Acts 9:15

KJV

But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} the Lord {G2962} said {G2036} unto {G4314} him {G846}, Go thy way {G4198}: for {G3754} he {G3778} is {G2076} a chosen {G1589} vessel {G4632} unto me {G3427}, to bear {G941} my {G3450} name {G3686} before {G1799} the Gentiles {G1484}, and {G2532} kings {G935}, and {G5037} the children {G5207} of Israel {G2474}:

Complete Jewish Bible

But the Lord said to him, “Go, because this man is my chosen instrument to carry my name to the Goyim, even to their kings, and to the sons of Isra’el as well.

Berean Standard Bible

“Go!” said the Lord. “This man is My chosen instrument to carry My name before the Gentiles and their kings, and before the people of Israel.

American Standard Version

But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles and kings, and the children of Israel:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 9:15 marks a pivotal divine declaration concerning Saul of Tarsus, later known as the Apostle Paul. In response to Ananias's apprehension about Saul, the Lord reveals His sovereign and unexpected purpose for Saul's life: to be a specially chosen instrument to proclaim the name of Jesus Christ to a diverse audience, encompassing Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. This verse underscores God's transformative power and His expansive plan for the gospel's global dissemination through an unlikely, yet divinely appointed, messenger.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated immediately after Saul's dramatic encounter with the risen Christ on the road to Damascus, which left him temporarily blind and profoundly transformed ([Acts 9:3-9](/acts/9-3-9 "Acts 9:3-9 - Saul's Conversion on the Damascus Road")). The Lord then appears to Ananias in a vision, instructing him to go to Saul, who is praying and awaiting a visitor ([Acts 9:10-12](/acts/9-10-12 "Acts 9:10-12 - Ananias's Vision and Instruction")). Ananias, understandably hesitant, expresses his fear and reminds the Lord of Saul's notorious reputation as a fierce persecutor of believers in Jerusalem and his current mission to arrest Christians in Damascus ([Acts 9:13-14](/acts/9-13-14 "Acts 9:13-14 - Ananias's Hesitation and Concern")). Acts 9:15 is the Lord's direct, authoritative, and reassuring response to Ananias's concerns, unveiling the extraordinary and unexpected purpose for Saul's life and ministry, thereby overcoming Ananias's reluctance and setting the stage for Saul's baptism and initial ministry ([Acts 9:17-22](/acts/9-17-22 "Acts 9:17-22 - Saul's Healing and Preaching")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Saul of Tarsus was a zealous Pharisee, trained under Gamaliel, and a fervent persecutor of the nascent Christian movement, believing it to be a heretical sect within Judaism ([Acts 22:3-5](/acts/22-3-5 "Acts 22:3-5 - Paul's Background as a Pharisee")). His mission to Damascus was sanctioned by the Jewish high priest, reflecting the official opposition to Christianity at the time. The early church was predominantly Jewish, and the idea of a former persecutor becoming its chief evangelist, especially to non-Jews, was profoundly counter-cultural and shocking. The mention of "Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel" highlights the radical inclusivity of God's plan. "Gentiles" (Greeks and Romans) were largely considered outside the covenant by many Jews, while "kings" referred to Roman imperial authorities, before whom Paul would indeed stand trial, testifying to Christ ([Acts 26](/acts/26 "Acts 26 - Paul Before Agrippa")). This divine mandate shattered existing ethnic and political barriers, signaling a new era of global evangelism.

