Acts 9:11

KJV

And the Lord [said] unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for [one] called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth,

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} the Lord {G2962} said unto {G4314} him {G846}, Arise {G450}, and go {G4198} into {G1909} the street {G4505} which {G3588} is called {G2564} Straight {G2117}, and {G2532} enquire {G2212} in {G1722} the house {G3614} of Judas {G2455} for one called {G3686} Saul {G4569}, of Tarsus {G5018}: for {G1063}, behold {G2400}, he prayeth {G4336},

Complete Jewish Bible

The Lord said to him, “Get up and go to Straight Street, to Y’hudah’s house; and ask for a man from Tarsus named Sha’ul; for he is praying,

Berean Standard Bible

“Get up!” the Lord told him. “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying.

American Standard Version

And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go to the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one named Saul, a man of Tarsus: for behold, he prayeth;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 9:11 records the Lord's precise and pivotal instruction to Ananias, a disciple in Damascus, to seek out Saul of Tarsus. This divine directive reveals God's intimate knowledge of Saul's location and, more significantly, his transformed spiritual state, evidenced by his newfound commitment to prayer. This verse marks a critical turning point in biblical history, initiating the ministry of the man who would become the Apostle Paul and underscoring God's sovereign hand in orchestrating the spread of the Gospel through unexpected instruments.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Saul's dramatic and blinding encounter with the risen Christ on the road to Damascus, detailed in [Acts 9:1-9](/acts/9-1-9 "Saul's Encounter with Christ on the Damascus Road"). Saul, previously a zealous persecutor of Christians, is now physically blind and spiritually humbled, awaiting further divine instruction. The narrative then shifts to Ananias, a devout disciple in Damascus, who receives a vision from the Lord. Ananias's initial hesitation and fear, rooted in Saul's notorious reputation as a "terrorist" against believers, are explicitly stated in [Acts 9:13-14](/acts/9-13-14 "Ananias's Hesitation Regarding Saul"). Acts 9:11 serves as the Lord's specific, reassuring, and authoritative command to Ananias, providing the necessary details and a crucial spiritual insight ("for, behold, he prayeth") to overcome Ananias's apprehension and confirm the authenticity of Saul's radical conversion. This divine intervention sets the stage for Saul's healing, baptism, and subsequent call to apostleship.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "street which is called Straight" (Latin: *Via Recta*) was a prominent and well-known main thoroughfare in ancient Damascus, running approximately 1.5 kilometers from the East Gate to the West Gate. Its precise identification by the Lord highlights the historical veracity of the account and God's meticulous attention to detail. Damascus itself was an ancient and significant city, a major trading hub in Syria, making it a strategic location for the early spread of Christianity. Saul's origin, "of Tarsus," is equally significant. Tarsus, located in Cilicia (modern-day Turkey), was a renowned intellectual and cultural center in the Roman Empire, known for its university and philosophical schools. As a Roman citizen from Tarsus, Saul (later Paul) possessed unique advantages for his future missionary endeavors, including legal protections and a cosmopolitan background that facilitated communication across diverse cultures, as seen in his later assertion of Roman citizenship in [Acts 22:25](/acts/22-25 "Paul Asserts His Roman Citizenship").
* **Key Themes:** Acts 9:11 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Acts and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Specificity and Guidance**, demonstrating God's sovereign control and meticulous planning. The Lord provides Ananias with exact coordinates—the specific street, the house, and the person—illustrating that God's guidance is not vague but precise, empowering His servants to act with confidence. Secondly, the verse highlights **Radical Transformation** through divine intervention. The man known as "Saul, of Tarsus," the persecutor, is now identified by God as one who is praying, signaling a profound internal change wrought by Christ. This transformation is central to the narrative of Acts, showcasing the Gospel's power to convert even the most ardent opponents, a theme echoed in Paul's later testimony in [1 Timothy 1:12-16](/1_timothy/1-12-16 "Paul's Testimony of God's Grace"). Finally, the phrase "for, behold, he prayeth" emphasizes **The Power of Prayer as a Sign of Genuine Conversion and Communion**. Prayer, in this context, is presented not merely as a religious act but as irrefutable evidence of a changed heart and a new relationship with God, marking a turning point from hostility to humble submission. This aligns with the broader biblical emphasis on prayer as an essential aspect of a living faith, as taught by Jesus in [Matthew 6:5-15](/matthew/6-5-15 "Jesus' Teaching on Prayer").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lord (Greek, _kýrios'_):** G2962. This term denotes supreme authority and control, often used to refer to God or Christ. Here, it signifies the divine authority of Jesus Christ, who is sovereignly directing events and giving commands. It underscores that the instructions given to Ananias are not mere suggestions but authoritative directives from the ultimate Master.
