Acts 9:22

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

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}.

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.

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

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

Acts 9:22 marks a pivotal moment in the life of Saul (who would become Paul), illustrating the profound and immediate impact of his conversion. Fresh from his dramatic encounter with the resurrected Christ, Saul wasted no time in proclaiming the very truth he once persecuted.

Context

This verse follows Saul's miraculous conversion on the road to Damascus, where he was blinded and heard the voice of Jesus (Acts 9:3-6). After being healed by Ananias and receiving the Holy Spirit (Acts 9:17-18), Saul immediately began preaching in the synagogues of Damascus, astonishing all who heard him, especially given his notorious past as a fierce persecutor of Christians (Acts 9:20-21). Verse 22 highlights the growing intensity and effectiveness of his new ministry.

Key Themes

  • Divine Empowerment and Transformation: The phrase "Saul increased the more in strength" refers not merely to physical vigor, but to a profound spiritual and intellectual empowerment by the Holy Spirit. This strength enabled him to articulate the gospel with conviction and clarity, a stark contrast to his former zeal for persecuting believers. It underscores the transformative power of God in a life completely surrendered to Him.
  • Bold Proclamation of Jesus as Messiah: Saul's primary objective was "proving that this is very Christ." The term "Christ" (Greek: Christos) means "Anointed One" or "Messiah." For the Jews, the Messiah was the long-awaited deliverer and king promised in their scriptures. Saul, formerly a zealous Pharisee, now used his extensive knowledge of Jewish law and prophecy to demonstrate irrefutably that Jesus of Nazareth was indeed this promised Messiah. This claim was revolutionary and deeply challenging to the Jewish community in Damascus.
  • Confounding Opposition: Saul's arguments were so compelling that they "confounded the Jews." The Greek word syncheō implies throwing into confusion or disarray. His undeniable evidence and the power with which he spoke left his opponents without a coherent rebuttal, forcing them to confront the truth of Jesus' messianic identity. This immediate opposition foreshadows the challenges Paul would face throughout his ministry.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "increased the more in strength" (Greek: mallon enedynamouto) conveys a progressive and intensifying empowerment. It suggests a continuous growth in his spiritual capacity and persuasive ability, which was clearly divine in origin. The word "confounded" (Greek: syncheō) vividly describes the intellectual and theological disarray among the Jews as Saul presented irrefutable evidence from their own scriptures. His proof that Jesus "is very Christ" (Greek: hoti houtos estin ho Christos) emphasizes the absolute certainty and singularity of Jesus' identity as the promised Anointed One, a central tenet of the early Christian message.

Practical Application

Acts 9:22 offers powerful lessons for believers today. It reminds us that God can radically transform anyone, equipping them with strength and conviction for His purposes, regardless of their past. Saul's immediate and bold witness in Damascus encourages us to share our faith with courage, relying on the Holy Spirit's empowerment rather than our own abilities. It also highlights the enduring importance of proclaiming Jesus as the Christ, the central truth upon which Christian faith stands. Like Saul, we are called to present the truth of Christ in a way that challenges and invites others to believe, even when it confounds those who oppose it.

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 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.

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