Acts 9:15
"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.
Go!
The Greek word used here is "πορεύου" (poreuou), which is an imperative form of the verb meaning "to go" or "to proceed." This command is direct and urgent, reflecting God's sovereign authority and the immediacy of His divine plan. In the context of Acts 9, this command is given to Ananias, who is hesitant to approach Saul due to Saul's reputation. The urgency of "Go!" underscores the importance of obedience to God's call, even when it challenges our understanding or comfort.

This man
Referring to Saul, who would later become Paul, this phrase highlights the personal nature of God's call. Despite Saul's past as a persecutor of Christians, God sees beyond human failings and chooses individuals for His purposes. This demonstrates the transformative power of God's grace and His ability to use anyone for His glory, regardless of their past.

is My chosen instrument
The Greek word for "chosen" is "ἐκλογή" (eklogē), meaning selected or elected. "Instrument" is translated from "σκεῦος" (skeuos), which can mean a vessel or tool. Together, these words convey the idea that Saul is specifically selected by God to fulfill a unique purpose. This emphasizes the doctrine of divine election, where God, in His sovereignty, chooses individuals for specific roles in His redemptive plan.

to carry My name
The phrase "to carry" comes from the Greek "βαστάσαι" (bastasai), meaning to bear or to carry. "My name" refers to the name of Jesus Christ, symbolizing His authority, character, and mission. Saul's mission is to bear witness to the truth of Christ, highlighting the responsibility of believers to represent Christ in their lives and proclaim His gospel.

before the Gentiles
The term "Gentiles" is translated from the Greek "ἔθνη" (ethnē), meaning nations or peoples. This signifies the expansive scope of the gospel, which is not limited to the Jewish people but is intended for all nations. Saul's mission to the Gentiles marks a pivotal shift in the early church, emphasizing the inclusivity of the gospel message.

and their kings
This phrase indicates that Saul's mission will reach the highest levels of society. The gospel is not only for the common people but also for rulers and authorities. Historically, Paul would indeed stand before kings and governors, as recorded in Acts, demonstrating the far-reaching impact of his ministry.

and before the people of Israel
Despite Saul's primary mission to the Gentiles, he is also called to witness to the Jewish people. This reflects the continuity of God's covenant with Israel and His desire for all His chosen people to come to faith in Christ. Saul's ministry to both Jews and Gentiles underscores the unity of God's redemptive plan for all humanity.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Lord
Refers to Jesus Christ, who is speaking to Ananias in a vision. This highlights the divine authority and purpose behind the mission given to Saul (Paul).

2. Ananias
A disciple in Damascus who is initially hesitant to meet Saul due to Saul's reputation for persecuting Christians. Ananias is obedient to the Lord's command despite his fears.

3. Saul (Paul)
Initially a persecutor of Christians, Saul is chosen by God to become a key figure in spreading the Gospel. His transformation is central to the account of Acts.

4. Gentiles
Non-Jewish people. Saul's mission includes bringing the message of Christ to the Gentiles, indicating the universal scope of the Gospel.

5. Kings and the people of Israel
Saul is tasked with proclaiming the Gospel to both political leaders and the Jewish people, showing the breadth of his mission.
Teaching Points
Divine Selection and Purpose
God chooses individuals for specific purposes, often beyond human understanding. Like Saul, believers are called to embrace God's plan for their lives, trusting in His wisdom and timing.

Obedience Despite Fear
Ananias' obedience to God's command, despite his initial fear, serves as a model for believers. Trusting God and stepping out in faith can lead to transformative outcomes.

The Universal Scope of the Gospel
Saul's mission to the Gentiles and kings underscores the inclusivity of the Gospel. Believers are encouraged to share the message of Christ with all people, regardless of background or status.

Transformation and New Identity
Saul's conversion illustrates the power of God's grace to transform lives. Believers are reminded that their past does not define them; in Christ, they are new creations with a new purpose.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the transformation of Saul challenge our perceptions of who can be used by God for His purposes?

2. In what ways can we, like Ananias, overcome our fears to obey God's calling in our lives?

3. How does Saul's mission to the Gentiles and kings reflect the Great Commission given by Jesus in Matthew 28:19-20?

4. What are some practical ways we can carry the name of Jesus to diverse groups of people in our own communities?

5. How does understanding our identity in Christ as "chosen instruments" impact the way we live and share our faith daily?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Acts 22:21
Paul recounts his calling to the Gentiles, affirming the mission given in Acts 9:15.

Romans 1:1-5
Paul describes himself as an apostle set apart for the Gospel, emphasizing his role as a chosen instrument.

Galatians 1:15-16
Paul speaks of being set apart from birth and called by grace to preach among the Gentiles, echoing the divine selection mentioned in Acts 9:15.

1 Timothy 2:7
Paul asserts his role as a teacher of the Gentiles, reinforcing his mission as described in Acts 9:15.
A Chosen VesselJ. Wells, M. A.Acts 9:15
God's Chosen VesselsR. Tuck Acts 9:15
Saul and Luther Chosen VesselsK. Gerok.Acts 9:15
The Character of St. PaulJ. Cynddylan Jones, D. D.Acts 9:15
The Choice of Perfect ForgivingnessP.C. Barker Acts 9:15
Vessels Chosen, Charged, and UsedW. Arnot, D. D.Acts 9:15
A Sudden ConversionActs 9:3-19
An Inspired VisionS. Chapman.Acts 9:3-19
ConversionE. B. Pusey.Acts 9:3-19
Conversion by the Vision of ChristActs 9:3-19
Conversion of St. PaulW. H. Hutchings, M. A.Acts 9:3-19
Conversions May be Quite Sudden in Their BeginningsH. W. Beecher.Acts 9:3-19
God's Method of Converting MenActs 9:3-19
Paul's Conversion a Type of the ReformationK. Gerok.Acts 9:3-19
Saul Meets with JesusH. R. Haweis, M. A.Acts 9:3-19
Saul of Tarsus ConvertedD. J. Burrell, D. D.Acts 9:3-19
Saul's ConversionC. S. Robinson, D. D.Acts 9:3-19
Saul's ConversionR. Watson.Acts 9:3-19
Saul's Conversion God's GlorificationM. Luther.Acts 9:3-19
The Battle of DamascusK. Gerok.Acts 9:3-19
The Completeness of St. Paul's ConversionC. H. Spurgeon.Acts 9:3-19
The Conversion of PaulC. Hodge, D. D.Acts 9:3-19
The Conversion of SaulH. J. Van Dyke.Acts 9:3-19
The Conversion of SaulD. Thomas, D. D.Acts 9:3-19
The Conversion of SaulD. Thomas, D. D.Acts 9:3-19
The Conversion of SaulJ. Parker, D. D.Acts 9:3-19
The Conversion of SaulJ. Parker, D. D.Acts 9:3-19
The Conversion of SaulJ. Parker, D. D.Acts 9:3-19
The Conversion of SaulM. G. Pearse.Acts 9:3-19
The Conversion of St. PaulJ. O. Dykes, D. D.Acts 9:3-19
The Conversion of St. PaulJ. Wolff, LL. D.Acts 9:3-19
The Conversion of St. PaulC. Hodge, D. D.Acts 9:3-19
The Difficulties in the NarrativeT. Binney.Acts 9:3-19
The Great Day of DamascusK. Gerok.Acts 9:3-19
The Heavenly LightWeekly PulpitActs 9:3-19
The Progress of St. Paul's ConversionJaspis.Acts 9:3-19
The Proud Rider UnhorsedT. De Witt Talmage.Acts 9:3-19
When Need is Greatest God is NearestK. Gerok.Acts 9:3-19
Ananias of DamascusW. Brock, jun.Acts 9:10-18
Christ's Treatment of Us and Our Obedience to HimW. Clarkson Acts 9:10-18
The Good Ananias: a Lesson for BelieversC. H. Spurgeon.Acts 9:10-18
Baptism of St. PaulR.A. Redford Acts 9:10-19
Saul and AnaemiasE. Johnson Acts 9:10-19
An Encouraging Lesson from Paul's ConversionC. H. Spurgeon.Acts 9:13-16
Undue Alarm At EvilsT. S. Love.Acts 9:13-16
People
Aeneas, Ananias, Barnabas, Dorcas, Grecians, Judas, Lud, Peter, Saul, Simon, Tabitha
Places
Azotus, Caesarea, Damascus, Galilee, Jerusalem, Joppa, Judea, Lydda, Samaria, Sharon, Straight Street, Tarsus
Topics
Bear, Carry, Choice, Chosen, Descendants, Elect, Fear, Gentiles, Instrument, Kings, Nations, Replied, Sons, Special, Vessel
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Acts 9:15

     5630   work, divine and human
     7512   Gentiles, in NT
     7944   ministry, qualifications
     7953   mission, of church
     8426   evangelism, motivation

Acts 9:1-19

     8131   guidance, results

Acts 9:1-30

     5108   Paul, life of

Acts 9:3-18

     6629   conversion, examples

Acts 9:3-19

     5109   Paul, apostle

Acts 9:10-15

     6622   choice

Acts 9:10-16

     5548   speech, divine
     7758   preachers, call
     8409   decision-making, and providence

Acts 9:11-17

     6604   acceptance, human

Acts 9:15-16

     6641   election, responsibilities
     6696   necessity
     7026   church, leadership
     8496   witnessing, importance

Library
'This Way'
'Any of this way.'--ACTS ix. 2 The name of 'Christian' was not applied to themselves by the followers of Jesus before the completion of the New Testament. There were other names in currency before that designation--which owed its origin to the scoffing wits of Antioch--was accepted by the Church. They called themselves 'disciples,' 'believers, 'saints,' 'brethren,' as if feeling about for a title. Here is a name that had obtained currency for a while, and was afterwards disused. We find it five times
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

A Bird's-Eye view of the Early Church
'So the Church throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria had peace, being edified; and, walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, was multiplied.'--ACTS ix. 31 (R.V.). A man climbing a hill stops every now and then to take breath and look about him; and in the earlier part of this Book of the Acts of the Apostles there are a number of such landing-places where the writer suspends the course of his narrative, in order to give a general notion of the condition of the
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

Grace Triumphant
'And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, 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 hound unto Jerusalem. 3. And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: 4. And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou Me? 5.
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

Copies of Christ's Manner
'And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed.... 40. But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down and prayed; and, turning him to the body, said, Tabitha, arise.--ACTS ix. 34, 40. I have put these two miracles together, not only because they were closely connected in time and place, but because they have a very remarkable and instructive feature in common. They are both evidently moulded upon Christ's miracles; are distinct imitations of what Peter had
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

Directions to Awakened Sinners.
Acts ix. 6. Acts ix. 6. And he, trembling and astonished, said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do. THESE are the words of Saul, who also is called Paul, (Acts xiii. 9,) when he was stricken to the ground as he was going to Damascus; and any one who had looked upon him in his present circumstances and knew nothing more of him than that view, in comparison with his past life, could have given, would have imagined him one of the most miserable creatures that ever lived upon earth, and would have expected
Philip Doddridge—Practical Discourses on Regeneration

Paul's First Prayer
First, our text was an announcement; "Behold, he prayeth." Secondly, it was an argument; "For, behold, he prayeth." Then, to conclude, we will try to make an application of our text to your hearts. Though application is the work of God alone, we will trust that he will be pleased to make that application while the word is preached this morning. I. First, here was AN ANNOUNCEMENT; "Go to the house of Saul of Tarsus; for behold, he prayeth." Without any preface, let me say, that this was the announcement
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 1: 1855

Paul a Pattern of Prayer
"Go and inquire for one called Saul of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth."--ACTS ix. 11. "For this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show forth all long-suffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on Him to life everlasting."--1 TIM. i. 16. God took His own Son, and made Him our Example and our Pattern. It sometimes is as if the power of Christ's example is lost in the thought that He, in whom is no sin, is not man as we are. Our Lord took Paul, a man
Andrew Murray—The Ministry of Intercession

Prov. 22:06 the Duties of Parents
"Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it."--Prov. 22:6. I SUPPOSE that most professing Christians are acquainted with the text at the head of this page. The sound of it is probably familiar to your ears, like an old tune. It is likely you have heard it, or read it, talked of it, or quoted it, many a time. Is it not so? But, after all, how little is the substance of this text regarded! The doctrine it contains appears scarcely known, the duty it puts
John Charles Ryle—The Upper Room: Being a Few Truths for the Times

"To Me to Live is Christ"
PHILIPPIANS i. 21. In connection with ACTS ix. 1--18. THERE is no more significant sign of the days in which we live than the interest society seems to be taking in the biographies of great men. Almost all the more popular recent books, for instance--the books which every one is reading and has to read--come under the category of biography; and, to meet the demand, two or three times in each season the market has to be supplied with the lives, in minute detail, of men who but for this would perhaps
Henry Drummond—The Ideal Life

The Future of Christ's Kingdom First Group of Epistles the First and Second Epistles to the Thessalonians Introduction to the Epistles of Paul +Epistolary Writings. + --The
STUDY VII THE FUTURE OF CHRIST'S KINGDOM FIRST GROUP OF EPISTLES THE FIRST AND SECOND EPISTLES TO THE THESSALONIANS INTRODUCTION TO THE EPISTLES OF PAUL +Epistolary Writings.+--The New Testament is composed of twenty-seven books, twenty-one of which are Epistles. Of this latter number thirteen are ascribed to Paul. It is thus seen how largely the New Testament is made up of Epistles and how many of these are attributed to the Great Apostle. In the letters of men of great prominence and power of any
Henry T. Sell—Bible Studies in the Life of Paul

The New Testament Text and Its History.
The history of the New Testament text naturally falls into two main divisions, that of the manuscript text, and that of the printed text. A few remarks will be added on the principles of textual criticism. See PLATES at the beginning of this book. [Transcriber's Note: Transcriptions of the Plates are at the end of this e-book.] I. THE MANUSCRIPT TEXT. 1. The preservation of the primitive text of the gospels from all essential corruptions, additions, and mutilations has already been shown
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible

Sharon. Caphar Lodim. The Village of those of Lydda.
Between Lydda and the sea, a spacious valley runs out, here and there widely spreading itself, and sprinkled with villages. The holy page of the New Testament [Acts 9:35] calls it Saron: and that of the Old calls the whole, perhaps, or some part of it, 'the plain of Ono,' Nehemiah 6:2, 11:35; 1 Chronicles 8:12... The wine of Sharon is of great fame, with which they mixed two parts water: and remarkable is that they say concerning the houses of Sharon. R. Lazar saith, "He that builds a brick house
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

Caphar Tebi.
And this village neighboured upon Lydda, situate on the east of it. "R. Eleazar had a vineyard of four years' growth; on the east of Lydda, near Caphar Tebi." Of it there is this mention also:-- "They sometime brought a chest full of bones from Caphar Tebi, and they placed it openly in the entrance to Lydda. Tudrus the physician and the rest of the physicians go forth"--(namely, that they might judge, whether they were the bones of men or no; and thereby, whether they were to be esteemed clean or
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

Sources and Literature on St. Paul and his Work.
I. Sources. 1. The authentic sources: The Epistles of Paul, and the Acts of the Apostles 9:1-30 and 13 to 28. Of the Epistles of Paul the four most important Galatians, Romans, two Corinthians--are universally acknowledged as genuine even by the most exacting critics; the Philippians, Philemon, Colossians, and Ephesians are admitted by nearly all critics; the Pastoral Epistles, especially First Timothy, and Titus, are more or less disputed, but even they bear the stamp of Paul's genius. On the coincidences
Philip Schaff—History of the Christian Church, Volume I

