Acts 9:26

KJV

And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} when Saul {G4569} was come {G3854} to {G1519} Jerusalem {G2419}, he assayed {G3987} to join himself {G2853} to the disciples {G3101}: but {G2532} they were {G5399} all {G3956} afraid {G5399} of him {G846}, and believed {G4100} not {G3361} that {G3754} he was {G2076} a disciple {G3101}.

Complete Jewish Bible

On reaching Yerushalayim, he tried to join the talmidim; but they were all afraid of him — they didn’t believe he was a talmid.

Berean Standard Bible

When Saul arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple.

American Standard Version

And when he was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: and they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 9:26 chronicles Saul's initial attempt to integrate into the Christian community in Jerusalem following his dramatic conversion. Despite his sincere desire to join the disciples, his notorious past as a fierce persecutor of believers had instilled such deep fear and skepticism that the Jerusalem church members universally disbelieved his transformation and refused to accept him as one of their own.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Saul's miraculous conversion on the road to Damascus and his subsequent preaching of Christ in Damascus, which led to plots against his life and his escape (Acts 9:1-25). Having spent some time in Damascus and possibly Arabia (Galatians 1:17-18), Saul now returns to Jerusalem, the very city where he had previously obtained warrants to persecute Christians (Acts 9:1-2). His arrival marks a critical juncture, bridging his past as an adversary with his future as a foundational apostle. The narrative sets up the crucial intervention of Barnabas in the very next verse, highlighting the need for a mediator to bridge the chasm of distrust.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jerusalem was the epicenter of the early Christian movement, the place where the church was born at Pentecost (Acts 2). The disciples there had firsthand experience of Saul's zealous and violent persecution, as he "made havoc of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison" ([Acts 8:3](/acts/8-3 "Saul's Persecution of the Church")). This history, combined with the general vulnerability of the nascent Christian community facing external threats, made their fear and disbelief entirely rational from a human perspective. The idea of such a radical enemy becoming a genuine follower of Jesus was almost unfathomable without divine revelation or credible witness.
* **Key Themes:** Acts 9:26 powerfully illustrates several key themes. It underscores the **radical nature of divine transformation**, showing that God can convert even the most ardent opponents into fervent advocates, as seen in Saul's journey from persecutor to preacher. It also highlights the **challenge of human skepticism and the difficulty of overcoming a notorious past**, revealing the natural human tendency to judge by reputation rather than by God's work. Furthermore, the verse implicitly introduces the theme of **community acceptance and discernment**, posing the question of how an early church, still fragile and under threat, was to welcome those with a history of hostility, foreshadowing the need for careful discernment and the vital role of reconciliation within the body of Christ. This tension between divine grace and human apprehension is a recurring motif in the book of Acts.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **assayed (Greek, _peiráō'_):** Derived from the Strong's G3987, this word means "to test (subjectively), i.e. (reflexively) to attempt." In this context, it signifies Saul's earnest and deliberate effort to "try" or "attempt" to join the disciples. It implies a genuine initiative on his part to integrate into their fellowship, rather than a casual or half-hearted approach. This word conveys the active, purposeful nature of his endeavor.
* **join himself (Greek, _kolláō'_):** From Strong's G2853, meaning "to glue, i.e. (passively or reflexively) to stick." This verb vividly describes Saul's desire for intimate association and belonging. He wasn't merely seeking to observe or visit; he wanted to "glue himself" to them, to become an integral, inseparable part of their community. It speaks to a deep longing for fellowship and acceptance after his profound spiritual reorientation.
* **believed not (Greek, _pisteúō_ with _mḗ'_):** Comprising Strong's G4100 (`pisteúō`), "to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e. credit," and Strong's G3361 (`mḗ`), "a primary particle of qualified negation." The combination indicates a profound and active disbelief on the part of the disciples. It wasn't just a lack of information, but an outright refusal to credit his claim of conversion, rooted in their deep-seated fear and the overwhelming evidence of his past actions. Their inability to believe was a direct negation of the possibility that he could truly be a "disciple."

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when Saul was come to Jerusalem":** This clause establishes the setting for the unfolding drama. Saul's arrival in Jerusalem is highly significant, as it is the very heart of the Christian movement and the place where his reputation as a persecutor was most acutely felt. His return to this spiritual epicenter marks a bold step, signifying his commitment to his newfound faith and his desire to connect with the very people he once terrorized.
* **"he assayed to join himself to the disciples":** This phrase reveals Saul's clear intention and proactive effort. The word "assayed" (attempted) suggests that his desire to integrate was not easily achieved, hinting at the resistance he would face. His aim was not just casual acquaintance but full inclusion ("to join himself") into the community of believers, recognizing them as his new spiritual family.
* **"but they were all afraid of him":** This part of the verse presents the immediate and universal reaction of the Jerusalem disciples. Their fear was a natural and understandable response to a man who had been a relentless and brutal persecutor of their brethren. This fear highlights the stark contrast between Saul's new identity and the disciples' lingering perception of his former self.
* **"and believed not that he was a disciple":** This final clause explains the root of their fear and rejection. Their disbelief was absolute and collective ("all... believed not"). They could not reconcile the notorious persecutor with the idea of him being a genuine "disciple"—a learner and follower of Christ. This profound skepticism underscores the human difficulty in accepting radical transformation, especially when past actions have been deeply hurtful.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Irony** by presenting Saul, the former chief persecutor of Christians, now earnestly seeking to join the very community he once sought to destroy. This stark reversal of roles creates a powerful ironic tension. Furthermore, **Contrast** is evident in the juxtaposition of Saul's sincere desire for fellowship ("assayed to join himself") with the disciples' overwhelming fear and disbelief ("they were all afraid of him, and believed not"). This highlights the chasm between Saul's transformed reality and the disciples' perception, shaped by his notorious past. The narrative also uses **Foreshadowing**, subtly setting the stage for the critical role of Barnabas in the subsequent verse, whose intervention will be necessary to bridge this gap of distrust and facilitate Saul's acceptance, thereby allowing God's larger plan for Saul's ministry to unfold.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 9:26 profoundly illustrates God's sovereign power to transform the human heart, demonstrating that no individual is beyond the reach of His redemptive grace. Saul's radical conversion challenges human preconceptions about who can be saved and serves as a testament to the truth that God's ways are higher than our ways. However, the disciples' reaction also highlights the very real human struggle with trust, forgiveness, and discernment, especially when confronted with a past that has caused immense pain. It underscores the theological principle that while God's grace is immediate and complete, the process of acceptance and integration within the human community often requires time, credible witness, and a willingness to see beyond past identities to the new creation in Christ.

* [2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")
* [Luke 19:10](/luke/19-10 "Luke 19:10 - The Son of Man Came to Seek and Save the Lost")
* [Ephesians 2:19](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19 - No Longer Strangers and Aliens")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This passage offers a poignant lesson for believers today, challenging us to examine our own hearts regarding acceptance and discernment. Just as the Jerusalem disciples struggled to reconcile Saul's past with his present claim of faith, we too can be prone to judging others based on their former lives, reputations, or perceived unworthiness. This story calls us to cultivate a spirit of grace and open-mindedness, recognizing that God is capable of transforming anyone, regardless of their history. While wise discernment is always necessary to protect the community, we are also called to extend the welcoming embrace of Christ to those who genuinely repent and seek fellowship. It prompts us to consider how we might serve as "Barnabases" in our own contexts, bridging gaps of distrust and advocating for those whose genuine transformation might be met with skepticism, thereby fostering true unity and demonstrating the inclusive nature of the gospel.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I react when someone with a notorious or difficult past claims to have genuinely converted to Christ?**
* **What is the balance between healthy discernment and extending unconditional grace and acceptance within the Christian community?**
* **In what ways can I, like Barnabas, serve as a bridge of reconciliation and trust for those who are struggling to be accepted into Christian fellowship?**

### FAQ
**Why were the disciples in Jerusalem so afraid of Saul and unwilling to believe he was a disciple?**

Answer: The disciples' fear and disbelief were entirely rational given Saul's infamous reputation and recent history. Before his conversion, Saul was a zealous Pharisee who actively persecuted Christians, "breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord" ([Acts 9:1](/acts/9-1 "Saul's Persecution")). He had obtained letters from the high priest to arrest believers and bring them to Jerusalem ([Acts 9:2](/acts/9-2 "Saul's Mission to Damascus")). The Jerusalem church members had likely witnessed or directly experienced his violence, imprisonment, and persecution of their fellow believers. Their profound skepticism stemmed from the sheer unlikeliness of such a fierce enemy undergoing such a radical, genuine transformation, viewing him more as a potential infiltrator or threat than a true convert.

**How did Saul eventually gain acceptance among the Jerusalem disciples?**

Answer: Saul's acceptance was facilitated by the intervention of Barnabas, a respected and trusted member of the early Christian community. As recorded in the very next verse, [Barnabas took Saul, brought him to the apostles, and explained to them how Saul had seen the Lord on the road, that the Lord had spoken to him, and how boldly he had preached in Damascus in the name of Jesus](/acts/9-27 "Acts 9:27 - Barnabas Introduces Saul to the Apostles"). Barnabas's credible witness and willingness to vouch for Saul's genuine conversion helped to overcome the deep-seated fear and skepticism of the apostles and the broader community, allowing Saul to be received into fellowship and begin his ministry in Jerusalem.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 9:26, though focusing on Saul's human struggle for acceptance, powerfully points to the transformative work of Christ. Saul's radical conversion from persecutor to disciple is a living testament to the [resurrection power of Jesus](/philippians/3-10 "Philippians 3:10 - Knowing Christ and the Power of His Resurrection") and His ability to redeem even the most unlikely individuals. The disciples' initial fear and disbelief underscore humanity's limited perception, which often fails to grasp the boundless reach of divine grace. Yet, it is Christ's work on the cross that makes such radical transformation possible, breaking down the dividing walls of hostility and reconciling enemies to God and to one another ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14 "Christ Our Peace")). Saul's eventual acceptance, facilitated by Barnabas, foreshadows the inclusive nature of the gospel, which, through Christ, welcomes all who believe, regardless of their past. This narrative ultimately highlights that the church's mission, empowered by Christ's Spirit, is to embody the very reconciliation that Christ accomplished, turning former adversaries into beloved members of His body, all for the glory of the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God").

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 26:20

But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and [then] to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.

Galatians 1:17

Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus.

Galatians 1:19

But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord's brother.

Acts 9:19

And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.

Acts 22:17

And it came to pass, that, when I was come again to Jerusalem, even while I prayed in the temple, I was in a trance;

Acts 22:20

And when the blood of thy martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by, and consenting unto his death, and kept the raiment of them that slew him.

Acts 4:23

¶ And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them.