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 9:19 mean?

Explanation

Acts 9:19 depicts a moment of physical and spiritual restoration for Saul, who later becomes known as the Apostle Paul, one of the most influential figures in early Christianity.

This verse follows Saul's dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus, where a divine encounter with the resurrected Jesus Christ leaves him temporarily blinded.

In Damascus, Ananias, a disciple of Jesus, is guided by the Lord to restore Saul's sight and baptize him.

Having regained his strength by receiving food, Saul spends some time with the disciples in Damascus.

The verse signifies a turning point in Saul's life, from a zealous persecutor of Christians to a devout apostle and missionary. It highlights themes of community, healing, and the first steps in a transformative journey of faith.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

This verse comes from the "Book of Acts" or "Acts of the Apostles," a New Testament book that records the establishment and spread of the early Christian Church following Christ’s ascension.

At the time of this verse, Saul was a Pharisee, well-educated in the Jewish law, and known for his persecution of the Christian church.

The city of Damascus, located in modern-day Syria, was a significant trading and cultural center in the ancient world.

In Saul's time, Damascus had a large Jewish community and was also a destination where early Christians fled to escape persecution in Jerusalem.

The "certain days" Saul spent with the disciples in Damascus would have involved learning from them and beginning his new life committed to spreading the message of Jesus Christ.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, Saul's experience and time with the disciples in Damascus underscores the transformative power of divine grace.

It reflects the Christian belief in redemption and the idea that anyone, regardless of their past, can be used for God's purposes.

Saul's conversion is often cited as evidence of God's willingness to extend mercy to even the most unlikely candidates.

Furthermore, Saul's integration into the Christian community sets an example of fellowship and acceptance among believers, illustrating the importance of supporting those who have had a transformative encounter with God.

Practical Applications

The teachings in Acts 9:19 can be applied in daily life in various ways.

It encourages the faithful to extend hospitality and support to those who are new in their faith journey.

This passage also serves as a reminder to aid those in need of physical nourishment, understanding the link between physical well-being and spiritual strength.

Additionally, it advocates for the value of spending time in Christian fellowship to grow in faith and learn from one another.

Cross-References

Acts 9:17-18: "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."

Acts 22:12-16: A recount of Saul's conversion and baptism by Ananias, emphasizing the transformation and the washing away of sins.
Galatians 1:15-17: Paul speaks of his calling and how he did not immediately consult with flesh and blood but went into Arabia and returned again to Damascus.
1 Timothy 1:12-16: Paul expresses his gratitude for the mercy shown to him, though he was a former blasphemer and persecutor.

Language Study

In this verse, the term "meat" represents food in general and is a translation of the Greek word "τροφή" (trophē), which literally means nourishment or something that is eaten.

The phrase "was strengthened" translates from the Greek word "ἐνισχύω" (enischyō), signifying to gain strength, recover.

The term "disciples" (μαθηταί, mathētai) refers to students or followers, in this context indicating those who follow the teachings of Jesus. These words are central to the theme of restoration and Saul's joining the community of believers.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In ancient cultures, it was common for conversion experiences or significant life changes to be accompanied by periods of transition, often involving the guidance of a new community.

In Jewish tradition, the idea of being physically and spiritually renewed is also present, such as in the rituals of purification and in the stories of the prophets.

The joining of a new faith community can be seen in various religious traditions, where new adherents are often taken under the wing of more experienced members to learn and grow in their understanding and practice.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific standpoint, the process of physical recovery through rest and nourishment as described in this verse is well-understood.

Proper nutrition is vital for healing and regaining strength after an illness or a period of fasting.

The psychological impacts of community support in recovery and conversion experiences are also recognized in modern psychology.

Support groups and communities are seen as vital components in helping individuals through significant life changes or recoveries.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians often focus on the dramatic transformation of Saul as an example of God's grace and the power of faith.

Matthew Henry's commentary highlights how Saul's time with the disciples would have been both edifying for him and a testimony to the believers in Damascus of the genuine nature of his conversion.

John Gill's exposition points out the significance of Saul's interactions with the disciples, namely, that they did not shun him despite his past but accepted him as a brother in Christ.

Adam Clarke notes the change in Saul's demeanor, from a persecutor to a humble student, and the importance of the disciples' welcome in his early Christian walk.

These commentaries underline the significance of the community's role in nurturing a new believer.

Acts 9

Acts 9

What does Acts 9:19 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 9:19 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?