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:
Cross-references
In Acts 9:17, Ananias obeys the command from Acts 9:15, going to Saul and laying hands on him. Fulfillment of the divine commission.
In Acts 9:6, Saul is told to go into the city and await instructions; Acts 9:15 reveals those instructions to Ananias. Narrative continuation of the same event.
In Acts 22:21, Paul recounts the same directive: 'Go, for I will send you far away to the Gentiles,' confirming his divine calling.
In Acts 21:19, Paul reports what God did among Gentiles through his ministry, fulfilling the commission to carry Christ's name to the nations.
Acts 25:22-27 shows Paul standing before King Agrippa, fulfilling the 'before kings' part of his commission in Acts 9:15.
Acts 13:2 shows the Holy Spirit formally setting apart Paul and Barnabas for the mission promised in Acts 9:15.
Acts 26:1-11 records Paul's defense before Agrippa, fulfilling the commission to carry Christ's name before kings.
In Acts 26:17-20, Paul expands on his commission—opening eyes of Gentiles, turning them from darkness—showing the full scope of his calling.
In Acts 27:24, an angel tells Paul he will stand before Caesar, fulfilling the promise to bear Christ's name before kings.
In Acts 28:17-31, Paul preaches to Jews and Gentiles in Rome, culminating his mission to bear Christ's name before both groups.
In Acts 25:23, Paul stands before King Agrippa, fulfilling the part of his commission to testify before kings.
Acts 2:21 promises salvation to all who call on the Lord's name; Paul's mission makes that name known so Gentiles can call on Him. Direct outcome of his work.
In Acts 26:16, Paul recounts Jesus appointing him as servant and witness, directly recalling his commissioning.
In Acts 13:47, Paul applies Isaiah's 'light for the Gentiles' to himself, directly echoing his commission to bring salvation to the ends of the earth.
In Acts 20:24, Paul states he will finish his ministry received from Jesus, reflecting his dedication as the chosen instrument.
In Acts 22:14, Ananias repeats the commission: Paul was appointed to know God's will and see the Righteous One, the same event.
In Acts 15:7, Peter recounts God's choice that Gentiles hear the gospel through him, paralleling Paul's similar commission to the Gentiles.
In Romans 11:13, Paul explicitly calls himself 'apostle to the Gentiles,' directly asserting the role he was chosen for in Acts 9:15.
Galatians 2:7 confirms Paul's entrustment with the gospel to the uncircumcised, directly echoing Acts 9:15's commission to the Gentiles.
Galatians 1:16 states Paul was called to preach Christ among the Gentiles, fulfilling the mission outlined in Acts 9:15.
Galatians 1:15 describes God setting Paul apart before birth and calling him by grace, directly paralleling his selection as a chosen instrument.
Galatians 1:1 asserts Paul's apostleship comes from God, not men, confirming the divine origin of his calling in Acts 9:15.
Romans 15:15-21 details Paul's Gentile mission, fulfilling his commission here to carry Christ's name before the Gentiles.
In Romans 1:13-15, Paul's eagerness to preach to the Gentiles in Rome demonstrates his commitment to the mission given him at conversion.
Galatians 2:8 emphasizes God working through Paul for the Gentiles, fulfilling the chosen instrument role from Acts 9:15.
Ephesians 3:8 explicitly states Paul's grace to preach to the Gentiles, directly matching Acts 9:15.
Colossians 1:25-29 describes Paul's ministry to make God's word fully known, echoing his commission as a chosen instrument.
1 Timothy 2:7 claims Paul's appointment as a teacher of the Gentiles, directly echoing Acts 9:15.
2 Timothy 1:11 declares Paul's appointment as preacher, apostle, and teacher, reinforcing the commission given in Acts 9:15.
In 2 Timothy 2:21, cleansing oneself makes one a vessel for honorable use, set apart and useful—directly applying the 'chosen instrument' concept to Christian character.
In 2 Timothy 4:17, Paul says the Lord strengthened him so the message reached all Gentiles, fulfilling his commission.
Jeremiah 1:5 describes God's pre-birth appointment of a prophet to the nations, mirroring Paul's chosen instrument role.
Jeremiah 1:7 has God overriding a prophet's objection with a command to go, just as in 9:15 God insists Ananias go to Saul.
In Matthew 10:18, Jesus promises disciples will testify before kings and Gentiles, mirroring Paul's specific commission.
Exodus 4:12-14 shows God commissioning a reluctant Moses with divine help, paralleling the Lord's command to Ananias in 9:15 despite human fear.
In Romans 1:5, Paul says he received grace and apostleship to bring about obedience of faith among all nations 'for his name'—the same purpose as his calling.
Romans 1:1 identifies Paul as called and set apart for the gospel, directly echoing his commission in Acts 9:15.
In Ephesians 3:2, Paul mentions the stewardship of grace given to him for the Gentiles, echoing his commission to carry Jesus' name to Gentiles.
Isaiah 42:1 describes God's chosen servant who will bring justice to the nations; Paul is chosen to carry Christ's name to Gentiles. Strong parallel of being chosen for a mission to the nations.
In 1 Timothy 1:12, Paul thanks Christ for appointing him to service, directly referring to his calling in Acts.
In 1 Timothy 1:1, Paul identifies himself as an apostle by command of God, fulfilling his commission as a chosen instrument.
In Philippians 3:12, Paul says Christ Jesus has made him his own, recalling his being chosen as an instrument by Christ.
In Romans 10:15, Paul quotes the need to be sent, highlighting his own sending as a chosen instrument.
In Romans 1:14, Paul expresses obligation to all Gentiles, fulfilling his call to carry Christ's name to them.
In 1 Corinthians 9:16, Paul describes the necessity laid upon him to preach, reflecting the compulsion from his calling.
In 1 Corinthians 9:1, Paul claims to have seen the Lord and asserts his apostleship, directly echoing his commission as a chosen instrument.
In Romans 15:16, Paul describes himself as minister to the Gentiles, directly matching his commission.
In 2 Timothy 2:20, Paul uses the same vessel (skeuos) imagery to describe honorable vs. dishonorable use, deepening the metaphor of being a chosen instrument.
Isaiah 62:2 says nations and kings shall see God's righteousness; Paul is sent to Gentiles and kings to bear Christ's name. Parallel of God's glory being revealed to rulers and nations.
Romans 9:21-24 speaks of God's sovereign choice of vessels for mercy, illustrating the same divine prerogative that chose Paul as an instrument.
John 15:16 emphasizes divine choosing and appointment for fruit-bearing, reflecting the same sovereign selection seen in Paul's calling.
In Romans 3:29, Paul argues God is also God of Gentiles, a theological basis for his mission to them.