Acts 9:16

KJV

For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} I {G1473} will shew {G5263} him {G846} how great things {G3745} he {G846} must {G1163} suffer {G3958} for {G5228} my {G3450} name's sake {G3686}{G5228}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For I myself will show him how much he will have to suffer on account of my name.”

Berean Standard Bible

I will show him how much he must suffer for My name.”

American Standard Version

for I will show him how many things he must suffer for my name’s sake.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 9:16 is a profound declaration from the Lord Jesus to Ananias, revealing a critical, often challenging, aspect of Saul of Tarsus's future ministry: the immense suffering he would endure for Christ's name. This divine foresight not only validates Ananias's mission to minister to the newly converted Saul but also establishes a foundational theological truth about the cost of true discipleship and apostolic service, highlighting that God's chosen vessels are often refined through hardship for the advancement of His kingdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated immediately after Saul's dramatic encounter with the risen Christ on the Damascus road, which left him blind and humbled ([Acts 9:1-9](/acts/9-1-9 "Acts 9:1-9 - Saul's Conversion on the Damascus Road")). The Lord then speaks to Ananias in a vision, commanding him to go to Saul. Ananias, aware of Saul's notorious reputation as a persecutor of believers, expresses his apprehension, recounting Saul's past actions and his current mission to arrest Christians in Damascus ([Acts 9:10-14](/acts/9-10-14 "Acts 9:10-14 - Ananias's Vision and Hesitation")). In response to Ananias's hesitation, the Lord emphatically declares Saul's new identity and mission in [Acts 9:15](/acts/9-15 "Acts 9:15 - The Lord's Commission to Saul"), stating, "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." Verse 16 then adds a crucial, sobering detail to this grand commission, revealing that this chosen vessel would also experience significant suffering. This sequence underscores the divine authority behind Saul's transformation and the comprehensive nature of his calling, which includes both proclamation and tribulation.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The early Christian movement was a nascent, often persecuted, sect within the broader Jewish society, and viewed with suspicion by Roman authorities. Saul (later Paul) was a zealous Pharisee, trained under Gamaliel, who believed he was serving God by violently suppressing what he considered a blasphemous heresy ([Acts 22:3-5](/acts/22-3-5 "Acts 22:3-5 - Paul's Pharisaic Background")). The Jewish religious establishment, particularly the Sanhedrin, had authorized Saul to arrest Christians, demonstrating the intense opposition faced by the early church. Damascus, a significant Hellenistic city with a large Jewish population, was a hub for early Christian activity, making it a target for persecution. For Ananias, a devout Jewish Christian, approaching Saul, a known agent of persecution, would have been culturally and personally terrifying. The Lord's revelation in [Acts 9:15-16](/acts/9-15-16 "Acts 9:15-16 - Saul's New Mission and Foretold Suffering") thus served not only as a divine command but also as a profound reassurance, explaining the radical shift in Saul's purpose and preparing Ananias for the paradoxical reality of God's plan.

