New International Version When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. New Living Translation When Saul arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to meet with the believers, but they were all afraid of him. They did not believe he had truly become a believer! English Standard Version And when he had come to Jerusalem, he attempted to join the disciples. And they were all afraid of him, for they did not believe that he was a disciple. Berean Standard Bible When Saul arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple. Berean Literal Bible And having arrived in Jerusalem, he was attempting to join the disciples, and all were afraid of him, not believing that he is a disciple. King James Bible And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple. New King James Version And when Saul had come to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, and did not believe that he was a disciple. New American Standard Bible When he came to Jerusalem, he tried repeatedly to associate with the disciples; and yet they were all afraid of him, as they did not believe that he was a disciple. NASB 1995 When he came to Jerusalem, he was trying to associate with the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple. NASB 1977 And when he had come to Jerusalem, he was trying to associate with the disciples; and they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple. Legacy Standard Bible And when he came to Jerusalem, he was trying to associate with the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple. Amplified Bible When he arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. Berean Annotated Bible When Saul arrived in Jerusalem (city of peace), he tried to join the disciples (pupils), but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple (pupil). Christian Standard Bible When he arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, since they did not believe he was a disciple. Holman Christian Standard Bible When he arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to associate with the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, since they did not believe he was a disciple. American Standard Version And when he was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: and they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple. Contemporary English Version When Saul arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to join the followers. But they were all afraid of him, because they did not believe he was a true follower. English Revised Version And when he was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: and they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple. GOD'S WORD® Translation After Saul arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples. But everyone was afraid of him. They wouldn't believe that he was a disciple. Good News Translation Saul went to Jerusalem and tried to join the disciples. But they would not believe that he was a disciple, and they were all afraid of him. International Standard Version When Saul arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they all were afraid of him because they wouldn't believe he was a disciple. NET Bible When he arrived in Jerusalem, he attempted to associate with the disciples, and they were all afraid of him, because they did not believe that he was a disciple. New Heart English Bible When Saul had come to Jerusalem, he tried to join himself to the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple. Webster's Bible Translation And when Saul had come to Jerusalem, he essayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple. Weymouth New Testament So he came to Jerusalem and made several attempts to associate with the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, being in doubt as to whether he himself was a disciple. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleWhen Saul arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple. World English Bible When Saul had come to Jerusalem, he tried to join himself to the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd Saul, having come to Jerusalem, tried to join himself to the disciples, and they were all afraid of him, not believing that he is a disciple, Berean Literal Bible And having arrived in Jerusalem, he was attempting to join the disciples, and all were afraid of him, not believing that he is a disciple. Young's Literal Translation And Saul, having come to Jerusalem, did try to join himself to the disciples, and they were all afraid of him, not believing that he is a disciple, Smith's Literal Translation And Saul being present in Jerusalem, tried to join himself to the disciples: and they were all afraid of him, not believing that he is a disciple. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd when he was come into Jerusalem, he essayed to join himself to the disciples; and they all were afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple. Catholic Public Domain Version And when he had arrived in Jerusalem, he attempted to join himself to the disciples. And they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple. New American Bible When he arrived in Jerusalem he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple. New Revised Standard Version When he had come to Jerusalem, he attempted to join the disciples; and they were all afraid of him, for they did not believe that he was a disciple. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThen Saul went to Jerusalem, and wanted to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, and could not believe that he was a convert. Aramaic Bible in Plain English And he went on to Jerusalem, and he wanted to join the disciples and they were all afraid of him and they did not believe that he was a disciple. