Les Feldick Bible Study

Who did the Lord say Saul was chosen to bear His name to?

The Lord told Ananias that Saul of Tarsus was a chosen vessel to bear His name before the Gentiles. This was spoken from heaven in Damascus. The context emphasizes that Jesus' ministry was primarily to Israel, with few Gentile exceptions, but Saul was specifically chosen to carry His name to Gentiles.

Les explains that Ananias was in Damascus, and the Lord Jesus from heaven told him to go, because Saul of Tarsus was a chosen vessel to bear His name before the Gentiles. Les points out that this is a significant statement, since Jesus Himself never ministered to Gentiles with only one or two exceptions, which many people struggle to accept. He challenges listeners to show from Scripture where Jesus had any concert with Gentiles. Thus, Saul's commission to bear the Lord's name to the Gentiles was a distinct and chosen purpose.

Acts 9:15

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: