What is happening in this passage about Saul preaching Christ?

In this passage, Saul has just been changed by meeting the risen Jesus. Instead of hunting Christians, he now goes into the synagogues in Damascus and preaches that Jesus is the Son of God and the promised Christ. People are shocked because they knew him as a fierce enemy of believers. As he grows stronger in understanding and courage, some Jews plot to kill him. The disciples help him escape by lowering him in a basket through an opening in the wall. Later, in Jerusalem, he tries to join the disciples, keeps preaching boldly, and again faces death threats.

Why were the people amazed that Saul preached that Jesus is the Son of God?

People were amazed because they knew Saul’s past. He had been the one who tried to destroy those who called on the name of Jesus and had gone to Damascus to arrest believers and bring them bound to the chief priests. Now he was publicly preaching the very message he had tried to wipe out, saying that Jesus is the Son of God and proving from Scripture that Jesus is the Christ. This complete turnaround showed how strongly God’s grace had changed him and made it clear that something real and powerful had happened in his heart.

Why did the Jews plan to kill Saul in Damascus and later in Jerusalem?

The Jews in both cities reacted with hatred because Saul’s preaching showed from Scripture that Jesus is the Christ. They could not answer his arguments, so instead of turning to the truth, they planned violence. In Damascus they watched the city gates day and night to kill him, and in Jerusalem others went about to slay him when he disputed with them about Jesus. This shows how the human heart can resist the light when it clashes with long-held beliefs and pride. It also shows that following Christ often brings real danger and suffering for those who speak openly about him.

Why did the disciples in Jerusalem at first refuse to accept Saul?

When Saul came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid and did not believe he was truly a disciple. They only knew him as the man who had done great harm to believers and had approved of their suffering. From their point of view, it seemed too sudden and risky to trust him. This shows that the early church did not receive people lightly, especially someone with Saul’s past. They needed clear proof that a real change had happened before welcoming him into close fellowship and ministry.

How did Barnabas help Saul be received by the apostles and church?

Barnabas stepped in when others were afraid of Saul. He took Saul, brought him to the apostles, and explained what had happened. He told them how Saul had seen the Lord on the way, how the Lord had spoken to him, and how Saul had preached boldly in Damascus in the name of Jesus. Barnabas acted as a trusted bridge, standing with Saul and helping others see the reality of his conversion and calling. Because of this, Saul was able to move freely among them in Jerusalem and continue preaching. Barnabas’s support shows how important it is to stand beside new believers and speak up for them.

What does it mean that Saul increased in strength and confounded the Jews?

When it says Saul “increased the more in strength,” it is talking about his growing spiritual strength, understanding, and boldness in preaching. As he studied and compared the Scriptures, he was able to show clearly that Jesus is the Christ. To “confound” the Jews means he left them confused and unable to answer his arguments. They were so struck by the force and clarity of his teaching that they did not know how to reply. This growth did not come from himself but from the work of the Holy Spirit and his deepening grasp of God’s word.

What does this passage teach about dealing with persecution and danger?

This passage shows that persecution often follows faithful witness, but it also shows wise responses. Saul does not stop preaching because of threats, yet he accepts help from other believers to escape danger. The disciples in Damascus lower him in a basket through the wall, and later the brethren in Jerusalem bring him to Caesarea and send him to Tarsus. So we see both courage and prudence. God’s people are not told to run into harm without reason, but to keep their calling in view and, when needed, use lawful and thoughtful means to avoid the plans of those who want to harm them.

What does it mean that the churches walked in the fear of the Lord and comfort of the Holy Ghost?

When the passage says the churches walked in the fear of the Lord, it means they lived with deep respect, awe, and obedience toward God, taking him seriously in their daily lives. At the same time, they lived in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, who encouraged them, strengthened their faith, and gave them peace in the middle of past and present troubles. These two things go together: a humble, reverent heart toward God and a steady help from the Spirit. As they lived this way, the churches were built up and multiplied, even after times of pressure and persecution.

How can Saul’s story in this passage encourage believers today?

Saul’s story in this passage encourages believers in several ways. It shows that God’s grace can fully change a person, even someone who once opposed Christ. It reminds us that new believers may face suspicion, so patient support and wise advocacy, like Barnabas gave, are very important. It also prepares us for the cost of following Jesus, since Saul met danger almost at once. Yet, through all this, God watched over him and used him. Finally, the peace and growth of the churches show that God can bring rest and strengthening after hard seasons, as his people keep living in reverent fear and rely on the Holy Spirit’s comfort.

Why did the churches have rest and grow after Saul was sent to Tarsus?

After Saul was sent away to Tarsus, the passage says the churches throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had rest, were built up, and multiplied. Part of this rest likely came because the fiercest persecutor had now been changed and removed from that area. But the focus is not on him alone. The churches used this quieter time well. They were strengthened in faith, continued to live in the fear of the Lord, and enjoyed the comfort of the Holy Spirit. As they walked this way, God caused them to grow. It shows that God rules over both troubled times and peaceful times for the good of his people.

Acts.9.20

Acts 9:20

KJV

And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.

Saul Preaches 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.

Cross References

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