Acts 9:17

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.

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}.

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.”

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.”

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

Acts 9:17 marks a pivotal moment in the life of Saul of Tarsus, soon to be known as the Apostle Paul, and in the early history of the Christian church. This verse describes the obedient act of Ananias, a devout disciple in Damascus, as he follows God's specific instruction to minister to the newly converted and temporarily blinded Saul.

Context

Following his dramatic encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus, where he was struck blind and heard the Lord's voice (Acts 9:3-7), Saul had been three days without sight or food in the house of Judas in Damascus. Meanwhile, the Lord appeared to Ananias in a vision, instructing him to go to Saul. Ananias initially expressed fear, knowing Saul as a violent persecutor of Christians (Acts 9:13-14), but God reassured him of Saul's divine calling as an instrument to the Gentiles (Acts 9:15-16). This verse highlights Ananias's courageous obedience to that divine mandate.

Key Themes

  • Divine Initiative and Obedience: The narrative underscores that Saul's transformation was entirely God's work, initiated by Jesus Himself. Ananias's obedience, despite his valid fears, was crucial for the next step in Saul's journey. It demonstrates how God uses willing individuals to accomplish His purposes.
  • Transformation and Healing: The physical healing of Saul's blindness is directly linked to his spiritual awakening. Receiving sight was not just a medical cure but a symbol of his spiritual eyes being opened to the truth of Jesus Christ. This healing prepares him for his future mission.
  • Inclusion and Brotherhood: Ananias's opening address, "Brother Saul," is profoundly significant. It immediately signifies acceptance and spiritual kinship, welcoming Saul into the Christian community despite his recent past as a fierce persecutor. This act of grace mirrors God's own unconditional love and forgiveness.
  • Empowerment by the Holy Spirit: The filling of the Holy Ghost is presented as a co-equal and essential purpose of Ananias's visit, alongside the restoration of sight. This infusion of the Holy Spirit would empower Saul for his future apostolic ministry and provide spiritual understanding and guidance.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "Holy Ghost" is a direct translation of the Greek Pneuma Hagion, which refers to the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity. This emphasizes the divine, active presence and power that was to indwell and empower Saul. Ananias addressing Saul as "Brother Saul" uses the Greek word adelphos, which denotes a close familial or spiritual relationship, signifying immediate acceptance into the family of believers.

Significance and Application

Acts 9:17 is a powerful reminder of God's incredible power to transform even the most ardent opponents into devoted followers. It teaches us about the importance of obedience to God's sometimes challenging commands, as exemplified by Ananias. For believers today, it highlights the necessity of welcoming new converts with love and acceptance, regardless of their past. Furthermore, it underscores the vital role of the Holy Spirit in empowering believers for service and guiding them into truth, a transformative experience accessible to all who believe. Saul's immediate healing and subsequent spiritual empowerment set the stage for his unparalleled impact on the spread of the Gospel, as seen in his later ministry detailed throughout the book of Acts and his epistles (e.g., Acts 26:18).

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Cross-References

  • Acts 8:17 (8 votes)

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

  • Acts 2:4 (6 votes)

    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 (6 votes)

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

  • Acts 22:12 (5 votes)

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

  • Acts 22:14 (5 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

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

  • Acts 13:52 (3 votes)

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