Acts 9:14

KJV

And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} here {G5602} he hath {G2192} authority {G1849} from {G3844} the chief priests {G749} to bind {G1210} all {G3956} that call {G1941} on thy {G4675} name {G3686}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and here he has a warrant from the head cohanim to arrest everyone who calls on your name.”

Berean Standard Bible

And now he is here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on Your name.”

American Standard Version

and here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call upon thy name.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 9:14 captures the profound apprehension of Ananias, a disciple in Damascus, as he converses with the Lord Jesus in a vision. He expresses his deep concern regarding the divine command to visit Saul of Tarsus, a notorious persecutor of Christians. Ananias highlights Saul's official commission from the chief priests, granting him explicit authority to arrest and imprison all who invoke the name of Jesus, thereby underscoring the severe and widespread nature of the early persecution against believers. This verse vividly portrays Ananias's human fear and hesitation in the face of a daunting, divinely appointed task.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 9:14 is situated within the pivotal narrative of Saul's conversion, a watershed moment in early church history. Immediately preceding this verse, Saul has been dramatically confronted by the resurrected Christ on the road to Damascus, resulting in his physical blindness and spiritual awakening ([Acts 9:1-9](/acts/9-1-9 "Acts 9:1-9 - Saul's Encounter on the Damascus Road")). The Lord then speaks to Ananias in a vision, commanding him to go to Saul, who is now praying in Damascus ([Acts 9:10-12](/acts/9-10-12 "Acts 9:10-12 - The Lord Appears to Ananias")). Ananias's response in [Acts 9:13-14](/acts/9-13-14 "Acts 9:13-14 - Ananias's Hesitation") is a direct expression of his shock and fear, recounting Saul's well-known reputation as a violent oppressor of believers. The Lord's subsequent reassurance and revelation of Saul's future mission ([Acts 9:15-16](/acts/9-15-16 "Acts 9:15-16 - The Lord's Commission for Saul")) immediately follow, setting the stage for Ananias's courageous obedience.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The early Christian movement, originating in Jerusalem, was rapidly spreading, particularly among Hellenistic Jews. This growth was perceived as a significant threat by the established Jewish religious authorities, especially the Sanhedrin and its high priestly leadership, who viewed Jesus as a blasphemer and His followers as a dangerous sect. Saul, a zealous Pharisee, was a key agent in their efforts to suppress this burgeoning movement. His journey to Damascus, armed with official letters, demonstrates the organized nature of this persecution, extending beyond Judea into the broader Roman Empire. Damascus, a major city and trade hub, had a significant Jewish population and, consequently, a growing number of Christian converts, making it a target for such crackdowns. The phrase "chief priests" refers to the powerful aristocratic priestly families who held immense religious and political sway in Jerusalem, often collaborating with Roman authorities to maintain order, which included suppressing perceived religious deviancy.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes in Acts and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it highlights the **persecution of the early church**, demonstrating the fierce opposition faced by believers from established religious powers, a theme prevalent throughout [the book of Acts](/acts/1 "The Book of Acts - The Acts of the Apostles"). Secondly, it underscores the **identity of early Christians** as "those who call on thy name," a foundational descriptor emphasizing their allegiance to and invocation of Jesus as Lord, distinguishing them from traditional Judaism. This theme of calling on the name of the Lord is crucial for salvation and identification with Christ, as seen in passages like [Romans 10:9-13](/romans/10-9-13 "Romans 10:9-13 - Confessing Christ and Calling on His Name"). Thirdly, Ananias's apprehension introduces the theme of **human fear in the face of divine command**, showcasing the relatable struggle of faith and obedience when confronted with daunting, seemingly impossible tasks, a tension often resolved by God's sovereign power and clear direction, as exemplified later in [Acts 9:17-18](/acts/9-17-18 "Acts 9:17-18 - Ananias Obeys and Saul Receives Sight").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Authority (Greek, _exousía'_):** This term (G1849) denotes privilege, force, capacity, competency, freedom, mastery, or delegated influence. Here, it emphasizes that Saul's mission was not a personal vendetta but an officially sanctioned campaign. He possessed legitimate, though misguided, power granted by the highest religious officials to carry out his persecution. This "authority" was a token of control, giving him the right and strength to act.
* **Bind (Greek, _déō'_):** The verb (G1210) means to bind in various applications, literally or figuratively. In this context, it refers to physically arresting, imprisoning, or putting in bonds. Saul's authority was specifically to "bind" believers, indicating a severe and coercive form of persecution aimed at incapacitating and silencing the Christian movement.
* **Call (Greek, _epikaléomai'_):** This middle voice verb (G1941) means to entitle, and by implication, to invoke for aid, worship, testimony, or decision. When combined with "name" (G3686, _ónoma'_), it signifies a public declaration of allegiance, worship, and reliance upon Jesus. For early Christians, to "call on thy name" was a definitive act of faith, acknowledging Jesus as divine Lord and Savior, which was precisely what made them targets of persecution.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And here he hath authority":** Ananias begins by acknowledging Saul's presence in Damascus ("here") and his possession of a formidable power ("hath authority"). This highlights the very real and immediate threat Saul posed, emphasizing that his actions were not random but empowered.
* **"from the chief priests":** This phrase specifies the source of Saul's authority, linking his mission directly to the highest Jewish religious leadership in Jerusalem. It underscores the institutional and widespread nature of the persecution, demonstrating that the opposition to Christianity was officially sanctioned and coordinated.
* **"to bind all":** This clause reveals the explicit purpose of Saul's authority: to physically restrain and imprison. The word "all" emphasizes the comprehensive scope of his mission, indicating that no follower of Jesus was to be exempt from his efforts to suppress the burgeoning faith.
* **"that call on thy name":** This final phrase identifies the specific targets of Saul's persecution: those who publicly confessed, worshipped, and invoked the name of Jesus. It serves as a concise definition of early Christian identity, distinguishing believers by their devotion to Christ and their open allegiance to Him as Lord.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Irony** and **Foreshadowing**. The profound **Irony** lies in the fact that Saul, who possesses authority from the chief priests to bind those who call on Jesus' name, will himself be bound by Christ's power and subsequently become the foremost proclaimer of that very name. His mission of persecution is about to be utterly subverted by divine intervention. This dramatic reversal is **Foreshadowed** by the Lord's immediate response to Ananias, indicating a completely different future for Saul than Ananias could ever imagine. The phrase "all that call on thy name" also functions as a **Metonymy**, where "name" stands for the person and authority of Jesus Himself, encapsulating the entire identity and worship of early believers.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 9:14 powerfully illustrates the clash between human authority and divine sovereignty, a recurring theme in biblical narrative. Ananias's fear is rooted in the very real, earthly power Saul wields, sanctioned by the highest religious authorities. However, the subsequent verses reveal that this human authority is utterly eclipsed by the transformative power of God, who can turn the fiercest persecutor into a devoted apostle. The verse also defines the early Christian community not by ethnicity or social status, but by their active and public invocation of Jesus' name, signifying their allegiance, worship, and reliance on Him for salvation. This "calling on the name" was a radical departure from traditional Judaism for many, marking them as followers of the crucified and resurrected Christ, and thus, targets of persecution.

