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 9:30 mean?

Explanation

Acts 9:30 is part of the narrative describing the events following Saul's (later known as Paul) conversion from a persecutor of Christians to a follower of Christ.

The verse captures the moment when fellow believers, aware of the danger Saul faced due to his newfound faith, took steps to ensure his safety.

Literally, it describes the brethren in Jerusalem learning of a plot against Saul's life by the Jews, leading them to escort him to Caesarea, a Mediterranean seaport, from where he was sent to his hometown of Tarsus in Cilicia, far from the imminent threat.

On a deeper level, this verse illustrates the concern and care the early Christian community showed for one another, as well as God's providence in protecting Saul, allowing him to grow into the significant role he would later play in the spread of the Gospel.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

The verse is set in the period shortly after Jesus Christ's crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension, during the formative years of early Christianity.

At this time, the church was primarily composed of Jewish converts and was under persecution from Jewish religious authorities who viewed the movement as a threat to their traditions and authority.

Saul, a fervent Pharisee, was originally part of this opposition until his miraculous conversion on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-19).

After his conversion, Saul began preaching that Jesus was the Messiah, which angered the Jews in Jerusalem.

His life was threatened, leading to his fellow believers taking action to protect him as described in this verse.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse can be seen to reflect several key themes:

Church solidarity: The actions of the brethren demonstrate the solidarity and mutual care that is expected within the body of Christ.
Divine providence: Saul's escape illustrates the belief in divine providence, where God is seen to intervene and direct events for the purposes of His plan, here, preserving a key figure for the early church.
Sanctity of life: The concern for Saul's safety underscores the Christian belief in the sanctity of life and the responsibility of the community to protect it.

Different theological viewpoints may place varying emphasis on these themes, with some interpreting the events as predominantly indicating God's hand in the growth of the church, and others focusing more on the human actions and community aspects.

Practical Applications

In contemporary life, Acts 9:30 can inspire several applications:

Community support: Believers are encouraged to support one another in times of trouble, mirroring the early Christians' actions to protect Saul.
Conflict resolution: The wisdom of removing oneself from dangerous situations and seeking refuge can be derived from Saul's example.
Trusting in God's Plan: Christians can be reminded that during difficult times, it is essential to trust in God's overarching plan for their lives.

Cross-References

Acts 9:23-25 - Details of the plot against Saul and his initial escape in a basket.
Acts 9:15-16 - God tells Ananias that Saul is His chosen instrument.
Acts 11:25 - Barnabas goes to Tarsus to seek Saul.
Galatians 1:21-24 - Paul, writing in Galatians, recounts his movements post-conversion.
2 Timothy 3:11 - Paul later references persecutions and afflictions he experienced, including those in Jerusalem.

Language Study

The key words in the original Greek text of Acts 9:30 warrant closer examination:

"Brethren" (ἀδελφοί - adelphoi): Often used in the New Testament to refer to fellow believers or members of the Christian community.
"Knew" (ἐπιγνοὺς - epignous): Indicates an understanding or becoming aware of something, in this context the plot against Saul.
"Brought" (κατάγω - katago): To lead or bring someone down, often used for geographical movements from a higher to a lower place (e.g., Jerusalem to Caesarea).
"Sent forth" (ἐξαποστέλλω - exapostello): To send away or dispatch, with a nuanced sense of sending on a mission or with purpose.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparisons with other ancient cultural and religious practices might note how protection and exile were often used as means to safeguard individuals who were threatened for political or religious reasons.

Similarly, in many cultures, there are traditions of hospitality and refuge for those in danger, which parallel the early Christians' actions to secure Saul's safety.

Scientific Perspectives

While there are no direct scientific implications in this verse, the disciplines of psychology and sociology might provide insight into the mechanisms of group cohesion and the role of social support in individual survival and well-being.

Additionally, forensic studies might touch upon the investigative methods of ancient societies in uncovering plots like the one against Saul.

commentaries

Commentators offer varied perspectives on Acts 9:30:

John Calvin notes Saul's wisdom in not tempting God by neglecting the means of safety provided by his brethren.
Matthew Henry comments on the providence of God in Saul's preservation and how the disciples did not count the cost of assisting him.
F.F.

Bruce emphasizes the strategic move for Saul to leave Jerusalem, suggesting it was not only for his safety but also for the benefit of the church, which suffered from internal disputes when he preached there.

The Expositor's Greek Testament comments on the importance of Caesarea as a place of transition, being a Roman administrative center, and a gateway for Saul's future missionary journeys.

Each of these expert opinions contributes to a broader understanding of the implications and context of Acts 9:30.

Acts 9

Acts 9

What does Acts 9:30 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 9:30 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?