Acts 9:2
and requested letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any men or women belonging to the Way, he could bring them as prisoners to Jerusalem.
and requested letters
The phrase "and requested letters" indicates Saul's initiative and authority in seeking official documentation. In the historical context, letters were formal instruments of authority, often used to convey orders or grant permissions. The Greek word for "letters" is "ἐπιστολάς" (epistolas), which can also mean epistles or written communications. Saul's request for letters underscores his determination to carry out his mission with official backing, reflecting the seriousness with which he viewed the perceived threat of the early Christian movement.

to the synagogues in Damascus
The synagogues in Damascus were centers of Jewish worship and community life. Damascus, a significant city in ancient Syria, had a substantial Jewish population. Saul's targeting of synagogues highlights the early Christian movement's roots within Judaism and the perceived need to address what was seen as a heretical sect within the Jewish faith. The Greek word "συναγωγαῖς" (synagogais) refers to these gathering places, emphasizing the communal and religious nature of the locations Saul intended to visit.

so that if he found any men or women
This phrase shows the inclusivity of Saul's mission; he was not only targeting male leaders but also women, indicating the widespread involvement of both genders in the early Christian community. The Greek words "τινας" (tinas) for "any" and "ἄνδρας" (andras) and "γυναῖκας" (gynaikas) for "men" and "women" respectively, highlight the comprehensive nature of Saul's search. This reflects the early church's appeal across gender lines and the perceived threat it posed to traditional Jewish structures.

belonging to the Way
"Belonging to the Way" refers to the early Christian movement, which was initially known as "the Way." The Greek term "τῆς Ὁδοῦ" (tēs Hodou) signifies a path or journey, symbolizing the new life and direction found in following Jesus Christ. This term reflects the transformative nature of the Christian faith and its distinct identity within the broader Jewish context. The use of "the Way" underscores the early Christians' self-understanding as followers of Jesus, who is "the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6).

he might bring them as prisoners
The phrase "he might bring them as prisoners" indicates Saul's intent to arrest and transport Christians back to Jerusalem for trial. The Greek word "ἀγάγῃ" (agagē) means to lead or bring, and "δεδεμένους" (dedemenous) means bound or imprisoned. This reflects the severity of the persecution faced by early Christians and Saul's role as a zealous enforcer of Jewish law. It also foreshadows Saul's dramatic transformation into Paul, a leading apostle of the faith he once persecuted.

to Jerusalem
Jerusalem was the religious and cultural heart of Judaism, and the location where the early church was born. Saul's intention to bring Christians to Jerusalem for trial underscores the centrality of the city in Jewish religious life and the perceived need to maintain religious purity. The Greek "Ἰερουσαλήμ" (Ierousalēm) emphasizes the city's significance as a place of authority and judgment. This also highlights the tension between the nascent Christian movement and the established Jewish religious order.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Saul (Paul)
A zealous Pharisee who persecuted early Christians, believing he was upholding Jewish law. His journey to Damascus marks a pivotal moment in his life, leading to his conversion.

2. The Way
An early term used to describe the followers of Jesus Christ. It signifies the path of faith and discipleship in Christ, reflecting Jesus' statement, "I am the way, the truth, and the life."

3. Damascus
A significant city in ancient Syria, where Saul intended to arrest Christians. It becomes the setting for his transformative encounter with Christ.

4. Synagogues
Jewish places of worship and community gathering. Saul sought letters from the high priest to gain authority to arrest Christians in these locations.

5. Jerusalem
The center of Jewish religious authority and the location where Saul intended to bring the arrested Christians for trial.
Teaching Points
Zeal Without Knowledge
Saul's fervor in persecuting Christians was misguided. This teaches us the importance of aligning our zeal with the truth of God's Word.

The Power of Transformation
Saul's journey to Damascus is a powerful reminder that no one is beyond the reach of God's grace. Our past does not define our future in Christ.

The Cost of Discipleship
Being part of "The Way" meant facing persecution. As modern believers, we should be prepared to stand firm in our faith despite opposition.

Authority and Submission
Saul sought authority from religious leaders to persecute Christians. This challenges us to consider whose authority we submit to and whether it aligns with God's will.

Community and Accountability
The early Christians were part of a community known as "The Way." This underscores the importance of fellowship and accountability in our spiritual journey.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Saul's zeal in persecuting Christians challenge us to examine our own motivations and actions in serving God?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our passion for God is aligned with His truth and not based on misguided beliefs?

