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Book of Acts - Chapter 9 - Verse 11

9:11
And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth,

Meaning

In this verse from the book of Acts, it narrates the story of Saul's conversion to Christianity. Saul, who later became known as the apostle Paul, was a devout Jew who persecuted Christians before his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus. In this verse, the Lord instructs Ananias to go to the house of Judas on a street called Straight to find Saul. This encounter is significant because it marks the beginning of Saul's transformation into one of the most influential figures in the early Christian church. The fact that Saul is found praying emphasizes the importance of prayer in his journey towards becoming a follower of Jesus. This verse highlights the power of God to reach even those who seem the least likely to believe and serves as a poignant reminder of the transformative nature of faith.

Theological Overview

One interesting theological interpretation of the verse is the symbolism found in the command for Saul to go to the street called Straight. The concept of a straight path is used throughout the Bible to represent moral uprightness and following the will of God. By sending Saul to the street called Straight, the Lord may be indicating that Saul's path will be made clear and direct once he begins his journey of faith. Another point of theological significance is the mention that Saul is praying. This illustrates the importance of prayer in the life of a believer and suggests that Saul's transformation and calling are rooted in his relationship with God through prayer. Furthermore, the word "inquire" used in the verse speaks to the idea of seeking and searching for God's will, emphasizing the need for believers to actively seek guidance and direction from the Lord. Overall, this verse highlights the themes of obedience, direction, prayer, and seeking God's will in the life of a believer.

American Standard Version

And the Lord [said] unto him, Arise, and go to the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one named Saul, a man of Tarsus: for behold, he prayeth;
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