* **Key Themes:** Acts 9:15 powerfully introduces several overarching themes. Firstly, it emphasizes **Divine Election and Sovereign Purpose**, revealing that God's choice of Saul was not based on human merit or past actions, but on His pre-ordained plan. This concept of God's active selection for a specific purpose is foundational to Paul's later understanding of his apostleship ([Galatians 1:15-16](/galatians/1-15-16 "Galatians 1:15-16 - God's Call of Paul to the Gentiles")). Secondly, the verse highlights the **Universal Scope of the Gospel**. Paul's mission to "Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel" explicitly broadens the reach of the Christian message beyond its Jewish origins, foreshadowing the global mission articulated in the Great Commission ([Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission")). Lastly, it underscores the theme of **Bearing Christ's Name**, which signifies the bold proclamation of Jesus's identity, authority, and saving work. This mission would involve both powerful testimony and significant suffering, as the Lord immediately indicates in the subsequent verse ([Acts 9:16](/acts/9-16 "Acts 9:16 - Paul's Future Suffering for Christ")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **chosen (Greek, _eklogḗ'_):** This term denotes divine selection or election. It emphasizes that Saul's calling was not a result of his own will, merit, or even Ananias's choice, but solely stemmed from God's sovereign initiative. It points to a deliberate, purposeful act of God in setting Saul apart for a specific task, highlighting God's grace in choosing an unlikely instrument.
* **vessel (Greek, _skeûos'_):** This word refers to an implement, tool, or container. In this context, it functions as a metaphor for a person used by God. Saul is not merely a passive recipient but an active instrument, chosen and equipped by God for a particular purpose. The imagery suggests that God is the artisan, and Saul is the vessel He has shaped and filled for His service, much like a specific container designed for a unique function.
* **bear (Greek, _bastázō'_):** This verb implies to lift, carry, endure, or declare. Here, it signifies the active proclamation and demonstration of Christ's name. It's not just about carrying a message, but about embodying and enduring the implications of that message, often through hardship and opposition, as Paul would indeed experience throughout his ministry. It encompasses both the verbal declaration and the lived witness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way:"**: This opening clause marks a divine imperative, directly addressing Ananias's hesitation. The Lord's command is firm and clear, overriding Ananias's fears and doubts with divine authority. It signals that God's plan for Saul is non-negotiable and must be obeyed.
* **"for he is a chosen vessel unto me,"**: This is the foundational reason for Ananias's obedience. Saul's identity is redefined by God's sovereign election. He is not merely a persecutor but a divinely selected instrument, set apart by God for His unique purposes. The phrase "unto me" emphasizes that Saul's calling is directly from and for the Lord Jesus Christ Himself.
* **"to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:"**: This clause specifies the comprehensive scope and mission of Saul's future ministry. "To bear my name" means to proclaim the person, authority, and saving work of Jesus Christ. The audience is explicitly universal: "the Gentiles" (non-Jews, representing the vast majority of humanity), "kings" (those in positions of political and governmental authority, before whom Paul would testify), and "the children of Israel" (Paul's own people, to whom he retained a deep burden). This tripartite audience underscores the expansive, all-encompassing nature of the gospel's reach.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs significant **Metaphor** and **Foreshadowing**. The central metaphor is "a chosen vessel," where Saul is depicted as an instrument or container specifically selected by God for a divine purpose. This imagery highlights God's sovereignty in choosing and equipping individuals, emphasizing that the power resides in the user (God), not the vessel itself. This also carries a sense of **Divine Mandate**, as the Lord's words are a direct command and declaration of Saul's destiny. Furthermore, the explicit mention of "Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel" serves as powerful **Foreshadowing**, accurately predicting the geographical and social breadth of Paul's future missionary journeys and his numerous appearances before Roman authorities and Jewish communities, fulfilling this very commission. The contrast between Saul's past as a persecutor and his future as a "chosen vessel" also exemplifies **Dramatic Irony**, revealing God's ability to transform and repurpose even the most unlikely individuals for His glory.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 9:15 is a foundational text for understanding God's sovereign election and the universal scope of the gospel. It demonstrates that God's call is not limited by human merit, past failures, or societal expectations, but is rooted in His divine purpose. The transformation of Saul, the persecutor, into Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles, serves as a powerful testament to God's redemptive power and His ability to turn enemies into instruments of His grace. This divine appointment underscores the truth that every believer is uniquely chosen and gifted for God's service, though not all are called to the same specific apostolic role as Paul. The verse also lays the groundwork for the radical inclusivity of the New Covenant, where salvation is offered to all people, transcending ethnic and social boundaries.

* [Romans 1:1](/romans/1-1 "Romans 1:1 - Paul, a Servant of Christ")
* [Galatians 1:15-16](/galatians/1-15-16 "Galatians 1:15-16 - God's Call of Paul")
* [2 Corinthians 4:7](/2_corinthians/4-7 "2 Corinthians 4:7 - Treasure in Jars of Clay")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 9:15 offers profound encouragement and challenge for every believer. It reminds us that God's grace is boundless, capable of redeeming and repurposing anyone, regardless of their past. Just as He chose Saul, a zealous persecutor, He can and does choose ordinary people, with all their imperfections and histories, to accomplish extraordinary things for His kingdom. This should inspire us to embrace our own unique calling, understanding that God has a specific purpose for each of us, a "vessel" He desires to use. Our past does not disqualify us; rather, it often highlights the depth of God's transformative power. Furthermore, Paul's mission to "Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel" serves as a powerful reminder of the universal nature of the gospel. It compels us to look beyond our comfort zones, cultural biases, and perceived limitations, and to share the good news of Jesus Christ with all people, recognizing that every individual, regardless of their background or status, is a potential recipient of God's saving grace. Ananias's initial hesitation and subsequent obedience also challenge us to trust God's wisdom and respond in faith, even when His commands seem counterintuitive or dangerous, knowing that His plans are always perfect.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's choice of Saul, a former persecutor, challenge my preconceived notions about who God can use in His service?**
* **In what ways might I be a "chosen vessel" for God's purposes in my own sphere of influence?**
* **How can I better "bear His name" in my daily life, both through my words and my actions?**
* **Are there "Gentiles, kings, or children of Israel" in my life (i.e., people from different backgrounds, those in authority, or those within my own cultural group) whom I need to intentionally reach with the gospel?**

