How did Saul's strength increase as he "confounded the Jews" in Acts 9:22? Setting the Scene Acts 9 traces Saul’s sudden conversion, his healing and Spirit–filling (9:17-19), and his immediate preaching in Damascus. Verse 22 says, “But Saul was empowered all the more, and he confounded the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Christ.” What “was empowered all the more” Means • Greek verb ἐνδυναμόω (endynamoō) – to be strengthened, enabled, made capable • Not mere human confidence; it is inward, Spirit-given power (cf. Ephesians 6:10; 2 Timothy 2:1) • Ongoing, progressive tense: strength kept increasing as he ministered Sources of Saul’s Growing Strength • Infilling of the Holy Spirit (Acts 9:17; Acts 1:8) • Fresh, firsthand encounter with the risen Christ (Acts 9:3-6) • Years of rigorous Scripture study under Gamaliel now illuminated by the Spirit (Philippians 3:5-8) • Immediate obedience—he “at once” preached (Acts 9:20); obedience multiplies boldness • Fellowship with the Damascus believers (Acts 9:19b) • God’s faithfulness to confirm His word with power whenever Christ is exalted (Mark 16:20) Ways Saul Confounded His Listeners • Careful, systematic use of the Tanakh to show messianic prophecies fulfilled in Jesus (Isaiah 53; Psalm 22; Micah 5:2) • Logical, rabbinic argumentation honed in Jerusalem debates (Acts 22:3) • Personal testimony—“I saw Him!”—which opponents could not refute (Acts 26:12-15) • Unflinching courage; threats only intensified his resolve (Acts 9:23) Each exchange forced his hearers to wrestle with evidence; their inability to answer grew his confidence that God’s truth stands. Spiritual Dynamics at Work • Revelation fuels proclamation; proclamation invites opposition; opposition drives the believer back to Christ for greater grace (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). • Strength begets more strength: exercising spiritual gifts enlarges them, just as physical muscles grow through resistance. • The Lord often sharpens a new convert quickly when surrounded by need and hostility (1 Peter 1:6-7). Linked Scriptures That Mirror the Pattern • Luke 21:15 – “I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.” • Jeremiah 1:18-19 – God makes His servant “a fortified city” against opposition. • 2 Corinthians 3:5-6 – “Our competence comes from God.” Takeaways for Today • Rely on the Spirit, not personality, for effective witness. • Immerse yourself in Scripture; the Word is the Spirit’s sword. • Share your testimony; no one can gainsay what Christ has done in you. • Expect resistance, yet view it as a training ground where the Lord strengthens you further. • The same power that emboldened Saul is available now (Hebrews 13:8). |
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