What is the meaning of Acts 9:26? 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. |
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