### FAQ

**What does "chosen vessel" mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "chosen vessel" (Greek: _skeûos eklogḗs_) is a powerful metaphor. "Vessel" (_skeûos_) refers to an instrument, tool, or container, implying that Saul (Paul) was to be an instrument in God's hands. "Chosen" (_eklogḗs_) emphasizes divine selection or election. Together, it means that Saul was specifically and sovereignly selected by God for a particular, unique purpose. It highlights God's initiative and the fact that Paul's apostleship was not self-appointed or based on his own merit, but was a divine appointment for a specific mission to carry the name of Jesus Christ to the world. It underscores that God uses individuals as His instruments, filling them and directing them for His glory.

**Why did God choose Saul, a persecutor, for such a significant mission?**

Answer: God's choice of Saul, a zealous persecutor of Christians, demonstrates His sovereign power, boundless grace, and unexpected methods. It highlights that God's election is not based on human worthiness or past performance, but on His divine purpose and foreknowledge ([Romans 9:11](/romans/9-11 "Romans 9:11 - God's Election is Not by Works")). Saul's dramatic conversion served as undeniable proof of the risen Christ and God's ability to transform even the fiercest opponents into devoted servants. His background as a highly educated Pharisee also uniquely equipped him to engage with both Jewish and Gentile audiences, making him an ideal instrument for the universal spread of the gospel, as he himself later testifies ([Galatians 1:15-16](/galatians/1-15-16 "Galatians 1:15-16 - God's Purpose for Paul")).

**What is the significance of "Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel" as Paul's target audience?**

Answer: This tripartite audience signifies the comprehensive and universal scope of Paul's divinely appointed mission. "Gentiles" (Greek: _éthnos_) refers to all non-Jewish peoples, indicating that the gospel was not exclusively for Israel but for the entire world. "Kings" (Greek: _basileús_) refers to those in positions of political authority, foreshadowing Paul's future testimonies before Roman governors and emperors, such as Felix, Festus, and Agrippa ([Acts 24-26](/acts/24-26 "Acts 24-26 - Paul's Trials Before Rulers")). "The children of Israel" (Greek: _Israḗl_) represents Paul's own people, to whom he maintained a deep love and burden, always seeking to share the gospel with them first, even as he focused on the Gentiles ([Romans 9:1-5](/romans/9-1-5 "Romans 9:1-5 - Paul's Sorrow for Israel")). This comprehensive list demonstrates that the message of Christ transcends all ethnic, social, and political boundaries, intended for every segment of humanity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 9:15, though focused on Paul's calling, finds its ultimate fulfillment and meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Paul's mission to "bear my name" directly points to Christ as the central figure of salvation history. Jesus Himself is the ultimate "chosen vessel," the perfect Servant of the Lord foretold in the Old Testament, chosen by God to accomplish His redemptive plan ([Isaiah 42:1](/isaiah/42-1 "Isaiah 42:1 - The Servant of the Lord")). Paul's entire ministry was a reflection of Christ's own mission to seek and save the lost, extending salvation to all who believe, regardless of their background. The "name" Paul was to bear is the name of Jesus, which is above every name, the only name by which salvation is found ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - The Exaltation of Christ"); [Acts 4:12](/acts/4-12 "Acts 4:12 - Salvation in No Other Name")). Paul's calling to reach "Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel" is a direct outworking of Christ's Great Commission, to make disciples of all nations ([Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission")), and His declaration that He would draw all people to Himself ([John 12:32](/john/12-32 "John 12:32 - Jesus Draws All People")). Thus, Paul's specific calling in Acts 9:15 is a vital chapter in the unfolding story of Christ's universal lordship and the expansion of His kingdom to the ends of the earth.

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

Galatians 1:15

But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called [me] by his grace,

Galatians 1:16

To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:

Ephesians 3:7

Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.

Ephesians 3:8

Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;

2 Timothy 4:16

¶ At my first answer no man stood with me, but all [men] forsook me: [I pray God] that it may not be laid to their charge.

2 Timothy 4:17

Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and [that] all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.

Romans 11:13

For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office: