone unexpected?**

### FAQ

**Who was Ananias, and why is he significant in the book of Acts?**

Answer: Ananias was a "certain disciple" in Damascus, meaning he was a follower of Jesus Christ. His significance lies in his pivotal role in the conversion and early ministry of Saul of Tarsus (who later became the Apostle Paul). The Lord chose Ananias to visit Saul, lay hands on him to restore his sight, and declare God's calling upon his life, as detailed in [Acts 9:17-18](/acts/9-17-18 "Ananias Heals Saul"). Without Ananias's obedient response, Saul's immediate healing and integration into the Christian community might have been delayed or taken a different path. He exemplifies how God uses seemingly ordinary individuals for extraordinary purposes in His redemptive plan.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ananias's humble and immediate response, "Behold, I [am here], Lord," beautifully echoes the ultimate posture of Christ Himself. While Ananias's availability was a response to a specific divine call, Jesus's entire earthly life was a perfect embodiment of "Here I am, Lord," a complete and unwavering submission to the Father's will. From His incarnation, where He voluntarily "made himself nothing" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Christ's Humility")), to His ultimate sacrifice on the cross, Jesus lived out the perfect "Hineni," declaring, "I have come to do your will, O God" ([Hebrews 10:7](/hebrews/10-7 "Christ's Willingness to Do God's Will")). Ananias's mission to Saul, orchestrated by the Lord, is a direct extension of Christ's ongoing redemptive work in the world. As the head of the church, Christ continues to call and equip His disciples, like Ananias, to be instruments of His grace and healing, bringing the light of the gospel to those He has chosen, just as He chose Saul to be a "chosen instrument" ([Acts 9:15](/acts/9-15 "Saul, a Chosen Instrument")). Thus, Ananias's obedience becomes a model for all believers, demonstrating how participation in Christ's mission flows from a heart yielded to His sovereign call.

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

Genesis 22:1

¶ And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, [here] I [am].

Acts 10:3

He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius.

Acts 22:12

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

Isaiah 6:8

Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here [am] I; send me.

Genesis 31:11

And the angel of God spake unto me in a dream, [saying], Jacob: And I said, Here [am] I.

Acts 10:17

Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made enquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the gate,

Acts 10:20

Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them.