Meaning of Acts 9:15

This verse, spoken by the Lord to Ananias, reveals a pivotal moment in the early Christian church, specifically concerning the divine commission of Saul of Tarsus, who would soon be known as the Apostle Paul. The Lord's directive highlights Saul's preordained role as a "chosen instrument" for the propagation of the Gospel, emphasizing the breadth of his future ministry, which would extend to Gentiles, their rulers, and ultimately, the Jewish people. This declaration underscores God's sovereign choice and purposeful plan for individuals, even those perceived as adversaries, to be instrumental in His redemptive work.

Context and Background

The immediate context is Ananias's apprehension following a powerful vision from the Lord. Ananias, a devout Jew living in Damascus, had heard about Saul's brutal persecution of Christians. He was understandably fearful when the Lord instructed him to go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and find Saul, who was praying and had just experienced a blinding vision of Jesus on the road to Damascus. Ananias voiced his concern, recounting Saul's reputation for harming believers. However, the Lord's response in verse 15 overrides Ananias's fears and clarifies the divine purpose behind Saul's transformation.

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Election and Purpose: The phrase "chosen instrument" signifies that Saul was not merely a willing convert but was specifically selected by God for a particular mission. This emphasizes God's sovereignty in choosing individuals for His service.
• Universal Mission of the Gospel: The verse explicitly outlines the scope of Saul's ministry: "to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel." This foreshadows the expansive reach of Christianity beyond its Jewish origins, fulfilling Jesus' commission to be witnesses "to the end of the earth" (Acts 1:8).
• Transformation and Redemption: This verse is the divine confirmation of Saul's radical conversion. The persecutor is now designated as a chosen instrument for proclaiming the very name he once sought to eradicate.
• God's Power Over Opposition: God's ability to redeem and utilize even His fiercest opponents demonstrates His ultimate power and His capacity to bring good out of seemingly insurmountable opposition.

Spiritual Significance and Application

For believers today, this verse offers profound encouragement. It illustrates that God can use anyone, regardless of their past, to advance His kingdom. Our past mistakes or even our opposition to God do not disqualify us from His service if we are willing to repent and be transformed. It teaches us to trust in God's sovereign plan, even when it seems counterintuitive or involves individuals we might deem unlikely candidates for ministry. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of obedience to God's call, as exemplified by Ananias, who, despite his initial fear, obeyed the Lord's command.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

Acts 9:15 is a crucial link in the unfolding narrative of salvation history. It directly fulfills prophecies and Jesus' own teachings about the spread of the Gospel. It bridges the gap between the early Jewish context of Jesus' ministry and the subsequent expansion of Christianity into the Gentile world, a development that was often a point of tension and theological debate within the early church. Saul's ministry, as initiated here, becomes the primary engine for this Gentile mission, as detailed throughout the epistles attributed to Paul.

Analogies

One analogy for Saul's transformation and divine appointment is that of a broken tool being re-purposed by a skilled craftsman. A tool that was once used to destroy or harm is taken, mended, and then expertly utilized for a new, constructive purpose, perhaps even a more vital one than its original design. Another analogy is that of a powerful engine that was once used to drive a destructive force, but is now re-routed to power a vehicle of immense positive impact and reach.

Relation to Other Verses

• Isaiah 11:1-9: This prophecy speaks of a shoot from the stump of Jesse, implying a renewal and a new beginning for God's people, which can be seen as a type of the transformation of Saul.
• Jeremiah 1:5: "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations." This verse echoes the theme of God's foreknowledge and predestination for service, similar to what is declared for Saul.
• Matthew 28:19-20: The Great Commission, where Jesus instructs his disciples to "go and make disciples of all nations," is directly advanced by the commissioning of Saul, who becomes the preeminent apostle to the Gentiles.
• Romans 11:13: Paul himself reflects on his apostleship to the Gentiles: "I am speaking to you Gentiles. Inasmuch as I am the apostle to the Gentiles, I take pride in my ministry." This verse directly connects to the mandate given in Acts 9:15.