3. How does the term "The Way" deepen our understanding of what it means to follow Jesus today?

4. What can we learn from Saul's transformation about the power of God's grace in our own lives?

5. How can we support and encourage one another in our faith communities, especially when facing trials or persecution?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Acts 22:4-5
Saul recounts his persecution of Christians, providing a personal testimony of his past zeal and the authority he received from the high priests.

John 14:6
Jesus declares Himself as "the way," which aligns with the term "The Way" used for early Christians, emphasizing the path of salvation through Christ.

Philippians 3:6
Paul reflects on his former life, describing his zeal in persecuting the church, which highlights his transformation after encountering Christ.
The WayR. Tuck Acts 9:2
this Way'Alexander MaclarenActs 9:2
A Remarkable ConversionChristian AgeActs 9:1-3
DamascusDean Plumptre.Acts 9:1-3
In Uno Caesare Multi Insunt MariiCalamy.Acts 9:1-3
Murder Will OutH. C. Trumbull, D. D.Acts 9:1-3
Saul, a PersecutorA. Barnes, D. D.Acts 9:1-3
Soul's CommissionDean Plumptre.Acts 9:1-3
St. Paul on the Way to DamascusDean Stanley.Acts 9:1-3
The Conversion of Great MenActs 9:1-3
The WayDean Plumptre.Acts 9:1-3
The WayJ. R. Thompson, M. A.Acts 9:1-3
The One Question of ConversionP.C. Barker Acts 9:1-5
Saul on His Way to DamascusE. Johnson Acts 9:1-8
ConversionW. Clarkson Acts 9:1-9
The Sign from HeavenR.A. Redford Acts 9:1-9
People
Aeneas, Ananias, Barnabas, Dorcas, Grecians, Judas, Lud, Peter, Saul, Simon, Tabitha
Places
Azotus, Caesarea, Damascus, Galilee, Jerusalem, Joppa, Judea, Lydda, Samaria, Sharon, Straight Street, Tarsus
Topics
Addressed, Begged, Believers, Belonged, Belonging, Bound, Bring, Chains, Damascus, Desired, Either, Jerusalem, Letters, Order, Priest, Prisoners, Request, Synagogues, Whether, Women
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Acts 9:2

     4020   life, of faith
     7024   church, nature of
     8168   way, the
     8421   equipping, physical

Acts 9:1-2

     5391   letters
     8730   enemies, of believers

Acts 9:1-6

     7758   preachers, call
     8729   enemies, of Christ

Acts 9:1-19

     8131   guidance, results

Acts 9:1-30

     5108   Paul, life of

Library
'This Way'
'Any of this way.'--ACTS ix. 2 The name of 'Christian' was not applied to themselves by the followers of Jesus before the completion of the New Testament. There were other names in currency before that designation--which owed its origin to the scoffing wits of Antioch--was accepted by the Church. They called themselves 'disciples,' 'believers, 'saints,' 'brethren,' as if feeling about for a title. Here is a name that had obtained currency for a while, and was afterwards disused. We find it five times
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

A Bird's-Eye view of the Early Church
'So the Church throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria had peace, being edified; and, walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, was multiplied.'--ACTS ix. 31 (R.V.). A man climbing a hill stops every now and then to take breath and look about him; and in the earlier part of this Book of the Acts of the Apostles there are a number of such landing-places where the writer suspends the course of his narrative, in order to give a general notion of the condition of the
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

Grace Triumphant
'And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, 2. 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 hound unto Jerusalem. 3. And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: 4. And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou Me? 5.
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

Copies of Christ's Manner
'And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed.... 40. But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down and prayed; and, turning him to the body, said, Tabitha, arise.--ACTS ix. 34, 40. I have put these two miracles together, not only because they were closely connected in time and place, but because they have a very remarkable and instructive feature in common. They are both evidently moulded upon Christ's miracles; are distinct imitations of what Peter had
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

Directions to Awakened Sinners.
Acts ix. 6. Acts ix. 6. And he, trembling and astonished, said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do. THESE are the words of Saul, who also is called Paul, (Acts xiii. 9,) when he was stricken to the ground as he was going to Damascus; and any one who had looked upon him in his present circumstances and knew nothing more of him than that view, in comparison with his past life, could have given, would have imagined him one of the most miserable creatures that ever lived upon earth, and would have expected
Philip Doddridge—Practical Discourses on Regeneration

