Acts 9:21

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?

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}?

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?”

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?”

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.

Acts 9:21 captures the profound shock and disbelief of those in Damascus who witnessed Saul of Tarsus, the notorious persecutor of Christians, suddenly proclaiming Jesus as the Son of God. This verse highlights the immediate, undeniable evidence of his radical transformation.

Context

This verse immediately follows Saul's dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus, where he encountered the risen Christ. After three days of blindness and a divine encounter with Ananias, Saul regained his sight and was filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 9:17-18). Rather than continuing his mission to arrest believers, Saul immediately began preaching in the synagogues, declaring that Jesus is the Son of God. The astonishment of the listeners in Acts 9:21 is a direct response to this stunning reversal, given Paul's past as a fierce persecutor of believers in Jerusalem and his initial intent in Damascus, as described in Acts 9:1-2.

Key Themes

  • Radical Transformation: The verse powerfully illustrates the transformative power of God's grace. Saul, who came to Damascus to "destroy them which called on this name," was now one of them, boldly testifying for Christ. This sudden change was so profound it defied human explanation, leading to widespread amazement.
  • Divine Power and Authority: The events surrounding Saul's conversion and subsequent preaching demonstrate God's sovereign ability to change hearts and redirect lives. It underscores that no one is beyond the reach of divine intervention.
  • The Power of Witness: Saul's immediate and fearless proclamation of Jesus, despite his notorious past, served as a powerful testimony. His changed life was, in itself, a compelling sermon that left his hearers utterly astounded.
  • Persecution and Faith: The phrase "destroyed them which called on this name" reminds us of the severe persecution faced by early Christians and the courage required to identify with Jesus.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "called on this name" (Greek: ἐπικαλουμένους τὸ ὄνομα τοῦτο, epikaloúmenous to ónoma toúto) is significant. It was an early and common way to identify believers in Jesus Christ, emphasizing their devotion, reliance, and invocation of His name. It signifies a profound relationship and public identification with Jesus as Lord, and highlights what Saul was actively trying to suppress. His mission was to silence those who publicly confessed and appealed to the name of Jesus.

Practical Application

Acts 9:21 offers several timeless lessons for believers and seekers alike:

  1. God's Ability to Transform: This verse is a powerful reminder that God can radically change anyone, regardless of their past actions or beliefs. It encourages hope for even the most resistant hearts.
  2. Don't Underestimate God's Work: Just as the people were amazed, we too can be surprised by how God works in unexpected ways and through unlikely individuals.
  3. The Impact of a Changed Life: A genuine transformation is a powerful witness. Saul's changed life spoke volumes and was undeniable proof of God's power, prompting others to question and consider the truth of the gospel.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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?

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back