Level 1
Bold Beginnings Amid Backlash
(Believers)
Fresh from his Damascus Road encounter, Saul wastes no time. And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God. (Acts 9:20) Amazed listeners whisper, Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name? (Acts 9:21) His teaching about Jesus and the Gospel grows bolder, proving Jesus as Messiah.
But opposition brews—Jews plot his death. Disciples lower him in a basket through the wall to escape. In Jerusalem, fear lingers, but Barnabas vouches, sharing Saul's vision. Saul preaches freely until Hellenists seek to slay him; brethren send him to Tarsus.
The church enjoys peace, edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, was multiplied. (Acts 9:31) This showcases The Great Commission advancing through a transformed persecutor, turning opposition into opportunity. Believer, your bold witness, even amid threats, fuels gospel growth. Step out fearlessly.
From Persecuting Zeal to Proclaiming Boldness
(Scholars / Pastors)
Acts 9:19b-31 describes the immediate aftermath of Saul's conversion, as he transitions from persecutor to proclaimer of The Great Commission. After regaining his sight and being filled with The Holy Spirit's Role, Saul immediately began preaching Jesus as the Son of God in Damascus, astonishing everyone who knew his past. His bold Teaching About Jesus and the Gospel provoked escalating opposition from the Jews, leading to conspiracies against his life. Saul escaped to Jerusalem, where Barnabas championed him to the skeptical apostles. Despite further threats, Saul continued to preach boldly until the brethren sent him to Tarsus for his safety. The passage concludes with a period of peace and multiplication for the church throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria, highlighting that Christianity Accepted and Opposed ultimately fuels The Great Commission.
Level 2
Transformed Zeal Fuels Fiery Witness
(Believers)
Picture Saul, once the church's nightmare, now its newest advocate. Mere days after baptism, Saul was certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus. And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God. (Acts 9:19b-20) The turnaround stuns: 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? (Acts 9:21) Saul's teaching about Jesus and the Gospel intensifies—But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ. (Acts 9:22)
This embodies Christianity Accepted and Opposed: accepted by disciples who embrace him, opposed by Jews plotting murder. 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. (Acts 9:23-24) Resourceful believers act: Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket. (Acts 9:25) Escape secured, but the mission presses on.
Saul heads to Jerusalem, seeking fellowship, yet 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. (Acts 9:26) Enter Barnabas, the encourager: 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 9:27) Accepted now, Saul moves freely, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him. (Acts 9:28-29) Again, opposition—Hellenist Jews plot death. Brethren whisk him to Caesarea, then Tarsus for safety.
The narrative closes on hope: Then had the churches rest throughout all Judea 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. (Acts 9:31) The Holy Spirit's Role comforts and multiplies, fueling growth amid calm.
This propels The Great Commission—Saul's transformation equips him for global outreach, as foretold (Acts 9:15). It connects Acts to the Rest of the New Testament through Paul's later epistles, like Galatians 1:17-18, detailing this period.
For believers, it's relatable: ever faced doubt from past mistakes? Like Saul, redemption rewrites your story. Opposition? It refines your boldness. Barnabas's role inspires—be that bridge-builder for newcomers. Actionable steps: share your testimony boldly, even if risky. Mentor skeptics in faith communities. Pray for Spirit-comfort in trials. The Great Commission thrives not despite opposition, but through transformed lives like Saul's. Let it ignite your mission today.
Level 2: Expanded Insights
(Scholars / Pastors)
Acts 9:19b-31 details the immediate impact of Saul's conversion on The Great Commission, showcasing his rapid transition into ministry, the inevitable Christianity Accepted and Opposed he faced, and his strategic departure that allows for broader Gospel expansion. After his baptism and regaining strength, Saul "spent several days with the disciples who were in Damascus." This period of fellowship and learning solidified his newfound faith.
Immediately, Saul began fulfilling his divine commission: "and immediately he began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, saying, 'He is the Son of God.' All those hearing him continued to be amazed and were saying, 'Is this not he who in Jerusalem destroyed those who called on this name, and who came here for the purpose of bringing them bound before the chief priests?'" This immediate and bold proclamation of Teaching About Jesus and the Gospel astonished his listeners, highlighting the radical nature of his transformation and the power of The Holy Spirit's Role working through him. His arguments were so compelling that he "continued to grow stronger and to confuse the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that this Jesus is the Christ." This intellectual prowess, previously used to persecute, now served to advance The Great Commission.
