Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem:

ACTS 9:13KJV
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Acts 9:13 (KJV)

What does Acts 9:13 mean?

Acts 9:13 shows Ananias responding to the Lord with concern, saying he has heard from many people about the harm Saul has done to believers in Jerusalem. Ananias is hesitant because Saul’s reputation for persecuting Christians is well known.

In this verse, Ananias is speaking directly to the Lord in a vision. He refers to Saul (later known as Paul), who had been actively arresting and harming followers of Jesus in Jerusalem. Ananias calls these believers "saints," meaning those set apart for God, and expresses his fear and confusion about being asked to help someone with such a dangerous past.

The Greek behind Acts 9:13

  • The word "saints" (ἁγίοις, hagiois) refers to people who are set apart or holy, not just morally good but belonging to God. This shows that early Christians saw themselves as a distinct group dedicated to God.
  • The word "evil" (κακόν, kakon) is used for serious wrongdoing or harm. Ananias is not just talking about minor offenses but real suffering caused by Saul.
  • The word "done" (πεποίηκεν, pepoiēken) is in a form that suggests completed actions, emphasizing that Saul’s harmful acts were already well known and established.

Why Acts 9:13 matters

  • This verse highlights the real fear and hesitation early Christians felt about Saul, showing how dramatic his later transformation would be.
  • It reveals that news of Saul’s persecution had spread widely, making Ananias’s reluctance understandable and grounded in real danger.
  • The way Ananias addresses the Lord shows honest dialogue and the human side of faith, where questions and concerns are voiced openly.

Where else these words appear

“Ananias” Greek G367 · used in 10 verses

  • Acts 5:1 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,
  • Acts 9:10 And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord.
  • Acts 22:12 And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt there,

“evil” Greek G2556 · used in 46 verses

  • Matthew 21:41 They say unto him, He will miserably destroy those wicked men, and will let out his vineyard unto other husbandmen, which shall render him the fruits in their seasons.
  • Romans 7:21 I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.
  • Colossians 3:5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:

“this” Greek G5127 · used in 72 verses

  • Matthew 13:15 For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.
  • John 12:31 Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.
  • Romans 11:7 What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded

“Jerusalem” Greek G2419 · used in 80 verses

  • Matthew 23:37 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!
  • Luke 24:47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
  • Acts 16:4 And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem.