Acts 9:24

KJV

But their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} their {G846} laying await {G1917} was known {G1097} of Saul {G4569}. And {G5037} they watched {G3906} the gates {G4439} day {G2250} and {G2532} night {G3571} to {G3704} kill {G337} him {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

but their plot became known to Sha’ul. They were watching the gates day and night in order to do away with him;

Berean Standard Bible

but Saul learned of their plot. Day and night they watched the city gates in order to kill him.

American Standard Version

but their plot became known to Saul. And they watched the gates also day and night that they might kill him:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 9:24 details a critical moment in the nascent ministry of Saul, soon to be known as the Apostle Paul. Having undergone a profound conversion experience and immediately begun boldly proclaiming Jesus as the Son of God in Damascus, Saul's radical transformation from persecutor to preacher ignited a fierce backlash. This verse reveals the extreme and deadly plot orchestrated by Jewish authorities who, unable to counter his irrefutable arguments, resorted to a coordinated assassination attempt, vigilantly watching the city gates to prevent his escape.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 9:24 is situated immediately after Saul's dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus, recounted in [Acts 9:1-19](/acts/9-1-19 "Acts 9:1-19 - The Conversion of Saul"). Following this life-altering encounter with the risen Christ, Saul spent a few days with the disciples in Damascus before embarking on [his immediate and bold proclamation](/acts/9-20-22 "Acts 9:20-22 - Saul Preaches Christ") that Jesus is the Son of God. His powerful and confounding arguments, which proved Jesus to be the Messiah, quickly incited the wrath of [the Jewish leaders in Damascus](/acts/9-23 "Acts 9:23 - The Plot Against Saul"). This verse, therefore, serves as the climax of this initial phase of Saul's ministry, demonstrating the intense opposition his message provoked and setting the stage for his miraculous escape in [Acts 9:25](/acts/9-25 "Acts 9:25 - Saul's Escape"), which propels him out of Damascus and eventually into broader ministry. The event's significance is underscored by [Paul's later recounting](/2_corinthians/11-32-33 "2 Corinthians 11:32-33 - Paul's Escape from Damascus"), highlighting its formative impact on his apostolic journey.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Jewish leaders in Damascus, likely representing the Sanhedrin's authority abroad, felt their religious and social order threatened by Saul's preaching. Saul had initially come to Damascus with letters from the high priest to arrest Christians, making his conversion and subsequent preaching a profound betrayal in their eyes. In the ancient world, city gates were not merely entry points but central hubs of commerce, legal proceedings, and public life. Controlling the gates, as the plotters did, was a strategic move to ensure no one could enter or exit without detection, making an escape nearly impossible. The intensity of the "day and night" watch underscores the determination of the plotters and the gravity of the threat to Saul's life. This hostile environment was typical for early Christian evangelists, as the message of a crucified and resurrected Messiah often clashed with established religious and political powers, leading to persecution, imprisonment, and even death.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several key themes prevalent in the book of Acts and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it highlights the **Intense Opposition to the Gospel**, demonstrating that the proclamation of Christ often elicits fierce resistance, especially from those whose power or worldview is challenged. The plot against Saul is a stark example of the spiritual warfare inherent in spreading the good news. Secondly, it underscores **Divine Providence and Protection**. Despite the grave and meticulously planned danger, Saul's life was preserved. His awareness of the plot, whether through divine revelation or human intelligence, signifies God's protective hand, ensuring His chosen vessel would continue his mission. This event foreshadows God's continued [faithfulness to complete His work](/philippians/1-6 "Philippians 1:6 - God's Faithfulness") through His servants, even in the direst circumstances. Lastly, it vividly portrays **Saul's Transformed Identity**. The very man who had [breathed out "threatenings and slaughter" against believers](/acts/9-1 "Acts 9:1 - Saul's Persecution of the Church") was now himself the target of a deadly plot, a dramatic reversal that profoundly underscores the radical and transformative power of his conversion to Christ.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **laying await (Greek, _epiboulḗ'_):** From a presumed compound of *epi* (upon) and *boulomai* (to will, intend), this term signifies a "plan against someone," specifically a "plot" or "ambush." Its use here emphasizes the treacherous, premeditated, and malicious nature of the design against Saul, indicating a deliberate and concerted effort to harm him rather than a spontaneous act of violence.
* **was known (Greek, _ginṓskō'_):** This verb means "to know" in a comprehensive sense, implying not just intellectual awareness but often a deep, experiential, or certain knowledge. The passive voice ("was known") suggests that the information came to Saul, possibly through divine revelation, a sympathetic informant, or keen observation. It signifies that Saul had reliable intelligence about the specific danger, which was crucial for his survival.
* **watched (Greek, _paratēréō'_):** Derived from *para* (alongside) and *tēreō* (to watch, guard), this word means "to inspect alongside," often with the connotation of "noting insidiously" or "scrupulously observing." It implies a continuous, diligent, and perhaps even sinister surveillance. The imperfect tense in the Greek (παρετηροῦντο) suggests an ongoing, persistent action, highlighting the enemies' unwavering determination and the constant peril Saul faced.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But their laying await was known of Saul."**: This opening clause introduces a crucial turning point, indicating that the meticulously planned assassination plot by Saul's enemies did not remain a secret. The adversative "But" (G1161, _dé_) signals a contrast to the preceding verses where the Jews were merely "plotting together" (Acts 9:23). Now, their sinister intention has been exposed to Saul. The passive construction "was known of Saul" suggests that Saul gained this critical intelligence, enabling him to prepare for the danger, though the specific means of his discovery are not detailed here. This revelation underscores God's providential care for His servant.
* **"And they watched the gates day and night to kill him."**: This second clause elaborates on the nature and intensity of the plot. The "they" refers to the Jewish authorities and their confederates who sought Saul's life. Their strategic decision to "watch the gates" indicates their understanding that Saul would likely attempt to escape the city. The phrase "day and night" emphasizes the relentless, unceasing vigilance of the plotters, highlighting their extreme determination and the constant, pervasive threat to Saul's life. The ultimate objective, "to kill him," leaves no doubt about the deadly intent behind their actions, demonstrating the profound hatred and fear Saul's gospel proclamation had stirred.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 9:24 employs several powerful literary devices. **Irony** is prominent, as the very man who had come to Damascus to persecute followers of Christ is now himself the target of a deadly plot by those who once supported his mission. This reversal underscores the transformative power of God and the radical shift in Saul's allegiance. The verse also creates significant **Suspense**, as the reader is made aware of the imminent danger Saul faces, intensifying the narrative tension before the resolution in the following verse. Furthermore, the meticulous "day and night" watch at the gates uses **Hyperbole** to emphasize the extreme dedication and unwavering resolve of Saul's enemies, conveying the overwhelming nature of the threat. This vivid imagery also serves as **Foreshadowing** for the numerous persecutions and life-threatening situations Paul would face throughout his apostolic ministry, establishing a pattern of divine protection amidst intense opposition.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 9:24 offers profound theological insights into the nature of Christian ministry and God's sovereignty. It reveals that faithful proclamation of the gospel often provokes intense opposition, a pattern evident throughout biblical history and the experience of the early church. This resistance is not merely human but often has spiritual roots, as unseen forces oppose the advance of God's kingdom. Yet, even in the face of such grave danger, God's providential hand is evident. Saul's knowledge of the plot, leading to his eventual escape, demonstrates God's commitment to protecting His chosen instruments until their divine purpose is fulfilled. This narrative reassures believers that their lives and ministries are ultimately in God's hands, and no human plot can thwart His ultimate plan.