Paul's First Prayer
First, our text was an announcement; "Behold, he prayeth." Secondly, it was an argument; "For, behold, he prayeth." Then, to conclude, we will try to make an application of our text to your hearts. Though application is the work of God alone, we will trust that he will be pleased to make that application while the word is preached this morning. I. First, here was AN ANNOUNCEMENT; "Go to the house of Saul of Tarsus; for behold, he prayeth." Without any preface, let me say, that this was the announcement
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 1: 1855

Paul a Pattern of Prayer
"Go and inquire for one called Saul of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth."--ACTS ix. 11. "For this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show forth all long-suffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on Him to life everlasting."--1 TIM. i. 16. God took His own Son, and made Him our Example and our Pattern. It sometimes is as if the power of Christ's example is lost in the thought that He, in whom is no sin, is not man as we are. Our Lord took Paul, a man
Andrew Murray—The Ministry of Intercession

Prov. 22:06 the Duties of Parents
"Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it."--Prov. 22:6. I SUPPOSE that most professing Christians are acquainted with the text at the head of this page. The sound of it is probably familiar to your ears, like an old tune. It is likely you have heard it, or read it, talked of it, or quoted it, many a time. Is it not so? But, after all, how little is the substance of this text regarded! The doctrine it contains appears scarcely known, the duty it puts
John Charles Ryle—The Upper Room: Being a Few Truths for the Times

"To Me to Live is Christ"
PHILIPPIANS i. 21. In connection with ACTS ix. 1--18. THERE is no more significant sign of the days in which we live than the interest society seems to be taking in the biographies of great men. Almost all the more popular recent books, for instance--the books which every one is reading and has to read--come under the category of biography; and, to meet the demand, two or three times in each season the market has to be supplied with the lives, in minute detail, of men who but for this would perhaps
Henry Drummond—The Ideal Life

The Future of Christ's Kingdom First Group of Epistles the First and Second Epistles to the Thessalonians Introduction to the Epistles of Paul +Epistolary Writings. + --The
STUDY VII THE FUTURE OF CHRIST'S KINGDOM FIRST GROUP OF EPISTLES THE FIRST AND SECOND EPISTLES TO THE THESSALONIANS INTRODUCTION TO THE EPISTLES OF PAUL +Epistolary Writings.+--The New Testament is composed of twenty-seven books, twenty-one of which are Epistles. Of this latter number thirteen are ascribed to Paul. It is thus seen how largely the New Testament is made up of Epistles and how many of these are attributed to the Great Apostle. In the letters of men of great prominence and power of any
Henry T. Sell—Bible Studies in the Life of Paul

The New Testament Text and Its History.
The history of the New Testament text naturally falls into two main divisions, that of the manuscript text, and that of the printed text. A few remarks will be added on the principles of textual criticism. See PLATES at the beginning of this book. [Transcriber's Note: Transcriptions of the Plates are at the end of this e-book.] I. THE MANUSCRIPT TEXT. 1. The preservation of the primitive text of the gospels from all essential corruptions, additions, and mutilations has already been shown
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible

Sharon. Caphar Lodim. The Village of those of Lydda.
Between Lydda and the sea, a spacious valley runs out, here and there widely spreading itself, and sprinkled with villages. The holy page of the New Testament [Acts 9:35] calls it Saron: and that of the Old calls the whole, perhaps, or some part of it, 'the plain of Ono,' Nehemiah 6:2, 11:35; 1 Chronicles 8:12... The wine of Sharon is of great fame, with which they mixed two parts water: and remarkable is that they say concerning the houses of Sharon. R. Lazar saith, "He that builds a brick house
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

Caphar Tebi.
And this village neighboured upon Lydda, situate on the east of it. "R. Eleazar had a vineyard of four years' growth; on the east of Lydda, near Caphar Tebi." Of it there is this mention also:-- "They sometime brought a chest full of bones from Caphar Tebi, and they placed it openly in the entrance to Lydda. Tudrus the physician and the rest of the physicians go forth"--(namely, that they might judge, whether they were the bones of men or no; and thereby, whether they were to be esteemed clean or
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

