Acts 9:20

Acts 9:20 marks a pivotal moment in the early Christian church, detailing the immediate actions of Saul (who would later become the Apostle Paul) following his dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus. This verse succinctly captures the profound and instantaneous shift from persecutor to preacher.

Context

This verse directly follows Saul's blindsiding encounter with the resurrected Jesus (Acts 9:1-9) and his subsequent healing and baptism by Ananias in Damascus (Acts 9:10-19). Prior to this, Saul was a zealous Pharisee, actively persecuting believers in Christ, even holding letters from the high priest to arrest followers of "the Way." The phrase "straightway" emphasizes the astonishing immediacy of his transformation and his newfound mission. His choice to preach "in the synagogues" was significant, as these were the traditional Jewish places of worship and learning, where he himself had likely once condemned Christians.

Key Themes

• Radical Transformation: The most striking theme is the complete and immediate change in Saul's life. The man who sought to destroy the church now passionately proclaims its central message, demonstrating the transformative power of divine grace.
• Bold Proclamation: Despite his notorious past and the potential danger, Saul immediately and courageously declares his new faith. This highlights the conviction that comes from a genuine encounter with Christ.
• The Divinity of Christ: The core of his message—"that he is the Son of God"—was not merely that Jesus was the Messiah, but that He possessed divine nature. This was a profound and often controversial claim to Jewish audiences, affirming Jesus' unique relationship with God the Father and His supreme authority.
• Urgency of the Gospel: The word "straightway" also underscores the urgency Saul felt to share the truth he had just discovered.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV word "straightway" translates the Greek term eutheōs (εὐθέως), which means "immediately" or "at once." This conveys not only quickness but also a sense of decisiveness and directness in Saul's actions. The phrase "preached Christ" uses the Greek verb ekēryssen (ἐκήρυσσεν), from which we get "herald" or "proclaim." It signifies a public and authoritative declaration, not just a casual conversation. His message, "that he is the Son of God" (ὅτι οὗτός ἐστιν ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ), was a direct theological assertion of Jesus' divine identity, a truth central to the Christian faith, further elaborated in passages like John 1:1-3 and Colossians 1:15-17.

Practical Application

Acts 9:20 reminds believers that God can use anyone, regardless of their past. It encourages us to be bold and immediate in sharing the truth of Jesus Christ, particularly His divine nature, once we have genuinely encountered Him. Saul's example challenges us to overcome fear and past prejudices to proclaim the Gospel wherever we are, even in places where we might expect opposition. It also underscores the central importance of Jesus' identity as the Son of God in our witness.