This powerful ministry quickly provoked intense Christianity Accepted and Opposed: "When many days had elapsed, the Jews conspired together to do away with him." The conspiracy against Saul's life directly parallels the persecution he himself inflicted on Christians. Learning of the plot, the disciples in Damascus facilitated his escape by letting him down through an opening in the wall in a large basket at night (2 Corinthians 11:32-33 further details this escape). This forced departure, while a setback for Damascus, redirects Saul's ministry, becoming a means of The Great Commission's strategic spread.
Upon arriving in Jerusalem, Saul attempted to join the disciples, but they were understandably afraid and skeptical, recalling his past as a persecutor. It was Barnabas, a man known for his encouragement (Acts 4:36-37), who championed Saul, bringing him to the apostles (Peter and James, according to Galatians 1:18-19) and testifying to his genuine conversion and his fearless preaching in Damascus. This crucial intervention allowed Saul to be accepted into the Jerusalem church. Once accepted, Saul immediately resumed his bold proclamation of Teaching About Jesus and the Gospel: "And he was with them, moving about freely in Jerusalem, speaking out boldly in the name of the Lord and disputing with the Hellenistic Jews." This again incited violent Christianity Accepted and Opposed from the Hellenistic Jews, who sought to murder him. Recognizing the grave danger, the brethren promptly took Saul to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus, his hometown. This strategic departure, once more, ensures Saul's safety and prepares him for his future global ministry, a critical step in The Great Commission.
The passage concludes with a peaceful interlude for the broader church: "So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria enjoyed peace, being built up; and going on in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it continued to increase" (literally, "was multiplied" or "was increased"). This period of peace and growth, enabled by Saul's removal from Jerusalem (no longer a target for Jewish authorities), allowed the church to consolidate its gains and multiply. It highlights The Holy Spirit's Role in strengthening and comforting the church, fostering a conducive environment for the continued expansion of The Great Commission. This segment is vital for Connecting Acts to the Rest of the NT, particularly Galatians 1:18-24, where Paul himself provides an autobiographical account of this early period, confirming the events and setting the stage for his later arguments regarding his apostolic independence.
Level 3
Persecutor to Pioneer:
Opposition Ignites Outreach
(Believers)
Let's journey back to Damascus, where Saul's radical conversion (Acts 9:1-19a) now unleashes immediate action. No gradual warmup—Saul dives in. And Saul was certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus. And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God. (Acts 9:19b-20) "Straightway" signals urgency; his Pharisee training flips from destruction to declaration. Focusing on teaching about Jesus and the Gospel, he proclaims Jesus as divine Son and Messiah, leveraging Scriptures he once misused.
The reaction? Shockwaves. 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? (Acts 9:21) His past as destroyer contrasts sharply with present preaching, highlighting God's transformative power. But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ. (Acts 9:22) "Proving" involves logical, scriptural arguments—perhaps linking Jesus to prophecy fulfillment like Psalm 2:7 ("Thou art my Son") or Isaiah 9:6.
Yet acceptance breeds opposition. 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. (Acts 9:23-24) This mirrors Stephen's fate, underscoring Christianity Accepted and Opposed—accepted by growing believers, opposed by threatened traditionalists. Saul's escape is ingenious: Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket. (Acts 9:25) Humiliating for a proud Pharisee, yet it echoes 2 Corinthians 11:32-33, where Paul reflects on it as weakness boasting in God.
Undeterred, Saul treks to Jerusalem—hub of opposition. 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. (Acts 9:26) Wariness is understandable; his reputation precedes him. But Barnabas intervenes: 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 9:27) Barnabas, "son of encouragement," bridges the gap, sharing Saul's vision and bold witness. This acceptance unlocks fellowship.
Emboldened, 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. (Acts 9:28-29) Debating Hellenists—Greek-speaking Jews, like those who stoned Stephen—Saul risks all. Plots emerge again, forcing action: Which when the brethren knew, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus. (Acts 9:30) Tarsus, his hometown, becomes a hideout, but it's strategic—preparing for future missions.
