But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel.
English Standard Version (ESV)
God’s immediate reassurance to Ananias isn't just that Saul is chosen, but that he's a "chosen instrument" (or "vessel") specifically for bearing God's name. This highlights that conversion isn't just a personal experience, but a radical re-purposing by God for a divine mission, even from the former persecutor.
But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Ananias is hesitant, even fearful, to minister to Saul of Tarsus, knowing his reputation as a fierce persecutor of Christians. The Lord reassures Ananias by revealing Saul's destiny as a chosen instrument, divinely appointed to spread the gospel to non-Jews, rulers, and his own people. This divine selection highlights that God's plans transcend human understanding and past actions, preparing Saul not only for ministry but also for significant suffering for the sake of Christ.
Ananias was understandably hesitant. Saul had been a terror to Christians! But God saw something Ananias couldn't yet grasp. What makes someone 'chosen' in God's eyes?
The verse calls Saul a 'chosen instrument.' This isn't just about being picked; it's about being set apart for a specific, divine task. God's choices often surprise us because His reasons are far beyond our limited understanding.
God's Sovereign Choice
The list of who Saul was to reach sounds incredibly broad: Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. What does this expansive mission tell us about God's heart and plan?
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This verse outlines the monumental scope of Saul's (now Paul's) calling. It wasn't a limited assignment but a global commission.
A Universal Message
Understand the original words
skeuos · Greek Noun
An object or vessel used for a specific purpose. When applied to a person, it emphasizes that they are not acting under their own initiative but as a tool in the hands of God to fulfill His sovereign mission.
eklogē · Greek Adjective
Someone selected or elected by God for a special purpose, mission, or status. It emphasizes the initiative of God in salvation and service rather than human merit.
ethnos · Greek Noun
Historically refers to all nations other than the Jews. In the New Testament, it signifies the extension of God's covenant blessings to the entire world, fulfilling the promise that all nations would be blessed through the seed of Abraham.
This verse reveals God's sovereign choice of Paul, transforming a fierce persecutor into a primary instrument for spreading the gospel to Gentiles, kings, and Jews. It highlights God's power to repurpose even the most resistant individuals for His kingdom's expansion.
c. AD 30-33
Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus
The central events of Christian faith occur in Jerusalem, leading to the formation of the early church.
c. AD 33-35
Stephen's Martyrdom and Saul's Persecution
Stephen, a prominent early Christian, is martyred. Saul of Tarsus actively persecutes Christians, leading to their scattering.
c. AD 35— this verse
Saul's Conversion on the Road to Damascus
Saul has a transformative encounter with the risen Jesus on his way to persecute believers in Damascus.
c. AD 35-45
Saul's Early Ministry in Arabia and Damascus
After his conversion, Saul retreats for a time before beginning his ministry, initially in Damascus and then in Arabia.
c. AD 46-48
First Missionary Journey
Paul, with Barnabas, travels through Asia Minor, establishing churches and facing numerous challenges.
c. AD 49
Jerusalem Council
The early church leaders convene to discuss the inclusion of Gentiles, affirming Paul's ministry to them.
This passage speaks of a servant who will bring light to the nations and be a covenant for the people, echoing the global mission given to Paul to carry God's name to Gentiles and Israelites alike.
Jeremiah 1:5God declares to Jeremiah, 'Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.' This mirrors Paul's preordained role as a 'chosen instrument' for a specific mission established before his birth.
Romans 9:21-23Paul himself reflects on God's sovereign choice, comparing believers to vessels, some for honor and some for dishonor, which directly relates to his own calling as a 'chosen vessel' for a unique and significant purpose.
Galatians 1:15-16Paul recounts that God set him apart from birth and called him through His grace to reveal His Son in him, so that he might preach Him among the Gentiles, which is a personal testimony to his being a 'chosen instrument' for this very mission.
2 Corinthians 4:7This verse describes believers as 'earthen vessels' holding a great treasure, highlighting the humble, human nature of those God uses, which speaks to Paul's role as an instrument, despite his human frailties.
bensonActs 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:"
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 bea…
calvinActs 9:13-16: "Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem:"
- And Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard of many of this man, what hurt he hath done to thy servants at Jerusalem: 14. And here he hath power from the priests to bind all which call upon thy name. 15. And the Lord said unto him, Go; because he is a chosen instrument to me to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel. 16. For I wi…
God’s immediate reassurance to Ananias isn't just that Saul is chosen, but that he's a "chosen instrument" (or "vessel") specifically for bearing God's name. This highlights that conversion isn't just a personal experience, but a radical re-purposing by God for a divine mission, even from the former persecutor.
Ananias is hesitant, even fearful, to minister to Saul of Tarsus, knowing his reputation as a fierce persecutor of Christians. The Lord reassures Ananias by revealing Saul's destiny as a chosen instrument, divinely appointed to spread the gospel to non-Jews, rulers, and his own people. This divine selection highlights that God's plans transcend human understanding and past actions, preparing Saul not only for ministry but also for significant suffering for the sake of Christ.
Ananias is hesitant, even fearful, to minister to Saul of Tarsus, knowing his reputation as a fierce persecutor of Christians. The Lord reassures Ananias by revealing Saul's destiny as a chosen instrument, divinely appointed to spread the gospel to non-Jews, rulers, and his own people. This divine selection highlights that God's plans transcend human understanding and past actions, preparing Saul not only for ministry but also for significant suffering for the sake of Christ.
"But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel." — God’s immediate reassurance to Ananias isn't just that Saul is chosen, but that he's a "chosen instrument" (or "vessel") specifically for bearing God's name. This highlights that conversion isn't…
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Last reviewed October 2026