Acts 9:13
Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem:
Original Language Analysis
ἀπεκρίθη
answered
G611
ἀπεκρίθη
answered
Strong's:
G611
Word #:
1 of 20
to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Κύριε
Lord
G2962
Κύριε
Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
5 of 20
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
ἀπὸ
by
G575
ἀπὸ
by
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
7 of 20
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
πολλῶν
many
G4183
πολλῶν
many
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
8 of 20
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
περὶ
of
G4012
περὶ
of
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
9 of 20
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κακὰ
evil
G2556
κακὰ
evil
Strong's:
G2556
Word #:
14 of 20
worthless (intrinsically, such; whereas g4190 properly refers to effects), i.e., (subjectively) depraved, or (objectively) injurious
ἐποίησεν
he hath done
G4160
ἐποίησεν
he hath done
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
15 of 20
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Acts 8:3As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.Ezekiel 3:14So the spirit lifted me up, and took me away, and I went in bitterness, in the heat of my spirit; but the hand of the LORD was strong upon me.Acts 9:1And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,
Historical Context
News of Saul's persecution in Jerusalem had reached Damascus, creating fear in the Christian community. That Ananias knew specific details about Saul's actions shows the communication network among early Christian communities despite persecution.
Questions for Reflection
- How should we respond when God's instructions seem to conflict with common sense or safety?
- What does Ananias' honest expression of fear teach about bringing concerns to God?
- Why does God sometimes ask His servants to do frightening or dangerous things?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Ananias voiced understandable fear: 'I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints.' Ananias knew Saul's reputation as a violent persecutor. His reference to Christians as 'saints' (Greek hagioi, holy ones) emphasizes believers' set-apart status to God. Even Christ's servants can question God's instructions when they seem dangerous or counterintuitive. Yet Ananias would obey despite fear. Reformed theology affirms that God's commands sometimes seem to contradict wisdom or safety, requiring faith to obey.