Acts 9:15,16 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

But the Lord said, Go thy way Do not tell me how bad he has been; I know it well; but go with all speed, and execute that message of mercy with which I have charged thee; for How great and aggravated soever his former transgressions may have been, I assure thee he is a chosen vessel Or instrument; unto me, to bear my name That is, to testify of me, and bear witness of my truth; before the Gentiles Ενωπιον εθνων, before nations, namely, heathen nations; and kings King Agrippa and Cesar himself; and the children of Israel To thousands of whom, as well in the Gentile countries as in Judea, he shall testify the gospel of my grace. Beza justly observes, that an instrument of building, agriculture, &c., is often, in Greek, called οκευος, here rendered vessel, because in him the gospel treasure was to be lodged, in order to the conveyance of it to many; and a chosen vessel, because he was destined for eminent services, for which, doubtless, some persons are chosen and set apart from their mother's womb, as Paul says he was, Galatians 1:15. For I will show him how great things he must suffer He that hath been a persecutor, shall be himself persecuted. Christ's saying he would show him this, was intended to signify his giving him notice of these sufferings beforehand, that they might be no surprise to him. Observe, reader, those that bear Christ's name must expect to bear the cross for his name; and those that do most for Christ are often called to suffer most for him. Saul, that was designed for eminent services, was also designed for eminent sufferings.