Acts 9:24

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

But {G1161} their {G846} laying await {G1917} was known {G1097} of Saul {G4569}. And {G5037} they watched {G3906} the gates {G4439} day {G2250} and {G2532} night {G3571} to {G3704} kill {G337} him {G846}.

but their plot became known to Sha’ul. They were watching the gates day and night in order to do away with him;

but Saul learned of their plot. Day and night they watched the city gates in order to kill him.

but their plot became known to Saul. And they watched the gates also day and night that they might kill him:

Commentary

Acts 9:24 describes a critical moment in the early ministry of Saul, who would later become the Apostle Paul. After his dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus, Saul immediately began proclaiming Jesus as the Son of God in the synagogues of Damascus. This radical shift from persecutor to preacher enraged the Jewish leaders who had originally given him authority to arrest Christians.

Context

Following his encounter with the risen Christ, Saul spent a few days with the disciples in Damascus, then immediately began preaching with boldness (Acts 9:20). His powerful arguments, proving that Jesus was indeed the Messiah, confounded the Jews living in Damascus (Acts 9:22). This verse reveals the extreme reaction to his preaching: a concerted plot to assassinate him. The Jewish authorities, unable to refute his message, resorted to violence, demonstrating the intense opposition the early Christian message faced. This event is also recounted by Paul himself in his later letters, highlighting its significance in his journey (2 Corinthians 11:32-33).

Key Themes

  • Intense Opposition to the Gospel: The verse vividly illustrates the fierce resistance faced by those who proclaimed Christ, especially from established religious authorities. This plot against Saul highlights the spiritual warfare inherent in spreading the good news.
  • Divine Providence and Protection: Despite the grave danger, Saul's life was preserved. His awareness of the plot signifies God's protective hand, ensuring His chosen vessel would continue his mission. This foreshadows God's continued faithfulness to complete His work through His servants.
  • Saul's Transformed Identity: The very man who once "breathed out threatenings and slaughter" against believers (Acts 9:1) was now the target of similar deadly plots. This dramatic reversal underscores the profound change wrought by his conversion.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "laying await" translates the Greek word enedra (ἐνέδρα), which signifies an ambush or a secret plot. It emphasizes the treacherous and premeditated nature of the attempt on Saul's life. The verb "watched" (παρετηροῦντο, pareterounto) implies a continuous and careful observation, indicating the diligence and determination of Saul's enemies in their efforts to prevent his escape and carry out their deadly plan.

Practical Application

This verse reminds believers that proclaiming truth can often invite opposition. Just as Saul faced threats for his transformed faith, Christians today may encounter resistance, misunderstanding, or even hostility when they stand for biblical principles. However, it also offers encouragement: even in the face of grave danger, God is sovereign and capable of protecting His servants to fulfill His purposes. It calls for discernment to recognize threats and wisdom to navigate them, trusting in God's ultimate plan for our lives and ministry, much like Saul's dramatic escape in the next verse (Acts 9:25).

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Corinthians 11:32 (8 votes)

    In Damascus the governor under Aretas the king kept the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desirous to apprehend me:

  • Acts 25:3 (4 votes)

    And desired favour against him, that he would send for him to Jerusalem, laying wait in the way to kill him.

  • Acts 20:19 (3 votes)

    Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews:

  • Acts 20:3 (3 votes)

    And [there] abode three months. And when the Jews laid wait for him, as he was about to sail into Syria, he purposed to return through Macedonia.

  • Psalms 21:11 (2 votes)

    For they intended evil against thee: they imagined a mischievous device, [which] they are not able [to perform].

  • Acts 25:11 (2 votes)

    For if I be an offender, or have committed any thing worthy of death, I refuse not to die: but if there be none of these things whereof these accuse me, no man may deliver me unto them. I appeal unto Caesar.

  • Psalms 37:32 (2 votes)

    The wicked watcheth the righteous, and seeketh to slay him.