Acts 9:15

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 9:15

The choice of perfect forgivingness. Ananias demurs to the errand assigned. It was not altogether unnatural that he should do so. His hesitation, however, does not resemble that of Moses. And, in expressing the grounds of it, he was only occupying by anticipation the position which it would become necessary to occupy when any and all actual interposition of the great Head of the Church should be withdrawn. Then, as it is to this day, it became among the most critical cares and the most... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 9:15

God's chosen vessels. Take the single sentence, " He is a chosen vessel unto me;" literally, "a vessel of election." Illustrate by the apostle's own figure of the "potter having power over the clay," and refer to prophetic illustrations taken from the potter's wheel and art. Here, however, the meaning of "vessel" may rather be " instrument, " or "tool." In every age God has called forth special workers, fitted for the occasions; "with the hour always comes the man." In the ordering... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Acts 9:15

Go thy way - This is often the only answer that we obtain to the suggestion of our doubts and hesitations about duty. God tells us still to do what he requires, with an assurance only that his commands are just, and that there are good reasons for them.A chosen vessel - The usual meaning of the word “vessel” is well known. It commonly denotes a “cup or basin,” such as is used in a house. It then denotes “any instrument which may be used to accomplish a purpose, perhaps particularly with the... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Acts 9:15-16

Acts 9:15-16. But the Lord said, Go thy way Do not tell me how bad he has been; I know it well; but go with all speed, and execute that message of mercy with which I have charged thee; for How great and aggravated soever his former transgressions may have been, I assure thee he is a chosen vessel Or instrument; unto me, to bear my name That is, to testify of me, and bear witness of my truth; before the Gentiles Ενωπιον εθνων , before nations, namely, heathen nations; and kings ... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Acts 9:1-19

Conversion of Saul (9:1-19a)The name by which Christianity was known was ‘the Way’ (see 9:2; 19:9,23; 22:4; 24:14,22). Possibly the name originated with the Christians themselves, who believed their movement was the way of the Lord, the way of salvation and the way of life. But to the Christians’ opponents the name represented a movement that had to be destroyed.By this time the gospel had spread north at least as far as the Syrian city of Damascus, which had a large Jewish population. The... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Acts 9:15

a chosen vessel = a vessel of choice, or election (Greek. ekloge) . Occurs here, Romans 9:11 ; Romans 11:5 , Romans 11:7 , Rom 11:28 ; 1 Thessalonians 1:4 . 2 Peter 1:10 . unto = for. Before = in the presence of. Gentiles = nations. Greek. ethnos. children = sons. Greek. huios. App-108 . Note the order. read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Acts 9:15

But 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: for I will show him how many things he must suffer for my name's sake.Before Gentiles and kings ... There is no way to separate these words from the great prophecy of Isaiah regarding the new name to be borne by God's children.And the Gentiles shall see thy righteousness, and all kings thy glory: and thou shalt be called by a new name, which the... read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Acts 9:15

Acts 9:15. He is a chosen vessel, &c.— Beza observes, that an instrument of building, agriculture, &c. is often expressed in Greek by the word σκευος ; and the word may very probably have that signification here. For he is my chosen instrument to bear my name, &c. Polybius uses this same word personally, in order to denote one extremely proper for a particular design. Ananias could not infer from these words of our Lord, that the gospel was to be preached to the Gentiles while they... read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Acts 9:15

15. Go thy way—Do as thou art bidden, without gainsaying. he is a chosen vessel—a word often used by Paul in illustrating God's sovereignty in election (Romans 9:21-23; 2 Corinthians 4:7; 2 Timothy 2:20; 2 Timothy 2:21 [ALFORD]. Compare 2 Timothy 2:21- :). read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Acts 9:1-19

1. Saul’s conversion and calling 9:1-19aLuke recorded the conversion and calling of Saul of Tarsus to demonstrate the supernatural power and sovereign direction of God. Saul’s conversion was one of the most miraculous and significant instances of repentance that took place during the early expansion of the church. His calling to be God’s main missionary to the Gentiles was equally dramatic. read more

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