Acts 9:14
And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἔχει
he hath
G2192
ἔχει
he hath
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
3 of 14
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
ἐξουσίαν
authority
G1849
ἐξουσίαν
authority
Strong's:
G1849
Word #:
4 of 14
privilege, i.e., (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token o
παρὰ
from
G3844
παρὰ
from
Strong's:
G3844
Word #:
5 of 14
properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀρχιερέων
the chief priests
G749
ἀρχιερέων
the chief priests
Strong's:
G749
Word #:
7 of 14
the high-priest (literally, of the jews; typically, christ); by extension a chief priest
δῆσαι
to bind
G1210
δῆσαι
to bind
Strong's:
G1210
Word #:
8 of 14
to bind (in various applications, literally or figuratively)
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐπικαλουμένους
that call
G1941
ἐπικαλουμένους
that call
Strong's:
G1941
Word #:
11 of 14
to entitle; by implication, to invoke (for aid, worship, testimony, decision, etc.)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Acts 9:21But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests?Acts 7:59And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.2 Timothy 2:22Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.Acts 22:16And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.1 Corinthians 1:2Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both their's and our's:
Historical Context
The high priest's authority to arrest Christians extended throughout the diaspora through cooperative synagogues. Ananias rightly feared that Saul's official mandate posed genuine danger to Damascus's Christian community.
Questions for Reflection
- What does 'calling on Christ's name' teach about prayer and Jesus' deity?
- How does the magnitude of Saul's opposition magnify the miracle of his conversion?
- Why does God's grace triumph over human authority and opposition?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Ananias continued his protest: Saul 'hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name.' Calling on Christ's name marks Christians - prayer to Jesus as Lord demonstrates His deity and believers' dependence. Ananias feared Saul's official authorization from Jerusalem's religious authorities. Yet this very fear highlighted the magnitude of God's grace about to be displayed. From a Reformed perspective, human impossibilities showcase divine power - transforming the authorized persecutor into the authorized apostle demonstrates God's sovereignty over human plans and authorities.