Acts 9:27

KJV

But Barnabas took him, and brought [him] to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} Barnabas {G921} took {G1949} him {G846}, and brought {G71} him to {G4314} the apostles {G652}, and {G2532} declared {G1334} unto them {G846} how {G4459} he had seen {G1492} the Lord {G2962} in {G1722} the way {G3598}, and {G2532} that {G3754} he had spoken {G2980} to him {G846}, and {G2532} how {G4459} he had preached boldly {G3955} at {G1722} Damascus {G1154} in {G1722} the name {G3686} of Jesus {G2424}.

Complete Jewish Bible

However, Bar-Nabba got hold of him and took him to the emissaries. He told them how Sha’ul had seen the Lord while traveling, that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Dammesek Sha’ul had spoken out boldly in the name of Yeshua.

Berean Standard Bible

Then Barnabas brought him to the apostles and described how Saul had seen the Lord, who spoke to him on the road to Damascus, and how Saul had spoken boldly in that city in the name of Jesus.

American Standard Version

But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how at Damascus he had preached boldly in the name of Jesus.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 9:27 marks a pivotal moment in the early church's acceptance of Saul (later Paul), showcasing the indispensable role of Barnabas. Following his dramatic conversion and initial bold preaching in Damascus, Saul arrived in Jerusalem, where the disciples remained skeptical and fearful due to his notorious past as a persecutor. This verse highlights Barnabas's courageous act of taking Saul to the apostles, vouching for his genuine transformation by recounting his encounter with the Lord on the road to Damascus and his subsequent fearless proclamation of Jesus's name. It underscores themes of divine transformation, the necessity of advocacy, and the power of a validated testimony in integrating new, even controversial, believers into the community of faith.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 9:27 is situated immediately after Saul's miraculous conversion on the Damascus Road and his subsequent three years in Arabia and Damascus, where he began to preach Christ with remarkable boldness. The preceding verses [Acts 9:19-25](/acts/9-19-25 "Acts 9:19-25 - Saul Preaches in Damascus") describe Saul's immediate and powerful proclamation of Jesus as the Son of God, confounding the Jews in Damascus and ultimately leading to a plot against his life from which he escaped. Upon his arrival in Jerusalem, the disciples were understandably hesitant to accept him, fearing a trap from their former persecutor [Acts 9:26](/acts/9-26 "Acts 9:26 - Saul's Attempt to Join the Disciples"). Verse 27, therefore, serves as the crucial bridge, introducing Barnabas as the key figure who facilitates Saul's integration into the apostolic circle, validating his conversion and ministry to those who had every reason to doubt.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At this time, the early Christian church was a nascent movement, still largely viewed as a sect within Judaism. Jerusalem was its spiritual and administrative center, with the apostles serving as its primary leaders and authoritative figures. Saul, a zealous Pharisee, had been a notorious persecutor, holding letters from the high priest to arrest Christians [Acts 9:1-2](/acts/9-1-2 "Acts 9:1-2 - Saul's Persecution"). His reputation preceded him, making the disciples' skepticism entirely rational. The Jewish Sanhedrin held considerable authority, and any perceived threat to their religious order was met with severe measures, including persecution. In such a climate, a radical conversion like Saul's would be met with profound suspicion, requiring a credible intermediary like Barnabas, who was known and trusted by the apostles, to bridge the divide and vouch for the authenticity of such a dramatic change.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Acts. Foremost is the **power of divine transformation**, illustrating that God can radically change even the most ardent opponents into fervent advocates, as seen in Saul's journey from persecutor to preacher. It also highlights the theme of **Christian community and acceptance**, demonstrating the challenges and necessity of extending grace and trust to new believers, especially those with controversial pasts. The role of **advocacy and encouragement** is powerfully embodied by Barnabas, whose willingness to take a risk and vouch for Saul underscores the importance of mentorship and bridge-building within the church. Furthermore, the verse reinforces the theme of **bold proclamation of the Gospel**, emphasizing Saul's immediate and fearless commitment to preaching Jesus, a characteristic that would define his entire apostolic ministry, echoing the boldness exhibited by other apostles in [Acts 4:29-31](/acts/4-29-31 "Acts 4:29-31 - Prayer for Boldness").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Barnabas (Greek, _Barnábas'_):** Of Chaldee origin, this name means "son of Nabas," interpreted as "son of prophecy" or, more commonly, "son of encouragement" or "son of consolation" [Acts 4:36](/acts/4-36 "Acts 4:36 - Barnabas, Son of Encouragement"). In Acts 9:27, Barnabas lives up to his name by providing crucial encouragement and validation to Saul, acting as a vital intermediary between the skeptical apostles and the newly converted persecutor. His character is consistently portrayed as one who champions others and builds bridges.
* **declared (Greek, _diēgéomai'_):** This verb means "to relate fully" or "to tell in detail." Barnabas didn't just give a brief summary; he provided a comprehensive account of Saul's Damascus experience, including his vision of the Lord and the subsequent divine communication. This detailed testimony was essential for convincing the apostles of the authenticity of Saul's conversion and the divine mandate for his new ministry.
* **preached boldly (Greek, _parrhēsiázomai'_):** This term signifies being "frank in utterance" or "confident in spirit and demeanor." It describes a fearless and open proclamation, often in the face of opposition or danger. The fact that Saul immediately "preached boldly" after his conversion, even in the very city where he intended to persecute believers, served as compelling evidence to Barnabas (and subsequently to the apostles) of the profound and genuine transformation wrought by Christ in Saul's life.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But Barnabas took him, and brought [him] to the apostles":** This opening clause highlights Barnabas's initiative and courage. While others feared Saul, Barnabas, known for his generosity and faith, actively sought him out and personally escorted him to the highest authorities in the early church. This act was crucial, as it provided Saul with the necessary endorsement to overcome the deep-seated suspicion surrounding him.
* **"and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him":** Barnabas's declaration was the core of his advocacy. He recounted the supernatural elements of Saul's conversion: the direct encounter with the risen Christ on the road to Damascus and the personal communication between Jesus and Saul. This divine validation, witnessed by Barnabas's trusted testimony, was indispensable for the apostles to grasp the magnitude of Saul's transformation and the divine origin of his new calling.
* **"and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus":** This final part of Barnabas's testimony provided practical evidence of Saul's changed life. It demonstrated that Saul's conversion was not merely an internal experience but had immediate, public, and courageous fruit. His fearless proclamation of Jesus in the very city where he had intended to persecute believers was undeniable proof of his genuine commitment to Christ and his new mission.

#### Literary Devices
Acts 9:27 employs several powerful literary devices. **Characterization** is prominent, with Barnabas living up to his epithet "Son of Encouragement" [Acts 4:36](/acts/4-36 "Acts 4:36 - Barnabas, Son of Encouragement") through his courageous and compassionate advocacy for Saul. There is a strong element of **contrast** between Saul's notorious past as a persecutor and his immediate, bold proclamation of Christ, which serves to highlight the radical nature of divine transformation. The verse also contains **foreshadowing**, as Barnabas's act of bringing Saul to the apostles sets the stage for Paul's future integration into the church's leadership and his pivotal role in spreading the Gospel. The narrative structure, moving from Saul's initial rejection by the disciples to his acceptance through Barnabas's intervention, creates a sense of **dramatic tension and resolution**, emphasizing the importance of trust and discernment within the early Christian community.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 9:27 beautifully illustrates the transformative power of God's grace, capable of converting even the most vehement opponents into passionate advocates for Christ. It underscores the theological truth that salvation is entirely a work of God, independent of human merit or past deeds. Furthermore, the verse highlights the essential role of community in validating and integrating new believers, especially those whose past might evoke skepticism. Barnabas's actions demonstrate the practical outworking of Christian love and discernment, emphasizing the importance of belief in the authenticity of another's testimony and the willingness to take risks for the sake of the Gospel's advance. This passage serves as a powerful reminder that God uses human instruments—like Barnabas—to facilitate His divine purposes, building bridges of trust and acceptance within His church.