* **Key Themes:** [Acts 9:16](/acts/9-16 "Acts 9:16 - The Prophecy of Paul's Suffering") contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Acts and the New Testament. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Sovereignty and Calling**, showing God's absolute authority to choose and transform individuals, even former enemies, for His purposes. Saul's conversion and subsequent mission exemplify God's ability to turn a persecutor into an apostle, a theme echoed throughout Paul's own epistles, such as in [1 Timothy 1:12-16](/1_timothy/1-12-16 "1 Timothy 1:12-16 - Paul's Testimony of God's Mercy"). Secondly, the verse introduces the theme of **Suffering for Christ's Name** as an intrinsic part of faithful ministry and discipleship. This is a recurring motif in the New Testament, where suffering is not seen as an anomaly but as a mark of identification with Christ and a means of advancing the Gospel ([Philippians 1:29](/philippians/1-29 "Philippians 1:29 - Suffering for Christ")). Finally, it highlights the **Cost of Discipleship**, emphasizing that following Christ, particularly in a vocational capacity, often entails significant personal sacrifice and hardship, a truth Jesus Himself taught in passages like [Luke 9:23](/luke/9-23 "Luke 9:23 - Taking Up One's Cross").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **shew (Greek, _hypodeíknymi'_):** From G5263, meaning "to exhibit under the eyes, i.e. (figuratively) to exemplify (instruct, admonish)." This word implies more than a mere verbal warning; it suggests that the Lord would actively reveal or demonstrate the extent of suffering to Paul through direct experience. Paul would not just be told about suffering; he would be shown it by enduring it, becoming a living testament to the cost of following Christ.
* **suffer (Greek, _páschō'_):** From G3958, meaning "to experience a sensation or impression (usually painful):--feel, passion, suffer, vex." This verb encompasses a broad range of experiences, from physical pain and hardship to emotional distress and spiritual anguish. In this context, it specifically refers to the afflictions, persecutions, and tribulations Paul would undergo throughout his apostolic ministry, all of which would be intensely painful and challenging.
* **for my name's sake (Greek, _hypér tou onomatos mou'_):** Composed of G5228 (_hypér_), meaning "for the sake of, instead, regarding," and G3686 (_ónoma_), meaning "name" (literally or figuratively, referring to authority, character). This phrase is crucial, indicating that Paul's suffering would not be random or meaningless, but directly linked to his allegiance to Jesus Christ, his proclamation of the Gospel, and his identification with the Lord's character and authority. It signifies suffering that is purposeful, endured specifically because of his relationship with and mission for Christ.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For I will shew him":** This opening clause emphasizes the divine initiative and certainty of the revelation. It is the Lord Jesus Himself who declares His intention to reveal, through experience, the path ahead for Saul. The use of "shew" (hypodeíknymi) suggests a profound, experiential demonstration rather than a simple verbal explanation, indicating that Paul's life would become a living illustration of this truth.
* **"how great things he must suffer":** This segment highlights the intensity and inevitability of the suffering. "How great things" (hósos) conveys the immense scope and severity of the trials Paul would face, far beyond ordinary hardship. The word "must" (deî) denotes divine necessity or obligation, implying that this suffering is not accidental but a predetermined, essential component of God's plan for Paul's ministry and a prerequisite for his unique calling.
* **"for my name's sake":** This final, pivotal phrase provides the ultimate purpose and justification for the suffering. It clarifies that Paul's tribulations would be directly on account of his association with, proclamation of, and devotion to Jesus Christ. This suffering is not a consequence of personal failing but a direct result of bearing Christ's name before a hostile world, thereby glorifying God and advancing the Gospel.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as the Lord's declaration explicitly predicts the future suffering of Paul, setting the stage for the extensive accounts of his hardships detailed throughout the book of Acts and his own epistles. This foreshadowing serves to prepare Ananias (and the reader) for the challenging nature of Paul's ministry. There is also a strong element of **Divine Revelation**, as the Lord directly communicates a profound truth about His chosen servant's destiny. This is not a human prediction but a sovereign declaration from God. Furthermore, the verse presents a subtle **Paradox**: the "chosen vessel" (from [Acts 9:15](/acts/9-15 "Acts 9:15 - Saul's Divine Commission")) is simultaneously destined for great suffering. This juxtaposition highlights that God's favor and calling do not exempt one from hardship but often lead directly into it, demonstrating that divine power is often perfected in weakness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 9:16 profoundly shapes our understanding of Christian discipleship and divine calling. It establishes that suffering is not merely an unfortunate byproduct but an integral, often necessary, component of faithfully serving Christ, particularly in significant ministry. This suffering is not arbitrary; it is "for my name's sake," meaning it directly relates to bearing witness to Christ and advancing His kingdom. Theologically, it connects to the concept of **participation in Christ's sufferings**, where believers, especially those called to public ministry, identify with the crucified Lord. This identification is not only a mark of authenticity but also a means by which God's power is displayed and His message is authenticated to a watching world. The verse underscores that God's sovereign plan for His servants often includes a path of tribulation, which ultimately serves to glorify Him and refine His people.