The passage culminates in peace: Then had the churches rest throughout all Judea 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. (Acts 9:31) Persecution eases, allowing edification (building up) and multiplication. The Holy Spirit's Role provides comfort, enabling growth—echoing Jesus' promise in John 14:26.
This narrative drives The Great Commission forward. Saul's early preaching and escapes foreshadow his apostolic calling (Acts 9:15), spreading gospel to Gentiles. It connects Acts to the Rest of the New Testament via Paul's writings: Galatians 1:17-24 details his Arabian retreat and Jerusalem visit, confirming timeline; Ephesians 3:1-6 reveals his mystery of Gentile inclusion.
Broader implications? Prophecy Fulfillment shines in Saul "proving" Christ, tying to Daniel 9:25-26 or Micah 5:2. Christianity Accepted and Opposed is core: acceptance by disciples and Barnabas fuels mission; opposition refines it, as in Romans 5:3-5's endurance through trials.
For believers today, this hits home. Struggling with a checkered past? Saul shows God repurposes it for The Great Commission. Facing pushback at work or family for faith? View it as propulsion, like Saul's escapes launching him further. Barnabas's example calls us to advocate for the marginalized or doubted—perhaps welcome a new convert despite reservations.
Actionable insights abound. Study Saul's boldness: memorize key verses proving Jesus as Messiah, like Isaiah 53 with Acts 8:35. Practice teaching about Jesus and the Gospel in small groups, debating kindly as Saul did. When opposition arises, seek community support—don't go lone wolf. Pray for The Holy Spirit's Role in comforting during "rest" seasons, using them to edify others.
Church growth here inspires: foster peace by resolving conflicts biblically (Matthew 18:15-17). Multiply through discipleship—mentor like Barnabas. Globally, support missionaries in opposed regions, praying for their "basket escapes."
Ultimately, Acts 9:19b-31 reveals The Great Commission as resilient. Saul's transformation from opposer to missionary exemplifies redemption's power. Opposition doesn't halt spread—it accelerates it, birthing peace and multiplication. As believers, we're in this lineage. Embrace your role: preach boldly, escape wisely, grow collectively. Let Saul's story propel your witness— the gospel advances, one transformed life at a time.
Level 3: Comprehensive Analysis
(Scholars / Pastors)
Acts 9:19b-31 meticulously chronicles the immediate aftermath of Saul's conversion, detailing his swift integration into ministry, the escalating Christianity Accepted and Opposed he faced, and his strategic departure that ultimately facilitated the broader, peaceful expansion of The Great Commission. This pericope is foundational for understanding Paul's early post-conversion life and his initial steps in fulfilling his divinely appointed mission, strongly Connecting Acts to the Rest of the NT.
I. Saul's Immediate Proclamation in Damascus (Acts 9:19b-22): Having regained his sight and strength, Saul "spent several days with the disciples who were in Damascus." This brief period of fellowship (perhaps initial instruction) prepared him for immediate action.
Radical Transformation in Action: "and immediately he began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, saying, 'He is the Son of God.'" The adverb "immediately" (eutheōs) underscores the radical and undeniable nature of Saul's conversion and his zeal for his new calling. Proclaiming Jesus as "the Son of God" was a direct, Christological assertion, forming the core of Teaching About Jesus and the Gospel.
Astonishment and Confusion: His listeners were understandably "amazed and were saying, 'Is this not he who in Jerusalem destroyed those who called on this name, and who came here for the purpose of bringing them bound before the chief priests?'" This reaction highlights the stark contrast between Saul's past as a persecutor and his present proclamation, demonstrating the profound power of God's grace and the unexpected nature of Christianity Accepted and Opposed.
Growing Strength and Conviction: "But Saul continued to grow stronger and to confuse the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that this Jesus is the Christ." "Grow stronger" (enedynamouto) refers to spiritual empowerment and intellectual conviction, likely fueled by The Holy Spirit's Role. His ability to "confuse" (syncheō, meaning to throw into confusion) through his logical and scriptural arguments underscores his intellectual prowess, now fully dedicated to advancing The Great Commission. "Proving that this Jesus is the Christ" (Christos) indicates a focus on Jesus' messianic identity, a key aspect of Teaching About Jesus and the Gospel.
