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 9:25 mean?

Explanation

Acts 9:25 describes the scene where the early Christian disciples in Damascus help Saul (later known as Paul) escape the city to avoid persecution.

Saul had recently converted to Christianity after a dramatic encounter with the risen Jesus on the road to Damascus.

His conversion was met with suspicion by the Christians, given his former role in persecuting them, and hostility by the Jews, for preaching Jesus as the Messiah.

This particular verse highlights the care and solidarity of the early Christian community, which took significant risks to protect one of its members.

The disciples used a basket and the cover of night as a means of evading Saul's would-be captors, by lowering him through an opening in the city wall, showing early Christian ingenuity in the face of danger.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

The Book of Acts was written by Luke in the first century.

This event likely took place around AD 36-40.

Damascus at the time had walls for protection which contained gates that were guarded and closed at night.

Saul's escape in a basket was a necessary measure since the city gates were likely being watched to prevent his exodus.

The use of a basket was a common method for transporting goods, illustrating that the disciples used everyday items to facilitate his escape.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse underscores the importance of community and brotherhood within the Christian faith.

It also speaks to the transformed life of Saul post-conversion, indicating that becoming a follower of Christ often involves personal risk and requires the support of fellow believers.

Theologically, Saul's escape in a basket can also prefigure the many trials he would later endure for the sake of the Gospel, as outlined in his epistles.

Practical Applications

This verse can inspire believers to support one another, especially those who face danger or persecution for their faith. It also serves as a reminder of the innovation and courage required to spread the Gospel.

Christians today might take from this the importance of bravery, resourcefulness, and the necessity of sometimes taking unconventional measures for the protection and well-being of the community.

Cross-References

2 Corinthians 11:33: "And through a window in a basket was I let down by the wall, and escaped his hands."
Joshua 2:15: "Then she let them down by a rope through the window: for her house was upon the town wall, and she dwelt upon the wall."

Language Study

The original Greek text uses the word "σπυρίδι" (spuridi), often translated as "basket". This word signifies a large basket, similar to the kind used to measure or hold large quantities of dry goods.

The word choice underscores the modest and humble manner in which Saul was hidden and transported to safety.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparisons could be drawn to other ancient texts where individuals are concealed or smuggled in baskets or similar vessels, often illustrating themes of rescue and divine providence.

Within Egyptian mythology, Isis hides her son Horus in a thicket to save him from Seth.

Similar to Paul's escape, these stories often depict the triumph of good over evil through cunning and divine assistance.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientifically, one could examine the practicalities of Saul's escape, including the strength and construction of baskets in the ancient world, the architectural design of city walls, and the nocturnal human vision which would make a nighttime escape more feasible.

While these do not directly affect the theological implications, they add depth to the historical account.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars offer various insights into Acts 9:25.

Some emphasize the narrative as a documentation of early Christian experiences, showing their vulnerability and solidarity. Others look to this event as a formative moment for Saul, whose subsequent ministry is deeply shaped by the hardships he faced, including this initial escape.

Commentators agree that this account reflects the tense atmosphere of the time, in which preaching the Christian faith could result in persecution and wherein the community's support was vital for survival.

Acts 9

Acts 9

What does Acts 9:25 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 9:25 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?