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentAnd having come to Jerusalem, he attempted to associate with the disciples: and they were all afraid of him, for they did not believe that he was a disciple. Godbey New Testament And arriving in Jerusalem, he was endeavoring to join himself to the disciples: and all were afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple. Haweis New Testament But when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he attempted to join the disciples: and they were all afraid of him, not crediting that he was a disciple. Mace New Testament when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he try'd to associate himself with the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and could not be persuaded that he was a disciple. Weymouth New Testament So he came to Jerusalem and made several attempts to associate with the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, being in doubt as to whether he himself was a disciple. Worrell New Testament Now, having come to Jerusalem, he was trying to join himself to the disciples; and they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple. Worsley New Testament And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he attempted to associate with the disciples: and they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context Saul in Jerusalem25One night, however, his disciples took him and lowered him in a basket through a window in the wall. 26When Saul arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple. 27Then Barnabas brought him to the apostles and described how Saul had seen the Lord, who spoke to him on the road to Damascus, and how Saul had spoken boldly in that city in the name of Jesus.… Cross References When Saul arrived in Jerusalem, Galatians 1:18 Only after three years did I go up to Jerusalem to confer with Cephas, and I stayed with him fifteen days. Acts 22:17-18 Later, when I had returned to Jerusalem and was praying at the temple, I fell into a trance / and saw the Lord saying to me, ‘Hurry! Leave Jerusalem quickly, because the people here will not accept your testimony about Me.’ he tried to join the disciples, Galatians 2:9 And recognizing the grace that I had been given, James, Cephas, and John—those reputed to be pillars—gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, so that we should go to the Gentiles, and they to the circumcised. Romans 15:7 Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring glory to God. but they were all afraid of him, Galatians 1:13 For you have heard of my former way of life in Judaism, how severely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it. 1 Timothy 1:13 I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a violent man; yet because I had acted in ignorance and unbelief, I was shown mercy. not believing that he was a disciple. Galatians 1:23-24 They only heard the account: “The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” / And they glorified God because of me. Acts 26:9-11 So then, I too was convinced that I ought to do all I could to oppose the name of Jesus of Nazareth. / And that is what I did in Jerusalem. With authority from the chief priests I put many of the saints in prison, and when they were condemned to death, I cast my vote against them. / I frequently had them punished in the synagogues, and I tried to make them blaspheme. In my raging fury against them, I even went to foreign cities to persecute them. 1 Timothy 1:15-16 This is a trustworthy saying, worthy of full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the worst. / But for this very reason I was shown mercy, so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display His perfect patience as an example to those who would believe in Him for eternal life. Acts 26:20 First to those in Damascus and Jerusalem, then to everyone in the region of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, I declared that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds worthy of their repentance. 1 Corinthians 15:9 For I am the least of the apostles and am unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 2 Corinthians 11:32-33 In Damascus, the governor under King Aretas secured the city of the Damascenes in order to arrest me. / But I was lowered in a basket through a window in the wall and escaped his grasp. Acts 8:1-3 And Saul was there, giving approval to Stephen’s death. On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. / God-fearing men buried Stephen and mourned deeply over him. / But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off men and women and put them in prison. Acts 11:25-26 Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, / and when he found him, he brought him back to Antioch. So for a full year they met together with the church and taught large numbers of people. The disciples were first called Christians at Antioch. Acts 13:1-3 Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch), and Saul. / While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” / And after they had fasted and prayed, they laid their hands on them and sent them off. Acts 15:2 And after engaging these men in sharp debate, Paul and Barnabas were appointed, along with some other believers, to go up to Jerusalem to see the apostles and elders about this question. Treasury of Scripture And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple. when. Acts 22:17 And it came to pass, that, when I was come again to Jerusalem, even while I prayed in the temple, I was in a trance; Acts 26:20 But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance. Galatians 1:17-19 Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus… he assayed. Acts 9:19 And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus. Acts 4:23 And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them. but. Matthew 10:17-19 But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues; … Matthew 24:10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. Galatians 2:4 And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage: Jump to Previous Afraid Assayed Associate Attempt Attempted Attempts Believe Believed Believing Disciple Disciples Doubt Essayed Fear Jerusalem Join Joined Really Saul Several Tried Try Trying WhetherJump to Next Afraid Assayed Associate Attempt Attempted Attempts Believe Believed Believing Disciple Disciples Doubt Essayed Fear Jerusalem Join Joined Really Saul Several Tried Try Trying WhetherActs 9 1. Saul, going toward Damascus, is stricken down to the earth, 8. and led blind to Damascus; 10. is called to the apostleship; 18. and is baptized by Ananias. 