Acts 9:13

Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem:

Then {G1161} Ananias {G367} answered {G611}, Lord {G2962}, I have heard {G191} by {G575} many {G4183} of {G4012} this {G5127} man {G435}, how much {G3745} evil {G2556} he hath done {G4160} to thy {G4675} saints {G40} at {G1722} Jerusalem {G2419}:

But Hananyah answered, “Lord, many have told me about this man, how much harm he has done to your people in Yerushalayim;

But Ananias answered, “Lord, many people have told me about this man and all the harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem.

But Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard from many of this man, how much evil he did to thy saints at Jerusalem:

Commentary

In Acts 9:13, we encounter Ananias, a devout disciple in Damascus, engaging in a dialogue with the Lord Jesus in a vision. This verse captures his immediate, understandable apprehension and skepticism regarding the divine instruction he has just received concerning Saul of Tarsus.

Context

This verse immediately follows the dramatic Damascus Road encounter where Saul, a zealous persecutor of Christians, was blinded and encountered the risen Christ. The Lord then appeared to Ananias in a vision, commanding him to go to a specific house on Straight Street to lay hands on Saul, so that he might receive his sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit. Ananias's response in verse 13 is a natural human reaction to being asked to minister to someone with such a terrifying and violent reputation. Saul was infamous for his campaign against the early church, actively dragging men and women to prison and even participating in the stoning of Stephen (Acts 7:58). His past actions were widely known, causing fear and concern among believers.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Human Apprehension vs. Divine Command: Ananias's response highlights the natural human tendency to question or fear God's instructions when they defy logic or present perceived danger. His concern was entirely valid given Saul's known history as a persecutor of the church.
  • Saul's Notorious Past: The phrase "how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem" underscores the severe persecution Saul inflicted upon the early followers of Christ. This background makes his subsequent conversion and transformation into Paul the Apostle all the more astonishing and highlights the radical change God can bring.
  • The Nature of "Saints": The term "saints" (Greek: hagioi) refers to believers, those who are "set apart" or consecrated to God. Ananias identifies with these persecuted believers, showing his solidarity and concern for the body of Christ.
  • God's Unconventional Methods: This interaction sets the stage for God's surprising choice of Saul, the persecutor, to become Paul, the Apostle to the Gentiles (Acts 9:15). It demonstrates that God's plans often transcend human understanding and expectations.

Linguistic Insights

The word translated "saints" in KJV is from the Greek word hagioi (ἅγιοι), meaning "holy ones" or "those set apart for God." It's a common New Testament term for believers, emphasizing their spiritual status and relationship with God, rather than implying moral perfection. Ananias's use of "thy saints" directly attributes the persecution to an attack on God's own people, highlighting the personal offense against the Lord.

Practical Application

This verse offers several timeless lessons for believers:

  • Trusting God's Vision: Like Ananias, we are often called to step out in faith, even when God's instructions seem counterintuitive or challenging. It reminds us to trust God's perspective over our own limited understanding or past experiences.
  • Overcoming Prejudice: Ananias had to overcome his legitimate fear and preconceived notions about Saul. This encourages us to be open to God's transformative power in others, even those with deeply flawed pasts, and to avoid allowing past reputations to hinder God's work.
  • God's Redemptive Power: The story of Saul's conversion and Ananias's obedience beautifully illustrates God's boundless grace and ability to redeem and use anyone for His purposes, no matter how unlikely they may seem. It speaks to the potential for radical transformation in every life.
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Cross-References

  • 1 Timothy 1:13 (7 votes)

    Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did [it] ignorantly in unbelief.

  • 1 Timothy 1:15 (7 votes)

    This [is] a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.

  • Acts 8:3 (6 votes)

    As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed [them] to prison.

  • Ezekiel 3:14 (4 votes)

    So the spirit lifted me up, and took me away, and I went in bitterness, in the heat of my spirit; but the hand of the LORD was strong upon me.

  • Acts 22:19 (4 votes)

    And I said, Lord, they know that I imprisoned and beat in every synagogue them that believed on thee:

  • Acts 22:20 (4 votes)

    And when the blood of thy martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by, and consenting unto his death, and kept the raiment of them that slew him.

  • Acts 9:1 (3 votes)

    ¶ And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,