Acts 9:22

KJV

But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} Saul {G4569} increased {G1743} the more {G3123} in strength {G1743}, and {G2532} confounded {G4797} the Jews {G2453} which {G3588} dwelt {G2730} at {G1722} Damascus {G1154}, proving {G4822} that {G3754} this {G3778} is {G2076} very Christ {G5547}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But Sha’ul was being filled with more and more power and was creating an uproar among the Jews living in Dammesek with his proofs that Yeshua is the Messiah.

Berean Standard Bible

But Saul was empowered all the more, and he confounded the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Christ.

American Standard Version

But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews that dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is the Christ.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 9:22 vividly portrays the dramatic transformation and immediate impact of Saul's conversion, as he, once a fierce persecutor, now powerfully proclaims Jesus as the Messiah in Damascus. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, Saul's compelling arguments from scripture confounded the local Jewish community, demonstrating the undeniable truth of Christ's identity and the profound shift in his allegiance and mission. This verse marks a significant turning point, highlighting the early church's burgeoning witness and the divine enablement for its proclamation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 9:22 is situated immediately following Saul's miraculous conversion on the road to Damascus, a pivotal event detailed in [Acts 9:1-19](/acts/9-1-19 "Saul's Conversion and Restoration"). After being struck blind by a divine light and hearing the voice of Jesus, Saul spent three days without sight or food. Ananias, a disciple in Damascus, was then divinely instructed to find Saul, lay hands on him, and restore his sight. Upon receiving his sight and being filled with the Holy Spirit, Saul was baptized. The narrative then quickly shifts to Saul's immediate and astonishing turn to preaching in the synagogues, as seen in [Acts 9:20-21](/acts/9-20-21 "Saul Preaches in Damascus"), where his former persecuting zeal is redirected to proclaiming Jesus. Verse 22 amplifies this initial preaching, emphasizing the increasing power and effectiveness of his message and the resulting confusion among his Jewish audience. This sets the stage for the escalating opposition that would eventually force Saul to flee Damascus, as described in [Acts 9:23-25](/acts/9-23-25 "The Plot Against Saul and His Escape").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Damascus was a significant city in the Roman province of Syria, known for its large and influential Jewish population. Synagogues served not only as places of worship but also as community centers where religious and intellectual discourse flourished. For a Pharisee like Saul, trained under Gamaliel ([Acts 22:3](/acts/22-3 "Paul's Defense Before the Council")), engaging in theological debate within these synagogues was a natural and expected activity. His pre-conversion mission to Damascus was specifically to arrest followers of "the Way" ([Acts 9:1-2](/acts/9-1-2 "Saul's Persecution of Believers")), indicating a substantial Christian presence there. The Jewish expectation of a Messiah was deeply ingrained, but their understanding often focused on a political liberator rather than a suffering servant. Saul's proclamation that Jesus, a crucified man, was the very Christ, directly challenged the prevailing Jewish theological framework and their nationalistic hopes, making his arguments profoundly disruptive and "confounding" to those who held traditional views.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Acts and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Radical Transformation and Divine Sovereignty**. Saul's conversion is one of the most dramatic in scripture, showcasing God's ability to turn the fiercest opponent into His most zealous advocate ([1 Timothy 1:12-16](/1_timothy/1-12-16 "Paul's Testimony of God's Mercy")). Secondly, it highlights the **Empowerment of the Holy Spirit for Witness**. The "strength" Saul increased in was not merely human eloquence but a supernatural enablement to preach with conviction and power, directly fulfilling Jesus' promise to His disciples in [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "The Promise of the Holy Spirit"). Thirdly, the verse emphasizes the **Centrality of Jesus' Messiahship** to the early Christian message. Saul's "proving that this is very Christ" reveals that the core of the gospel proclaimed by the apostles was the identity of Jesus of Nazareth as the long-awaited Anointed One, the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. This theme is foundational to the apostolic preaching throughout [the book of Acts](/acts/1 "The Book of Acts").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **increased (Greek, _endynamóō'_):** From *en* (in) and *dynamóō* (to empower), meaning "to empower." This verb suggests a continuous, progressive strengthening, not merely a one-time event. It indicates a divine enablement, an infusion of spiritual power that allowed Saul to grow in his capacity to preach and persuade. This strength was directly from God, contrasting with his previous, self-driven zeal.