20. He preaches Christ boldly. 23. The Jews lay wait to kill him; 29. so do the Grecians, but he escapes both. 31. The church having rest, Peter heals Aeneas; 36. and restores Tabitha to life. When Saul arrived in Jerusalem, Saul's arrival in Jerusalem marks a significant moment in his transformation from a persecutor of Christians to a devoted follower of Christ. Jerusalem, the center of Jewish religious life and the early Christian church, is where Saul had previously received authority to persecute Christians (Acts 9:1-2). His return to this city as a believer highlights the radical change in his life. This journey also fulfills Jesus' prophecy that Saul would suffer for His name (Acts 9:16). Gal 1:18 Only after three years did I go up to Jerusalem… he tried to join the disciples, Saul's attempt to join the disciples indicates his desire to be part of the Christian community and to be accepted as a fellow believer. The term "disciples" refers to the followers of Jesus who were spreading the Gospel in Jerusalem. Saul's efforts to join them demonstrate his commitment to his new faith and his recognition of the importance of fellowship among believers (Hebrews 10:25). Gal 2:9 And recognizing the grace that I had been given… but they were all afraid of him, The disciples' fear of Saul is understandable given his past as a fierce persecutor of Christians. Saul had been present at the stoning of Stephen (Acts 7:58) and had actively sought to imprison believers (Acts 8:3). Their fear reflects the human tendency to be cautious and skeptical, especially when faced with someone who has caused great harm. Gal 1:13 For you have heard of my former way of life in Judaism… not believing that he was a disciple. The disciples' disbelief in Saul's conversion underscores the dramatic nature of his transformation. It also highlights the challenge of accepting that someone with a notorious past can genuinely change. This skepticism is a common human reaction, yet it contrasts with the Christian call to forgiveness and acceptance of repentant sinners (2 Corinthians 5:17). Saul's eventual acceptance by the disciples, facilitated by Barnabas (Acts 9:27), serves as a powerful example of the transformative power of God's grace. Gal 1:23-24 They only heard the account: “The man who persecuted us”… Persons / Places / Events 1. Saul (Paul)Former persecutor of Christians who experienced a dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus. He is now a fervent follower of Christ, seeking to join the disciples in Jerusalem. 2. Jerusalem The central hub of early Christianity and the location where the apostles and early church leaders resided. It is significant as the place where Saul seeks acceptance into the Christian community. 3. The Disciples The early followers of Jesus in Jerusalem, who were initially skeptical and fearful of Saul due to his past persecution of Christians. 4. Fear and Skepticism The emotional response of the disciples towards Saul, highlighting the tension between his past actions and his new identity in Christ. Teaching Points Transformation in ChristSaul's account is a powerful testament to the transformative power of Christ. No past is too dark for God's redemption. Overcoming Fear and Skepticism The disciples' initial fear is understandable, yet it challenges us to trust in God's work in others' lives and to extend grace and acceptance. Community and Belonging Saul's desire to join the disciples underscores the importance of Christian fellowship and the need for the church to be welcoming to new believers. Faith and Courage Saul's boldness in seeking out the disciples despite their fear is a model of faith and courage in pursuing God's calling. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Acts 9:26?2. How can we overcome fear when welcoming new believers into our church community? 3. What role did Barnabas play in Acts 9:26, and how can we emulate it? 4. How does Acts 9:26 connect with Jesus' teachings on acceptance and love? 5. What steps can we take to ensure new believers feel accepted and supported? 6. How can we discern genuine transformation in those joining our faith community? 7. Why were the disciples initially afraid of Saul in Acts 9:26? 8. How does Acts 9:26 demonstrate the power of transformation through faith? 9. What does Acts 9:26 reveal about early Christian community dynamics? