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 9:28 mean?

Explanation

Acts 9:28 depicts an episode from the early Christian community, shortly after the conversion of Saul, who later becomes known as the Apostle Paul.

The verse concisely summarizes a period when Saul was actively involved in the life of the church in Jerusalem.

Having been accepted by the disciples, thanks to the advocacy of Barnabas, Saul is said to be "coming in and going out" with them in Jerusalem, indicating his continuous and open participation in the community's activities.

This phrase can be understood literally, as Saul moving in and out of the city freely, but it also implies a deeper integration with the members of the church, working, preaching, and living among them.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

The Book of Acts is traditionally ascribed to Luke, a companion of Paul, and is considered a sequel to the Gospel of Luke. Acts 9:28 falls within the narrative of Saul's early days in the Christian community after his conversion on the road to Damascus.

This verse specifically situates itself during a time when there was suspicion and uncertainty about Saul's transformation from a persecutor to a proponent of the faith.

It was a period of relative peace for the Christians following the death of Stephen and the initial persecution led by Saul himself. The acceptance of Saul in the church signifies a turning point both for him and the early Christian movement.

Theological Insights

This verse can be interpreted through various theological lenses:

Grace and Redemption: Saul's acceptance in the community is a powerful testimony to the capacity for change and grace in the Christian message.
The Role of Community: The integration of Saul into the daily life of the community highlights the importance of fellowship and collective faith.
Divine Providence: Saul's involvement in the church's activities can be seen as part of God's greater plan for spreading the Gospel.

Practical Applications

The verse has several practical applications for daily life:

Forgiveness: Acts 9:28 exemplifies the power and importance of forgiveness and acceptance within a community.
Second Chances: It encourages individuals to offer others the opportunity to change and to contribute positively to a community.
Active Participation: It is an encouragement for believers to actively participate in their faith communities, sharing their experiences and skills.

Cross-References

Acts 9:15 – "[...] he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:"
Acts 9:27 – "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."
Acts 26:20 – "[...] that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance."

Language Study

The original Greek phrase translated as "coming in and going out" is “εἰσπορεύεσθαι καὶ ἐκπορεύεσθαι," where "εἰσπορεύεσθαι" (eisporeuesthai) connotes an idea of entering, suggesting an inward movement or integration, and "ἐκπορεύεσθαι" (ekporeuesthai) means to go out, implying activities outside or beyond a particular boundary or community.

This combination suggests active engagement both within and outside the group.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The concept of "coming in and going out" or being part of a community can find parallels in other ancient cultures and religions.

For example, the idea of a convert being fully integrated into the community echoes practices in ancient Judaism where a proselyte, once accepted, took part fully in the life of the Jewish community.

Comparatively, in Greco-Roman societies, initiates into various religious cults and mysteries often underwent a period of integration.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, the act of integrating into a community has been studied within the fields of psychology and sociology.

Research in these areas examines the importance of social integration for individual well-being and how acceptance within a group can affect a person's identity and behavior.

Saul's transformation and subsequent integration might be approached as a case study in identity change and the social dynamics of acceptance.

Commentaries

Various experts and Bible commentators provide insights into Acts 9:28:

John Calvin: Commented on the importance of Saul’s entrance into the church as a demonstration of divine grace and the church's recognition of genuine conversion.
Matthew Henry: Noted Saul's boldness and the church's benefits from Saul's talents and zeal.
William Barclay: Stressed the idea of the risk the early church took in accepting Saul and the trust that members placed in him, representing a significant act of faith.

Acts 9

Acts 9

What does Acts 9:28 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 9:28 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?