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 9:20 mean?

Explanation

[Acts 9:20] "And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God," is a verse that describes the immediate actions of Saul, who is also known as Paul after his dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus.

The literal interpretation is that Saul began preaching about Jesus Christ in the Jewish synagogues soon after his conversion experience, proclaiming that Jesus is the Son of God.

Deeper meaning can be gleaned from the urgency (noted by the word "straightway") and the radical message he chose to share, which asserted that Jesus, whom he had previously persecuted, was indeed the divine Messiah prophesied in the Jewish scriptures.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

The Book of Acts, written by Luke, captures the early history of the Christian church.

Saul of Tarsus, a Pharisee and zealous persecutor of Christians, had a life-changing vision of Jesus Christ while en route to Damascus to arrest followers of 'The Way' (the early name for Christianity).

This event led to his conversion.

Subsequently, in Acts 9:20, the verse signifies a pivotal moment where Saul starts his ministry, his first act being the proclamation of Christ's divinity within the synagogues of Damascus.

The historical significance lies in the fact that Saul, an educated Jew, would proclaim Jesus as the Son of God, contradicting the mainstream Jewish belief of that time and risking persecution from his fellow Pharisees.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse underscores several significant doctrines including:

Conversion: Saul's transformation from persecutor to preacher exemplifies the transformative power of conversion.
Christology: Saul's message "that he is the Son of God" affirms the core Christian belief in the divinity of Jesus.
Mission: The promptness with which Saul begins his mission reflects the sense of urgency and obedience expected in Christian discipleship.

Different Christian denominations may focus on distinct aspects of this verse, but generally, it serves as a foundation for the belief in Jesus' divine nature and the transformative power of faith.

Practical Applications

The practical applications of Acts 9:20 are manifold:

Prompt Action: Followers of Christianity are encouraged to act decisively and with purpose in their spiritual life and vocation.
Boldness in Faith: The verse can inspire believers to be outspoken about their faith, despite potential opposition.
Change and Redemption: Acts 9:20 can offer hope to those who feel they cannot be forgiven, by providing an example of radical life change and redemption.

Cross-References

Acts 22:15 – "For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard."
Galatians 1:16 – "To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:"
Philippians 3:6 – "Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless."
1 Timothy 1:12-14 – "And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;"

Language Study

A key term in the original Greek text of this verse is "υἱὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ" (huios tou Theou), which translates to "the Son of God." Here, "υἱὸς" (huios) refers to a son or descendant, but in the context of Jesus, it implies his unique relationship and divine nature as the Son of God, not just any offspring.

Understanding this term is critical in grasping the theological weight of Saul's message.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Preaching that Jesus is "the Son of God" would be blasphemous within Judaism, which views God as one and indivisible, with no literal offspring.

In comparison to ancient myths, where gods often had children who walked the earth, the Christian concept of "Son of God" differs substantially.

It emphasizes a religious understanding of Jesus as divine, the second person of the Trinity, rather than as a demi-god or divine-human hybrid common in pagan mythologies.

Scientific Perspectives

Currently, there is no scientific means to validate or invalidate the theological claim that Jesus is the Son of God, as it is a matter of faith beyond empirical analysis.

However, the study of psychological and sociological impacts of such beliefs can be areas of scientific interest, as this verse encapsulates a profound moment of personal change and the societal effects that resulted from Saul's preaching.

Commentaries

Various Bible commentators have offered insights on Acts 9:20:

John Gill commented on the boldness and divine guidance which Saul had to immediately preach in the synagogues.
Matthew Henry noted the great zeal of Saul following his conversion, and how this verse shows the nature of his preaching, focusing on proving Jesus' divine sonship.
Adam Clarke emphasized the importance of the doctrine Saul preached , that Jesus is the very Christ, the Anointed One, and the Son of God , and how it was an essential truth that needed vigorous dissemination.

These experts and many others highlight the verse's rich theological, historical and spiritual significance.

Acts 9

Acts 9

What does Acts 9:20 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 9:20 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?