Acts 9:17
And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.
Acts 9:17 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse from the book of Acts, we see Ananias being directed by the Lord to go and lay hands on Saul (who later became known as the apostle Paul) to restore his sight and fill him with the Holy Spirit. This encounter between Ananias and Saul is significant as it marks the beginning of Saul's transformation from a persecutor of Christians to one of the most influential figures in the early Christian church. It demonstrates the power of God's grace and His ability to change even the most hardened hearts. Ananias' obedience to God's instructions also serves as a reminder of the importance of stepping out in faith and trusting in His plan, even when it may seem difficult or impossible. This verse illustrates the transformative power of God's love and the capacity for Him to work miracles in our lives when we are willing to surrender to His will.
Theological Overview
In this verse from the book of Acts, we see the powerful moment when Ananias is sent by the Lord to restore Saul's sight and fill him with the Holy Spirit. The word "brother" used by Ananias to address Saul signifies a familial bond that transcends mere physical relationships, highlighting the unity in Christ that believers share. The act of putting his hands on Saul symbolizes the transference of spiritual power and authority, demonstrating the role of Ananias as a vessel through which God's healing and empowering grace flows. The theological interpretation of this verse showcases the transformative nature of encountering Jesus Christ and being filled with the Holy Spirit, leading to a radical change in heart, mind, and purpose. This moment marks the beginning of Saul's journey towards becoming the apostle Paul, a fervent preacher of the Gospel whose life bears witness to the redemptive power of God's love and grace.
Acts 9:17 in other translations
American Standard Version
And Ananias departed, and entered into the house; and laying his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, [even] Jesus, who appeared unto thee in the way which thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mayest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Spirit.
World English Bible
Ananias departed, and entered into the house. Laying his hands on him, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord, who appeared to you on the road by which you came, has sent me, that you may receive your sight, and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”
Douay-Rheims
And Ananias went his way and entered into the house. And laying his hands upon him, he said: Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus hath sent me, he that appeared to thee in the way as thou camest, that thou mayest receive thy sight and be filled with the Holy Ghost.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Then Ananias went his way, and entred into that house, and put his hands on him, and sayd, Brother Saul, the Lord hath sent me (euen Iesus that appeared vnto thee in the way as thou camest) that thou mightest receiue thy sight, and be filled with the holy Ghost.