For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
What's easily missed here is the specific word choice for "how great things," which can also mean "how many things." This isn't just about the intensity of Paul's future suffering, but the sheer volume of trials, revealing God's meticulous plan to transform a fierce persecutor into an unshakeable witness through an overwhelming abundance of hardship. It highlights that God doesn't just promise strength for the big moments, but for every single one of them.
For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
God is speaking to Ananias, who is understandably hesitant and fearful about approaching Saul, the notorious persecutor of Christians. Jesus reassures Ananias by revealing that Saul is not only forgiven but is now a chosen instrument, destined to spread the gospel to Gentiles, kings, and Israelites. This verse is Jesus' explanation to Ananias about the radical transformation Saul will undergo, from inflicting suffering to enduring it for Christ's name.
Imagine going from a fierce persecutor to the most persecuted. God’s plan for Saul wasn't about avoiding hardship, but about embracing it.
Jesus tells Ananias that He will personally show Saul "how much he must suffer for the sake of my name." This isn't just a casual warning; it's a divine appointment.
God's Curriculum
Saul, the one who had hunted down Christians, was now chosen to carry the very name he once tried to destroy. His future suffering is directly tied to this profound calling.
Jesus' words to Ananias highlight a dramatic reversal. Saul's persecution of the church was aimed at eradicating the name of Jesus, but his new mission is to bear that name far and wide.
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The Paradox of the Chosen Instrument
Understand the original words
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 verse highlights a profound turning point: the fierce persecutor Saul is divinely appointed not just to spread the Gospel, but to endure immense suffering for it, a stark contrast to the suffering he had inflicted.
c. 33 AD
Stoning of Stephen
Stephen, a devout follower of Jesus, is stoned to death in Jerusalem. Saul of Tarsus is present and actively approves of his execution.
c. 33-34 AD
Saul's Persecution of the Church
Saul begins to violently persecute the early Christian church in Jerusalem, arresting believers and throwing them into prison. He gains authority from the high priest to do so.
c. 34 AD— this verse
Saul's Journey to Damascus
Saul travels to Damascus with letters from the high priest to arrest any followers of Jesus he finds there. This journey is interrupted by a dramatic encounter with the risen Jesus.
c. 34 AD
Ananias's Ministry to Saul
The Lord directs Ananias, a disciple in Damascus, to go and lay hands on the newly blinded Saul, telling him that Saul is a chosen instrument to spread the Gospel.
c. 34 AD
Saul's Healing and Baptism
Ananias obeys the Lord's command, lays hands on Saul, and Saul regains his sight and is filled with the Holy Spirit. He is then baptized and begins to preach Christ.
c. 45-58 AD
Paul's Missionary Journeys
Saul, now known as Paul, undertakes extensive missionary journeys throughout the Roman Empire, facing numerous hardships, imprisonment, and beatings for the sake of the Gospel.
This passage directly quotes Paul listing the immense sufferings he endured for Christ's name, fulfilling Jesus' promise to him in Acts 9:16.
Philippians 3:7-10Paul describes how he counts his previous achievements as loss compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ and suffering for Him, showing his acceptance of the path laid out in Acts 9:16.
Romans 8:17-18This passage speaks of future glory being revealed in us, and that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that will be revealed, offering perspective on why suffering for Christ is worthwhile.
Matthew 10:16-18Jesus warns His disciples that they will be handed over to councils and persecuted, directly paralleling the suffering the new convert Paul would face for proclaiming Jesus' name.
barnesActs 9:16: "For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake."
For I will show him ... - This seems to be added to encourage Ananias. He had feared Saul. The Lord now informs him that Saul, hitherto his enemy, would ever after be his friend. He would not merely profess repentance, but would manifest the sincerity of it by encountering trials and reproaches for his sake. The prediction here was fully accomplished, Acts 20:23 ; 2 Corinthians 11:23-27 ; 2 Timothy 1:11-12 .
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…
What's easily missed here is the specific word choice for "how great things," which can also mean "how many things." This isn't just about the intensity of Paul's future suffering, but the sheer volume of trials, revealing God's meticulous plan to transform a fierce persecutor into an unshakeable witness through an overwhelming abundance of hardship. It highlights that God doesn't just promise strength for the big moments, but for every single one of them.
God is speaking to Ananias, who is understandably hesitant and fearful about approaching Saul, the notorious persecutor of Christians. Jesus reassures Ananias by revealing that Saul is not only forgiven but is now a chosen instrument, destined to spread the gospel to Gentiles, kings, and Israelites. This verse is Jesus' explanation to Ananias about the radical transformation Saul will undergo, from inflicting suffering to enduring it for Christ's name.
God is speaking to Ananias, who is understandably hesitant and fearful about approaching Saul, the notorious persecutor of Christians. Jesus reassures Ananias by revealing that Saul is not only forgiven but is now a chosen instrument, destined to spread the gospel to Gentiles, kings, and Israelites. This verse is Jesus' explanation to Ananias about the radical transformation Saul will undergo, from inflicting suffering to enduring it for Christ's name.
"For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.”" — What's easily missed here is the specific word choice for "how great things," which can also mean "how many things." This isn't just about the intensity of Paul's future suffering, but the sheer *vol…
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Last reviewed October 2026