Acts 9:12

And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting [his] hand on him, that he might receive his sight.

And {G2532} hath seen {G1492} in {G1722} a vision {G3705} a man {G435} named {G3686} Ananias {G367} coming in {G1525}, and {G2532} putting {G2007} his hand {G5495} on {G2007} him {G846}, that {G3704} he might receive his sight {G308}.

and in a vision he has seen a man named Hananyah coming in and placing his hands on him to restore his sight.”

In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.”

and he hath seen a man named Ananias coming in, and laying his hands on him, that he might receive his sight.

Commentary

Acts 9:12 is a pivotal verse in the narrative of Saul's (who would become the Apostle Paul) dramatic conversion, revealing God's precise and compassionate plan for his restoration and future ministry. It describes a vision given to Saul while he was blind and vulnerable in Damascus, a vision that prepared him for the arrival of Ananias, a devout disciple.

Context

This verse immediately follows Saul's blinding encounter with the resurrected Jesus on the road to Damascus. For three days, Saul had been without sight, unable to eat or drink, meditating on the profound truth revealed to him. During this period of physical blindness and spiritual illumination, the Lord appeared to Ananias in a vision, instructing him to go to Saul. Simultaneously, God gives Saul this complementary vision, assuring him that a man named Ananias would come to restore his sight, thereby confirming Ananias's divine appointment and easing Saul's apprehension.

Key Themes

  • Divine Orchestration: The verse highlights God's meticulous planning, arranging for both Saul and Ananias to receive visions that converge, ensuring their encounter and the fulfillment of His purpose.
  • Preparation for Ministry: The restoration of Saul's sight is not merely a physical healing but a crucial step in his spiritual transformation and preparation for his monumental calling as the apostle to the Gentiles.
  • God's Use of Ordinary People: Ananias, an otherwise obscure disciple, is chosen by God for a critical role in the life of one of Christianity's most influential figures, demonstrating that God uses faithful individuals in extraordinary ways.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "hath seen in a vision" emphasizes that this was a supernatural revelation, not a dream or mere imagination. The Greek word for "vision" here is horama (ὅραμα), denoting a divine appearance or revelation. The act of "putting his hand on him" (the laying on of hands) was a common practice in the New Testament for imparting blessings, healing, or the Holy Spirit, signifying transfer of authority or power.

Related Scriptures

  • This vision directly precedes Ananias's visit to Saul, as described in Acts 9:17, where Ananias indeed lays hands on Saul and restores his sight.
  • The account of Saul's conversion and Ananias's role is recounted by Paul himself in his defense before the Jewish council in Jerusalem (Acts 22:12-16).
  • The importance of divine guidance through visions and dreams is seen throughout Scripture, such as in Jacob's dream of a ladder to heaven or Joseph's angelic visitations in Matthew.

Practical Application

Acts 9:12 offers profound lessons for believers today. It reminds us that God often prepares us for significant encounters or ministries through various means, including direct revelation or through others. It encourages us to be open to God's unexpected methods and to trust His timing, even when circumstances seem confusing or difficult. Just as Saul was prepared to receive Ananias, we should be prepared to receive God's help through the people He sends into our lives. Moreover, it highlights the importance of obedience, as Ananias, despite his initial concerns (Acts 9:13), responded to God's call to minister to Saul.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Mark 5:23

    And besought him greatly, saying, My little daughter lieth at the point of death: [I pray thee], come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed; and she shall live.

  • Acts 9:17

    And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, [even] Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.

  • Acts 9:18

    And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.

  • Acts 9:10

    ΒΆ 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.
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