* [Acts 4:36](/acts/4-36 "Acts 4:36 - Barnabas, Son of Encouragement")
* [Acts 9:1-19](/acts/9-1-19 "Acts 9:1-19 - Saul's Conversion")
* [Acts 4:29-31](/acts/4-29-31 "Acts 4:29-31 - Prayer for Boldness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 9:27 provides profound lessons for believers today, challenging us to embody the spirit of Barnabas in our interactions within the church and beyond. It calls us to cultivate a posture of grace and openness towards those whose past might seem irredeemable, recognizing that God's transformative power knows no bounds. We are invited to be bridge-builders, willing to advocate for and mentor new or struggling believers, helping them find acceptance and a place of belonging within the community of faith. This requires discernment, courage, and a willingness to extend trust, even when skepticism might be the easier path. Just as Barnabas validated Saul's testimony, we are called to listen to and affirm the stories of God's work in others' lives, recognizing that every genuine conversion is a testament to the Gospel's power. Ultimately, this passage encourages us to embrace and champion those whom God has transformed, fostering an environment where all can grow in their faith and boldly proclaim the name of Jesus.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways can I be a "Barnabas" to someone in my community or church, offering encouragement and advocacy?**
* **How does Saul's radical transformation challenge my preconceived notions about who God can save or use?**
* **What role does personal testimony play in validating faith, both for the individual and for the wider community?**
* **Am I willing to take a risk to help someone integrate into the church, even if their past makes others hesitant?**

### FAQ

**Why were the apostles initially afraid of Saul, even after his conversion?**

Answer: The apostles' fear was entirely rational and based on Saul's well-known history as a zealous and violent persecutor of Christians. Before his conversion, Saul had actively sought out believers, arresting them and even consenting to the stoning of Stephen [Acts 7:58](/acts/7-58 "Acts 7:58 - Stephen's Stoning"). His reputation as a fierce opponent of the church preceded him, making it difficult for the disciples in Jerusalem to believe that such a radical change could be genuine. Their apprehension was a natural human response to a perceived threat, highlighting the profound impact of Saul's past actions.

**What was the significance of Barnabas's intervention?**

Answer: Barnabas's intervention was absolutely critical for Saul's integration into the early church leadership. His name, meaning "Son of Encouragement" [Acts 4:36](/acts/4-36 "Acts 4:36 - Barnabas, Son of Encouragement"), perfectly describes his role here. He acted as a trusted intermediary, vouching for Saul's genuine conversion by relaying the details of his encounter with the risen Lord on the Damascus Road and his subsequent bold preaching in Damascus. Without Barnabas's personal credibility and willingness to take a risk, Saul might have remained isolated from the apostles, potentially hindering his future ministry. Barnabas built a bridge of trust, allowing Saul to be accepted and recognized by the apostolic leadership.

**How does this event relate to the broader theme of acceptance in the Christian community?**

Answer: This event powerfully illustrates the challenges and necessity of acceptance within the Christian community, especially for those with difficult or controversial pasts. It teaches that genuine transformation by Christ should lead to welcome and integration, not continued suspicion. The story of Saul's acceptance, facilitated by Barnabas, serves as a model for how the church should embrace new believers, providing mentorship, validation, and opportunities for service. It underscores that God's grace is sufficient to transform anyone, and the church is called to reflect that boundless grace by extending open arms to those whom Christ has redeemed.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 9:27, though centered on the actions of Barnabas and Saul, profoundly points to Christ as the ultimate source of transformation and reconciliation. It is Christ whom Saul "had seen... in the way" and who "had spoken to him," initiating the radical change from persecutor to apostle. This encounter on the Damascus Road is a vivid illustration of the new creation that occurs in Christ, where "if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new" [2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ"). Barnabas's role as an advocate foreshadows Christ's own role as our great High Priest and Advocate, who intercedes for us before the Father, making it possible for us to be reconciled to God and accepted into His family [Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ Our Intercessor"); [1 John 2:1](/1_john/2-1 "1 John 2:1 - Christ Our Advocate"). Saul's immediate and bold preaching "in the name of Jesus" highlights the power inherent in Christ's name and the Gospel message itself, which is the "power of God to salvation for everyone who believes" [Romans 1:16](/romans/1-16 "Romans 1:16 - Power of the Gospel"). Thus, Acts 9:27 ultimately glorifies Christ as the one who transforms lives, reconciles the alienated, and empowers His followers to boldly proclaim His truth to the world.

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 4:36

And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, [and] of the country of Cyprus,

Acts 4:29

And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,

Acts 4:13

Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.

Acts 9:20

And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.

Acts 9:22

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

Galatians 1:18

Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days.

Galatians 1:19

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