* **enquire (Greek, _zētéō'_):** G2212. This verb means "to seek" or "to search for," often with the implication of diligent investigation or inquiry. In this context, it is a command for Ananias to actively seek out Saul, implying a deliberate and purposeful action based on divine instruction, rather than a casual encounter. It highlights the intentionality of God's plan for Saul.
* **prayeth (Greek, _proseúchomai'_):** G4336. This word specifically means "to pray to God," implying a posture of supplication and worship. It is not a general term for speaking but indicates a direct, intentional communication with the divine. For Saul, who had been persecuting God's people, this act of prayer is the definitive sign of his conversion, demonstrating a new orientation of his heart towards God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the Lord said unto him,"**: This opening clause establishes the divine origin and authority of the message. The "Lord" here is Jesus Christ, who has just appeared to Saul and is now communicating with Ananias through a vision. This highlights God's active involvement and precise direction in the unfolding narrative of salvation history.
* **"Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight,"**: This is a direct command to Ananias, emphasizing immediate obedience. The specificity of "the street which is called Straight" provides Ananias with a clear, verifiable destination, demonstrating God's intimate knowledge of the physical world and His meticulous planning. It removes any ambiguity about where Ananias is to go.
* **"and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus:"**: The command continues with further precise details: the specific house (belonging to Judas) and the individual to be sought, identified by his name "Saul" and his origin "of Tarsus." This level of detail is crucial for Ananias, who is naturally hesitant given Saul's reputation. It assures Ananias that this is indeed the specific individual God intends for him to meet.
* **"for, behold, he prayeth,"**: This is the pivotal explanatory clause, providing the reason and reassurance for Ananias. The particle "for" (G1063, _gár_) introduces the justification. "Behold" (G2400, _idoú_) is an exclamation drawing attention to a significant, often surprising, fact. The astonishing news that Saul "prayeth" is the irrefutable evidence of his profound spiritual transformation. It signifies that the persecutor has become a petitioner, indicating a genuine turning of his heart towards God and validating the divine instruction to Ananias.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs several literary devices. **Divine Omniscience** is evident in the Lord's precise knowledge of Saul's exact location, the specific street, and the house of Judas, demonstrating God's all-knowing nature and His sovereign control over human affairs. The phrase "for, behold, he prayeth" introduces **Dramatic Irony** for the reader, who knows Saul's past as a persecutor, making his current act of prayer a powerful and unexpected turn of events. This also functions as **Divine Affirmation** for Ananias, providing the concrete proof he needs to overcome his fear. Furthermore, the name of the street, **"Straight,"** can be seen as a subtle form of **Symbolism**. While a literal geographical reference, it also subtly alludes to the "straight" path of righteousness and obedience that Saul is now embarking upon, contrasting with his previous crooked path of persecution.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 9:11 profoundly illustrates God's sovereign initiative in salvation and His ability to transform even the most unlikely individuals for His purposes. It underscores that conversion is fundamentally a divine work, not merely a human decision, as God actively intervenes in Saul's life and then directs Ananias to him. The verse highlights the radical nature of grace, extending salvation to one who was actively hostile to the Gospel, demonstrating that no one is beyond the reach of God's redemptive power. It also emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's specific callings, even when they challenge our preconceived notions or fears, as Ananias's willingness to "enquire" for Saul was critical to the next stage of God's plan.