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Acts 9? What Does Acts 9:26 Mean When Saul arrived in Jerusalem– Fresh from his dramatic conversion (Acts 9:3-19) and a brief period of ministry in Damascus (Acts 9:19-25), Saul travels to the city that had commissioned his earlier persecution. – Galatians 1:18 explains this trip took place “after three years,” underscoring a deliberate, thoughtful return, not a spur-of-the-moment visit. – Coming back to Jerusalem shows genuine repentance: the man who left with arrest warrants now returns willing to suffer for Christ (Acts 21:13). He tried to join the disciples – “Tried” hints at repeated attempts; Saul is actively pursuing fellowship, not waiting for an invitation. – Scripture consistently links true faith with a desire for the community of believers (Acts 2:42; 1 John 1:3; Hebrews 10:24-25). – His effort models humility: the former rising star in Judaism submits himself to the ordinary gathering of Christ’s followers (Philippians 3:7-8). But they were all afraid of him – The church remembers Saul’s violent past (Acts 8:1-3). Their fear is rational: he once “ravaged the church” and “dragged off men and women and put them in prison.” – Human caution can coexist with faith; believers are called to test spirits (1 John 4:1) and exercise discernment (Matthew 10:16). – Their reaction highlights how deeply persecution had scarred the early church and how fully God must transform reputations, not just hearts. Not believing that he was a disciple – Doubt focuses on authenticity: was this a spy, a trap, or a genuine convert? – Similar skepticism met other sudden works of God, such as Peter’s jailbreak (Acts 12:13-16) and Thomas’s response to the resurrection (John 20:24-29). – The verse prepares us for Barnabas’s bridge-building role in the next sentence (Acts 9:27), showing the need for trustworthy advocates when a reputation lingers. – Paul later writes, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation” (2 Corinthians 5:17). Acts 9:26 shows that others may require time and evidence to recognize that new creation. summary Acts 9:26 captures the tension between Saul’s authentic conversion and the church’s understandable caution. His determined pursuit of fellowship, their lingering fear, and their initial unbelief together emphasize: • Salvation instantly changes a person, yet trust is often rebuilt gradually. • Genuine discipleship seeks community, accountability, and acceptance among believers. • The early church’s realism about danger did not nullify faith; rather, it provided a backdrop for God to display His power in restoring reputations and uniting His people. (26) And when Saul was come to Jerusalem.—His journey probably took him, as before, through Samaria (see Note on Acts 9:3), and so laid the foundation of the interest in the Samaritan Church, which shows itself later on in the history in Acts 15:3, when he and Barnabas journeyed “through Phœnice and Samaria.”He assayed to join himself to the disciples.—The reader may note the use of the word “assay,” which has since been confined to a purely technical meaning, in the wider sense of trying or attempting. The verb for “join” is that which is always used of close and intimate fellowship, such as that of husband and wife, of brothers, and of friends. (Comp. Acts 10:28; Matthew 19:5; Luke 15:15; ... Verse 26. - He for Saul, A.V. and T.R.; and they were for but, etc., A.V.; not believing for and believed not, A.V. The narrative thus far exactly agrees with Galatians 1:17, 18, which, however, supplies the motive of the journey to Jerusalem, which is not here mentioned, viz. to see Peter. It seems strange to some commentators that the news of Saul having become a zealous Christian should not have reached Jerusalem after an interval of three years. But first, we do not know. how much of those three years was spent in Arabia, nor how much the unsettled state of Damascus may have interrupted the usual communication between Jerusalem and Damascus, nor how suspicious of evil the poor persecuted disciples at Jerusalem may have been. They knew of the fierceness of Saul's zeal as a persecutor by their own experience; they knew of him as a disciple only by report. It may have been only an instance of the truth of Horace's maxim, "Segnius irritant animos demissa per aures quam quae sunt occults subjecta fidelibus."Parallel Commentaries ... Greek [When]δὲ (de) Conjunction Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc. [Saul] arrived Παραγενόμενος (Paragenomenos) Verb - Aorist Participle Middle - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 3854: From para and ginomai; to become near, i.e. Approach; by implication, to appear publicly. in εἰς (eis) Preposition Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases. Jerusalem, Ἰερουσαλὴμ (Ierousalēm) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular Strong's 2419: Of Hebrew origin; Hierusalem, the capitol of Palestine. he tried ἐπείραζεν (epeirazen) Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 3985: To try, tempt, test. From peira; to test, i.e. Endeavor, scrutinize, entice, discipline. to join κολλᾶσθαι (kollasthai) Verb - Present Infinitive Middle or Passive Strong's 2853: From kolla; to glue, i.e. to stick. the τοῖς (tois) Article - Dative Masculine Plural Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. disciples, μαθηταῖς (mathētais) Noun - Dative Masculine Plural Strong's 3101: A learner, disciple, pupil. From manthano; a learner, i.e. Pupil. [but] καὶ (kai) Conjunction Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely. they were all afraid of ἐφοβοῦντο (ephobounto) Verb - Imperfect Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Plural Strong's 5399: From phobos; to frighten, i.e. to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e. Revere. him, αὐτόν (auton) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. not μὴ (mē) Adverb Strong's 3361: Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether. believing πιστεύοντες (pisteuontes) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural Strong's 4100: From pistis; to have faith, i.e. Credit; by implication, to entrust. that ὅτι (hoti) Conjunction Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because. he was ἐστὶν (estin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. a disciple. μαθητής (mathētēs) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 3101: A learner, disciple, pupil. From manthano; a learner, i.e. Pupil. Additonal Resources Acts 9:26 Blue Letter BibleActs 9:26 Bible Gateway Acts 9:26 Bible.com Acts 9:26 NIV |
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