Acts 9:21

KJV

But all that heard [him] were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests?

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} all {G3956} that heard {G191} him were amazed {G1839}, and {G2532} said {G3004}; Is {G2076} not {G3756} this {G3778} he that destroyed {G4199} them which {G3588} called on {G1941} this {G5124} name {G3686} in {G1722} Jerusalem {G2419}, and {G2532} came {G2064} hither {G5602} for {G1519} that {G5124} intent {G1519}, that {G2443} he might bring {G71} them {G846} bound {G1210} unto {G1909} the chief priests {G749}?

Complete Jewish Bible

All who heard him were amazed. They asked, “Isn’t he the man who in Yerushalayim was trying to destroy the people who call on this name? In fact, isn’t that why he came here, to arrest them and bring them back to the head cohanim?”

Berean Standard Bible

All who heard him were astounded and asked, “Isn’t this the man who wreaked havoc in Jerusalem on those who call on this name? And hasn’t he come here to take them as prisoners to the chief priests?”

American Standard Version

And all that heard him were amazed, and said, Is not this he that in Jerusalem made havoc of them that called on this name? and he had come hither for this intent, that he might bring them bound before the chief priests.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 9:21 powerfully captures the profound astonishment and disbelief of those in Damascus who witnessed Saul of Tarsus, the notorious persecutor of the nascent Christian movement, suddenly and boldly proclaiming Jesus as the Son of God. This verse serves as a dramatic testament to the immediate and undeniable evidence of Saul's radical, divinely orchestrated transformation, leaving his former victims and colleagues utterly bewildered by his stunning reversal of allegiance and mission.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the dramatic account of Saul's conversion on the road to Damascus, detailed in [Acts 9:1-19](/acts/9-1-19 "Saul's Conversion and Healing in Damascus"). After his blinding encounter with the risen Christ, Saul spent three days in darkness, neither eating nor drinking. God then sent Ananias, a disciple in Damascus, to restore Saul's sight and fill him with the Holy Spirit ([Acts 9:17-18](/acts/9-17-18 "Ananias Heals Saul")). Rather than continuing his initial mission to arrest and persecute believers, Saul, now transformed, immediately began to preach in the synagogues of Damascus, asserting that Jesus is indeed the Son of God. The astonishment expressed in [Acts 9:21](/acts/9-21 "The Amazement at Saul's Preaching") is the direct, logical human reaction to this utterly unexpected and radical shift in Saul's behavior and message, given his well-known reputation as a zealous opponent of "this Way" ([Acts 9:1-2](/acts/9-1-2 "Saul's Mission to Damascus")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the 1st century AD, Damascus was a significant city with a substantial Jewish population and a growing community of Christian believers. The Jewish authorities in Jerusalem, particularly the Sanhedrin, held considerable power and influence over Jewish communities throughout the Diaspora, including the right to issue letters of extradition for those deemed heretical, as seen in [Acts 9:1-2](/acts/9-1-2 "Saul's Commission to Arrest Believers"). Saul, a Pharisee and zealous persecutor, was acting under this authority. The phrase "bring them bound unto the chief priests" highlights the severe legal and physical consequences faced by early Christians. To be "bound" meant to be arrested and potentially transported back to Jerusalem for trial and punishment, which could include imprisonment, flogging, or even death, as exemplified by Stephen's martyrdom in [Acts 7:54-60](/acts/7-54-60 "The Stoning of Stephen") and Saul's own involvement in the persecution described in [Acts 8:3](/acts/8-3 "Saul's Ravaging of the Church").
* **Key Themes:** The central theme highlighted in [Acts 9:21](/acts/9-21 "The Astonishment at Saul's Transformation") is **Radical Transformation**. Saul's complete reversal from persecutor to preacher vividly demonstrates the unparalleled power of God's grace to utterly change a human heart and redirect a life's purpose. This transformation is so profound that it defies human understanding, leading to widespread amazement among those who knew his past. Another prominent theme is **Divine Sovereignty and Power**. The events surrounding Saul's conversion underscore God's absolute ability to intervene in human affairs, choosing even the most unlikely individuals to fulfill His purposes. This also speaks to the **Power of Witness**, as Saul's immediate and fearless proclamation of Jesus, despite his notorious past, served as an incredibly compelling testimony. His changed life was, in itself, a powerful sermon that left his hearers utterly astounded, validating the truth of the gospel message. Finally, the verse subtly touches upon the theme of **Persecution and Faith**, reminding us of the immense courage required by early believers to "call on this name" in the face of severe opposition.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **amazed (Greek, _exístēmi'_):** This word, derived from "out of" and "to stand," literally means "to put (stand) out of wits." It conveys a sense of being utterly astounded, astonished, or even beside oneself with wonder or bewilderment. In the context of Acts 9:21, it perfectly describes the profound shock and mental disarray of the hearers who could not reconcile Saul's past actions with his present proclamation.
