Acts 22:12
New International Version
“A man named Ananias came to see me. He was a devout observer of the law and highly respected by all the Jews living there.

New Living Translation
A man named Ananias lived there. He was a godly man, deeply devoted to the law, and well regarded by all the Jews of Damascus.

English Standard Version
“And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, well spoken of by all the Jews who lived there,

Berean Standard Bible
There a man named Ananias, a devout observer of the law who was highly regarded by all the Jews living there,

Berean Literal Bible
And a certain Ananias, a devout man according to the Law, borne witness to by all the Jews dwelling there,

King James Bible
And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt there,

New King James Version
“Then a certain Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good testimony with all the Jews who dwelt there,

New American Standard Bible
“Now a certain Ananias, a man who was devout by the standard of the Law and well spoken of by all the Jews who lived there,

NASB 1995
“A certain Ananias, a man who was devout by the standard of the Law, and well spoken of by all the Jews who lived there,

NASB 1977
“And a certain Ananias, a man who was devout by the standard of the Law, and well spoken of by all the Jews who lived there,

Legacy Standard Bible
“Now a certain Ananias, a man who was devout by the standard of the Law, and well spoken of by all the Jews who lived there,

Amplified Bible
“And one Ananias, a devout man according to the standard of the Law, and well spoken of by all the Jews who lived there,

Christian Standard Bible
Someone named Ananias, a devout man according to the law, who had a good reputation with all the Jews living there,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Someone named Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good reputation with all the Jews residing there,

American Standard Version
And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, well reported of by all the Jews that dwelt there,

Contemporary English Version
In that city there was a man named Ananias, who faithfully obeyed the Law of Moses and was well liked by all the Jewish people living there.

English Revised Version
And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, well reported of by all the Jews that dwelt there,

GOD'S WORD® Translation
"A man named Ananias lived in Damascus. He was a devout person who followed Moses' Teachings. All the Jews living in Damascus spoke highly of him.

Good News Translation
"In that city was a man named Ananias, a religious man who obeyed our Law and was highly respected by all the Jews living there.

International Standard Version
"A certain Ananias, who was a devout man with respect to the Law and who was highly regarded by all the Jews living there,

Majority Standard Bible
There a man named Ananias, a devout observer of the law who was highly regarded by all the Jews living there,

NET Bible
A man named Ananias, a devout man according to the law, well spoken of by all the Jews who live there,

New Heart English Bible
One Ananias, a devout man according to the Law, well reported of by all the Jews who lived in Damascus,

Webster's Bible Translation
And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews who dwelt there,

Weymouth New Testament
"And a certain Ananias, a pious man who obeyed the Law and bore a good character with all the Jews of the city,

World English Bible
“One Ananias, a devout man according to the law, well reported of by all the Jews who lived in Damascus,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and a certain one, Ananias, a pious man according to the Law, being testified to by all the Jews dwelling [there],

Berean Literal Bible
And a certain Ananias, a devout man according to the Law, borne witness to by all the Jews dwelling there,

Young's Literal Translation
and a certain one, Ananias, a pious man according to the law, being testified to by all the Jews dwelling there,

Smith's Literal Translation
And a certain Ananias, a religious man according to the law, testified of by all the Jews dwelling,
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And one Ananias, a man according to the law, having testimony of all the Jews who dwelt there,

Catholic Public Domain Version
Then a certain Ananias, a man in accord with the law, having the testimony of all the Jews who were living there,

New American Bible
“A certain Ananias, a devout observer of the law, and highly spoken of by all the Jews who lived there,

New Revised Standard Version
“A certain Ananias, who was a devout man according to the law and well spoken of by all the Jews living there,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And a certain man, An-a-ni’as, a righteous man according to the law, as testified by all the Jews concerning him,

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
“And one man, Khanan-Yah, righteous in The Law, as all the Jews were testifying there about him”,
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, who had a good report from all the Jews that dwelt there,

Godbey New Testament
And a certain Ananias, a man godly according to the law, and of good report by all the Jews dwelling there,

Haweis New Testament
And one Ananias, a religious man according to the law, and in high repute with all the Jews dwelling there,

Mace New Testament
there one Ananias a religious observer of the law, who had the good word of all the Jews in that place, came to see me,

Weymouth New Testament
"And a certain Ananias, a pious man who obeyed the Law and bore a good character with all the Jews of the city,

Worrell New Testament
And one Ananias, a devout, man according to the law, well spoken of by all the resident Jews,

Worsley New Testament
And one Ananias, a devout observer of the law, who had a good character from all the Jews that dwelt there,

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Paul's Defense to the Crowd
11Because the brilliance of the light had blinded me, my companions led me by the hand into Damascus. 12There a man named Ananias, a devout observer of the law who was highly regarded by all the Jews living there, 13came and stood beside me. ‘Brother Saul,’ he said, ‘receive your sight.’ And at that moment I could see him.…

Cross References
Acts 9:10-18
In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord spoke to him in a vision, “Ananias!” “Here I am, Lord,” he answered. / “Get up!” the Lord told him. “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. / In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.” ...

