What does Acts 9:24 mean?

Explanation

[But their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him.] Acts 9:24

This verse from the New Testament book of Acts describes a plot against Saul, who is later known as Paul the Apostle, one of the most influential leaders of the early Christian church.

After his dramatic conversion experience on the road to Damascus, where Saul initially intended to persecute Christians, he starts preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

This arouses the hostility of some Jews in Damascus.

The phrase "laying await" suggests a secret plot or conspiracy to ambush and kill Saul. It highlights the severity and immediacy of the danger he faced. The plotters' vigilance is emphasized by their watching "the gates day and night," indicating a persistent and determined effort to murder Saul.

This verse captures the tension and peril of the earliest days of Christian evangelism.

Historical Context

Acts 9:24 takes place in the context of the first-century Roman-occupied city of Damascus. Saul, a fervent Jew also known as Paul, had received letters from the high priest in Jerusalem giving him the authority to arrest followers of Jesus in Damascus.

However, after his conversion to Christianity, Saul started preaching in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God. This preaching likely felt like a betrayal to the Jewish leaders and stirred up significant opposition, leading to the murder plot described in the verse.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse demonstrates the recurrent biblical theme of God's providence and protection of his chosen messengers. Saul's awareness of the plot can be seen as Divine intervention, allowing him to escape and continue his missionary work.

This verse also foreshadows the many hardships and oppositions Paul will face throughout his ministry as depicted in the rest of Acts and his epistles.

Practical Applications

This verse encourages believers to be aware of potential dangers without being deterred from their mission or purpose.

It also exemplifies the importance of community and support among believers, as it is likely through fellow Christians that Saul was informed of the threat.

Practically, this teaches that one should take precautions in the face of danger but also trust in God’s deliverance.

Cross-References

• 2 Corinthians 11:32-33: "In Damascus the governor under Aretas the king kept the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desirous to apprehend me: And through a window in a basket was I let down by the wall, and escaped his hands."
• Acts 23:12-14: "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."

Language Study

The key terms in the original Greek text for this verse are:

• "laying await" (Greek: "epiboulé"), meaning plot or conspiracy.
• "known" (Greek: "ginosko"), suggesting becoming aware or recognizing through personal experience or report.
• "watched" (Greek: "phulassó"), to guard or protect, often implying a military or watchful sense.

The use of these terms contributes to a sense of urgency and danger in the text.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In other ancient cultures, such as Rome or Persia, political intrigue and assassination plots were not uncommon, particularly against figures who were seen as disrupters of the status quo.

In a religious context, prophets and messengers in traditions outside of Christianity, like those found in Greek tragedies or in Islamic texts, also faced persecution and plots due to their messages and teachings.

Scientific Perspectives

While there is no direct scientific angle to this verse, the human psychological and sociological responses to perceived threats, ostracism, and betrayal can be studied.

The reaction of the Jewish leaders in the verse can also be seen through the lens of 'ingroup' and 'outgroup' dynamics frequently examined in social psychology.

Commentaries

Many biblical scholars and commentators reflect on this event in Saul's life as a pivotal moment that illustrates early Christian persecution.

F.F.

Bruce, in his commentary on the Book of Acts, suggests that Saul's escape from Damascus mirrors many of the deliverance stories found in the Old Testament, pointing to divine involvement in his ministry.

Matthew Henry’s Commentary notes the ironical twist that Saul, the former persecutor, now finds himself persecuted for the faith he once sought to destroy.

John Calvin comments on the providence of God in revealing the plot to Saul, thus preserving his life for future service to the gospel.