Acts 9:20
What does Acts 9:20 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 9:20 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 9:20 means
Immediately and boldly, Saul began proclaiming Jesus in the synagogues of Damascus, declaring that Jesus is the Son of God. This was a radical and astonishing reversal of his previous life, where he had persecuted those who made such claims. His authoritative preaching, directly in the places where he might have expected to find his targets, demonstrated the profound impact of his conversion. He began his ministry precisely where he previously sought to destroy those with this message.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And straightway in the synagogues he proclaimed Jesus, that he is the Son of God.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And straightway in the synagogues he proclaimed Jesus, that he is the Son of God.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And straight away, in the Synagogues, he was preaching Jesus as the Son of God.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and immediately in the synagogues he was preaching the Christ, that he is the Son of God.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And immediately he preached Jesus in the synagogues, that he is the son of God.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And straightway in the synagogues he preached Jesus that he is the Son ofGod.
Context
This verse marks the startling commencement of Saul's public ministry, immediately following his recovery and fellowship in verse 19. His audacious preaching in the synagogues, proclaiming Jesus as the Son of God, is a dramatic reversal of his previous actions and intent. This immediate and bold declaration sets the stage for the amazement and confusion of those who knew his persecuting past, which will be explored in the next verse.
v.19and he took food and was strengthened. And he was certain days with the disciples that were at Damascus.
v.20This passage
v.21And all that heard him were amazed, and said, Is not this he that in Jerusalem made havoc of them that called on this name? and he had come hither for this intent, that he might bring them bound before the chief priests.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 9:27
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.
- Matthew 27:43
He trusteth on God; let him deliver him now, if he desireth him: for he said, I am the Son of God.
- Galatians 1:23
but they only heard say, He that once persecuted us now preacheth the faith of which he once made havoc;
- John 20:31
but these are written, that ye may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye may have life in his name.
- Psalms 2:12
Kiss the son, lest he be angry, and ye perish in the way, For his wrath will soon be kindled. Blessed are all they that take refuge in him.
- John 1:49
Nathanael answered him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art King of Israel.
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