Acts Chapter 22 · Verse 12
And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt there,
Original Language Analysis
κατὰ
according
G2596
κατὰ
according
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
6 of 14
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
νόμον
to the law
G3551
νόμον
to the law
Strong's:
G3551
Word #:
8 of 14
law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat
μαρτυρούμενος
having a good report
G3140
μαρτυρούμενος
having a good report
Strong's:
G3140
Word #:
9 of 14
to be a witness, i.e., testify (literally or figuratively)
ὑπὸ
of
G5259
ὑπὸ
of
Strong's:
G5259
Word #:
10 of 14
under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Acts 10:22And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee.Acts 6:3Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.3 John 1:12Demetrius hath good report of all men, and of the truth itself: yea, and we also bear record; and ye know that our record is true.
Historical Context
Ananias lived in Damascus, part of the substantial Jewish community there. Acts 9:10-19 provides fuller detail of Ananias's vision and reluctance to approach the notorious persecutor. His name means 'Yahweh has been gracious,' fitting his role in Paul's conversion.
Questions for Reflection
- Why would Paul emphasize Ananias's Jewish credentials rather than minimizing them?
- How does Ananias model obedience when God calls us to minister to unlikely or dangerous people?
Analysis & Commentary
Ananias, a devout man according to the law (ἀνὴρ εὐλαβὴς κατὰ τὸν νόμον)—Paul emphasizes Ananias's Jewish credentials to his Jerusalem audience. The term 'devout' (εὐλαβής) means pious, reverent, law-observant. Having a good report of all the Jews establishes that Paul's conversion came through a respected Jewish believer, not Gentile Christians. This counters accusations that Paul abandoned Judaism. Ananias represents the continuity between faithful Judaism and Christian faith—believers in Jesus as Israel's Messiah, not a new religion. God chose a Jewish disciple to commission Paul as apostle to the Gentiles.