Acts 9

And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,

And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.

And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:

And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?

And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.

And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man.

And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus.

And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.

And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord.

And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth,

And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.

Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem:

And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name.

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:

For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.

And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.

And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.

And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.

And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.

But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests?

But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.

And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him:

But their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him.

Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket.

And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple.

But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.

And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem.

And he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him.

Which when the brethren knew, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus.

Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.

And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all quarters, he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda.

And there he found a certain man named Aeneas, which had kept his bed eight years, and was sick of the palsy.

And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately.

And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord.

Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.

And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber.

And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them.

Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them.

But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up.

And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive.

And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord.

And it came to pass, that he tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner.

What does Acts 9:1 mean?

Explanation

Acts 9:1 describes the intense animosity Saul (who would later become Paul the Apostle) harbored towards early Christians.

The verse captures Saul in a moment of zealous aggression, as he is portrayed "breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord." Saul is depicted as not merely threatening but also actively seeking to obliterate the followers of Jesus.

The imagery of "breathing out" conveys a sense of Saul's actions being as natural and involuntary as breathing, illustrating the depth of his hatred and his commitment to persecuting Christians.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Acts 9:1 is set in a time shortly after the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Christianity was in its formative stages, with the apostles and other disciples spreading Jesus' teachings.

The movement was regarded with suspicion and hostility by many in the Jewish community, of which Saul was a part.

Saul, a Pharisee by training, would have seen the Christian movement as heretical and a threat to the Jewish faith.

His campaign against the followers of Jesus occurred within the larger context of Roman rule, where religious deviation could be met with severe penalties.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, this verse introduces the theme of transformation.

Saul, a zealous persecutor of Christians, would experience a profound conversion on the road to Damascus and become one of the most influential figures in the spread of Christianity.

This story underscores the idea that anyone, no matter how fervent in their opposition, can be touched by God’s grace and fundamentally changed.

Additionally, this verse also suggests the extent of the early church's persecution and the danger the disciples faced. These challenges are seen as a pivotal part of the Christian narrative, where suffering and persecution test one's faith and devotion.

Practical Applications

Practically, this verse speaks to the transformative power of faith and redemption. One lesson drawn can be that the potential for change exists within everyone, and it is never too late to turn towards compassion and understanding, irrespective of one’s past.

Additionally, it serves as a reminder of the resilience required when facing opposition or hostility, reinforcing the value of steadfastness in one's beliefs.

Cross-References

Acts 22:4: "And I persecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women."
Acts 26:10-11: "Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them."
1 Timothy 1:13: "Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief."

Language Study

In this verse, two key terms stand out in the original Greek:

"Threatenings" (απειλη, apeilē): This term conveys a sense of imminent danger or harm being promised or declared.
"Slaughter" (φονος, phonos): Literally means murder or killing, indicating that Saul was intent on physically destroying the early Christian community.

The combination of these two words paint a picture of Saul's intentions to not only intimidate but also to eradicate the followers of Christ.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The story of Saul resonates with other religious stories of conversion or revelation.

In many traditions, individuals who initially oppose a faith or ideology dramatically change to become its advocates.

The Bhagavad Gita, for example, tells of Arjuna’s transformative dialogue with Krishna, which changes his perspective on his duties as a warrior.

While differing vastly in content and religious context, both stories depict a pivotal moment of spiritual transformation that leads to a new path of righteousness and devotion.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific perspectives might consider the psychological aspects of Saul's behavior and subsequent conversion experience.

While the text is a religious narrative and not a scientific account, modern psychology would be interested in understanding the mechanisms of profound personal change and the role of religious experiences in shaping identity and behavior.

Neuroscientists have also studied religious conversion, attempting to explore what happens in the brain during such life-altering experiences.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians have commented on Acts 9:1:

John Calvin noted that Saul’s zeal, although sincere, was misguided.

He considered the story an example of how a person can fervently believe they are serving God even while acting unjustly.

F.F.

Bruce highlights the irony that Saul, the persecutor of the church, would become its most ardent missionary.

Bruce underscores the sudden and dramatic shift that occurs in Saul's life.

Matthew Henry emphasized the mercy of God in Paul's life story, illustrating that the grace of God can reach even those most opposed to His will and use them for His purposes.

Henry sees in Paul’s transformation a profound example of divine providence and forgiveness.

Acts 9

Acts 9

What does Acts 9:1 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Acts 9:1 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?