Acts 9:19

And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.

And {G2532} when he had received {G2983} meat {G5160}, he was strengthened {G1765}. Then {G1161} was {G1096} Saul {G4569} certain {G5100} days {G2250} with {G3326} the disciples {G3101} which were at {G1722} Damascus {G1154}.

then he ate some food and regained his strength.

Shaโ€™ul spent some days with the talmidim in Dammesek,

and after taking some food, he regained his strength. And he spent several days with the disciples in Damascus.

and he took food and was strengthened. And he was certain days with the disciples that were at Damascus.

Commentary

Context

Acts 9:19 marks a crucial transition point in the life of Saul of Tarsus, who would later become the Apostle Paul. This verse immediately follows his dramatic conversion experience on the road to Damascus, where he was blinded by a heavenly light and heard the voice of Jesus. After three days of blindness and fasting, his sight was miraculously restored through Ananias's ministry. Having regained his physical strength and spiritual clarity, this verse details his initial integration into the very community he had previously persecuted.

Key Themes

  • Physical Restoration and Spiritual Readiness: The phrase "And when he had received meat, he was strengthened" highlights Saul's physical recovery after his ordeal and three days of fasting. This physical strengthening was essential, symbolizing his readiness for the spiritual work and challenges that lay ahead in his new calling.
  • Fellowship and Integration: "Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus." This signifies an immediate and profound shift. The man who had come to Damascus to arrest Christians now chose to spend time with them. This immediate fellowship underscored the transformative power of Christ and the welcoming nature of the early Christian community, demonstrating forgiveness and acceptance.
  • Preparation for Ministry: These "certain days" were not idle. They likely involved learning, prayer, and deeper understanding of the faith from those who had followed Jesus longer. This period of quiet fellowship served as a vital preparation for Saul's powerful public proclamation of the Gospel that would follow.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV word "meat" (Greek: trophฤ“, ฯ„ฯฮฟฯ†ฮฎ) here simply means "food" or "sustenance," not necessarily animal flesh, emphasizing basic nourishment. The term "strengthened" (Greek: ischyo, แผฐฯƒฯ‡ฯฯ‰) conveys regaining physical vigor and robustness, which was crucial after his period of blindness and fasting.

Practical Application

This verse offers several timeless lessons:

  • The Importance of Nourishment: Just as Saul needed physical food to be strengthened, believers today need spiritual "food" (God's Word, prayer, fellowship) to grow and be effective in their faith.
  • The Power of Community: Saul's immediate integration into the Damascus community highlights the vital role of Christian fellowship. New believers, especially, benefit immensely from the support, teaching, and acceptance of a loving church family.
  • God's Transformative Grace: This verse beautifully illustrates God's ability to take someone actively opposed to Him and transform them into a devoted servant. It reminds us that no one is beyond the reach of divine grace and that true conversion leads to a change in allegiance and association.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 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.

  • 1 Samuel 30:12

    And they gave him a piece of a cake of figs, and two clusters of raisins: and when he had eaten, his spirit came again to him: for he had eaten no bread, nor drunk [any] water, three days and three nights.

  • Galatians 1:17

    Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus.

  • Acts 27:33

    And while the day was coming on, Paul besought [them] all to take meat, saying, This day is the fourteenth day that ye have tarried and continued fasting, having taken nothing.

  • Acts 27:36

    Then were they all of good cheer, and they also took [some] meat.

  • Ecclesiastes 9:7

    Go thy way, eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with a merry heart; for God now accepteth thy works.

  • Acts 11:26

    And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.
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