Acts 9:15
What does Acts 9:15 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 9:15 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 9:15 means
The Lord dismissed Ananias's fears with a powerful declaration: "Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me." Saul, the persecutor, was now chosen by God for an extraordinary mission. He was to carry Jesus' name not only before the Gentiles and kings but also to the children of Israel. This divine commission reveals a stunning reversal of roles and a vast scope for Saul's future ministry, highlighting God's sovereign purpose in transforming an enemy into an evangelist for all peoples.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000But the Lord said unto him, 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:
KJV
King James Version · 1611But the Lord said unto him, 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:
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901But the Lord said unto him, 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:
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But the Lord said, Go without fear: for he is a special vessel for me, to give to the Gentiles and kings and to the children of Israel the knowledge of my name:
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And the Lord said unto him, `Be going on, because a choice vessel to Me is this one, to bear My name before nations and kings--the sons also of Israel;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And the Lord said to him: Go thy way: for this man is to me a vessel of election, to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And the Lord said to him, Go, for this [man] is an elect vessel to me, to bear my name before both nations and kings and [the] sons of Israel:
Context
Addressing Ananias's strong objections in verses 13 and 14, the Lord here provides the definitive reason for His command. This revelation of Saul's future calling as a "chosen vessel" for Gentiles, kings, and Israel radically reframes Ananias's understanding and motivates his obedience. This prophetic declaration is a pivotal moment, shaping the course of Saul's life and the church's expansion, which unfolds in the subsequent chapters of Acts.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 26:17
delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom I send thee,
- Galatians 1:1
Paul, an apostle (not from men, neither through man, but through Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead),
- Jeremiah 1:7
But Jehovah said unto me, Say not, I am a child; for to whomsoever I shall send thee thou shalt go, and whatsoever I shall command thee thou shalt speak.
- 2 Timothy 2:4
No soldier on service entangleth himself in the affairs of this life; that he may please him who enrolled him as a soldier.
- Acts 27:24
saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must stand before Cæsar: and lo, God hath granted thee all them that sail with thee.
- 1 Corinthians 15:10
But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not found vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
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