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 9:27 mean?

Explanation

In Acts 9:27, we learn about the role of Barnabas in assisting Saul (later known as Paul) integrate into the Christian community.

In the preceding context, Saul has just experienced his dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus, where he encountered the risen Christ and became a believer.

However, because of Saul's past as a zealous persecutor of the church, the disciples in Jerusalem were afraid of him and did not believe that he was truly a disciple.

Barnabas, a respected member of the early Christian community, took the initiative to vouch for Saul.

He "took him" refers to Barnabas' action of standing beside Saul, essentially endorsing him.

Barnabas then "brought him to the apostles" to introduce Saul directly, bypassing the wider circle of disciples who were still mistrustful.

The word "apostles" here probably refers to key leaders in the Jerusalem church, possibly including Peter and James.

Barnabas shares two key pieces of proof to validate Saul's transformation:

Saul's encounter with the Lord on the road to Damascus, where Saul saw Jesus and heard him speak, providing divine legitimization of his conversion. 2.

Saul's bold preaching in Damascus, implying that his faith commitment was genuine and active, demonstrated by his willingness to proclaim Jesus despite potential risks.

Together these points helped to convince the apostles that Saul's transformation was authentic and that he should be accepted as a brother in faith.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

The Book of Acts, written by Luke, the author of the third Gospel, provides a historical narrative of the early Christian community post-resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Saul of Tarsus, a Pharisee and a Roman citizen, was initially a fervent opponent of the Jesus movement, committing himself to the arrest and persecution of Christians.

Saul’s conversion not only marked a turning point in his life but also became one of the most significant moments in Christian history. After his conversion, Saul adopted the Greek version of his name, Paul, and became the Apostle to the Gentiles.

Acts 9:27 depicts the early days following Paul's conversion, when the memory of his persecution was still fresh. Barnabas, whose name means "son of encouragement," is a bridge figure who intervenes to recommend Paul to the apostolic leaders in Jerusalem.

Theological Insights

Barnabas's actions reflect a theology of grace and forgiveness that permeates the New Testament.

The early church had to wrestle with the inclusion of one who had previously been an enemy, highlighting the power of divine transformation.

Paul's transformation signifies that no one is beyond the reach of God's grace.

From a theological viewpoint, the acceptance of Paul into the apostolic community serves as a vivid example of the power of testimony and personal witness.

The reference to "seeing the Lord in the way" may also tie into the broader theology of revelation; an encounter with the divine is a powerful testimony and a cornerstone of Christian experience.

Practical Applications

This verse can inspire modern believers to exhibit forgiveness and acceptance towards those who have changed their ways, regardless of their past actions.

It serves as a challenge to act as mediators like Barnabas, advocating for those who have experienced true transformation but face distrust or skepticism within their communities.

Additionally, it encourages individuals to share their testimony of faith as a means to demonstrate genuine conversion and spiritual growth.

Cross-References

Galatians 1:18-19: "Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days.

But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord's brother."

Acts 22:14-15: “And he said, The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know his will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth.

For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard.”

Acts 15:12: "Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, as they declared what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them."

Language Study

The key phrase "brought him to the apostles" is significant as the Greek term for "brought" (ἤγαγεν, ēgagen) carries the connotation of leading or guiding, showcasing Barnabas's role as an active supporter.

The original Greek term for "apostles" (ἀποστόλους, apostolous) derives from the verb "to send forth" and indicates the individuals who are sent as messengers with an authoritative commission, underlining the importance of acceptance by this influential group for Saul.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The theme of mentorship and vouching for another is not unique to Christianity and can be observed in other ancient cultures.

For example, in ancient Roman society, a patron might advocate for their client in the hopes of gaining social or political favor.

Similarly, in Judaism, the notion of a character witness or an advocate is found within the legal system and community dynamics.

Scientific Perspectives

Contemporary psychological studies on conversion and transformation emphasize the role of personal experiences and credible endorsements in shaping an individual's acceptance within a group.

The case of Barnabas supporting Saul can be seen through this lens, illustrating the social dynamics at play in group acceptance.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians highlight the significance of Barnabas's actions.

F.F.

Bruce notes that, by vouching for Saul, Barnabas showed remarkable discernment, recognizing the genuineness of Saul’s conversion.

Others, like John Stott, discuss the demonstration of Christian forgiveness and the breaking down of barriers between former enemies, a central theme in Paul's life and teachings.

Acts 9

Acts 9

What does Acts 9:27 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 9:27 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?