Sources and Literature on St. Paul and his Work.
I. Sources. 1. The authentic sources: The Epistles of Paul, and the Acts of the Apostles 9:1-30 and 13 to 28. Of the Epistles of Paul the four most important Galatians, Romans, two Corinthians--are universally acknowledged as genuine even by the most exacting critics; the Philippians, Philemon, Colossians, and Ephesians are admitted by nearly all critics; the Pastoral Epistles, especially First Timothy, and Titus, are more or less disputed, but even they bear the stamp of Paul's genius. On the coincidences
Philip Schaff—History of the Christian Church, Volume I

The Knight of God
Heinrich Suso Acts ix. 16 As the song of him who singeth, Playing on a harp of gold, So to me was Christ's evangel In the days of old. Thus across the lake of Constance Went I forth to preach His Word, And beside me sat the squire Of a noble Lord. None in all the ship so knightly, None so bravely dight as he-- "Tell me," I besought, "thine errand Yonder o'er the sea." "I go forth," he said, "to gather Many a knight and noble bold; They shall tilt at joust and tourney, Whilst fair eyes behold.
Frances Bevan—Hymns of Ter Steegen, Suso, and Others

Such, we May Believe, was that John the Monk...
21. Such, we may believe, was that John the Monk, whom the elder Theodosius, the Emperor, consulted concerning the issue of the civil war: seeing he had also the gift of prophecy. For that not each several person has a several one of those gifts, but that one man may have more gifts than one, I make no question. This John, then, when once a certain most religious woman desired to see him, and to obtain this did through her husband make vehement entreaty, refused indeed this request because he had
St. Augustine—On Care to Be Had for the Dead.

Whether any Preparation and Disposition for Grace is Required on Man's Part?
Objection 1: It would seem that no preparation or disposition for grace is required on man's part, since, as the Apostle says (Rom. 4:4), "To him that worketh, the reward is not reckoned according to grace, but according to debt." Now a man's preparation by free-will can only be through some operation. Hence it would do away with the notion of grace. Objection 2: Further, whoever is going on sinning, is not preparing himself to have grace. But to some who are going on sinning grace is given, as is
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether the Form of this Sacrament Is: "I Absolve Thee"?
Objection 1: It would seem that the form of this sacrament is not: "I absolve thee." Because the forms of the sacraments are received from Christ's institution and the Church's custom. But we do not read that Christ instituted this form. Nor is it in common use; in fact in certain absolutions which are given publicly in church (e.g. at Prime and Compline and on Maundy Thursday), absolution is given not in the indicative form by saying: "I absolve thee," but In the deprecatory form, by saying: "May
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether one Ought to Dispute with Unbelievers in Public?
Objection 1: It would seem that one ought not to dispute with unbelievers in public. For the Apostle says (2 Tim. 2:14): "Contend not in words, for it is to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers." But it is impossible to dispute with unbelievers publicly without contending in words. Therefore one ought not to dispute publicly with unbelievers. Objection 2: Further, the law of Martianus Augustus confirmed by the canons [*De Sum. Trin. Cod. lib. i, leg. Nemo] expresses itself thus: "It is
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

The Beginning of the New Testament
[Illustration: (drop cap T) Coin of Thessalonica] Turn to the list of books given in the beginning of your New Testament. You will see that first come the four Gospels, or glimpses of the Saviour's life given by four different writers. Then follows the Acts of the Apostles, and, lastly, after the twenty-one epistles, the volume ends with the Revelation. Now this is not the order in which the books were written--they are only arranged like this for our convenience. The first words of the New Testament
Mildred Duff—The Bible in its Making

The Doctrine of the Church i. Definition; Distinctions.
1. OLD TESTAMENT. 2. NEW TESTAMENT. 3. THE CHURCH; CHRISTENDOM; KINGDOM. II. THE FOUNDING OF THE CHURCH. 1. IN PROPHECY AND PROMISE. 2. HISTORICALLY FOUNDED. III. MEMBERSHIP IN THE CHURCH. Conditions of Entrance; Characteristics. 1. REPENTANCE AND BAPTISM. 2. FAITH IN THE DEITY OF JESUS CHRIST. 3. REGENERATION. 4. PUBLIC CONFESSION OF CHRIST--BAPTISM. 5. ADHERENCE TO THE APOSTLES' DOCTRINE. 6. CHARACTERISTICS. IV. FIGURES UNDER WHICH THE CHURCH IS PRESENTED. 1. THE BODY OF CHRIST. 2. THE TEMPLE OF
Rev. William Evans—The Great Doctrines of the Bible

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