* [Philippians 3:10](/philippians/3-10 "Knowing Christ and the Fellowship of His Sufferings")
* [2 Corinthians 11:23-28](/2_corinthians/11-23-28 "Paul's List of Sufferings")
* [1 Peter 4:12-13](/1_peter/4-12-13 "Suffering for Christ's Name")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 9:16 offers a sobering yet encouraging truth for every believer: the path of following Christ, especially in active service, often involves suffering. This verse challenges the modern tendency to equate faith with comfort or prosperity, reminding us that God's plan for His most devoted servants frequently includes hardship. For us, this means embracing a realistic view of discipleship, understanding that opposition, criticism, or even persecution may arise simply "for His name's sake." Rather than being discouraged by trials, we are called to see them as opportunities to identify more deeply with Christ and to demonstrate the power of God's sustaining grace. Just as Paul's sufferings authenticated his message and glorified God, our perseverance through hardship can be a powerful testimony to the reality of our faith. This verse encourages us to count the cost of following Jesus, to prepare our hearts for potential adversity, and to trust that God will equip us for every trial He calls us to endure for His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my understanding of "suffering for Christ's name" align with or challenge my current expectations of the Christian life?**
* **In what ways have I experienced hardship or opposition specifically because of my faith in Christ, and how did I respond?**
* **How can I cultivate a mindset that views suffering as a potential part of God's purpose for my life, rather than solely as an obstacle?**
* **What specific steps can I take to prepare myself spiritually and emotionally for potential future trials for Christ's sake?**

### FAQ
**Why is suffering a necessary part of God's plan for Paul, and potentially for other believers?**

Answer: Suffering, particularly "for Christ's name's sake," is often a necessary part of God's plan for several reasons. For Paul, it served to authenticate his apostleship, demonstrating that his commitment was not for personal gain but out of unwavering devotion to Christ, even unto death. His endurance through immense hardship glorified God and provided a powerful witness to the truth of the Gospel. Furthermore, suffering can refine character, deepen faith, and foster a greater reliance on God's grace, as seen in [2 Corinthians 12:9-10](/2_corinthians/12-9-10 "2 Corinthians 12:9-10 - God's Grace is Sufficient"). For all believers, Jesus taught that taking up one's cross is essential to discipleship ([Matthew 16:24](/matthew/16-24 "Matthew 16:24 - Take Up Your Cross")), indicating that identification with Him includes sharing in His sufferings. This doesn't mean God desires suffering for its own sake, but that He uses it purposefully to advance His kingdom, reveal His power, and conform believers to the image of His Son.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 9:16, while a prophetic statement about Paul's future, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the pattern established by Jesus Himself. The Lord's declaration that Paul "must suffer for my name's sake" echoes the divine necessity of Christ's own suffering. Jesus repeatedly taught His disciples that He "must suffer many things" and be crucified before His resurrection ([Luke 24:26](/luke/24-26 "Luke 24:26 - Christ Must Suffer")). Paul's life, marked by relentless persecution and hardship, became a living testament to the truth that the servant is not greater than his master ([John 15:20](/john/15-20 "John 15:20 - The Servant is Not Greater Than His Master")). His willingness to endure "great things" for Christ's name directly reflects the self-sacrificial love of the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). In Paul's suffering, we see the outworking of the cross in a believer's life, demonstrating that true identification with Christ involves not only His resurrection power but also the fellowship of His sufferings ([Philippians 3:10](/philippians/3-10 "Knowing Christ and the Fellowship of His Sufferings")). Thus, Paul's foretold suffering points back to the foundational suffering of Christ, validating the authenticity of the Gospel message and inviting believers to participate in the redemptive narrative through their own faithful endurance for His glorious name.

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

1 Thessalonians 3:3

That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto.

Acts 21:11

And when he was come unto us, he took Paul's girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver [him] into the hands of the Gentiles.

John 15:20

Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.

2 Corinthians 6:4

But in all [things] approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,

2 Timothy 1:12

For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

1 Peter 4:14

If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy [are ye]; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.

2 Corinthians 11:23

Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I [am] more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft.