Acts 9:13
What does Acts 9:13 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 9:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 9:13 means
Ananias voiced a legitimate concern to the Lord, knowing Saul's notorious reputation. He had heard from many people about the great evil Saul had inflicted upon the saints in Jerusalem, persecuting believers with fervent malice. Furthermore, Ananias was aware that Saul had come to Damascus with official authority from the chief priests specifically to arrest and bind any who called upon the name of Jesus. His apprehension was understandable, reflecting the fear Saul had instilled throughout the nascent Christian community.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000But Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard from many of this man, how much evil he did to thy saints at Jerusalem:
KJV
King James Version · 1611Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem:
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901But Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard from many of this man, how much evil he did to thy saints at Jerusalem:
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But Ananias said, Lord, I have had accounts of this man from a number of people, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem:
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And Ananias answered, `Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how many evils he did to Thy saints in Jerusalem,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But Ananias answered: Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints in Jerusalem.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard from many concerning this man how much evil he has done to thy saints at Jerusalem;
Context
Having received a challenging commission from the Lord in verses 11 and 12, Ananias now articulates his deep reservations. His knowledge of Saul's violent history and current mission highlights the immense risk involved in obeying the Lord's command. This allows the Lord to address Ananias's fears directly, leading to a profound revelation about Saul's future purpose, which will be central to the early church's mission.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Matthew 10:16
Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.
- Exodus 4:13
And he said, Oh, Lord, send, I pray thee, by the hand of him whom thou wilt send.
- Acts 9:32
And it came to pass, as Peter went throughout all parts, he came down also to the saints that dwelt at Lydda.
- Acts 26:10
And this I also did in Jerusalem: and I both shut up many of the saints in prisons, having received authority from the chief priests, and when they were put to death I gave my vote against them.
- Jonah 1:2
Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry against it; for their wickedness is come up before me.
- Romans 1:7
to all that are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
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