* [Matthew 10:22](/matthew/10-22 "Matthew 10:22 - Enduring Persecution")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works for Good")
* [2 Timothy 3:12](/2_timothy/3-12 "2 Timothy 3:12 - Persecution for Godliness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 9:24 serves as a powerful reminder that following Christ and proclaiming His truth can often invite significant opposition, even from unexpected sources. Just as Saul faced a deadly plot for his transformed faith and bold witness, believers today may encounter resistance, misunderstanding, ridicule, or even hostility when they faithfully stand for biblical principles and share the gospel. This verse calls us to cultivate spiritual discernment to recognize the threats, both overt and subtle, that may arise in our lives and ministries. It also encourages us to develop wisdom in navigating such challenges, not by compromising truth, but by trusting in God's ultimate plan and protection. We are reminded that our lives are not our own, but belong to God, who is sovereign over all circumstances. Therefore, even in the face of grave danger, we can find courage and peace, knowing that God is capable of preserving His servants to fulfill His purposes, much like Saul's dramatic escape in the very next verse. Our call is to remain faithful, courageous, and dependent on Him, even when the "gates" of opposition seem to be closing in.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Saul's experience of opposition resonate with challenges you or others have faced when living out or sharing your faith?**
* **In what ways might God reveal or protect you from "plots" or dangers, even if not as dramatic as Saul's?**
* **What does this verse teach us about God's sovereignty and faithfulness in the face of human malice?**

### FAQ
**Why were the Jewish leaders trying to kill Saul?**

Answer: The Jewish leaders were trying to kill Saul because his dramatic conversion and subsequent, immediate, and powerful preaching of Jesus as the Messiah directly contradicted their religious beliefs and authority. Saul, who had originally come to Damascus with their authorization to persecute Christians, was now proclaiming the very message they sought to suppress. His arguments were so compelling that they "confounded the Jews" (Acts 9:22), meaning they could not refute him. Unable to win the intellectual or spiritual argument, they resorted to violence as a means to silence him and eliminate what they perceived as a dangerous threat to their established order and traditions.

**How did Saul find out about the plot against his life?**

Answer: The text of Acts 9:24 simply states, "But their laying await was known of Saul." It does not explicitly detail *how* he came to know of the plot. Possible explanations include divine revelation, a warning from a sympathetic believer or even a non-believer, or perhaps Saul's own astute observation and discernment given the escalating tension. Regardless of the specific means, the fact that the plot "was known" highlights God's providential care for Saul, ensuring he received the necessary information to prepare for his escape and continue his vital ministry.

**What happened immediately after this plot was discovered?**

Answer: Immediately after the plot was discovered, Saul's disciples took action to ensure his safety. As recounted in [Acts 9:25](/acts/9-25 "Acts 9:25 - Saul's Escape"), "Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket." This dramatic escape, also mentioned by Paul himself in [2 Corinthians 11:32-33](/2_corinthians/11-32-33 "2 Corinthians 11:32-33 - Paul's Escape from Damascus"), allowed Saul to evade his would-be assassins and eventually travel to Jerusalem, where he would face further challenges but continue his ministry.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 9:24, detailing a deadly plot against Saul, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the life and mission of Jesus Himself. Just as Saul faced a "laying await" and constant vigilance aimed at his destruction, [Jesus warned His disciples](/john/15-20 "John 15:20 - Persecution of Disciples") that they would be persecuted just as He was. Indeed, [He Himself faced constant plots](/john/7-1 "John 7:1 - Jesus Avoids Judea") and [attempts on His life](/john/8-59 "John 8:59 - Attempt to Stone Jesus") from religious authorities who sought to silence His truth. Saul's experience is a microcosm of the greater spiritual warfare that culminated in the crucifixion of the [Lamb of God who was slain](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). However, the divine protection over Saul, allowing him to escape and continue his mission, points to Christ's ultimate triumph. While Jesus willingly submitted to death, it was not a defeat but a strategic victory over sin and death, leading to [His ultimate triumph over death and sin](/revelation/5-9-10 "Revelation 5:9-10 - The Lamb's Worthiness"). Saul's escape ensures the continued proclamation of the gospel, a mission rooted in Christ's finished work and empowered by His resurrection. Thus, Saul's suffering and deliverance serve as a powerful testimony to the enduring power of the gospel and the sovereign protection of God, mirroring the path of [the suffering Messiah](/isaiah/53 "Isaiah 53 - The Suffering Servant") and ensuring the advancement of [His kingdom](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - God's Eternal Kingdom") through His chosen vessels, even amidst the fiercest opposition, just as [Saul's call to suffer for Christ's name](/acts/9-16 "Acts 9:16 - God's Plan for Saul") was part of God's redemptive plan.

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

2 Corinthians 11:32

In Damascus the governor under Aretas the king kept the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desirous to apprehend me:

Acts 25:3

And desired favour against him, that he would send for him to Jerusalem, laying wait in the way to kill him.

Acts 20:19

Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews:

Acts 20:3

And [there] abode three months. And when the Jews laid wait for him, as he was about to sail into Syria, he purposed to return through Macedonia.

Psalms 21:11

For they intended evil against thee: they imagined a mischievous device, [which] they are not able [to perform].

Acts 25:11

For if I be an offender, or have committed any thing worthy of death, I refuse not to die: but if there be none of these things whereof these accuse me, no man may deliver me unto them. I appeal unto Caesar.

Psalms 37:32

The wicked watcheth the righteous, and seeketh to slay him.