But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:

ACTS 9:15KJV
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Acts 9:15 (KJV)

What does Acts 9:15 mean?

Acts 9:15 means that the Lord specifically chose Saul (later called Paul) to serve as a special instrument to spread God’s message to non-Jewish people (Gentiles), rulers, and the people of Israel. God is telling Ananias not to hesitate, because Saul has a unique and important role in God’s plan.

In this verse, the Lord is speaking to Ananias, a follower of Jesus in Damascus, who is afraid because Saul has a reputation for persecuting Christians. God reassures Ananias by explaining that Saul is now chosen for a new purpose: to carry the name of Jesus far beyond the Jewish community, including to Gentiles and kings. This marks a turning point, showing that the message about Jesus is meant for all kinds of people, not just one group.

The Greek behind Acts 9:15

  • The word for "chosen" is ἐκλογή (eklogē), here translated from ἐκλογή (eklogē), which means specially selected or picked out for a purpose. This highlights that Saul’s calling is not accidental but intentional and specific.
  • The word for "vessel" is σκεῦος (skeuos), which means a container or instrument. Calling Saul a "vessel" suggests he is a tool or means through which God will accomplish something important, not just a passive participant.
  • The Greek word for "Gentiles" is ἔθνη (ethnē), which refers to all nations or peoples outside of Israel. This word makes clear that Saul’s mission is global, not limited to one ethnicity or nation.

Why Acts 9:15 matters

  • Acts 9:15 clears up the idea that Saul’s conversion was just about personal change; it shows God had a bigger plan for him to reach many different groups.
  • The verse emphasizes that God’s message is meant for everyone—Gentiles, kings, and Israelites—breaking down boundaries that existed in the early church.
  • This moment sets the stage for the rest of the Book of Acts, where Paul becomes the main figure spreading the message of Jesus far beyond the Jewish world.

Where else these words appear

“chosen” Greek G1589 · used in 7 verses

  • Romans 9:11 (For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;)
  • 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
  • 1 Thessalonians 1:4 Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God.

“vessel” Greek G4632 · used in 22 verses

  • Matthew 12:29 Or else how can one enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house.
  • Acts 10:16 This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven.
  • 1 Thessalonians 4:4 That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;

“bear” Greek G941 · used in 27 verses

  • Matthew 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:
  • Luke 22:10 And he said unto them, Behold, when ye are entered into the city, there shall a man meet you, bearing a pitcher of water; follow him into the house where he entereth in.
  • Romans 11:18 Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee.

“Israel” Greek G2474 · used in 68 verses

  • Matthew 2:6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
  • Luke 4:27 And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Eliseus the prophet; and none of them was cleansed, saving Naaman the Syrian.
  • Acts 28:20 For this cause therefore have I called for you, to see you, and to speak with you: because that for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.