Acts 9:17

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} Ananias {G367} went his way {G565}, and {G2532} entered {G1525} into {G1519} the house {G3614}; and {G2532} putting {G2007} his hands {G5495} on {G1909} him {G846} said {G2036}, Brother {G80} Saul {G4549}, the Lord {G2962}, even Jesus {G2424}, that appeared {G3700} unto thee {G4671} in {G1722} the way {G3598} as {G3739} thou camest {G2064}, hath sent {G649} me {G3165}, that {G3704} thou mightest receive thy sight {G308}, and {G2532} be filled with {G4130} the Holy {G40} Ghost {G4151}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So Hananyah left and went into the house. Placing his hands on him, he said, “Brother Sha’ul, the Lord — Yeshua, the one who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here — has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Ruach HaKodesh.”

Berean Standard Bible

So Ananias went to the house, and when he arrived, he placed his hands on Saul. “Brother Saul,” he said, “the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here, has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”

American Standard Version

And Ananias departed, and entered into the house; and laying his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, who appeared unto thee in the way which thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mayest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Spirit.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 9:17 chronicles the pivotal moment when Ananias, in courageous obedience to a divine mandate, ministers to Saul of Tarsus in Damascus. This encounter facilitates Saul's physical healing from blindness and, crucially, his spiritual empowerment through being filled with the Holy Spirit, marking a foundational step in his transformation from a zealous persecutor of Christians into the preeminent Apostle to the Gentiles.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climax of a dramatic narrative arc initiated by Saul's violent persecution of believers, leading to his journey to Damascus with warrants for arrest ([Acts 9:1-2](/acts/9-1-2 "Acts 9:1-2 - Saul's Persecution")). His encounter with the risen Jesus on the road ([Acts 9:3-7](/acts/9-3-7 "Acts 9:3-7 - Saul's Damascus Road Encounter")) leaves him physically blind and spiritually stunned, leading him to the house of Judas in Damascus where he fasts and prays for three days ([Acts 9:8-9](/acts/9-8-9 "Acts 9:8-9 - Saul's Blindness and Fasting")). Simultaneously, the Lord appears to Ananias in a vision, commissioning him to go to Saul ([Acts 9:10-12](/acts/9-10-12 "Acts 9:10-12 - Ananias's Vision")). Ananias's initial reluctance, stemming from Saul's notorious reputation as a persecutor, is overcome by God's explicit declaration of Saul's divine calling as "a chosen instrument" to carry His name to Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel ([Acts 9:13-16](/acts/9-13-16 "Acts 9:13-16 - Ananias's Hesitation and God's Reassurance")). Thus, [Acts 9:17](/acts/9-17 "Acts 9:17 - Ananias Ministers to Saul") represents Ananias's obedient response to this divine instruction, bridging the gap between Saul's encounter with Christ and his subsequent empowerment for ministry.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Damascus, a significant Hellenistic city in Syria, a Roman province, known for its trade routes and diverse population, including a substantial Jewish community. Saul, a Pharisee from Tarsus, was a highly educated and zealous Jew, operating under the authority of the Jewish high priest in Jerusalem to suppress the nascent Christian movement, which was viewed as a dangerous sect ([Acts 9:1-2](/acts/9-1-2 "Acts 9:1-2 - Saul's Mission to Damascus")). Persecution of Christians was not yet state-sponsored by Rome but was often initiated by Jewish religious authorities. The laying on of hands was a common practice in ancient Judaism and early Christianity for conveying blessing, healing, or the impartation of the Holy Spirit. Ananias, a Jewish Christian, would have been acutely aware of the danger Saul posed, making his act of obedience all the more remarkable in a cultural climate where religious zeal often led to violent suppression of perceived heresies.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes prevalent in the book of Acts. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Initiative**, demonstrating that Saul's conversion and calling were entirely God's work, not a human endeavor. God initiates the encounter, reveals His purpose, and directs Ananias. Secondly, the theme of **Radical Transformation** is central; the persecutor becomes the preacher, a testament to the gospel's power to change lives ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")). Thirdly, **Obedience Amidst Fear** is exemplified by Ananias, who, despite legitimate apprehension, trusts and obeys God's specific command, showcasing the importance of individual faithfulness in God's grand plan. Fourthly, **Inclusion and Brotherhood** are immediately established as Ananias addresses Saul as "Brother Saul," signifying acceptance into the community of believers despite his past. Finally, the **Empowerment by the Holy Spirit** is crucial, as the restoration of sight is explicitly linked to being filled with the Holy Spirit, preparing Saul for his apostolic mission, a recurring theme of divine enablement throughout Acts, beginning with Pentecost in [Acts 2](/acts/2 "Acts 2 - The Day of Pentecost").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lord (Greek, _kýrios'_):** This term, used by Ananias to refer to Jesus, signifies supreme authority and mastership. It is the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew YHWH, often used in the Septuagint for God. Ananias's use of "Lord, even Jesus" immediately elevates Jesus to divine status, acknowledging His sovereignty and authority over both Ananias and Saul's encounter on the road. It underscores that the one who appeared to Saul was not merely a prophet or an angel, but the resurrected Christ, the sovereign Lord.
* **Appeared (Greek, _optánomai'_):** This verb denotes a direct, visual manifestation, often implying a remarkable or supernatural sight. It emphasizes the objective reality of Jesus's appearance to Saul on the Damascus road, not a mere vision or subjective experience. This direct encounter with the risen Christ was foundational to Saul's apostleship, as he would later claim to have seen the Lord ([1 Corinthians 9:1](/1_corinthians/9-1 "1 Corinthians 9:1 - Paul's Apostolic Authority")).
* **Filled with (Greek, _plḗthō'_):** This verb means to "fill" or "imbue," often used in Acts to describe being supernaturally filled with the Holy Spirit, leading to empowerment for service or prophetic utterance. It indicates a complete saturation and control by the Spirit, not merely a partial presence. The Holy Spirit's filling is presented as a distinct and essential purpose of Ananias's visit, alongside the restoration of sight, signifying Saul's divine enablement for his future ministry.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house;":** This opening clause highlights Ananias's immediate and courageous obedience to the Lord's command, despite his earlier apprehension. His act of physically going to the house of Judas demonstrates his faith and willingness to step into a potentially dangerous situation. The simple, direct action underscores the narrative's focus on divine instruction and human response.
* **"and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul,":** Ananias's act of laying hands on Saul is a significant gesture, symbolizing identification, blessing, and the impartation of spiritual gifts or healing. More profoundly, his address "Brother Saul" is deeply impactful. It signifies immediate acceptance, forgiveness, and spiritual kinship, welcoming the former persecutor into the family of believers. This act of grace mirrors God's own unconditional love and anticipates the new identity Saul is about to embrace.
* **"the Lord, [even] Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me,":** Ananias clearly identifies the source of his mission and the authority behind it: "the Lord, even Jesus." He directly links his presence to the specific, undeniable encounter Saul had on the road, validating the divine origin of Saul's experience and Ananias's message. This statement confirms that Jesus Himself is orchestrating these events, emphasizing His active involvement in the lives of His followers and His enemies.
* **"that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.":** This final clause articulates the dual purpose of Ananias's visit and the divine intention for Saul. The physical restoration of sight is presented alongside the spiritual impartation of the Holy Spirit as co-equal and essential outcomes. The recovery of physical sight symbolizes the opening of Saul's spiritual eyes to the truth of Christ, while being filled with the Holy Spirit signifies his empowerment for the monumental apostolic ministry that lay ahead.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. **Direct Address** is prominent as Ananias speaks directly to Saul, using the intimate and transformative greeting, "Brother Saul." This immediate declaration of kinship underscores the radical shift in Saul's status from enemy to family member. **Symbolism** is deeply embedded in the narrative, particularly with Saul's blindness and the restoration of his sight. His physical blindness on the Damascus road symbolizes his spiritual blindness to the truth of Christ, while the recovery of his sight represents his spiritual illumination and new vision for ministry. The act of "putting his hands on him" is also **Symbolic**, representing the transfer of blessing, healing, and the impartation of the Holy Spirit. Furthermore, there is an element of **Irony** in the fact that the very man who persecuted believers is now being ministered to by one of them, demonstrating the unexpected and transformative power of God's grace.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 9:17 is a profound theological statement on God's redemptive power and His method of building His church. It underscores the truth that salvation and calling are entirely initiated by God's sovereign will, even for the most unlikely candidates. The immediate acceptance of Saul into the Christian brotherhood, symbolized by Ananias's greeting and touch, exemplifies the radical inclusivity of the gospel, which breaks down barriers of past enmity and unites believers in Christ. The dual restoration—physical sight and spiritual filling—highlights the holistic nature of God's work in a person's life, preparing them not only for relationship with Him but also for empowered service. This event serves as a foundational narrative for understanding the nature of Christian conversion, the role of community in spiritual growth, and the indispensable power of the Holy Spirit in empowering believers for witness and ministry.

