Acts 9:28
So Saul stayed with them, moving about freely in Jerusalem and speaking boldly in the name of the Lord.
So Saul stayed with them
This phrase marks a significant transition in Saul's life, indicating his acceptance into the community of believers in Jerusalem. The Greek word for "stayed" is "συνεστρατοῦτο" (synestratouto), which implies a close association or companionship. This reflects the early church's willingness to embrace Saul despite his past as a persecutor. Historically, this acceptance would have been a profound act of grace and forgiveness, demonstrating the transformative power of Christ's love within the community.

moving about freely in Jerusalem
The phrase "moving about freely" is translated from the Greek "ἐν παρρησίᾳ" (en parrēsia), which means with boldness or confidence. This indicates that Saul, now a fervent follower of Christ, was no longer hiding or fearful of persecution. Instead, he was openly engaging with the people of Jerusalem. This boldness is a testament to the Holy Spirit's work in Saul's life, empowering him to proclaim the gospel without fear. The historical context of Jerusalem as a center of Jewish religious life underscores the significance of Saul's bold witness in such a pivotal location.

speaking boldly in the name of the Lord
The Greek word for "speaking boldly" is "παρρησιάζεσθαι" (parrēsiazesthai), which conveys the idea of speaking openly and fearlessly. Saul's transformation from a persecutor to a proclaimer of Christ is evident here. The "name of the Lord" refers to the authority and power of Jesus Christ, which Saul now represents. This phrase highlights the centrality of Jesus in Saul's message and mission. Scripturally, this bold proclamation aligns with the Great Commission, where believers are called to make disciples of all nations, speaking in the authority of Christ.

And he spoke and debated with the Hellenists
The term "Hellenists" refers to Greek-speaking Jews who were part of the diaspora. The Greek word "Ἑλληνιστάς" (Hellēnistas) indicates those who adopted Greek language and culture. Saul's engagement with the Hellenists shows his strategic approach to ministry, reaching out to those who shared his cultural and linguistic background. Historically, this reflects the early church's mission to spread the gospel beyond the confines of Hebrew-speaking Jews, embracing a broader audience. Saul's debates with the Hellenists demonstrate his deep understanding of both Jewish and Greek thought, enabling him to effectively communicate the gospel.

but they tried to kill him
This phrase underscores the intense opposition Saul faced as a result of his bold proclamation of the gospel. The Greek word for "tried" is "ἐπεχείρουν" (epecheiroun), which implies an active and deliberate attempt. The hostility of the Hellenists towards Saul reflects the broader resistance to the Christian message within certain Jewish communities. This opposition is a recurring theme in the book of Acts, highlighting the cost of discipleship and the reality of persecution for those who follow Christ. Saul's willingness to face such danger is a powerful testament to his commitment to the gospel and his trust in God's protection.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Saul (Paul)
Former persecutor of Christians who experienced a dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus. Now a bold proclaimer of the Gospel.

2. Jerusalem
The central city of Jewish worship and early Christian activity. It is where Saul begins his ministry among the disciples.

3. The Disciples
Early followers of Jesus who initially feared Saul due to his past but later accepted him after Barnabas vouched for his genuine conversion.

4. Barnabas
A key figure who introduced Saul to the apostles and testified to his conversion and bold preaching.

5. The Name of the Lord
Refers to the authority and power of Jesus Christ, which Saul now boldly proclaims.
Teaching Points
Boldness in Faith
Saul's transformation and boldness in preaching serve as a model for believers to speak confidently about their faith, even in challenging environments.

The Power of Testimony
Barnabas's testimony about Saul's conversion highlights the importance of supporting and vouching for new believers within the church community.

Community Acceptance
The early church's acceptance of Saul demonstrates the importance of forgiveness and embracing those who have genuinely turned to Christ.

Living in the Name of the Lord
Saul's actions remind believers to live and speak in the authority of Jesus, reflecting His character and mission.

Transformation through Christ
Saul's life exemplifies the radical change that occurs when one encounters Jesus, encouraging believers to seek and embrace such transformation.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Saul's boldness in Acts 9:28 inspire you to share your faith in your own community?

2. In what ways can you be like Barnabas, supporting and encouraging new believers in their faith journey?

3. Reflect on a time when you had to overcome fear or prejudice to accept someone into your community. How does this relate to the disciples' acceptance of Saul?

4. How can you ensure that your actions and words are done "in the name of the Lord" in your daily life?

5. Consider the transformation in Saul's life. What areas of your life do you feel need transformation through Christ, and how can you pursue this change?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Acts 9:26-27
Provides context for Saul's acceptance by the disciples in Jerusalem, highlighting Barnabas's role in bridging the gap.

Galatians 1:18-19
Paul recounts his visit to Jerusalem, aligning with the timeline of Acts 9, and mentions meeting Peter and James.

Acts 4:13
The boldness of Peter and John is similar to Saul's boldness, showing the transformative power of the Holy Spirit.

Philippians 1:14
Paul speaks of others being encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly, a theme seen in his own actions in Acts 9:28.

2 Corinthians 5:17
Reflects the transformation in Saul's life, as he becomes a new creation in Christ.
The Texture of Human LifeW. Clarkson Acts 9:19-30
An Ill Odor and its RemedyP.C. Barker Acts 9:26-30
Barnabas and SaulJ. W. Burn.Acts 9:26-30
Church MembershipJ. Alexander.Acts 9:26-30
Saul At JerusalemJ. Eadie, D. D.Acts 9:26-30
Saul's Emotions on Returning to JerusalemJ. S. Howson, D. D.Acts 9:26-30
Saul's First Visit After His Conversion to JerusalemD. Thomas, D. D.Acts 9:26-30
Saul's Visit to JerusalemE. Johnson Acts 9:26-30
Sympathy: its Practical ValueArchdeacon Farrar.Acts 9:26-30
The Church's Seal Upon the New AcquisitionR.A. Redford Acts 9:26-30
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
Boldly, Entering, Freely, Henceforth, Jerusalem, Moved, Moving, Saul, Speaking, Stayed
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Acts 9:28

     8202   boldness

Acts 9:1-30

     5108   Paul, life of

Acts 9:26-28

     6718   reconciliation, believers

Acts 9:26-30

     7703   apologetics

Acts 9:28-30

     7505   Jews, the

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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