* [Romans 10:13](/romans/10-13 "Romans 10:13 - Salvation for All Who Call on the Lord")
* [1 Corinthians 1:2](/1_corinthians/1-2 "1 Corinthians 1:2 - Calling on the Name of Jesus Christ")
* [Acts 22:16](/acts/22-16 "Acts 22:16 - Calling on His Name for Forgiveness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 9:14 offers profound insights for contemporary believers. Ananias's initial hesitation, born of understandable fear in the face of a formidable opponent, reminds us that faith does not negate human emotion. It is natural to feel apprehensive when God calls us to tasks that seem dangerous or counter-intuitive. Yet, Ananias's eventual obedience, driven by trust in God's sovereign plan for Saul, serves as a powerful example of how faith can triumph over fear. This verse also challenges us to consider the cost of discipleship. Just as "calling on the name" of Jesus marked early believers for persecution, identifying with Christ today may still bring opposition, whether social, professional, or even physical. It calls us to courageously live out our faith, trusting that God's transformative power is greater than any earthly authority or opposition. We are invited to reflect on our own willingness to step out in faith, even when the path ahead seems daunting, remembering that God often works in unexpected ways to accomplish His purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **When has God called you to do something that initially filled you with fear or apprehension?**
* **How does the concept of "calling on the name" of Jesus define your identity as a believer today?**
* **In what ways might identifying with Christ still carry a "cost" in your current context, and how can you respond with courage?**

### FAQ
**What does "call on thy name" mean for early Christians?**

Answer: For early Christians, "calling on thy name" (referring to Jesus' name) was a foundational and deeply significant act. It meant more than simply uttering a word; it encompassed a public confession of faith, an invocation for salvation and aid, an act of worship, and an acknowledgment of Jesus' divine authority and Lordship. It was a declaration of allegiance to Jesus as the resurrected Christ, distinguishing believers from those who adhered solely to traditional Judaism. This phrase was a concise way to identify someone as a follower of Jesus, someone who had placed their trust and hope in Him, and who actively relied on Him for all things. It was a radical statement that often led to persecution, as seen throughout [the book of Acts](/acts/1 "The Book of Acts - The Acts of the Apostles").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 9:14, though spoken by Ananias in apprehension, points profoundly to Christ's ultimate authority and redemptive power. The "authority from the chief priests" that Saul wielded to "bind all that call on thy name" is dramatically subverted by the supreme authority of Jesus Himself, who confronts Saul on the Damascus road ([Acts 9:3-5](/acts/9-3-5 "Acts 9:3-5 - Jesus Confronts Saul")). It is Jesus' name, the very name Saul sought to suppress, that becomes the object of Saul's future proclamation and the source of his transformation. This encounter reveals that Christ's power transcends all human or religious authority, demonstrating His ability to convert even the most ardent enemies into His most devoted servants. Furthermore, Jesus' identification with His persecuted followers ("Why are you persecuting *me*?" in [Acts 9:4](/acts/9-4 "Acts 9:4 - Jesus Identifies with His Persecuted Followers")) underscores His deep solidarity with those who "call on His name," making their suffering His own. Ultimately, Saul's conversion, initiated by Christ's direct intervention, becomes a powerful testament to the truth that salvation and new life are found exclusively by "calling on the name of the Lord" ([Romans 10:13](/romans/10-13 "Romans 10:13 - Salvation for All Who Call on the Lord")), a name that holds all power in heaven and on earth ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to 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 9:21

But all that heard [him] were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests?

Acts 7:59

And they stoned Stephen, calling upon [God], and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.

2 Timothy 2:22

¶ Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

1 Corinthians 1:2

Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called [to be] saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:

Acts 22:16

And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.

Acts 9:2

And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.

Acts 9:3

And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: