Acts 9:16
What does Acts 9:16 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 9:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 9:16 means
The Lord revealed to Ananias that Saul, though chosen for glorious service, would also face significant suffering for Jesus' name. This prophecy foreshadows the many trials, persecutions, and hardships Saul (later Paul) would endure throughout his apostolic ministry. While his call was to bear Christ's name to powerful and diverse audiences, it would not be a path of ease. This truth underscored the cost of discipleship and ministry, framing Saul's future not just with honor but with hardship for the sake of the Gospel.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000for I will show him how many things he must suffer for my name’s sake.
KJV
King James Version · 1611For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901for I will show him how many things he must suffer for my name’s sake.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949For I will make clear to him what troubles he will have to undergo for me.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862for I will shew him how many things it behoveth him for My name to suffer.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890for I will shew to him how much he must suffer for my name.
Context
This verse expands on the divine commission given in verse 15, adding a crucial layer of prophetic insight. It reveals that Saul's future ministry, while glorious in scope, will also involve considerable suffering. This forewarning prepares Ananias for the challenging nature of Saul's call and highlights the sacrificial aspect of following Christ, thus contextualizing both Saul's future actions and Ananias's courage in ministering to him.
v.15But 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:
v.16This passage
v.17And 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.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Matthew 5:11
Blessed are ye when men shall reproach you, and persecute you, and say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
- 2 Timothy 3:11
persecutions, sufferings; what things befell me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: and out of them all the Lord delivered me.
- 2 Corinthians 11:23
Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as one beside himself) I more; in labors more abundantly, in prisons more abundantly, in stripes above measure, in deaths oft.
- 1 Thessalonians 3:3
that no man be moved by these afflictions; for yourselves know that hereunto we are appointed.
- Matthew 10:21
And brother shall deliver up brother to death, and the father his child: and children shall rise up against parents, and cause them to be put to death.
- 2 Timothy 2:9
wherein I suffer hardship unto bonds, as a malefactor; but the word of God is not bound.
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