Acts 21:20
When they heard this, they glorified God. Then they said to Paul, “You see, brother, how many thousands of Jews have believed, and all of them are zealous for the law.

Acts 6:7
So the word of God continued to spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem grew rapidly, and a great number of priests became obedient to the faith.

Acts 24:14
I do confess to you, however, that I worship the God of our fathers according to the Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything that is laid down by the Law and written in the Prophets,

Acts 26:5
They have known me for a long time and can testify, if they are willing, that I lived as a Pharisee, adhering to the strictest sect of our religion.

Acts 9:1-2
Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the disciples of the Lord. He approached the high priest / and requested letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any men or women belonging to the Way, he could bring them as prisoners to Jerusalem.

Acts 23:6
Then Paul, knowing that some of them were Sadducees and the others Pharisees, called out in the Sanhedrin, “Brothers, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee. It is because of my hope in the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial.”

Acts 5:34
But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law who was honored by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a short time.

Acts 4:1-2
While Peter and John were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to them, / greatly disturbed that they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead.

Acts 15:5
But some believers from the party of the Pharisees stood up and declared, “The Gentiles must be circumcised and required to obey the law of Moses.”

Acts 9:26-30
When Saul arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple. / Then Barnabas brought him to the apostles and described how Saul had seen the Lord, who had spoken to him on the road to Damascus, and how Saul had spoken boldly in that city in the name of Jesus. / So Saul stayed with them, moving about freely in Jerusalem and speaking boldly in the name of the Lord. ...

Acts 8:3
But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off men and women and put them in prison.

Acts 26:12-18
In this pursuit I was on my way to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests. / About noon, O king, as I was on the road, I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining around me and my companions. / We all fell to the ground, and I heard a voice say to me in Hebrew, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ ...

Acts 9:19-22
and after taking some food, he regained his strength. And he spent several days with the disciples in Damascus. / Saul promptly began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, declaring, “He is the Son of God.” / All who heard him were astounded and asked, “Isn’t this the man who wreaked havoc in Jerusalem on those who call on this name? And hasn’t he come here to take them as prisoners to the chief priests?” ...

Acts 13:1-3
Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch), and Saul. / While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” / And after they had fasted and prayed, they laid their hands on them and sent them off.


Treasury of Scripture

And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews which dwelled there,

one.

Acts 9:10-18
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…

a devout.

Acts 8:2
And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him.

Acts 17:4
And some of them believed, and consorted with Paul and Silas; and of the devout Greeks a great multitude, and of the chief women not a few.

Luke 2:25
And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.

having.

Acts 6:3
Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.

Acts 10:22
And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee.

2 Corinthians 6:8
By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true;

Jump to Previous
Ananias Anani'as Bore Borne Character City Damascus Devout Dwelling Dwelt God-Fearing Good High Highly Jews Kept Law Obeyed Observer Opinion Pious Report Reported Respected Standard Testified Witness
Jump to Next
Ananias Anani'as Bore Borne Character City Damascus Devout Dwelling Dwelt God-Fearing Good High Highly Jews Kept Law Obeyed Observer Opinion Pious Report Reported Respected Standard Testified Witness
Acts 22
1. Paul declares how he was converted to the faith,
17. and called to his apostleship.
22. At the very mentioning of the Gentiles the people exclaim on him.
24. He would have been scourged;
25. but claiming the privilege of a Roman, he escapes.














There a man named Ananias
Ananias is a common Jewish name, derived from the Hebrew "Hananiah," meaning "Yahweh is gracious." This Ananias is distinct from others in the New Testament, such as Ananias of Damascus who baptized Saul (Paul) and Ananias who, with his wife Sapphira, was struck down for lying to the Holy Spirit. The Ananias in Acts 22:12 is a resident of Damascus, which is significant as it was a major city in the Roman province of Syria, known for its diverse population and as a center of trade and culture.

a devout observer of the law
This phrase indicates that Ananias was a faithful Jew who adhered strictly to the Mosaic Law. His devoutness underscores the continuity between Judaism and the early Christian movement, highlighting that the early followers of Jesus, including Paul, saw themselves as fulfilling the Jewish faith rather than abandoning it. This devotion to the law also suggests that Ananias was respected within the Jewish community, which is crucial for understanding the acceptance of Paul's conversion story.

who was highly regarded by all the Jews living there
Ananias's reputation among the Jews in Damascus is significant. It suggests that he was a man of integrity and respect, which would lend credibility to his role in Paul's conversion. This respect among the Jewish community is important because it shows that the early Christian message was initially spread by those who were deeply rooted in Jewish tradition. The phrase also indicates the presence of a substantial Jewish population in Damascus, which aligns with historical records of Jewish diaspora communities throughout the Roman Empire.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Ananias
A devout Jewish man living in Damascus, known for his adherence to the law and respected by the Jewish community. He plays a crucial role in Saul's conversion to Paul by restoring his sight and baptizing him.

2. Damascus
A significant city in ancient Syria, where Saul (later Paul) was headed to persecute Christians before his dramatic conversion experience on the road.

3. Saul/Paul
Although not directly mentioned in this verse, Saul's conversion is the context. He was a zealous Pharisee who persecuted Christians before becoming a leading apostle of Christ.

4. Jewish Community in Damascus
The local Jewish population who respected Ananias for his devoutness and adherence to the law.

5. Conversion of Saul
The broader event surrounding this verse, where Saul encounters Jesus on the road to Damascus, leading to his transformation into the Apostle Paul.
Teaching Points
Devotion to God’s Law
Ananias is described as a "devout observer of the law," illustrating the importance of living a life that honors God's commandments. This devotion can serve as a model for Christians today in their commitment to God's Word.

Respect and Influence
Ananias was "highly regarded by all the Jews," showing that a life of integrity and faithfulness can earn respect and provide opportunities for influence within one's community.

Obedience to God’s Call
Despite his initial fear, Ananias obeyed God's command to visit Saul. This teaches the importance of trusting God and stepping out in faith, even when it seems daunting.

Role in God’s Plan
Ananias's role in Saul's conversion highlights how God uses ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary purposes. Every believer has a part to play in God's redemptive plan.

Community and Witness
The respect Ananias had within the Jewish community underscores the power of a consistent and faithful witness to those around us.(12) A devout man according to the law.--In Acts 9:10, Ananias is simply described as "a disciple." The special description here was obviously given with a view to conciliate those who were listening to the speech. One, such as Ananias was, was not likely to have connected himself with a profane blasphemer, nor to have received the converted persecutor except on evidence that the change had come from God. St. Paul naturally confines himself to what came within his own experience, and does not dwell on the vision which had been seen by Ananias.

Verse 12. - Well reported of by for having a good report of, A.V.; that for which, A.V. Well reported of (μαρτυρούμενος); see Acts 6:3, note.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
[There]
δέ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

a
τις (tis)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5100: Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.

man [named]
ἀνὴρ (anēr)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 435: A male human being; a man, husband. A primary word; a man.

Ananias,
Ἁνανίας (Hananias)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 367: Of Hebrew origin; Ananias, the name of three Israelites.

a devout
εὐλαβὴς (eulabēs)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2126: From eu and lambano; taking well, i.e. Circumspect.

observer
κατὰ (kata)
Preposition
Strong's 2596: A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).

of the
τὸν (ton)
Article - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

Law
νόμον (nomon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3551: From a primary nemo; law, genitive case, specially, (including the volume); also of the Gospel), or figuratively.

[who was] highly regarded
μαρτυρούμενος (martyroumenos)
Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3140: To witness, bear witness, give evidence, testify, give a good report. From martus; to be a witness, i.e. Testify.

by
ὑπὸ (hypo)
Preposition
Strong's 5259: A primary preposition; under, i.e. of place, or with verbs; of place (underneath) or where (below) or time (when).

all
πάντων (pantōn)
Adjective - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3956: All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.

the
τῶν (tōn)
Article - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

Jews
Ἰουδαίων (Ioudaiōn)
Adjective - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 2453: Jewish. From Iouda; Judaean, i.e. Belonging to Jehudah.

living there,
κατοικούντων (katoikountōn)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 2730: To dwell in, settle in, be established in (permanently), inhabit. From kata and oikeo; to house permanently, i.e. Reside.


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NT Apostles: Acts 22:12 One Ananias a devout man according (Acts of the Apostles Ac)
Acts 22:11
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