Acts 9:16
For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.
Original Language Analysis
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 12
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ὑποδείξω
will shew
G5263
ὑποδείξω
will shew
Strong's:
G5263
Word #:
3 of 12
to exhibit under the eyes, i.e., (figuratively) to exemplify (instruct, admonish)
αὐτὸν
he
G846
αὐτὸν
he
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
4 of 12
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
δεῖ
must
G1163
δεῖ
must
Strong's:
G1163
Word #:
6 of 12
also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding)
αὐτὸν
he
G846
αὐτὸν
he
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
7 of 12
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ὑπὲρ
for
G5228
ὑπὲρ
for
Strong's:
G5228
Word #:
8 of 12
"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
1 Thessalonians 3:3That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto.Acts 21:11And when he was come unto us, he took Paul's girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.John 15:20Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep your's also.2 Corinthians 6:4But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,1 Peter 4:14If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.2 Timothy 1:12For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.Matthew 5:11Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.Matthew 24:9Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake.2 Timothy 3:11Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me.Acts 21:4And finding disciples, we tarried there seven days: who said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem.
Historical Context
Paul's missionary journeys recorded in Acts and his epistles catalog beatings, stonings, imprisonments, and eventual martyrdom (tradition holds he was beheaded in Rome circa AD 67). His sufferings authenticated his apostleship and united him with Christ's suffering (Philippians 3:10).
Questions for Reflection
- Why is suffering for Christ's sake part of God's calling for His servants?
- How does foreknowledge of coming suffering prepare us to endure faithfully?
- What does Paul's transformation from persecutor to persecuted reveal about God's justice and grace?
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Analysis & Commentary
The Lord told Ananias 'I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.' This is remarkable - immediately after conversion, Saul learns his calling includes suffering. The persecutor would become the persecuted. This reversed his expectations: Saul thought following Christ led to judgment, not realizing it leads through suffering to glory. Reformed theology emphasizes that God's elect are ordained not only to believe but also to suffer (Philippians 1:29). Suffering for Christ's sake is not anomalous but normative for faithful discipleship. Paul's sufferings (2 Corinthians 11:23-28) would vindicate this prophecy.