Acts 9 21

Acts 9:21 kjv

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 nkjv

Then all who heard were amazed, and said, "Is this not he who destroyed those who called on this name in Jerusalem, and has come here for that purpose, so that he might bring them bound to the chief priests?"

Acts 9:21 niv

All those who heard him were astonished and asked, "Isn't he the man who raised havoc in Jerusalem among those who call on this name? And hasn't he come here to take them as prisoners to the chief priests?"

Acts 9:21 esv

And all who heard him were amazed and said, "Is not this the man who made havoc in Jerusalem of those who called upon this name? And has he not come here for this purpose, to bring them bound before the chief priests?"

Acts 9:21 nlt

All who heard him were amazed. "Isn't this the same man who caused such devastation among Jesus' followers in Jerusalem?" they asked. "And didn't he come here to arrest them and take them in chains to the leading priests?"

Acts 9 verses

Acts 9 21 Meaning

Acts 9:21 describes the profound astonishment and disbelief of those in Damascus who heard Saul (later Paul) preaching Jesus Christ in the synagogues. They recognized him as the fierce persecutor who had come to their city with official authority from Jerusalem to arrest Christians, bind them, and bring them back for punishment. His sudden and complete reversal, from destroyer to defender of "this Name," presented a shock so immense that it highlighted the miraculous nature of his conversion and the power of God's transforming grace.

Acts 9 21 Context

Acts chapter 9 opens with Saul's relentless and murderous zeal against believers, describing him as "breathing out threatenings and slaughter" (v.1). Armed with letters of authority from the chief priests in Jerusalem, he journeyed to Damascus specifically to arrest Christians and bring them back for judgment. However, on the road, he was confronted by the resurrected Christ, leading to his blindness, conversion, and subsequent healing and instruction through Ananias in Damascus. Verse 21 occurs almost immediately after Saul begins to preach Jesus in the synagogues, showcasing the direct, radical, and undeniable shift in his allegiance and purpose. The historical and cultural context includes the Sanhedrin's authority to pursue Jewish individuals who deviated from orthodox Judaism, even in diaspora communities like Damascus, and the intense persecution faced by early Christians who identified by "calling on the name" of Jesus, viewed as blasphemous by many Jewish leaders.

Acts 9 21 Word analysis

• And all that heard him were amazed:

  • And all: Signifies a universal reaction from everyone who listened, underscoring the widespread and undeniable nature of the shock.
  • that heard him: Implies direct engagement with Saul's preaching, not just rumor, confirming the immediate source of their astonishment.
  • were amazed (Greek: ekplēssonto - ἐξεπλήσσοντο): From ekplēssō, meaning "to strike out, expel by a blow, drive out of one's senses, to be astonished, astounded, filled with wonder." This verb describes a strong, sudden, and overwhelming surprise, bordering on bewilderment or even terror, as if one's mind were 'struck out' of its normal state. It conveys profound cognitive dissonance and utter disbelief that such a change could have occurred. This highlights the truly radical nature of Saul's transformation.

• and said, Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem,

  • Is not this he (Greek: Ouch houtos estin ho - Οὐχ οὗτός ἐστιν ὁ): This is a rhetorical question in Greek that expects an affirmative answer ("Indeed, this is he, isn't it?"). It underscores the firm conviction of the people in Saul's former identity and actions, emphasizing their profound bewilderment at his current behavior.
  • that destroyed (Greek: porthēsas - πορθήσας): A strong verb from portheō, meaning "to devastate, lay waste, sack, ravage." It implies a violent, relentless, and destructive campaign, typical of an invading army pillaging a city. This choice of word vividly portrays Saul's earlier ferocity and the severe damage he inflicted on the early Christian community, setting a stark contrast to his present actions.
  • them which called on this name (Greek: tous epikaloumenous to onoma touto - τοὺς ἐπικαλουμένους τὸ ὄνομα τοῦτο): "Calling on the name" was a common and significant idiom for identifying early Christians. It signifies invoking Jesus' authority, worshipping Him, confessing Him as Lord, relying on Him, and identifying with His person and power. It marked them as followers who actively trusted in and proclaimed Jesus, the one Saul previously persecuted. "This name" unequivocally refers to Jesus Christ.
  • in Jerusalem, Specific mention of Jerusalem points to the original locus of Saul's persecution, the very heart of the nascent church, highlighting the extent and official nature of his previous mission.

• and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests?

  • and came hither (Greek: kai hōde elēlythei - καὶ ὧδε ἐληλύθει): Emphasizes his specific journey and presence in Damascus.
  • for that intent (Greek: eis touto - εἰς τοῦτο): "For this very thing/purpose." This phrase emphasizes the explicit and singular objective of Saul's journey to Damascus: to arrest and punish Christians. His purpose was clear, officially sanctioned, and entirely contrary to his current preaching.
  • that he might bring them bound (Greek: hina dedemenous autous agagē - ἵνα δεδεμένους αὐτοὺς ἀγάγῃ): "Bound" (from dedemenous, participle of deō) signifies being tied up or imprisoned, implying arrest, humiliation, and lack of freedom. It points to his intent to take them as captives.
  • unto the chief priests? (Greek: epi tous archiereis - ἐπὶ τοὺς ἀρχιερεῖς): Refers to the highest Jewish religious authorities, highlighting Saul's official mission carried out under the sanction and command of those diametrically opposed to Christianity. The chief priests symbolized the authority against "this Name."

Acts 9 21 Bonus section

• The public astonishment over Saul's sudden transformation immediately validates the divine intervention he experienced on the Damascus road. Such a complete reversal of purpose and character could not be explained by human reason or gradual change.
• The reaction of the Damascus Jews foreshadows the ongoing suspicion and challenges Saul/Paul would face throughout his ministry, as many found it hard to believe in his genuine conversion, both among those he had persecuted and his former colleagues.
• "Calling on this name" became an identifying hallmark of early believers (cf. Rom 10:13, 1 Cor 1:2). Saul's target was not just people, but their identification with and invocation of Jesus. His transformation meant he now also called on that very Name.
• The mention of "Jerusalem" and "chief priests" grounds Saul's original mission in authoritative, established religious circles, making his change of allegiance all the more significant. He betrayed his former powerful sponsors for a previously despised cause.
• This verse encapsulates the very essence of redemption – that God can take someone defined by sin and opposition, and fundamentally remake them into an instrument for His glory.

Acts 9 21 Commentary

Acts 9:21 stands as a powerful testament to the immediate, public, and undeniably miraculous nature of Saul's conversion. The collective astonishment of those who knew his notorious reputation as a ruthless persecutor underscores the absolute reversal in his life. Their rhetorical questions reveal not only their bewilderment but also confirm Saul's identity as a vehement opponent of the early church. He, who had come to destroy those who "called on this Name" (a core descriptor for believers invoking Jesus's deity and authority), was now proclaiming the very Jesus he had sought to suppress. This profound shift, evident the moment he began to preach, served as an irrefutable sign of God's sovereign and transforming power, demonstrating that even the fiercest enemy of Christ can be transformed into His most devoted apostle. It highlights that God's grace transcends human expectation and defies logical prediction, manifesting a work only He could accomplish. This verse therefore affirms the authenticity of Saul's encounter with the risen Christ.