* [Isaiah 55:8-9](/isaiah/55-8-9 "God's Thoughts and Ways are Higher"): God's ways are often beyond human comprehension, as demonstrated by His choice of Saul.
* [Luke 15:7](/luke/15-7 "Joy Over One Sinner Who Repents"): The joy in heaven over a repentant sinner, exemplified by Saul's conversion and prayer.
* [John 6:44](/john/6-44 "No One Can Come to Jesus Unless the Father Draws Him"): The Father's drawing power, evident in Saul's dramatic encounter and subsequent prayer.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 9:11 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers, reminding us that God's transformative power knows no bounds. This verse challenges us to embrace God's unexpected methods and to trust His sovereign plan, even when it involves reaching out to those we might deem "unreachable" or "unworthy." Just as Ananias had to overcome his fear and prejudice, we are called to lay aside our biases and be instruments of God's grace to all people, recognizing that genuine conversion can manifest in dramatic shifts in behavior, most notably in a turning towards God in humble prayer. This passage also underscores the vital role of prayer as a barometer of our spiritual health and a testament to our relationship with God. If Saul, in his moment of profound repentance and new faith, immediately turned to prayer, how much more should prayer be a consistent and central discipline in the lives of those who already know Christ? Our willingness to obey God's specific callings, even when they seem daunting or counter-intuitive, is crucial for participating in His redemptive work in the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Saul's immediate turn to prayer after his encounter with Christ challenge or affirm your understanding of genuine conversion?**
* **In what ways might God be calling you to "enquire" or reach out to someone you might initially be hesitant about, similar to Ananias?**
* **What does the Lord's specific guidance to Ananias (street, house, name) teach us about God's attention to detail in our own lives and callings?**
* **How does your own prayer life reflect a genuine, ongoing communion with God, akin to Saul's initial act of prayer?**

### FAQ
**Why was Ananias initially hesitant to go to Saul, despite the Lord's command?**

Answer: Ananias's hesitation, clearly articulated in [Acts 9:13-14](/acts/9-13-14 "Ananias's Concerns about Saul"), stemmed from Saul's notorious reputation as a fierce persecutor of Christians. Saul was known for "doing much evil" to God's saints in Jerusalem and for coming to Damascus with "authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on [Christ's] name." Ananias's fear was entirely rational given Saul's violent past and his current mission. The Lord's specific instructions in [Acts 9:11](/acts/9-11 "The Lord's Instructions to Ananias") and the crucial detail that "he prayeth" were essential to reassure Ananias and confirm the authenticity of Saul's transformation.

**What is the significance of the phrase "for, behold, he prayeth" in this context?**

Answer: This phrase is the linchpin of the Lord's reassurance to Ananias. For Ananias, it served as irrefutable evidence of Saul's genuine conversion. Prior to this, Saul's actions were characterized by violence and opposition to God's people. His act of prayer signifies a complete turning from hostility towards God's people to humble communion with God Himself. Prayer, in this context, is presented as a fundamental mark of a new spiritual life, a changed heart, and a new relationship with God. It indicates that Saul, the persecutor, had become Saul, the worshiper, demonstrating the profound and immediate impact of his encounter with the risen Christ on the Damascus Road, as described in [Acts 9:3-9](/acts/9-3-9 "Saul's Encounter and Blindness").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 9:11, though seemingly a simple instruction, is deeply Christ-centered in its implications, pointing to the transformative power of the resurrected Lord and the expansive reach of His Gospel. The "Lord" who speaks to Ananias is the very Christ who confronted Saul on the Damascus Road, demonstrating His active sovereignty over all creation and His personal involvement in the lives of individuals. Saul's radical conversion, evidenced by his prayer, is a direct result of Christ's intervention, showcasing His power to redeem even the most zealous opponents and turn them into His most fervent advocates. This act of grace foreshadows the core message of the Gospel: that through Christ, even those "dead in trespasses and sins" can be "made alive together with Christ" ([Ephesians 2:1-5](/ephesians/2-1-5 "Made Alive in Christ")). The calling of Saul, a persecutor, to become Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles, underscores Christ's mission to reconcile all people to Himself, breaking down barriers of hostility and bringing Jew and Gentile together in one body ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Christ Our Peace")). Thus, Acts 9:11 is not merely a historical anecdote but a powerful testament to Christ's ongoing work of redemption, reconciliation, and the building of His church through transformed lives, all for the glory of God ([Colossians 1:19-20](/colossians/1-19-20 "All Things Reconciled Through Christ")).

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 9:30

[Which] when the brethren knew, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus.

Acts 21:39

But Paul said, I am a man [which am] a Jew of Tarsus, [a city] in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city: and, I beseech thee, suffer me to speak unto the people.

Acts 22:3

¶ I am verily a man [which am] a Jew, born in Tarsus, [a city] in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, [and] taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye all are this day.

Acts 11:25

Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul:

Luke 11:9

And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.

Luke 11:10

For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

Acts 2:21

And it shall come to pass, [that] whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.