Acts 9:11

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,

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},

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,

“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.

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;

Context

This verse occurs immediately after Saul's dramatic encounter with the risen Christ on the road to Damascus, which left him blind and deeply humbled (Acts 9:3-9). While Saul was in Damascus, a devout disciple named Ananias received a vision from the Lord. Ananias was initially hesitant and fearful, knowing Saul's notorious reputation as a fierce persecutor of Christians (Acts 9:13-14). In Acts 9:11, the Lord provides Ananias with precise, reassuring instructions, confirming that Saul's spiritual state has profoundly changed.

Key Themes

  • Divine Specificity and Guidance: God provides highly detailed instructions to Ananias, specifying the exact street ("Straight") and the house ("of Judas"), demonstrating His intimate knowledge and control over every circumstance. This emphasizes God's active role in guiding His servants and orchestrating events for His purposes.
  • Radical Transformation: The command to seek "Saul, of Tarsus" highlights the profound spiritual shift occurring in the life of the man who would become the Apostle Paul. His previous identity as a persecutor is now contrasted with his new identity as one who seeks God.
  • The Power of Prayer as a Sign: The phrase "for, behold, he prayeth" is the crucial detail for Ananias. It serves as irrefutable evidence of Saul's genuine conversion. 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 and a changed heart.

Linguistic Insights

The "Street called Straight" (Latin: Via Recta) was a well-known main thoroughfare in ancient Damascus, running from the East Gate to the West Gate. This geographical detail lends historical authenticity to the narrative. Saul's origin, "of Tarsus," is also significant; Tarsus was a prominent city in Cilicia, renowned for its intellectual and cultural influence, and it was a center of Roman citizenship. This background would later prove instrumental in Paul's ministry and travels, providing him with unique advantages.

Practical Application

This verse offers powerful insights for believers today. It reminds us that God often works in unexpected ways, transforming even the most unlikely individuals for His glorious purposes. It underscores the importance of obedience to God's specific callings, even when they seem challenging or counter-intuitive. Furthermore, it highlights the profound significance of prayer as an indicator of a changed heart and a vital aspect of a living relationship with God. Just as Saul's prayer signaled his turning point, our own consistent prayer life can be a testament to our ongoing spiritual journey and intimate connection with the Lord.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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