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. For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
God is revealing Paul not just as a chosen instrument, but as the chosen instrument, specifically appointed to carry His name to every level of society – from the unreached nations and ruling kings to His own people, the Israelites. This highlights that Paul's dramatic conversion wasn't just about saving a life, but about repurposing a powerful adversary for a monumental, divinely ordained mission that would extend far beyond what anyone, especially Ananias, could imagine.
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. For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Ananias is hesitant to go to Saul, the fierce persecutor who has just had a dramatic encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus. He reminds the Lord of Saul's violent history against believers in Jerusalem and his authority to arrest more. The Lord, however, reassures Ananias by revealing that Saul is now a specially chosen instrument, destined to carry the gospel message to non-Jews, royalty, and the Jewish people alike, despite the great suffering he will endure for the cause.
God doesn't just save us; He equips us. Saul, the former persecutor, is about to become a prime example of this transformation.
The Bible uses the powerful image of a 'vessel' to describe how God uses people. This isn't about a fancy title or innate talent, but about being chosen and prepared for a specific purpose.
God's Design
Think of a craftsman's tools. Each one is chosen for its unique function. God sees us not just as individuals, but as instruments He can use to carry out His will. Saul, who had once actively worked against God's name, was now designated as a 'chosen instrument' to carry it forward.
More Than Just a Container
This 'vessel' isn't just a passive container. It's an active agent, meant to convey something precious. For Saul, and for all believers, this means carrying the knowledge and message of God's name to others.
God's plans for Saul were far bigger than anyone, including Ananias, could have imagined. It reached across social divides and cultural boundaries.
The verse explicitly outlines the vast reach of Saul's future ministry. God wasn't just thinking about one group; He was commissioning Saul for a global mission.
To All People
The command lists three key audiences: 'the Gentiles,' 'kings,' and 'the children of Israel.' This signifies a mission that would break down barriers and reach every level of society.
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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.
paschō · Greek Verb
To experience physical, mental, or emotional pain, often used in the New Testament to describe the cost of discipleship and service to Christ. It implies an endurance of hardship for the sake of the Gospel.
onoma · Greek Noun
Refers to the person, reputation, authority, and character of the one being invoked. In a biblical context, it represents the very presence and power of the person to whom it belongs.
This divine commission to Saul, just moments after his dramatic conversion, immediately broadens his mission beyond Jewish communities to Gentiles, kings, and all of Israel, setting the stage for his pivotal role in spreading Christianity throughout the Roman world.
c. 33 AD
Stephen's Martyrdom
Stephen, a deacon in the early church known for his powerful preaching, becomes the first Christian martyr. His death deeply impacts the nascent Christian community.
c. 33-34 AD
Saul Persecutes the Church
Following Stephen's martyrdom, Saul of Tarsus actively participates in persecuting Christians in Jerusalem, arresting believers and authorizing their punishment.
c. 34 AD— this verse
Saul's Conversion on the Road to Damascus
While en route to Damascus to arrest more Christians, Saul encounters the risen Jesus. This transformative event marks the beginning of his new life as a follower of Christ.
c. 34 AD
Ananias Commissioned to Heal Saul
The Lord speaks to Ananias, a disciple in Damascus, and instructs him to find Saul, lay hands on him, and restore his sight, despite Ananias's fear of Saul's past actions.
c. 34 AD
Saul's Baptism and Early Ministry
After being healed and baptized, Saul begins to proclaim Jesus as the Son of God in the synagogues of Damascus, astonishing everyone who knew him.
c. 37-40 AD
Saul Flees Persecution to Tarsus
Facing plots against his life in Damascus, Saul is secretly lowered over the city walls by disciples and escapes to his hometown of Tarsus.
c. 46-49 AD
First Missionary Journey
Barnabas and Saul embark on their first major mission, traveling through Cyprus and Asia Minor, establishing churches and spreading the gospel to Gentile communities.
This passage speaks to God's sovereign choice of individuals for specific purposes before they are even born, much like Paul's selection as a 'chosen instrument'.
Isaiah 49:6This prophecy foreshadows a servant who will bring light and salvation not only to Israel but also to the Gentiles, mirroring Paul's commission.
Romans 9:21-23Paul himself reflects on God as the potter and believers as vessels, highlighting God's right to choose and shape individuals for His purposes, both for honor and for destruction.
Galatians 1:15-16Paul recounts his own calling, emphasizing that he was set apart by God from birth and called to preach among the Gentiles, directly aligning with the mission given in Acts 9:15.
Acts 26:17-18In his defense, Paul quotes Jesus' words to him, reiterating his mission to open the eyes of the Gentiles and turn them to God, fulfilling the purpose declared in Acts 9:15.
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 is revealing Paul not just as a chosen instrument, but as the chosen instrument, specifically appointed to carry His name to every level of society – from the unreached nations and ruling kings to His own people, the Israelites. This highlights that Paul's dramatic conversion wasn't just about saving a life, but about repurposing a powerful adversary for a monumental, divinely ordained mission that would extend far beyond what anyone, especially Ananias, could imagine.
Ananias is hesitant to go to Saul, the fierce persecutor who has just had a dramatic encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus. He reminds the Lord of Saul's violent history against believers in Jerusalem and his authority to arrest more. The Lord, however, reassures Ananias by revealing that Saul is now a specially chosen instrument, destined to carry the gospel message to non-Jews, royalty, and the Jewish people alike, despite the great suffering he will endure for the cause.
Ananias is hesitant to go to Saul, the fierce persecutor who has just had a dramatic encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus. He reminds the Lord of Saul's violent history against believers in Jerusalem and his authority to arrest more. The Lord, however, reassures Ananias by revealing that Saul is now a specially chosen instrument, destined to carry the gospel message to non-Jews, royalty, and the Jewish people alike, despite the great suffering he will endure for the cause.
"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. For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.”" — God is revealing Paul not just as a chosen instrument, but as the chosen instrument, specifically appointed to carry His name to every level of society – from the unreached nations and ruling kin…
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Last reviewed October 2026