Acts 9:30

KJV

[Which] when the brethren knew, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus.

KJV (with Strong's)

Which when {G1161} the brethren {G80} knew {G1921}, they brought {G2609} him {G846} down {G2609} to {G1519} Caesarea {G2542}, and {G2532} sent {G1821} him {G846} forth {G1821} to {G1519} Tarsus {G5019}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When the brothers learned of it, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him away to Tarsus.

Berean Standard Bible

When the brothers learned of this, they took him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus.

American Standard Version

And when the brethren knew it, they brought him down to Cæsarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 9:30 marks a pivotal moment in Saul's early ministry, detailing the strategic intervention by the Christian community in Jerusalem to protect him from a deadly plot. Following his bold preaching that provoked intense opposition, the believers recognized the severe threat to his life and future apostolic calling. Their actions ensured his safe passage to Caesarea and subsequent relocation to Tarsus, his hometown, providing a period of respite and preparation crucial for his later, extensive missionary endeavors.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows a period of intense activity and escalating opposition for Saul. After his dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus, detailed in [Acts 9:1-19](/acts/9-1-19 "Saul's Conversion"), Saul immediately began proclaiming Jesus as the Son of God in Damascus, astonishing all who heard him ([Acts 9:20-22](/acts/9-20-22 "Saul Preaches in Damascus")). This bold declaration quickly incited fierce Jewish opposition, leading to a plot to kill him, from which he narrowly escaped with the help of the disciples ([Acts 9:23-25](/acts/9-23-25 "Plot Against Saul in Damascus")). He then traveled to Jerusalem, where the disciples initially feared him until Barnabas vouched for him, facilitating his acceptance into the Christian community ([Acts 9:26-27](/acts/9-26-27 "Barnabas Vouching for Saul")). Once in Jerusalem, Saul continued to preach boldly, engaging in debates with the Hellenistic Jews, which again provoked violent opposition and a renewed plot to kill him ([Acts 9:28-29](/acts/9-28-29 "Saul Preaching and Plot in Jerusalem")). It is in direct response to this escalating danger that the brethren, the Christian community in Jerusalem, took the decisive action described in [Acts 9:30](/acts/9-30 "Saul Sent to Tarsus"), ensuring his safety and preserving his life for future ministry.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Acts 9:30 unfold within the volatile socio-political landscape of first-century Judea under Roman rule. Jerusalem was the religious heartland of Judaism, where the early Christian movement, initially seen as a sect of Judaism, faced intense scrutiny and persecution from Jewish authorities. Caesarea Maritima, mentioned as Saul's transit point, was a major port city on the Mediterranean coast and the Roman administrative capital of Judea. Its strategic location made it a natural hub for sea travel, facilitating Saul's departure from the immediate danger in Jerusalem. Tarsus, Saul's birthplace and destination, was a prominent city in Cilicia (modern-day Turkey), renowned as a center of Hellenistic culture, education, and trade. As a "free city" under Roman law, it offered a degree of autonomy and a familiar, safer environment for Saul, allowing him a period of respite and further development away from the immediate threats in Judea. This relocation highlights the practical realities of early Christian evangelism, often requiring strategic movements to avoid persecution and ensure the survival of key leaders.

