Acts 9:10-15 NIV

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 9:12

Hath seen in a vision - While God prepares Ananias, by a vision, to go and minister to Saul, he at the same time prepares Saul, by another vision, to profit by this ministry. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 9:13

Lord, I have heard by many of this man - This was all done in a dream, else this sort of reasoning with his Maker would have been intolerable in Ananias. Saul had been a notorious persecutor; many could testify of his outrageous acts against the poor followers of Christ. Thy saints - That is, the Christians, or followers of Christ. Ἁγιοι signifies not only holy persons, but also consecrated persons; from α , negative, and γη , the earth; persons who are separated from all earthly... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 9:14

And here he hath authority, etc. - Ananias had undoubtedly heard of Saul's coming, and the commission he had received from the chief priests; and he was about to urge this as a reason why he should have no connection with so dangerous a man. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 9:15

Go thy way - He was thus prevented from going farther in his reasoning on this subject. He is a chosen vessel unto me - The word σκευος in Greek, and כלי Keley in Hebrew, though they literally signify a vessel, yet they are both used to signify any kind of instrument, or the means by which an act is done. In the Tract. Sohar Exod. fol. 87, on these words of Boaz to Ruth, Rth 2:9, When thou art athirst, go unto the vessels and drink, etc., there are these remarkable words. " כלי ... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 9:10

Verse 10 10.We have said before that this man was rather chosen than any of the apostles, that Paul, having laid away the swelling of his arrogancy, might learn to hear the least, and that he [might] come down from too great loftiness even unto the lowest degree. And this vision was necessary for Ananias, lest through fear he should withdraw himself from that function which was enjoined him, to wit, to teach Paul. For though he know that the Lord calleth him, yet he slideth back, or, at least,... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 9:11

Verse 11 11.For, behold, he prayeth. Luke showeth that Paul gave himself (585) to prayer those three days; and peradventure this was one cause why he fasted, although it be certain, as I have already said, that he suffered such long hunger, because he was after a sort deprived of sense, as men which are in a trance use to be. Christ doth assuredly speak of no short prayer (586) in this place, but he doth rather show that Paul continued in this kind of exercise until he should be more quiet in... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 9:12

Verse 12 12.He saw a man, named Ananias. It is uncertain whether Luke do yet repeat the words of Christ, or he add this of his own. Those which take it in the person of Luke are moved with some show of absurdity, because it is an unlikely thing that Christ used these words. Although this may be easily answered thus, to wit, that Christ confirmeth Ananias after this sort, There is no cause why thou shouldst fear but that he will receive thee willingly, forasmuch as he already knoweth thy shape... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 9:13

Verse 13 13.Lord, I have heard. In that Ananias objecteth the danger to the Lord, he betrayeth his weakness of faith therein. Therefore we see that the saints and servants of God are afraid of death, which thing keepeth them back from doing their duty; yea, it causeth them sometimes to stagger. Ananias would gladly go to some other place; but this is a point of a good man, that he yieldeth not so much to fear that he withdraweth himself from Christ’s obedience. And, therefore, this is a sign of... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 9:14

Verse 14 14.He hath power to bind. We gather by these words, that the fame of the persecution which Saul went about (590) was spread far and wide; for which cause his conversion was (591) more famous. Nevertheless, the Lord suffered the faithful to be evil entreated, (592) that the benefit of such sudden deliverance might afterwards be the more excellent. We must mark that speech, when he saith that the godly call upon the name of Christ. For whether you understand it, that inasmuch as they... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 9:15

Verse 15 15.Go; because he is an elect instrument. The commandment repeated the second time, and also the promise of success added, taketh away all doubtfulness. Therefore sloth shall want an excuse, if it be never redressed after that many pricks be used; like as we see that very many, who howsoever the Lord cry unto them continually, do not only loiter during their whole life, but do also cherish their slothfulness by all means possible. (594) If any man object that the Lord speaketh not at... read more

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 9:12

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 9:13

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 9:14

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 9:15

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 9:10

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 9:11

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 9:12

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 9:13

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 9:14

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 9:15

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