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 9:22 mean?

Explanation

Acts 9:22 presents a significant turning point in the early Christian movement, showing the transformation of Saul, later known as the Apostle Paul, from a persecutor of Christians to a proponent of the Christian faith.

This verse highlights Saul's increasing strength in presenting arguments and reasoning that Jesus of Nazareth, referred to here as Christ, is truly the promised Messiah of the Jewish scriptures.

The verse suggests that Saul was growing intellectually and spiritually in such a way that his arguments were convincing, or confounding, the Jewish community living in Damascus.

To "confound" means that he was able to throw his opponents into confusion or disarray, likely because they could not easily refute his proofs.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Acts 9:22 falls within the story of the early Christian church as written by Luke in the Book of Acts.

Saul of Tarsus, who plays a major role throughout Acts, had originally been a zealous figure opposing the followers of Jesus.

He even approved of the execution of Stephen, one of the first deacons of the Church.

However, on the road to Damascus, Saul experienced a dramatic supernatural encounter with the risen Jesus.

During the time when this verse was written, Christianity was still seen as a sect within Judaism. Damascus, a significant trade center, would have had a cosmopolitan population, consisting of both Jews and Gentiles.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, Acts 9:22 reflects the power of personal transformation through divine intervention.

It showcases how an individual, Saul, can have a change of heart that aligns him with God's purposes.

For Christian theology, this also emphasizes the importance of a personal relationship with Christ, one that has the potential to reverse prior beliefs and attitudes.

Different denominations might focus on Saul's increasing "strength" as either a spiritual empowerment by the Holy Spirit, the outcome of his rigorous scriptural studies, or a combination of both.

Practical Applications

Acts 9:22 can be applied in daily life in several ways.

It encourages individuals to hold steadfast in their growth, both intellectually and spiritually, in their chosen faith.

It reinforces the concept that knowledge and understanding should be continually sought after, to effectively communicate and defend one's beliefs, particularly in the face of skepticism.

Furthermore, this verse serves as an inspiration for those who seek transformation and redemption, highlighting that change is possible no matter one's past.

Cross-References

Acts 26:14-18: Saul's conversion on the Damascus Road, where Jesus speaks to him.
Galatians 1:17: Paul talks about his time in Arabia and his return to Damascus.
2 Corinthians 4:4: Paul describes the god of this world blinding the minds of them which believe not.

Language Study

The key words in this verse in Greek are the following:

"Increased the more in strength" (Greek: "en*dynamoō", ἐνδυναμόω), which means to be empowered or strengthened.
"Confounded" (Greek: "sugcheō", συγχέω), meaning to mix up, confuse, or perplex.
"Proving" (Greek: "sumbibazō", συμβιβάζω), which indicates that Saul was intellectually piecing together evidence or arguments.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In ancient cultures and religions, conversion experiences were not uncommon, with stories occasionally depicting a deity revealing themselves to a devotee or adversary.

Yet, Saul's transformation is unique in its focus on monotheism and the particular claims about Jesus as Messiah.

This contrast can be seen when compared to other ancient myths where gods often encourage vengeance rather than the forgiveness and change of heart evidenced in Saul.

Scientific Perspectives

Acts 9:22 does not directly intersect with scientific perspectives, as it deals with personal transformation and religious conviction.

Modern psychological studies, however, could offer insights into the phenomenon of belief change and the persuasive power of eloquent argumentation, in the context of Saul's ability to confound his audience.

Commentaries

Commentators have various thoughts on Acts 9:22.

John Calvin noted Paul's "increasing strength" as evidence of divine calling and empowerment.

Matthew Henry commented on the surprising turn of events where a persecutor of the church becomes its defender.

More contemporary scholars, like F.F.

Bruce and N.T.

Wright, note the importance of Saul's intellectual approach in his arguments, suggesting that he was using Jewish scriptures to validate Jesus as the Messiah, which is a central theme in Christian apologetics.

Acts 9

Acts 9

What does Acts 9:22 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 9:22 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?