Acts 9:15 – “But the Lord said to Ananias, ‘Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel.’”

Extended Explanation

This verse is God’s direct response to Ananias, who had expressed fear about going to see Saul. In the previous verses, God had commanded Ananias to visit Saul and heal him (Acts 9:10-12), but Ananias hesitated, reminding God that Saul had been persecuting Christians (Acts 9:13-14).

Now, in verse 15, God reassures Ananias that Saul is not the same man he used to be. “Go!” is a command, showing that God is not asking Ananias for his opinion—He is making it clear that Saul has a purpose. God calls Saul “my chosen instrument,” meaning He has selected him for a special mission.

Saul’s calling is threefold:

1. To the Gentiles – This was groundbreaking because up to this point, most of the focus had been on reaching the Jewish people. Saul would play a major role in spreading the gospel beyond Israel.
2. To their kings – Saul (later known as Paul) would later stand before rulers like King Agrippa (Acts 26:1-23) and even appeal to Caesar in Rome (Acts 25:10-12).
3. To the people of Israel – Though Paul became the apostle to the Gentiles, he never stopped sharing the gospel with his fellow Jews (Romans 1:16).

This verse marks a turning point in Saul’s life. He had been known for persecuting Christians, but now God had chosen him to be one of the most influential messengers of the gospel.

Historical Context

At this time, Saul was still blind, fasting, and praying in Damascus after his encounter with Jesus (Acts 9:8-9). Ananias was a faithful disciple, but like most Christians, he knew Saul only as a dangerous enemy of the church.

Saul’s persecution of Christians had been severe—he had arrested believers, approved of Stephen’s execution (Acts 7:58-8:1), and sought to destroy the church (Acts 8:3). That’s why Ananias was hesitant. He could not imagine that this same man would now become a preacher of Jesus Christ.

God’s response in Acts 9:15 reveals His plan not only for Saul but for the future of the gospel. Up to this point, the Christian movement had mostly spread among Jews. But through Saul, the gospel would go beyond Israel to Gentiles and even kings.

This was radical in the first-century Jewish mindset, as many Jews viewed themselves as God’s chosen people and the Gentiles as outsiders. Yet, God was making it clear that salvation through Jesus was for everyone, and Saul was going to play a key role in that mission.

Theological Implications

1. God chooses unlikely people for His purposes. Saul was the least likely person to become a Christian missionary, but God had a plan for him. This teaches us that God’s grace can transform anyone.
2. God’s plan is bigger than human understanding. Ananias saw Saul as an enemy, but God saw a future preacher. We must trust that God’s ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9).
3. God has a mission for every believer. Saul’s calling was specific—to preach to Gentiles, kings, and Israelites—but every Christian is also called to share the gospel in their own way (Matthew 28:19-20).
4. God’s authority is final. Ananias hesitated, but God’s command was clear: “Go!” When God calls someone, no human doubts or fears can stop His plan.

Literary Analysis

This verse has a strong contrast:

• Ananias sees Saul as a threat, but God calls him “my chosen instrument.”
• Saul had been harming believers, but now he would “proclaim my name.”
• His mission would not just be local—it would extend “to the Gentiles, their kings, and the people of Israel.”

The phrase “chosen instrument” is significant. In Greek, the word used for “instrument” (σκεῦος, skeuos) can also mean “vessel” or “tool.” This imagery suggests that Saul is now a vessel in God’s hands—no longer serving his own purposes, but carrying out God’s will.

Biblical Cross-References

• Acts 22:14-15 – Paul later describes how Ananias confirmed his calling from God.
• Romans 1:5 – Paul speaks about his mission to bring the gospel to the Gentiles.
• Galatians 1:15-16 – Paul emphasizes that God had chosen him for this mission even before he was born.
• 1 Timothy 1:12-13 – Paul acknowledges his past as a persecutor but praises God for His grace in calling him to ministry.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse is a powerful reminder that God can use anyone for His purposes, no matter their past. Many people feel unworthy of being used by God because of their mistakes, but Saul’s story proves that no one is beyond redemption.

It also encourages us to step out in faith. Like Ananias, we may not always understand why God calls us to do certain things, but we must trust that He knows what He’s doing. Obedience leads to transformation, both in our lives and in the lives of those we minister to.

Additionally, this verse challenges us to be open to God’s plans for others. Sometimes, we judge people based on their past, assuming they’ll never change. But God sees what we cannot—He knows how He will use someone for His glory.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is clearly displayed in this verse through His mercy and redemption. Instead of punishing Saul for persecuting Christians, God chose him for a great mission. This shows that God’s love is not based on our past, but on His grace.

This verse also reveals God’s love for the whole world. His plan was not just to save one nation but to bring salvation to the Gentiles, kings, and all people. This reflects what Jesus said in John 3:16—that He came so that “whoever believes in Him” may have eternal life.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Saul’s calling was a direct result of Jesus’ mission. Before His ascension, Jesus commanded His disciples to “make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). Now, through Saul, that mission was being carried forward.

This verse also mirrors Jesus’ own calling. Just as Saul was a “chosen instrument” to proclaim God’s name, Jesus Himself was sent by the Father to reveal the truth and bring salvation (John 17:18).

Additionally, Paul’s eventual suffering for the gospel (Acts 9:16) reflects Jesus’ words that His followers would face persecution (John 15:20). Saul, once the persecutor, would now suffer for the name of Jesus—just as Stephen had when Saul watched his execution.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Why do you think God chose someone like Saul for such an important mission?
2. How does Saul’s story challenge our assumptions about who God can use?
3. Have you ever felt unqualified to serve God? How does this verse encourage you?
4. What does this verse teach us about stepping out in faith, even when we don’t fully understand God’s plan?
5. How can we apply the lesson of this verse by supporting and encouraging new believers, even those with a difficult past?