But the Lord said unto him,
Go your way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:
All Commentaries on Acts 9:15 Go To Acts 9
John Chrysostom
AD 407
He more than sufficiently released him of his fear, if the case be so that this man shall be so zealous in our cause, as even to suffer many things. And justly he is called a vessel (or, instrument)— for reason shows that evil is not a physical quality: a vessel of election (or, chosen instrument), He says; for we choose that which is approved. And let not any imagine, that (Ananias) speaks in unbelief of what was told him, as imagining that Christ was deceived: far from it! But affrighted and trembling, he did not even attend to what was said, at hearing the name of Paul. Moreover, the Lord does not tell that He has blinded him: at the mention of his name fear had prepossessed his soul: see, he says, to whom You are betraying me: 'and hither for this very purpose is he come, to bind all that call upon Your Name.' I fear, lest he take me to Jerusalem: why dost Thou cast me into the mouth of the lion? He is terrified, even while he speaks these words; that from every quarter we may learn the energetic character (ἀ ρετήν) of the man. For that these things should be spoken by Jews, were nothing wonderful: but that these (the believers) are so terrified, it is a most mighty proof of the power of God. Both the fear is shown, and the obedience greater after the fear. For there was indeed need of strength. Since He says, a vessel of election, that you may not imagine that God is to do all, He adds, to bear My Name before Gentiles and kings, and the children of Israel. Ananias has heard what he most desired— that against the Jews also he will take his stand: this above all gave him courage. For I, says He, will show him how great things he must suffer for My Name's sake. At the same time also this is said by way of putting Ananias to the blush: If he, that was so frantic, shall suffer all things, and thou not willing even to baptize him! It is well, says he: let him continue blind (this is why he says these words): he is blind: why dost Thou at all bid me open his eyes, that he may bind (men) again? Fear not the future: for that opening of his eyes he will use not against you, but for you (with reference to that saying, That he may receive his sight
