Acts 9:26

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.

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}.

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

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.

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.

Acts 9:26 describes a pivotal moment in the life of Saul, soon to be known as the Apostle Paul, as he attempts to integrate into the Christian community in Jerusalem after his dramatic conversion.

Context

This verse finds Saul, formerly a zealous persecutor of Christians (Acts 8:3), returning to Jerusalem. His journey there followed a profound, life-altering encounter with the resurrected Jesus on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-9). After his conversion, Saul spent time in Damascus preaching Christ (Acts 9:19-22) and also a period in Arabia (Galatians 1:17-18). His return to Jerusalem, likely after several years, was met with deep skepticism and fear by the disciples. They remembered him not as a fellow believer, but as the notorious figure who had violently opposed and imprisoned followers of Jesus.

Key Themes

  • The Challenge of Reputation: Saul's infamous past as a ruthless persecutor created a significant barrier to trust. His prior actions cast a long shadow, making it difficult for the Jerusalem disciples to accept his radical change.
  • Genuine Transformation vs. Human Skepticism: The verse highlights the tension between God's miraculous ability to transform a heart and the human difficulty in believing such a radical shift, especially from someone who had caused so much suffering. It underscores the reality of new creation in Christ.
  • Community Acceptance and Discernment: It reveals the struggle for the early Christian community to discern true conversion and to accept former adversaries into their fellowship. Their fear, while understandable, presented a challenge to the inclusive nature of the gospel.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "assayed to join himself" uses the Greek word peirazō (πειράζω), which means "to try, attempt, or test." In this context, it conveys Saul's earnest and genuine effort to connect with the disciples and become part of their number, indicating his sincere desire for fellowship. The disciples' reaction, "believed not that he was a disciple," emphasizes their profound doubt and fear. Their perception was still deeply shaped by his former identity as a persecutor, making it hard for them to accept his newfound discipleship and change of heart.

Practical Application

This account serves as a powerful reminder of God's ability to transform even the most unlikely individuals, turning fierce enemies into fervent followers. For us, it highlights the human tendency to hold onto past perceptions and the challenge of extending grace and trust when individuals claim new faith. While discernment is always important, this story also implicitly sets the stage for the crucial role of mediators, such as Barnabas in the very next verse (Acts 9:27), in bridging gaps of distrust and verifying genuine change within a community. It calls us to consider how we welcome those whose past might make their present claims of faith seem unbelievable.

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 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.

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