Acts 9 1

Acts 9:1 kjv

And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,

Acts 9:1 nkjv

Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest

Acts 9:1 niv

Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord's disciples. He went to the high priest

Acts 9:1 esv

But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest

Acts 9:1 nlt

Meanwhile, Saul was uttering threats with every breath and was eager to kill the Lord's followers. So he went to the high priest.

Acts 9 verses

Acts 9 1 Meaning

Acts 9:1 portrays Saul of Tarsus as a fierce persecutor of early Christians, deeply committed to eradicating the nascent church. The verse depicts him in an active state of intense hostility, verbally threatening and physically intending murder against those who followed Jesus Christ. His zeal was so fervent that he sought formal authority from the Jewish High Priest to extend his persecution beyond Jerusalem to other cities, intending to arrest believers and bring them back for punishment. This verse serves as a stark introduction to Saul's character before his dramatic encounter with the risen Lord Jesus.

Acts 9 1 Context

Acts chapter 9 opens dramatically, directly following Saul's intense persecution campaigns described in chapter 8, which began immediately after his approval of Stephen's martyrdom in Acts 7:58. This verse captures the height of Saul's zealous opposition to the fledgling Christian movement, framing it not just as disapproval but as a violent crusade to eradicate followers of "the Way" (Acts 9:2). The early church was experiencing severe persecution, forcing many believers to scatter from Jerusalem. Saul was a key instigator, embodying the institutional Jewish opposition, which viewed the Christians as a heretical sect, dangerous to Jewish tradition and possibly politically subversive to Roman authorities if they considered Jesus as 'king'. Saul's journey to Damascus signifies his intention to extend this persecution beyond Jerusalem's direct influence, relying on the High Priest's authority, indicating a widespread official effort against Christians. This verse sets the stage for the pivotal event of his conversion, highlighting the profound transformation God performs even on His most aggressive adversaries.

Acts 9 1 Word analysis

• Saul (Σαῦλος, Saulos): His Hebrew name, meaning "asked of God." Before his conversion, he was a zealous Pharisee (Phil 3:5), rigorously educated (Acts 22:3). This highlights the identity of the individual whose life is about to be dramatically altered by divine intervention.
• yet (ἔτι, eti): An emphatic adverb implying continuity and intensification. It underscores that Saul's persecution was not a momentary fit of rage but a sustained, deliberate, and ongoing crusade, showing his unwavering resolve in his destructive purpose.
• breathing (πνέων, pneon): A vivid present participle, meaning "to blow, breathe out." This is a powerful metaphor, suggesting that threats and murder were not merely words or actions from Saul but flowed from his very essence, his breath of life. It conveys a deep, visceral hatred, almost as if he was inhaling and exhaling a spirit of violence.
• threats (ἀπειλῆς, apeilēs): Indicating intimidating and violent warnings or menaces. These were not idle words but threats backed by genuine intent to harm.
• and murder (καὶ φόνου, kai phonou): This explicitly states the deadly intent behind his threats. Saul sought not only to intimidate and imprison but also to bring about the deaths of believers, echoing his approval of Stephen's stoning (Acts 8:1).
• against (εἰς, eis): A preposition indicating direction, showing that his hostility was specifically directed at the followers of Jesus.
• the disciples (τοὺς μαθητάς, tous mathētás): Refers to the followers and learners of Jesus, the early Christians. Saul’s targets were clearly identified and part of an established group.
• of the Lord (τοῦ Κυρίου, tou Kyriou): This identifies whose disciples they were—those of Jesus Christ, recognized by the early church as "Lord." This designation implicitly highlights that Saul was persecuting Jesus Himself, a truth dramatically revealed in Acts 9:4-5.
• went (προσελθὼν, proselthōn): "Having come to" or "approached." It denotes a purposeful, active movement. Saul did not accidentally stumble into his role; he deliberately sought it out.
• to the high priest (τῷ ἀρχιερεῖ, tō archierei): The head of the Jewish religious hierarchy and the Sanhedrin, holding significant authority, including judicial powers (Mt 26:57, Lk 22:66-71). Saul sought formal, religious sanction for his persecuting activities, transforming his personal hatred into an official campaign. This also implies the High Priest had authority beyond Jerusalem (Acts 9:2).

Acts 9 1 Bonus section

This verse’s portrayal of Saul’s intense state, "breathing threats and murder," draws a theological contrast. While humanity was formed by God breathing the breath of life into Adam (Gen 2:7), Saul here metaphorically "breathes" spiritual death upon the Church. This vivid description also underscores the active spiritual conflict at play. Saul represents a human system in open warfare against the Spirit-empowered movement of God. The very phrase "breathing threats" can be understood to show a demonic or intensely dark spiritual influence. This verse sets the stage for a divine confrontation between an individual filled with wrath and the glorified Christ who appears to redeem and transform that wrath into righteous passion for His gospel. Furthermore, the High Priest's involvement highlights the Jewish authorities' widespread alarm and determined opposition to the growing Christian movement, perceiving it as an existential threat to their religious identity and traditional practices. The specific target being "disciples of the Lord" emphasizes the personal connection of these persecuted ones to Jesus Himself, foreshadowing Jesus' own question to Saul: "Why do you persecute me?"

Acts 9 1 Commentary

Acts 9:1 presents Saul in stark contrast to the divine call he is about to receive. He is introduced as a man utterly consumed by hostile zeal against the followers of Jesus, characterized by his "breathing threats and murder." This visceral imagery conveys a man whose very being exudes animosity and violent intent towards believers. His official approach to the High Priest for letters of authority underscores the legitimacy his campaign had within the established Jewish religious system. He was not a rogue individual but a dedicated agent of the Sanhedrin, intent on suppressing what he genuinely believed to be a dangerous heresy. This verse serves as the immediate dramatic preamble to his conversion, setting up the incredible reversal that occurs when the "chief persecutor" encounters the "Lord" he unwittingly opposes. His intense, though misguided, zeal would later be transformed into fervent devotion to Christ, revealing God's power to redirect human passion for His glory.