II. The Conspiracy and Escape from Damascus (Acts 9:23-25): Saul's powerful ministry inevitably provoked intense Christianity Accepted and Opposed.
Plot to Kill: "When many days had elapsed, the Jews conspired together to do away with him." This direct threat against his life highlights the severity of the opposition. The "many days" likely indicates a period of some months or even years, consistent with Paul's own account in Galatians 1:17-18, where he mentions going to Arabia during this time. This demonstrates Prophecy Fulfillment of Jesus' warning that Paul would suffer greatly for His name (Acts 9:16).
Miraculous Escape: Learning of the plot, Saul's disciples (his new converts) facilitated his escape: "But their plot became known to Saul. They were also watching the gates day and night so that they might put him to death; but his disciples took him by night and let him down through an opening in the wall, lowering him in a large basket." This dramatic escape (also recounted by Paul in 2 Corinthians 11:32-33) underscores the constant danger faced by early missionaries, and the resourcefulness inspired by The Holy Spirit's Role. This forced departure, while a personal crisis, inadvertently contributes to The Great Commission's geographical spread.
III. Saul's Acceptance and Ministry in Jerusalem (Acts 9:26-29): Saul's return to Jerusalem presented a new set of challenges for The Great Commission.
Disciples' Skepticism: "When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to associate with the disciples; but all of them were afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple." This understandable fear, given his notorious past, highlights the profound impact of his prior persecution. It also showcases the internal dynamics of Christianity Accepted and Opposed.
Barnabas's Advocacy: "But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles and described to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had spoken out boldly in the name of Jesus." Barnabas, known for his encouragement (Acts 4:36-37), plays a crucial role in validating Saul's conversion and integrating him into the Jerusalem church. His testimony relies on firsthand accounts of Saul's encounter and his subsequent bold preaching (Acts 9:1-19a), which aligns with Teaching About Jesus and the Gospel.
Bold Preaching in Jerusalem: Accepted by the apostles, Saul immediately resumed his ministry: "And he was with them, moving about freely in Jerusalem, speaking out boldly in the name of the Lord and disputing with the Hellenistic Jews." His continued boldness (parrhesia) in his former stronghold demonstrates The Holy Spirit's Role empowering him. However, his strong arguments and Teaching About Jesus and the Gospel once again provoked violence.
IV. Strategic Departure to Tarsus and Period of Peace (Acts 9:30-31): The escalating opposition in Jerusalem necessitated another strategic withdrawal.
Threat to Life: "But when the Hellenistic Jews tried to murder him, the brethren found out and brought him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus." This mirrors the Damascus plot and indicates the consistent Christianity Accepted and Opposed Saul would face throughout his ministry.
Strategic Deployment: Sending Saul to Tarsus, his hometown in Cilicia, served multiple purposes: it ensured his safety, allowed him a period of preparation, and positioned him geographically for his later, major Gentile missionary journeys. This further demonstrates the divinely guided expansion of The Great Commission.
Peace and Multiplication of the Church: "So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria enjoyed peace, being built up; and going on in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it continued to increase." This period of peace (eirēnē), coming after Saul's removal from Jerusalem (eliminating a prime target for Jewish authorities), allowed the church to consolidate its growth. It signifies The Holy Spirit's Role in strengthening and comforting believers ("comfort of the Holy Spirit") and enabling multiplication, further advancing The Great Commission across these regions. The "fear of the Lord" (phobos Kyriou) denotes reverential awe and obedience. This overall peaceful growth provides a contrasting backdrop to the intense persecutions faced by Saul.
Acts 9:19b-31 vividly portrays the early stages of Saul's transformative ministry, highlighting the consistent Christianity Accepted and Opposed that would define his life, yet paradoxically serving to propel The Great Commission through strategic re-deployment and periods of peace. This narrative is foundational for Connecting Acts to the Rest of the NT, particularly Paul's own autobiographical accounts in Galatians 1:18-24 and his broader theology of suffering and God's sovereign plan.