* [Acts 2:38](/acts/2-38 "Acts 2:38 - Peter's Call to Repentance and Baptism")
* [Luke 4:18](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18 - Jesus's Mission Statement")
* [Ephesians 2:19](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 9:17 offers a powerful blueprint for Christian living, challenging believers to embrace radical obedience, extend unconditional grace, and rely on divine empowerment. Ananias's willingness to overcome his very real fears and follow God's specific, counter-intuitive command to minister to Saul is a profound example of faith in action. It reminds us that God often calls us to step out of our comfort zones and extend love and reconciliation to those we might naturally fear or even despise. For us today, this means actively seeking opportunities to welcome new converts, especially those with challenging pasts, into the fellowship of believers, mirroring Ananias's "Brother Saul" embrace. Furthermore, the verse underscores the ongoing necessity of the Holy Spirit's filling for effective ministry and spiritual discernment. Just as Saul needed both physical and spiritual sight, we need the Spirit to truly see God's will and be empowered to live out our calling. This passage encourages us to be open vessels for God's transformative work, both in our own lives and in the lives of others, trusting that He can use anyone, anywhere, for His glorious purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life is God calling you to an act of obedience that feels challenging or counter-intuitive, similar to Ananias's call to visit Saul?**
* **How can you, like Ananias, extend genuine acceptance and "brotherhood" or "sisterhood" to someone whose past might make you hesitant?**
* **What does Saul's dual restoration of physical sight and spiritual filling teach you about the holistic nature of God's work in our lives?**
* **How does the Holy Spirit empower you for your daily life and for specific acts of service or witness? Are you actively seeking to be "filled with the Holy Ghost"?**

### FAQ

**Why was Ananias chosen to minister to Saul, and not someone else or even Jesus directly again?**

Answer: Ananias was chosen by God for several strategic reasons, demonstrating God's diverse methods of working through His people. While Jesus had directly appeared to Saul on the road to Damascus, Ananias's role introduced a human element of reconciliation and integration into the Christian community. His obedience, despite fear, served as a powerful testimony of faith. Moreover, Ananias's act of laying hands on Saul and addressing him as "Brother Saul" immediately welcomed Saul into the fellowship of believers, signifying that Saul's transformation was not just a private spiritual event but also an entry into the body of Christ. This also highlights the principle that God often uses ordinary individuals to accomplish extraordinary divine purposes, fostering community and interdependence within the church, as seen throughout the book of [Acts](/acts "The Book of Acts - The Early Church").

**What is the significance of Saul being "filled with the Holy Ghost" at this particular moment?**

Answer: Being "filled with the Holy Ghost" at this moment was profoundly significant for Saul's immediate and future ministry. It marked his spiritual empowerment and divine enablement for the monumental task God had called him to—to be an apostle to the Gentiles ([Acts 9:15](/acts/9-15 "Acts 9:15 - Saul's Divine Commission")). This experience was not merely a spiritual sensation but an equipping for service, providing him with the spiritual understanding, boldness, and power necessary to preach the gospel, perform miracles, and withstand persecution. It connected him directly to the ongoing work of the Spirit in the early church, as first powerfully manifested at Pentecost ([Acts 2:4](/acts/2-4 "Acts 2:4 - The Outpouring of the Holy Spirit")). This filling was foundational to his identity and effectiveness as the Apostle Paul.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 9:17, while focusing on Ananias's obedience and Saul's transformation, is profoundly Christ-centered, revealing the ongoing work of the risen Lord in redeeming and equipping His people. The verse explicitly states that "the Lord, even Jesus... hath sent me," underscoring that Ananias's mission is a direct extension of Christ's authority and purpose. Jesus, who confronted Saul on the Damascus road, continues His redemptive work by sending a human agent to complete the physical and spiritual healing. This act foreshadows Christ's continued ministry through His body, the Church, as He empowers believers by His Spirit to carry out His mission of reconciliation and evangelism ([John 20:21](/john/20-21 "John 20:21 - Jesus Commissions His Disciples")). Saul's restoration of sight and filling with the Holy Spirit are direct results of Christ's sovereign power and grace, preparing him to become the foremost proclaimer of Christ's cross and resurrection ([1 Corinthians 15:3-4](/1_corinthians/15-3-4 "1 Corinthians 15:3-4 - The Core of the Gospel")). Ultimately, this event, orchestrated by Christ, demonstrates His power to transform even the most ardent opponents into devoted servants, revealing His heart for all humanity and His unwavering commitment to build His church through the power of His Spirit. The once-persecutor, now empowered by Christ's Spirit, would become the very instrument through whom Christ would extend His saving grace to the Gentile world, fulfilling the prophetic vision of God's universal salvation ([Isaiah 49:6](/isaiah/49-6 "Isaiah 49:6 - A Light to the Gentiles")).

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 8:17

Then laid they [their] hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.

Acts 2:4

And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Acts 6:6

Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid [their] hands on them.

Acts 22:12

And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt [there],

Acts 22:14

And he said, The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know his will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth.

1 Timothy 5:22

Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure.

Acts 13:52

And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost.