Acts 9:22

"All who heard him were amazed, and said, “Isn’t this he who in Jerusalem made havoc of those who called on this name? And he had come here intending to bring them bound before the chief priests!”"

Key Reflection

The amazement expressed by those who heard Ananias recount Saul's transformation reflects both his dramatic change in behavior and the perceived threat he posed to the Christian community. This reaction highlights the skepticism and fear that persisted among early believers, even as Saul became a pivotal figure in spreading Christianity despite his past persecution of its followers.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 22. Increased the more in strength. His conviction of the truth of the Christian religion became stronger every day. Hence his moral strength or boldness increased. And confounded. See Ac 2:6. The word here means confuted. It means also, occasionally, to produce a tumult, or excitement, Ac 19:32; 21:31. Perhaps the idea of producing such a tumult is intended to be conveyed here, Paul confuted the Jews, and by so doing he was the occasion of their tumultuous proceedings, or he so enraged them as to lead to great agitation and excitement. A very common effect of close and conclusive argumentation. Proving that this. This Jesus. Is very Christ. Greek, that this is the Christ.

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