The Knight of God
Heinrich Suso Acts ix. 16 As the song of him who singeth, Playing on a harp of gold, So to me was Christ's evangel In the days of old. Thus across the lake of Constance Went I forth to preach His Word, And beside me sat the squire Of a noble Lord. None in all the ship so knightly, None so bravely dight as he-- "Tell me," I besought, "thine errand Yonder o'er the sea." "I go forth," he said, "to gather Many a knight and noble bold; They shall tilt at joust and tourney, Whilst fair eyes behold.
Frances Bevan—Hymns of Ter Steegen, Suso, and Others

Such, we May Believe, was that John the Monk...
21. Such, we may believe, was that John the Monk, whom the elder Theodosius, the Emperor, consulted concerning the issue of the civil war: seeing he had also the gift of prophecy. For that not each several person has a several one of those gifts, but that one man may have more gifts than one, I make no question. This John, then, when once a certain most religious woman desired to see him, and to obtain this did through her husband make vehement entreaty, refused indeed this request because he had
St. Augustine—On Care to Be Had for the Dead.

Whether any Preparation and Disposition for Grace is Required on Man's Part?
Objection 1: It would seem that no preparation or disposition for grace is required on man's part, since, as the Apostle says (Rom. 4:4), "To him that worketh, the reward is not reckoned according to grace, but according to debt." Now a man's preparation by free-will can only be through some operation. Hence it would do away with the notion of grace. Objection 2: Further, whoever is going on sinning, is not preparing himself to have grace. But to some who are going on sinning grace is given, as is
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether the Form of this Sacrament Is: "I Absolve Thee"?
Objection 1: It would seem that the form of this sacrament is not: "I absolve thee." Because the forms of the sacraments are received from Christ's institution and the Church's custom. But we do not read that Christ instituted this form. Nor is it in common use; in fact in certain absolutions which are given publicly in church (e.g. at Prime and Compline and on Maundy Thursday), absolution is given not in the indicative form by saying: "I absolve thee," but In the deprecatory form, by saying: "May
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether one Ought to Dispute with Unbelievers in Public?
Objection 1: It would seem that one ought not to dispute with unbelievers in public. For the Apostle says (2 Tim. 2:14): "Contend not in words, for it is to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers." But it is impossible to dispute with unbelievers publicly without contending in words. Therefore one ought not to dispute publicly with unbelievers. Objection 2: Further, the law of Martianus Augustus confirmed by the canons [*De Sum. Trin. Cod. lib. i, leg. Nemo] expresses itself thus: "It is
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

The Beginning of the New Testament
[Illustration: (drop cap T) Coin of Thessalonica] Turn to the list of books given in the beginning of your New Testament. You will see that first come the four Gospels, or glimpses of the Saviour's life given by four different writers. Then follows the Acts of the Apostles, and, lastly, after the twenty-one epistles, the volume ends with the Revelation. Now this is not the order in which the books were written--they are only arranged like this for our convenience. The first words of the New Testament
Mildred Duff—The Bible in its Making

The Doctrine of the Church i. Definition; Distinctions.
1. OLD TESTAMENT. 2. NEW TESTAMENT. 3. THE CHURCH; CHRISTENDOM; KINGDOM. II. THE FOUNDING OF THE CHURCH. 1. IN PROPHECY AND PROMISE. 2. HISTORICALLY FOUNDED. III. MEMBERSHIP IN THE CHURCH. Conditions of Entrance; Characteristics. 1. REPENTANCE AND BAPTISM. 2. FAITH IN THE DEITY OF JESUS CHRIST. 3. REGENERATION. 4. PUBLIC CONFESSION OF CHRIST--BAPTISM. 5. ADHERENCE TO THE APOSTLES' DOCTRINE. 6. CHARACTERISTICS. IV. FIGURES UNDER WHICH THE CHURCH IS PRESENTED. 1. THE BODY OF CHRIST. 2. THE TEMPLE OF
Rev. William Evans—The Great Doctrines of the Bible

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