Acts 9 28

Acts 9:28 kjv

And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem.

Acts 9:28 nkjv

So he was with them at Jerusalem, coming in and going out.

Acts 9:28 niv

So Saul stayed with them and moved about freely in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord.

Acts 9:28 esv

So he went in and out among them at Jerusalem, preaching boldly in the name of the Lord.

Acts 9:28 nlt

So Saul stayed with the apostles and went all around Jerusalem with them, preaching boldly in the name of the Lord.

Acts 9 verses

Acts 9 28 Meaning

This verse describes the immediate and intense period of activity of Saul (later Paul) in Jerusalem after his conversion. It highlights his complete integration among the disciples, demonstrated by his free and active participation in their daily lives and leadership. Most significantly, it emphasizes his courageous and public proclamation of the message of Jesus Christ, asserting His authority and Lordship, right in the heart of the very city where Jesus was crucified and where strong opposition to the Christian message resided.

Acts 9 28 Context

Acts chapter 9 opens with Saul's intense persecution of Christians, leading directly to his dramatic encounter with the risen Jesus on the road to Damascus. After being blinded, healed, and baptized, Saul immediately begins to preach Christ in Damascus, astounding those who knew his past. This newfound zeal for Christ puts his life in danger, forcing him to flee Damascus and go to Jerusalem. Verses 26-27 describe the initial apprehension of the Jerusalem disciples, who were naturally suspicious of their former persecutor. However, Barnabas's critical role in vouching for Saul, recounting his conversion and initial bold preaching in Damascus, leads to his acceptance by the apostles. Verse 28 then describes the activities of Saul after this acceptance, illustrating his full integration and fervent public ministry within Jerusalem, the very heart of the religious establishment that had rejected Jesus and now resisted His followers.

Acts 9 28 Word analysis

• And: (Greek: Καὶ - Kai). A simple conjunction, yet crucial here as it signals the immediate consequence of Saul's acceptance by the apostles (as described in v. 27). It denotes a direct continuation of his new path.

• he: (Greek: αὐτὸς - autos). Refers directly to Saul. This highlights his personal agency and the directness of his involvement, emphasizing his specific activity following his introduction.

• was with them: (Greek: σὺν αὐτοῖς - syn autois). "Them" refers to the disciples/apostles in Jerusalem. The preposition "syn" (with) signifies deep, intimate association and fellowship, implying mutual life, shared activity, and full acceptance. This is particularly significant given the disciples' initial fear and skepticism about Saul.

• coming in and going out: (Greek: εἰσπορευόμενος καὶ ἐκπορευόμενος - eisporeuomenos kai ekporeuomenos). This is a well-known Hebrew idiom, conveying complete freedom of movement and full, habitual participation in the daily life and public activities of the community. It often implies a recognized position or leadership role, indicating that Saul was an accepted and active member of the Jerusalem church, not restricted or isolated.

• at Jerusalem: (Greek: ἐν Ἱερουσαλὴμ - en Hierousalem). Specifies the location of Saul's ministry. Jerusalem was the center of Jewish worship and authority, making his bold preaching there a direct challenge to the religious establishment and a significant act of defiance in the face of existing opposition.

• preaching boldly: (Greek: παρρησιαζόμενος - parrēsiazomenos). From parrhesia, meaning "all speech," implying freedom, outspokenness, and fearless confidence. It describes public proclamation without hesitation, especially in the face of potential danger or opposition. This was a hallmark characteristic of the early apostles, indicative of being empowered by the Holy Spirit. For Saul, it highlights his utter transformation and commitment.

• in the name of the Lord: (Greek: ἐν τῷ ὀνόματι τοῦ Κυρίου - en tō onomati tou Kyriou). "The name" refers to the entire authority, character, person, and power of Jesus. "The Lord" here is Jesus Christ, acknowledging His divine Lordship. Preaching "in His name" means by His authority, concerning His person, and through His power. It underscores the Christ-centered foundation of Saul's message and ministry.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "was with them, coming in and going out at Jerusalem": This entire phrase eloquently depicts Saul's full social, spiritual, and functional integration into the Christian community in the critical center of Jerusalem. It paints a picture of his complete acceptance and active involvement in the church's daily life and public presence.
  • "preaching boldly in the name of the Lord": This phrase encapsulates the core mission and methodology of Saul's (and all true apostolic) ministry. It describes the unwavering, courageous proclamation of the message centered on the person and authority of Jesus Christ, fueled by divine empowerment.

Acts 9 28 Bonus section

The description of Saul "coming in and going out" serves as a direct parallel to the Old Testament concept of a leader or a person of authority freely engaging in the community. This idiom often denoted accepted standing and operational freedom, which contrasts sharply with his former isolated, hostile role. The immediacy and ferocity of Saul's preaching, despite his previous persecutory actions and the inherent danger in Jerusalem, underscored the supernatural nature of his conversion and calling. This brief but intense period in Jerusalem also initiated the pattern of divine protection and redirection in Paul's life; his powerful preaching stirred such opposition among the Hellenistic Jews (Acts 9:29) that the disciples had to help him escape, ultimately leading to his departure for Tarsus. This demonstrates that even in the midst of zealous service, God orchestrates paths for His servants' protection and further preparation, especially for future, broader ministries like that for the Gentiles.

Acts 9 28 Commentary

Acts 9:28 offers a powerful and concise summary of Saul's post-conversion activities in Jerusalem, immediately following his dramatic encounter with Christ. It confirms his total acceptance and integration into the early church after Barnabas's crucial endorsement, moving freely among the disciples as one of them—a far cry from his recent past as a persecutor. More profoundly, the verse highlights the continuity of Saul's mission; just as he began to preach boldly in Damascus, he immediately takes up this mantle in Jerusalem. The "boldness" (parrhesia) of his preaching is a key characteristic of the Spirit-filled early church and now marks Saul as a true apostle. His message, centered "in the name of the Lord" (Jesus Christ), affirmed the very person and authority that the Jewish establishment denied. This verse is pivotal in showcasing Saul's instant commitment to evangelism and sets the stage for the opposition he would face, ultimately shaping the trajectory of his future Gentile ministry. It serves as an example of immediate obedience and courageous witness, irrespective of past background or present danger.

• Example: Imagine a prominent antagonist of a specific social cause suddenly becoming its most ardent and fearless advocate, fully embraced by its community, and then publicly campaigning for it in hostile territory without hesitation. This illustrates Saul's dramatic shift and immediate impact.