* **confounded (Greek, _synchéō'_):** From *syn* (with) and a root meaning "to pour," implying to commingle promiscuously. Figuratively, it means to throw into disorder, to perplex, or to confuse. Saul's arguments were so logically sound and biblically compelling that they left his Jewish interlocutors in a state of intellectual and theological disarray, unable to offer a coherent counter-argument.
* **Christ (Greek, _Christós'_):** From *chrió* (to anoint), meaning "anointed." This is the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew "Messiah." It refers to the long-awaited deliverer, king, and priest prophesied in the Old Testament. Saul's "proving that this is very Christ" was not merely stating a belief but presenting irrefutable evidence from the Jewish scriptures that Jesus of Nazareth was indeed the promised Anointed One, the fulfillment of all their hopes.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But Saul increased the more in strength":** This clause signifies a profound and ongoing spiritual and intellectual empowerment of Saul. The "more" (Greek: *mallon*) indicates an intensifying degree of strength, suggesting that his ability to articulate and defend the gospel was not static but progressively growing. This strength was not inherent but divinely bestowed, enabling him to overcome his past and effectively engage in his new mission.
* **"and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus":** This describes the immediate and powerful effect of Saul's preaching. The term "confounded" highlights the intellectual and theological disarray his arguments caused among the Jewish community in Damascus. His logical, scripture-based proofs for Jesus' Messiahship challenged their deeply held beliefs, leaving them without a ready rebuttal and in a state of bewilderment.
* **"proving that this is very Christ":** This final clause articulates the core content and purpose of Saul's preaching. He was not merely asserting a claim but "proving" (Greek: *symbibázō*, meaning to bring together, to demonstrate, to teach) through reasoned argumentation and scriptural exposition that Jesus of Nazareth was indeed the long-awaited Messiah. The emphasis on "very Christ" (Greek: *hoûtos estin ho Christos*) underscores the absolute certainty and singularity of Jesus' identity as the Anointed One, the central truth of the early Christian message.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several key literary devices. **Contrast** is prominent, highlighting the dramatic shift from Saul's previous role as a persecutor to his new identity as a powerful evangelist. The phrase "increased the more in strength" uses **Hyperbole** to emphasize the extraordinary, divinely-sourced power and conviction with which Saul now spoke, suggesting a supernatural enablement beyond ordinary human capabilities. The verb "confounded" serves as a vivid **Metaphor** for the intellectual and theological disarray caused by Saul's arguments, likening the Jews' state of mind to something thrown into disarray. Furthermore, the entire verse functions as a powerful example of **Dramatic Irony**, as the man who came to Damascus to suppress the message of Christ now vehemently champions it, to the astonishment of all who knew his reputation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 9:22 profoundly illustrates the transformative power of God's grace and the divine equipping for ministry. Saul, once the epitome of zealous opposition to Christ, becomes the most fervent and effective proponent of Jesus' Messiahship. This radical change underscores that God's call and empowerment are not limited by one's past, but are freely given to accomplish His redemptive purposes. The verse also highlights the foundational theological claim of the early church: that Jesus of Nazareth is the promised Messiah, the Christ, fulfilling Old Testament prophecy. This truth was the bedrock of their evangelism, compelling them to engage in vigorous theological debate, even when it led to opposition.

* [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "God's Word Accomplishes Its Purpose")
* [Romans 1:16](/romans/1-16 "The Power of the Gospel")
* [2 Corinthians 12:9-10](/2_corinthians/12-9-10 "God's Grace and Power in Weakness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 9:22 stands as a powerful testament to the boundless capacity of God to transform lives and equip individuals for extraordinary service. Saul's immediate and fervent proclamation, despite his notorious past, challenges believers today to embrace their own call to witness with courage and conviction. We are reminded that our effectiveness in ministry comes not from our own strength or eloquence, but from the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit, enabling us to articulate the truth of Christ in a way that resonates and even "confounds" those who hear. This verse encourages us to deepen our understanding of scripture, so that like Saul, we can "prove" the truth of Jesus' identity with compelling evidence, allowing the Holy Spirit to work through our words to bring clarity and conviction to a world in need of the Gospel. It calls us to boldness, to embrace the transformative power of God in our own lives, and to be unashamed in proclaiming Jesus as the Christ, regardless of the opposition we may face.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Saul's immediate and bold witness after his conversion challenge my own willingness to share my faith?**
* **In what areas of my life do I need to "increase in strength" (spiritual, intellectual, emotional) through the Holy Spirit to be more effective for God's kingdom?**
* **What specific truths about Jesus as "the Christ" do I need to understand more deeply to be able to "prove" them convincingly to others?**

### FAQ
**What does "increased the more in strength" mean in the context of Saul's conversion?**

Answer: This phrase refers to a profound and progressive spiritual and intellectual empowerment of Saul by the Holy Spirit. It's not merely about physical vigor but about an increasing capacity for understanding, conviction, and persuasive argumentation. After his encounter with Jesus on the Damascus Road ([Acts 9:3-6](/acts/9-3-6 "Saul's Conversion")), Saul was filled with the Holy Spirit ([Acts 9:17](/acts/9-17 "Ananias and Saul")). This divine enablement allowed him to articulate the gospel with a power and clarity that astonished and confounded his listeners, making him an increasingly effective advocate for Christ, despite his previous role as a persecutor.

**How did Saul "confound" the Jews in Damascus?**

Answer: Saul confounded the Jews by presenting irrefutable arguments from their own scriptures that Jesus of Nazareth was indeed the Messiah, or "Christ." As a highly educated Pharisee, Saul possessed a deep knowledge of the Old Testament. He used this knowledge, now illuminated by the Holy Spirit, to demonstrate conclusively that the prophecies concerning the Messiah were fulfilled in Jesus. His logical and biblically grounded proofs were so compelling that they left his opponents in a state of intellectual and theological disarray, unable to offer a coherent counter-argument, thus "confounding" them.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 9:22, though describing a pivotal moment in the life of Saul, ultimately points to the supreme significance of Christ. Saul's entire mission, now transformed, became the singular focus of "proving that this is very Christ." This verse underscores that the core message of the early church, and indeed of all true biblical faith, is the identity of Jesus as the promised Messiah, the Anointed One of God. Saul's newfound strength and ability to confound his opponents were not for his own glory, but entirely for the exaltation of Christ. His powerful argumentation foreshadows the robust theological defense of the gospel that would characterize Paul's later epistles, all centered on the person and work of Jesus. The very purpose of the Holy Spirit's empowerment in Saul's life was to bear witness to Christ ([John 15:26](/john/15-26 "The Spirit of Truth Bearing Witness to Jesus")), demonstrating that Jesus is the fulfillment of all Old Testament hopes and prophecies ([Luke 24:44-47](/luke/24-44-47 "Jesus Explains the Scriptures")). Thus, Saul's ministry in Damascus, initiated by a direct encounter with the risen Lord ([Acts 9:3-6](/acts/9-3-6 "Saul's Encounter with Jesus")), became a living testament to the truth that Jesus is indeed "the way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "Jesus is the Way, Truth, and Life")), the one through whom salvation is found ([Acts 4:12](/acts/4-12 "Salvation Through Christ Alone")).

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 18:5

And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews [that] Jesus [was] Christ.

Isaiah 40:29

He giveth power to the faint; and to [them that have] no might he increaseth strength.

Luke 21:15

For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.

1 Corinthians 1:27

But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;

Acts 18:27

And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace:

Acts 18:28

For he mightily convinced the Jews, [and that] publickly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ.

Acts 28:23

¶ And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into [his] lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and [out of] the prophets, from morning till evening.