What is the meaning of Acts 9:22? But Saul - Luke shifts the spotlight to the man who will later be known as Paul, the former persecutor now transformed by his encounter with the risen Lord (Acts 9:1-6; 1 Timothy 1:12-14). - His new identity in Christ is immediate and unmistakable—no delay, no probationary period. Like the demoniac of Mark 5:20, Saul is instantly commissioned to testify. was empowered all the more - The Holy Spirit, who filled Saul at his baptism (Acts 9:17-18), keeps increasing his strength. The same wording appears of the early church in Acts 4:31, showing that growth in power is God-given, not self-generated. - The pattern echoes Joshua 1:9 and 2 Timothy 4:17—where God’s servants receive fresh courage to match fresh opposition. - Practical note: power comes as we obey, not before. Saul starts preaching and the Spirit supplies what he needs. and he confounded the Jews living in Damascus - “Confounded” means they were left without an answer, similar to the priests silenced by Jesus in Matthew 22:46. - Damascus’ synagogue leaders had welcomed Saul as an ally (Acts 9:2); now he dismantles their arguments. Like Stephen in Acts 6:10, his wisdom is irresistible. - Their confusion foreshadows later confrontations, such as in Acts 13:45 and Acts 17:5, reminding us that clear truth often meets clouded hearts. by proving that Jesus is the Christ - Saul doesn’t rely on fiery rhetoric but on Scripture, aligning passages like Isaiah 53, Psalm 110, and 2 Samuel 7 with the factual resurrection (Acts 13:32-37). - “Proving” is the same strategy Peter used in Acts 2:32-36; both root the gospel in fulfilled prophecy. - Note the audience: devout, Scripture-saturated Jews. If they can grasp that Jesus fulfills messianic promises, everything else falls into place (John 20:30-31). summary Acts 9:22 shows a freshly converted Saul immediately strengthened by the Spirit, overturning old alliances, and demonstrating from Scripture that Jesus is the promised Messiah. Opposition cannot withstand Spirit-filled proclamation, and every believer can expect divine power to accompany obedient witness. |
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