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 9:23 mean?

Explanation

Acts 9:23 portrays a plot by the Jews to kill Saul, who later becomes known as Paul after his conversion to Christianity.

By this point in the narrative, Saul has undergone a dramatic conversion experience on the road to Damascus, where he encountered the risen Christ.

Following his baptism and a period of preaching in the synagogues, verifying that Jesus is the Son of God, a turnaround from his previous life of persecuting Christians, he incites the wrath of the Jewish leaders.

The verse suggests that a considerable amount of time has passed since Saul's conversion, and his effective ministry has led to a conspiratorial response aimed at eliminating the threat he now posed to the traditional Jewish faith and its leaders.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

At the time when the Book of Acts was written, Christianity was a nascent religion and considered a sect within Judaism.

Saul, a devout Jew and a Pharisee, was initially zealous in persecuting Christians before his conversion.

The historical context of this verse lies in the tension between the early Christian community and the Jewish establishment.

This period was marked with suspicion and animosity towards the Christian message, which was often seen as heretical.

Saul's conversion and subsequent preaching only heightened this animosity, leading to threats to his life.

Theological Insights

Theologically, Acts 9:23 demonstrates the conflict between the emerging Christian Church and the established Jewish religion.

It also highlights themes of transformation and the price of discipleship, Saul turned from persecutor to persecuted.

It reflects the Christian belief that following Jesus might lead to suffering and opposition, a theme echoed throughout the New Testament.

Saul's experiences mirror those of Jesus' own suffering at the hands of the Jewish authorities.

It also emphasizes God's protective role over His messengers, which would unfold in Saul's eventual escape.

Practical Applications

This verse can speak to personal transformation and the cost associated with drastic life changes. It encourages believers to stand firm in their convictions, even in the face of adversity.

The verse can also promote the understanding that genuine commitment to spiritual beliefs might bring about opposition, and it highlights the importance of perseverance and faithfulness.

It can inspire believers to embrace change and to remain steadfast knowing that challenges may come after life-altering decisions or revelations.

Cross-References

Acts 9:16: "For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake."
Acts 23:12: "And when it was day, certain of the Jews banded together, and bound themselves under a curse, saying that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul."
2 Corinthians 11:26: "[In] journeys often, [in] perils of waters, [in] perils of robbers, [in] perils by [mine own] countrymen, [in] perils by the heathen, [in] perils in the city, [in] perils in the wilderness, [in] perils in the sea, [in] perils among false brethren;"

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the word for "counsel" is βουλήν (boulēn), indicating a deliberate plan or decision.

The phrase "to kill him" is translated from φονεύσαι αὐτόν (phoneusai auton), with φονεύσαι being an infinitive meaning "to murder" or "to slay," reflecting the grave intent of the Jews towards Saul.

The Greek text conveys a sense of premeditation and determination in the actions of the Jews.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Acts 9:23 can be compared to other ancient narratives where individuals are targeted for their transformative beliefs or actions.

The narrative of Socrates, who was sentenced to death by the Athenian state for corrupting the youth and impiety, shares similarities in terms of a figure facing opposition due to their teachings.

In various other religious traditions, prophets and reformers often face persecution from established authorities, reinforcing the pattern of societal resistance to change and new ideas.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, this verse does not directly intersect with modern scientific understandings in a natural or physical sense.

However, it could be examined through the lens of psychology and sociology, exploring themes of group dynamics, the psychology of conversion, and the reactions of communities to shifts in ideologies or to figures who radically change their viewpoints and thereby challenge social norms.

Commentaries

Commentary from biblical scholars provides varied perspectives on Acts 9:23.

Some commentators focus on the fulfillment of Jesus' prophecy to Saul regarding the sufferings he would endure in Christ's name.

Others suggest that this marked the beginning of the persecution of Christians by Jewish authorities, which would become a recurring theme in the early history of the Church.

Still, others reflect on the determination of Saul to continue his ministry despite the risks, revealing the early church's commitment amidst persecution.

Additionally, commentators often note the irony of Saul's situation, as he once was the persecutor and now found himself as the persecuted.

Acts 9

Acts 9

What does Acts 9:23 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 9:23 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?