* **Key Themes:** The narrative of Acts 9:30 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Acts and the broader New Testament. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Protection and Providence**, demonstrating God's active hand in preserving His chosen instruments, even amidst severe persecution. The intervention of the brethren, while human action, is implicitly part of God's overarching plan to safeguard Saul for his unparalleled future missionary endeavors, particularly to the Gentiles, as foreshadowed in [Acts 9:15](/acts/9-15 "Saul as a Chosen Instrument"). Another crucial theme is **Brotherly Care and Community**, showcasing the profound love and mutual support within the early church. The "brethren" (Greek: *hoi adelphoi*), representing the Christian community, actively collaborated to ensure Saul's safety, embodying the practical outworking of Christian fellowship and the unity of the body of Christ. Finally, the strategic relocation to Tarsus underscores the theme of **Strategic Retreat for Future Ministry**. This was not a withdrawal born of fear, but a wise, Spirit-guided decision by the church to allow Saul's ministry to continue and mature. This period, often termed Saul's "silent years," was crucial for his personal and theological development, preparing him for the immense responsibilities of his later apostolic calling, which would be reignited when Barnabas sought him out in [Acts 11:25-26](/acts/11-25-26 "Barnabas Seeks Saul in Tarsus").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **knew (Greek, _epiginṓskō'_):** This term, derived from *epí* (upon) and *ginṓskō* (to know), signifies more than mere intellectual awareness; it implies a full and accurate recognition, a deep acquaintance with the facts. In the context of Acts 9:30, it indicates that the brethren had become fully aware of the serious and imminent threat to Saul's life, not just hearing a rumor but understanding the gravity of the situation and acknowledging the necessity of immediate action. Their knowledge was comprehensive enough to prompt a decisive response.
* **brought him down (Greek, _katágō'_):** This verb literally means "to lead down" or "to bring down," often used in the context of bringing a ship to land or disembarking. Here, it describes the physical act of escorting Saul from Jerusalem (which is geographically higher) to Caesarea, a port city at a lower elevation. The use of this word suggests a deliberate, perhaps urgent, movement, emphasizing the brethren's active role in facilitating Saul's departure and ensuring his safe transit to the coast.
* **sent him forth (Greek, _exapostéllō'_):** This compound verb, combining *ek* (out from) and *apostéllō* (to send), carries the sense of sending someone away on a mission or dispatching them with a specific purpose, or even peremptorily dismissing them. In this verse, it highlights the intentionality and authority behind the brethren's action. They didn't just let Saul leave; they actively dispatched him to Tarsus, indicating a strategic decision to remove him from danger and perhaps to allow for a period of preparation or quiet, recognizing his unique calling.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"[Which] when the brethren knew":** This opening clause establishes the immediate cause for the ensuing actions. The "brethren" refers to the Christian community in Jerusalem, highlighting their collective awareness and concern for Saul's safety. Their knowledge was not passive but an informed recognition of the severe threat against him, which had escalated to a plot to kill him, as described in the preceding verse ([Acts 9:29](/acts/9-29 "Plot Against Saul in Jerusalem")). This collective awareness underscores the strong bonds of fellowship and mutual protection within the early church.
* **"they brought him down to Caesarea":** This describes the first phase of the brethren's protective action. "Bringing him down" refers to the journey from Jerusalem, situated in the Judean hills, to Caesarea Maritima, a major port city on the Mediterranean coast. This was a strategic move, as Caesarea provided a maritime route away from the immediate danger in Jerusalem. The brethren's active involvement in escorting him signifies their commitment to his safety and their understanding of the urgency of the situation.
* **"and sent him forth to Tarsus":** This clause details the final destination and the ultimate purpose of the brethren's intervention. From Caesarea, Saul was dispatched by sea to Tarsus, his hometown in Cilicia. This was not merely an escape but a strategic relocation. Tarsus, a significant Hellenistic city, offered a safe haven and a period of relative obscurity, allowing Saul to develop further without the immediate threat of persecution. This "sending forth" implies a deliberate, communal decision to preserve God's chosen instrument for future ministry, anticipating his later, vital role as the Apostle to the Gentiles.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Narrative Progression** to advance the plot, moving Saul from a perilous situation in Jerusalem to a place of safety and preparation in Tarsus. This movement is not random but orchestrated, highlighting the **Divine Providence** at work through human agents. The actions of "the brethren" illustrate **Communal Solidarity** and **Practical Love**, showcasing the early church's commitment to protecting its members, especially those with a significant calling. The strategic relocation also serves as **Foreshadowing**, subtly hinting at Saul's future, extensive travels and his eventual role as the Apostle to the Gentiles, as Tarsus was a major city in the Gentile world. The concise nature of the verse, despite its significant implications, is an example of **Conciseness** in biblical narrative, conveying a crucial turning point without unnecessary detail.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 9:30 powerfully illustrates God's unwavering commitment to preserving His chosen vessels for His purposes, often working through the faithful actions of His people. The brethren's intervention is not merely a practical response to danger but a demonstration of God's providential care for Saul, ensuring his survival and preparing him for his unparalleled mission to the Gentiles. This event underscores the vital role of Christian community in supporting and protecting its members, reflecting the New Testament emphasis on mutual care and the interconnectedness of the body of Christ. It also highlights the wisdom of strategic withdrawal in ministry, recognizing that sometimes a period of quiet preparation or removal from immediate conflict is necessary for long-term effectiveness and the fulfillment of a greater divine calling.

