Acts 9 27

Acts 9:27 kjv

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.

Acts 9:27 nkjv

But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. And he declared to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.

Acts 9:27 niv

But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus.

Acts 9:27 esv

But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles and declared to them how on the road he had seen the Lord, who spoke to him, and how at Damascus he had preached boldly in the name of Jesus.

Acts 9:27 nlt

Then Barnabas brought him to the apostles and told them how Saul had seen the Lord on the way to Damascus and how the Lord had spoken to Saul. He also told them that Saul had preached boldly in the name of Jesus in Damascus.

Acts 9 verses

Acts 9 27 Meaning

Acts 9:27 narrates a pivotal moment in the early Christian church where Barnabas takes a great risk to vouch for Saul (who would become Paul). It describes Barnabas bringing Saul, previously known as a persecutor, to the skeptical apostles in Jerusalem. Barnabas provided a detailed account, explaining that Saul had personally encountered the resurrected Lord Jesus on the road to Damascus, that Jesus had directly spoken to him, and that following this encounter, Saul had boldly preached the Gospel in the name of Jesus within Damascus. This action by Barnabas was essential in validating Saul's conversion and paving the way for his future ministry within the apostolic circle.

Acts 9 27 Context

Following his dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus, Saul spent a period of time in Arabia and then returned to Damascus, immediately beginning to preach Christ in the synagogues, much to the astonishment and anger of the Jews. After a period of fervent preaching, a plot developed to kill him. Saul escaped from Damascus, lowering himself through an opening in the city wall in a basket. His destination was Jerusalem, the very city where he had once persecuted Christians with zeal and from which he had obtained letters to imprison believers in Damascus.

Arriving in Jerusalem, Saul naturally attempted to join the disciples, but they were understandably terrified and disbelieved his conversion. His reputation as a violent persecutor was well-established, making their skepticism entirely rational. They likely feared a trap or believed his conversion to be a deceit. This verse highlights the crucial intermediary role played by Barnabas. Barnabas, a Levite from Cyprus known for his generous spirit and ability to encourage (Acts 4:36), uniquely stepped forward to bridge the enormous gap of mistrust between Saul and the core apostles. Historically, the early church leaders would have been wary of anyone claiming sudden conversion, especially one who had been so vehemently against them. Saul’s acceptance by the apostles, and thus by the wider Christian community, was contingent on credible testimony, which Barnabas provided, recounting events known only to a few, like Ananias, or directly from Saul.

Acts 9 27 Word analysis

• But Barnabas took him:

  • Barnabas (Greek: Βαρναβας, Barnabas): Known as "Son of Encouragement" (Acts 4:36). His character is essential here; he was known for generosity, discernment, and faith. This was not a passive act but one requiring courage and conviction to endorse a former persecutor.
  • took him (Greek: ἐπιλαβόμενος, epilambanomenos - aorist participle of epilambanomai): Means "to take hold of," "to seize," often implying with firmness or to protect. It suggests Barnabas physically brought Saul forward and vouched for him, perhaps taking the initiative when others held back. This highlights the proactive nature of his advocacy.

• and brought him to the apostles:

  • brought him (Greek: προσήγαγεν, prosēgagen - aorist indicative of prosago): "To lead or bring to" someone of higher status. This was a formal introduction, crucial for Saul’s integration into the nascent church leadership structure.
  • the apostles (Greek: τοὺς ἀποστόλους, tous apostolous): The core group of original disciples of Jesus, appointed and sent out by Him. Their validation was crucial for Saul’s legitimacy and future ministry, particularly among Jewish believers in Jerusalem. At this time, it likely refers primarily to Peter (Cephas) and James, the brother of the Lord, as indicated by Paul himself in Gal 1:18-19.

• and declared to them:

  • declared (Greek: διηγήσατο, diēgēsato - aorist indicative of diēgeomai): "To narrate in full," "to relate in detail." Barnabas provided a comprehensive, credible testimony of Saul’s conversion and subsequent ministry. This was not a casual mention but a thorough explanation of complex events, likely emphasizing the divine intervention.

• how he had seen the Lord on the way,

  • seen the Lord (Greek: εἶδεν τὸν Κύριον, eiden ton Kyrion): Refers to a direct, visible encounter with the risen Christ. This was a critical point, as seeing the risen Lord was a prerequisite for apostleship (1 Cor 9:1, 1 Cor 15:8), establishing the divine source of Saul’s call, not human.
  • on the way: Referring to the road to Damascus, the specific location of Saul's conversion.

• and that he had spoken to him,

  • spoken to him (Greek: λαλήσαι αὐτῷ, lalēsai autō - aorist infinitive of laleō): Indicates an auditory communication from Jesus to Saul. This confirms the divine commissioning aspect of the encounter, emphasizing direct instructions and not merely a vision.

• and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.

  • preached boldly (Greek: παρρησιάζεσθαι ἐλάλησεν, parrēsiazethen elalēsen): Parrēsiazethen (present participle of parrēsiazomai) means "to speak with boldness, freedom, openness," implying courage and lack of fear. Elalesen (aorist indicative of laleō) means "he spoke." Together, they emphasize the stark contrast to Saul’s former life and the authenticity of his radical change. This active, public proclamation in the face of opposition served as verifiable proof of his transformation.
  • in the name of Jesus: Signifies acting by the authority and power of Jesus, identifying Jesus as the one proclaimed and worshiped.

• Word-Group Analysis:

  • "But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles": Highlights Barnabas's active and decisive role as a mediator. This was a dangerous act of advocacy that ultimately paved the way for Paul's global ministry.
  • "and declared to them how he had seen the Lord on the way, and that he had spoken to him": Emphasizes the divine authentication of Saul's conversion. It directly addresses the source of his new faith and authority, which was essential for apostolic acceptance.
  • "and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus": Provides verifiable evidence of Saul's transformation and immediate obedience to his new calling. His actions spoke louder than mere words.

Acts 9 27 Bonus section

The immediate consequence of Barnabas’s courageous intervention was not only Saul’s acceptance but also the apostles’ personal encounter with him, as hinted in Galatians 1:18 where Paul states he spent fifteen days with Cephas (Peter) and also saw James. This indicates a period of direct interaction and scrutiny that further solidified the apostles' acceptance. The fear of the Jerusalem believers was not unfounded, as false conversions or spies were a genuine concern for a vulnerable minority. Barnabas’s established reputation for godliness and discernment, demonstrated by his earlier actions (e.g., selling land to support the community, Acts 4:36-37), would have lent immense credibility to his testimony concerning Saul. This event sets a precedent for how the early church navigated the authentication of new members, particularly those with controversial pasts, relying on the testimony of credible witnesses who could speak to both a person's changed heart (seeing the Lord) and their changed actions (preaching boldly). It underscores the principle that conversion is confirmed by fruit.

Acts 9 27 Commentary

Acts 9:27 encapsulates the crucial role of personal advocacy and spiritual discernment in the early church. Barnabas’s willingness to risk his reputation by vouching for Saul, a former notorious persecutor, was divinely inspired and pivotal. Without Barnabas's initiative and credible testimony, Saul might have remained isolated or mistrusted by the Jerusalem apostles, severely hindering his future, indispensable mission. Barnabas bridged a profound chasm of fear and suspicion with faith and courageous advocacy. This verse teaches us the value of second chances, the power of a credible witness, and the importance of encouragement in overcoming past transgressions to integrate new, divinely called individuals into the body of Christ. It illustrates how God often uses human intermediaries, like Barnabas, to facilitate His broader redemptive plans, overcoming natural skepticism through supernatural transformation and confirmed testimony. This event marked a crucial turning point, allowing Paul, the persecutor, to begin his journey as Paul, the Apostle to the Gentiles.