* **destroyed (Greek, _porthéō'_):** This verb means "to ravage" or "to sack," often used in the context of military destruction. Figuratively, as used here, it emphasizes the intensity and severity of Saul's persecution against the early Christians. He was not merely disagreeing with them; he was actively and violently seeking to dismantle and obliterate the movement, treating it as an enemy to be utterly devastated.
* **bound (Greek, _déō'_):** This term signifies "to bind" or "to tie," whether literally with ropes or figuratively in terms of legal obligation or imprisonment. In this verse, it refers to the physical act of arresting and restraining individuals, implying their capture and subjugation for transport back to Jerusalem. It underscores the coercive and punitive nature of Saul's original mission.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But all that heard [him] were amazed, and said":** This opening clause highlights the universal and immediate reaction of the audience to Saul's preaching. The conjunction "But" (G1161, _dé_) emphasizes the stark contrast between their expectation of Saul and the reality of his actions. Their amazement (G1839, _exístēmi_) indicates a profound sense of shock and disbelief, a reaction so strong it compelled them to verbalize their bewilderment.
* **"Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem":** This is a rhetorical question, expressing utter incredulity. The hearers recognized Saul as the infamous persecutor (G4199, _porthéō_), known for his violent opposition to Christians, particularly those "who called on this name" (G1941, _epikaléomai_ G3686, _ónoma_), a common early identifier for believers in Jesus. The mention of "Jerusalem" (G2419, _Hierousalḗm_) connects Saul's current actions to his well-documented past, emphasizing the widespread nature of his persecution.
* **"and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests?":** This final clause elaborates on the specific, well-known purpose of Saul's journey to Damascus. His "intent" (G1519, _eis_ G5124, _toûto_) was not to preach Christ, but to arrest believers ("bring them bound," G71, _ágō_ G1210, _déō_) and return them to the Jewish high court in Jerusalem ("unto the chief priests," G1909, _epí_ G749, _archiereús_) for judgment and punishment. This stark contrast between his original mission and his current proclamation underscores the miraculous nature of his conversion.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 9:21 is rich with **Irony**, which is the most prominent literary device. The profound irony lies in Saul, the chief persecutor, becoming the chief preacher of the very faith he sought to destroy. This unexpected reversal creates a powerful dramatic effect. Closely related is **Contrast**, as the verse explicitly juxtaposes Saul's violent past ("destroyed them") with his present, unexpected mission ("preaching Christ"). The question posed by the crowd is a **Rhetorical Question**, designed not to elicit information but to express the speaker's astonishment and to emphasize the incongruity of the situation. The phrase "destroyed them" can also be seen as a form of **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the extreme zeal and severity of Saul's persecution, though it was certainly destructive in its impact.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 9:21 stands as a powerful testament to the boundless and transformative grace of God. It demonstrates that no individual, regardless of their past enmity towards God or their zealous opposition to His people, is beyond the reach of divine intervention and radical conversion. Saul's story profoundly illustrates God's sovereign power to change hearts, not through human persuasion or effort, but through a direct, supernatural encounter with the risen Christ. This event highlights that God often chooses the most unlikely instruments to accomplish His purposes, turning enemies into fervent advocates, thereby magnifying His glory and power. It also underscores the authenticity of the gospel message, as a life so dramatically altered serves as undeniable proof of its truth and power.

* [1 Timothy 1:12-16](/1_timothy/1-12-16 "Paul's Testimony of God's Mercy")
* [Philippians 3:4-8](/philippians/3-4-8 "Paul's Renunciation of Former Gains")
* [Isaiah 55:8-9](/isaiah/55-8-9 "God's Ways are Higher")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 9:21 offers profound lessons for believers and skeptics alike. Firstly, it provides immense hope, reminding us that God's transformative power knows no bounds. If God could radically convert Saul, the most zealous persecutor of the early church, then no one is beyond the reach of His redeeming grace. This should encourage us to pray for and share the gospel with those who seem most resistant or even hostile to the faith. Secondly, the astonishment of the crowd underscores the powerful impact of a genuinely changed life. Saul's transformation was not merely an internal shift; it was outwardly visible and undeniable, serving as a compelling witness to the truth of the gospel. Our own transformed lives, marked by Christ, can be powerful testimonies that cause others to marvel and question, prompting them to consider the reality of God's work. Finally, this verse encourages us not to limit God in our expectations or assumptions about how He might work, or through whom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life or in the lives of others do you need to believe more fully in God's power to bring about radical transformation?**
* **How does Saul's immediate and bold proclamation of Christ, despite his notorious past, challenge or inspire your own witness for the gospel?**
* **What "amazement" might your transformed life evoke in those who knew you before Christ, and how can you leverage that for God's glory?**

### FAQ
**Why were people so amazed by Saul's preaching?**

Answer: People were amazed because Saul's preaching was a complete and utter reversal of everything they knew about him. He was infamous as a fierce persecutor of Christians, having come to Damascus specifically to arrest believers and bring them back to Jerusalem for trial ([Acts 9:1-2](/acts/9-1-2 "Saul's Original Mission to Damascus")). His sudden proclamation of Jesus as the Son of God was so contrary to his known character and mission that it defied all human explanation, leading to profound astonishment and disbelief. It was an undeniable sign of a supernatural intervention.

**What does "called on this name" signify in the context of early Christianity?**

Answer: The phrase "called on this name" (referring to the name of Jesus) was an early and significant way to identify believers in Christ. It signified a public acknowledgment, devotion, reliance, and invocation of Jesus as Lord. To "call on His name" meant to confess Him, appeal to Him for salvation, worship Him, and identify oneself publicly with Him. It indicated a profound personal relationship and allegiance to Jesus, and it was precisely this public identification that Saul had been actively trying to suppress and punish ([Acts 8:3](/acts/8-3 "Saul's Persecution in Jerusalem")).

**What was Saul's original intent in coming to Damascus?**

Answer: Saul's original intent in coming to Damascus was to continue his relentless persecution of Christians. He had obtained letters from the chief priests in Jerusalem, authorizing him to arrest any followers of "the Way" he found there, whether men or women, and bring them "bound unto the chief priests" for judgment and punishment ([Acts 9:1-2](/acts/9-1-2 "Saul's Commission for Arrests")). His mission was one of suppression and destruction, not proclamation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The radical transformation of Saul, as witnessed and expressed in [Acts 9:21](/acts/9-21 "The Astonishment at Saul's Preaching"), is a powerful demonstration of the fulfilling power of Christ's resurrection and ongoing redemptive work. Saul's conversion is not merely a change of mind, but a profound spiritual rebirth, made possible by the victorious Christ who conquered sin and death. His encounter with the risen Jesus on the Damascus road ([Acts 9:3-6](/acts/9-3-6 "Jesus Appears to Saul")) shattered his old identity and purpose, replacing it with a new creation in Christ ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "New Creation in Christ")). This event foreshadows the universal reach of the gospel, demonstrating that Christ's power extends even to the most hardened hearts and fiercest opponents, transforming them into zealous proponents of His Kingdom. Saul's life, from this point forward, became a living testimony to Christ's ability to redeem, reconcile, and empower individuals for His divine purposes, illustrating the very essence of the gospel message: that through faith in Him, even the chief of sinners can find mercy and be used for God's glory ([1 Timothy 1:15-16](/1_timothy/1-15-16 "Christ Jesus Came to Save Sinners")). His story perfectly encapsulates the truth that Christ came not to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved ([John 3:17](/john/3-17 "Jesus Came to Save the World")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Acts 9:13

Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem:

Acts 9:14

And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name.

Acts 8:3

As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed [them] to prison.

2 Thessalonians 1:10

When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day.

Galatians 1:13

For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it:

Galatians 1:24

And they glorified God in me.

Matthew 13:54

And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence hath this [man] this wisdom, and [these] mighty works?