Acts Theology 82: Holy Ones: Divine And Human

Ananias, disturbed by God's command to approach Saul, says in "Acts 9:13," "Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem." The Greek word translated as 'saints' here is 'hagioi', meaning 'holy ones.' This translation is crucial as it illuminates important biblical theological imagery.
In the Old Testament, 'holy ones' (Kedoshim) refers to both divine beings, such as members of the Divine Council, and human beings within God's elect community. For example, Deuteronomy 33:2-3 speaks of Yahweh arriving with His holy ones, referring to divine beings. Leviticus 11:44-45 tells the Israelites to 'be holy ones for I am holy,' applying the term to humans. This shared descriptor highlights a profound connection.
Understanding believers as 'holy ones' connects us directly to God's original Edenic plan: for humans to be part of His family, ruling alongside His divine family. This imagery emphasizes our inherent value and future glory in God's kingdom, reminding us that we are called to a sacred partnership with God, mirroring the divine council and extending His rule on earth.