Acts 9:13

Acts 9:13. Lord, I have heard by many of this man. The terrible notoriety acquired by the inquisitor Saul is shown by the answer of Ananias. His words exhibit astonishment, and some little hesitation and timidity. He speaks openly and with childlike trust to his Lord, to whom he was evidently accustomed to open his whole heart. ‘Lord,' he seems to say, ‘is it possible that I should be sent on a mission of mercy to the chief enemy of Thy people?'

Thy saints. This is the first time that we find this famous name applied to the followers of the Crucified. ‘We have hitherto found them styled “disciples,” “ believers,” “brethren.” Christians are called “saints” in the New Testament in three senses: (a) Generally as members of a visible and local community devoted to God's service, and as such united in a common outward profession of faith; (b) more specifically as members of a spiritual community; and (c) in many cases as having personal and individual sanctity. The term probably always hints at the idea of a higher moral life imparted by Christ' (see Bishop Ellicott on Ephesians 1:1, and on Philippians 1:1).