* [Psalm 18:2](/psalms/18-2 "The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer")
* [Philippians 2:4](/philippians/2-4 "Look out for the interests of others")
* [Proverbs 21:30](/proverbs/21-30 "No wisdom, no understanding, no counsel can avail against the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 9:30 offers profound lessons for believers today, emphasizing the enduring principles of divine protection, communal responsibility, and strategic wisdom in life and ministry. Just as God preserved Saul for his unique calling, we can trust in His providential care for our lives, even when facing opposition or danger. This verse challenges us to actively embody the love and support demonstrated by the early church, prompting us to be vigilant and proactive in caring for fellow believers, especially those who are vulnerable or facing spiritual warfare. Furthermore, it reminds us that effectiveness in ministry isn't always about relentless forward momentum; sometimes, a strategic retreat, a period of quiet growth, or a change of environment is precisely what God uses to prepare us for greater future impact. We are called to discern wisely when to press forward and when to step back, always trusting in God's timing and guidance for His purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways have you experienced God's providential protection in your life, perhaps through the actions of others?**
* **How can you, or your church community, better embody the "brotherly care" demonstrated in Acts 9:30 for those facing challenges or threats?**
* **Are there times in your life or ministry when a "strategic retreat" or a period of quiet preparation might be more beneficial than pressing forward? How do you discern such times?**

### FAQ

**What happened to Saul during his time in Tarsus?**

Answer: The Bible does not provide detailed accounts of Saul's activities during his time in Tarsus. This period, often referred to as Saul's "silent years," lasted approximately 7-10 years. While we lack specific narratives, it is widely believed by scholars that this was a crucial period of personal reflection, theological study, and spiritual growth for Saul. Having been dramatically converted and called by Christ, and having received direct revelation (as he later states in [Galatians 1:11-12](/galatians/1-11-12 "Paul's Gospel is from Revelation")), this time in his hometown likely allowed him to process his new understanding of the Messiah, deepen his theological convictions, and prepare for the extensive missionary journeys that would define his later ministry. His time in Tarsus concluded when Barnabas sought him out to assist with the growing church in Antioch ([Acts 11:25-26](/acts/11-25-26 "Barnabas Seeks Saul in Tarsus")).

**Who were "the brethren" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: "The brethren" (Greek: *hoi adelphoi*) refers to the Christian community, specifically the disciples and believers in Jerusalem. This term is consistently used in the book of Acts to denote fellow Christians, emphasizing their spiritual family bond and unity in Christ. Their collective action in protecting Saul highlights the strong sense of community, mutual responsibility, and practical love that characterized the early church, as seen in other passages describing their fellowship and support for one another ([Acts 2:42-47](/acts/2-42-47 "Life of the Early Church")).

**Why was Saul sent to Tarsus specifically, and not somewhere else?**

Answer: Saul was sent to Tarsus for several strategic reasons. Firstly, Tarsus was his hometown ([Acts 22:3](/acts/22-3 "Paul's Origin in Tarsus")), offering him a familiar and relatively safe environment away from the immediate threats in Jerusalem. Secondly, Tarsus was a significant Hellenistic city, a center of Greek culture and learning. While Saul was already highly educated, this environment would have been conducive to further theological reflection and preparation for his future ministry, particularly to the Gentile world. The decision to send him there was a strategic move by the Jerusalem church, demonstrating their wisdom in preserving a key leader for future ministry rather than allowing him to remain in a place of constant danger. It allowed him to be "out of sight" while still being prepared for God's greater plan.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 9:30, while narrating a pivotal moment in Saul's life, resonates deeply with Christ-centered themes, revealing how God's protective hand guides His servants in the pattern of His Son. Just as Saul was preserved from plots against his life, Jesus Himself strategically withdrew from danger and hostile crowds at various points in His earthly ministry to fulfill His divine timetable ([John 7:1](/john/7-1 "Jesus Avoids Judea"), [John 8:59](/john/8-59 "Jesus Hides from the Jews")). The brethren's loving intervention for Saul mirrors the communal care that Christ established for His body, the Church, where members are called to bear one another's burdens and protect one another ([Galatians 6:2](/galatians/6-2 "Bear One Another's Burdens"), [John 13:34-35](/john/13-34-35 "A New Commandment")). Ultimately, Saul's journey to Tarsus, a period of preparation before his grand mission, reflects the broader divine strategy of the Incarnation itself: Christ, though fully God, took on human form and endured a period of growth and preparation before embarking on His public ministry, culminating in the ultimate strategic "withdrawal" to the cross, which was the very means of salvation ([Philippians 2:6-8](/philippians/2-6-8 "Christ's Humiliation"), [Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of Faith")). Saul's life, marked by suffering and divine preservation for the sake of the gospel, becomes a powerful type of Christ's own mission, demonstrating that God's purposes, though often achieved through trials and strategic repositioning, will always prevail through the power of the resurrected Lord.

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 11:25

Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul:

Acts 8:40

But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all the cities, till he came to Caesarea.

Acts 9:11

And the Lord [said] unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for [one] called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth,

Galatians 1:21

Afterwards I came into the regions of Syria and Cilicia;

Acts 9:24

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

Acts 9:25

Then the disciples took him by night, and let [him] down by the wall in a basket.

Matthew 10:23

But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come.