Acts 9:21
What does Acts 9:21 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 9:21 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 9:21 means
Those who heard Saul preach were utterly amazed and bewildered. They recognized him as the very man who had caused havoc among believers in Jerusalem and had come to Damascus with the specific intent of arresting them and bringing them before the chief priests. His sudden and fervent proclamation of Jesus as the Son of God was a complete contradiction to his notorious reputation. This astonishment highlights the undeniable and public nature of his transformation.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests?
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And all those hearing him were full of wonder and said, Is not this the man who in Jerusalem was attacking all the worshippers of this name? and he had come here so that he might take them as prisoners before the chief priests.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And all those hearing were amazed, and said, `Is not this he who laid waist in Jerusalem those calling on this name, and hither to this intent had come, that he might bring them bound to the chief priests?'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And all that heard him were astonished and said: Is not this he who persecuted in Jerusalem those that called upon this name and came hither for that intent, that he might carry them bound to the chief priests?
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And all who heard were astonished and said, Is not this he who destroyed in Jerusalem those who called on this name, and here was come for this purpose, that he might bring them bound to the chief priests?
Context
This verse describes the immediate reaction to Saul's preaching in verse 20, emphasizing the profound astonishment of local Jews. Their recounting of his violent past underscores the radical nature of his conversion and new message. This widespread amazement further establishes the authenticity of his change, setting the stage for his continued powerful preaching and the inevitable opposition that will arise from it.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- John 9:8
The neighbors therefore, and they that saw him aforetime, that he was a beggar, said, Is not this he that sat and begged?
- Isaiah 8:18
Behold, I and the children whom Jehovah hath given me are for signs and for wonders in Israel from Jehovah of hosts, who dwelleth in mount Zion.
- Acts 9:1
But Saul, yet breathing threatening and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,
- Acts 4:13
Now when they beheld the boldness of Peter and John, and had perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.
- Acts 2:6
And when this sound was heard, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speaking in his own language.
- 1 John 3:1
Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called children of God; and such we are. For this cause the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
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