Acts 9:10

¶ 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.

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}.

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.”

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

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

Acts 9:10 introduces Ananias, a faithful disciple living in Damascus, who receives a direct and personal communication from the Lord in a vision. This pivotal verse sets the stage for God's next move in the dramatic story of Saul of Tarsus, preparing for his restoration and future ministry.

Context

This verse immediately follows the powerful account of Saul's blinding encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus. While Saul is left sightless and in need of assistance, the Lord prepares an instrument for his healing and calling. Ananias, described as a "certain disciple," was a respected local believer within the early Christian community in Damascus. His selection for this sensitive and seemingly dangerous mission—to minister to the notorious persecutor of Christians—highlights God's sovereign plan and the unexpected ways He works through ordinary people.

Key Themes

  • Divine Initiative: The Lord directly initiates the call to Ananias, demonstrating God's active involvement in guiding His people and orchestrating critical events in salvation history.
  • Readiness and Obedience: Ananias' immediate and humble reply, "Behold, I [am here], Lord," signifies a heart ready and available to God's command. This posture of availability is a hallmark of biblical figures called by God.
  • God Uses Ordinary People: Ananias is not an apostle or a prominent leader mentioned extensively elsewhere in scripture, yet God chooses him for a crucial, world-changing task—ministering to the very man who would become the Apostle Paul.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Behold, I [am here], Lord" (Greek: Idou egō, Kyrios) is a significant expression of readiness and availability in response to a divine call. It carries a similar weight to the Hebrew "Hineni," meaning "Here I am" or "I am present and attentive." It signifies not just physical presence but a spiritual posture of being prepared to listen and obey, indicating a willingness to accept whatever task the Lord might present.

Practical Application

  • Availability to God: Ananias' immediate response challenges us to consider our own readiness when the Lord calls, whether through direct prompting, the needs of others, or opportunities for service. Are we quick to say, "Here I am," with an open heart?
  • Trusting God's Plan: Ananias would soon be asked to minister to Saul, a man known for his violent persecution of the church. This highlights the call to trust God's sometimes unexpected and challenging assignments, knowing that He has a greater purpose even in difficult circumstances.
  • Importance of Every Disciple: This verse underscores that every believer, regardless of their public profile or perceived importance, can be a vital instrument in God's hands for His work. The Lord saw Ananias, a "certain disciple," and had a specific, crucial role for him to play in the unfolding story of salvation and the early church. His subsequent actions are detailed in Acts 9:17-18.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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.
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