Devine Scripture

Acts 9:22

What does Acts 9:22 mean?

A plain-English look at Acts 9:22 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Acts 9:22 means

Despite the amazement and skepticism, Saul's strength in Christ and his preaching grew even stronger. He confounded the Jews living in Damascus, systematically proving through the Scriptures that Jesus was indeed the Christ, the promised Messiah. His deep knowledge of the Old Testament, once used against Christians, now became a powerful tool for defending the Christian faith. This intellectual and spiritual force solidified his new identity as an advocate for Jesus.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews that dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is the Christ.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews that dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is the Christ.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But Saul went on increasing in power, and the Jews in Damascus were not able to give answers to the arguments by which he made it clear that Jesus was the Christ.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And Saul was still more strengthened, and he was confounding the Jews dwelling in Damascus, proving that this is the Christ.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But Saul increased much more in strength and confounded the Jews who dwelt at Damascus, affirming that this is the Christ.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But Saul increased the more in power, and confounded the Jews who dwelt in Damascus, proving that this is the Christ.

Context

Following the general amazement in verse 21, this verse illustrates Saul's growing power and effectiveness in ministry. His ability to "confound" and "prove" to the Jews establishes his early theological acumen and bold witness. This continued, strengthening ministry naturally leads to escalating opposition, setting the stage for the plot against his life, which quickly emerges from this powerful preaching.

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.

v.22This passage

v.23And when many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel together to kill him:

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Philippians 4:13

    I can do all things in him that strengtheneth me.

  • Genesis 49:24

    But his bow abode in strength, And the arms of his hands were made strong, By the hands of the Mighty One of Jacob (From thence is the shepherd, the stone of Israel),

  • Luke 21:15

    for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to withstand or to gainsay.

  • Isaiah 40:29

    He giveth power to the faint; and to him that hath no might he increaseth strength.

  • Acts 6:9

    But there arose certain of them that were of the synagogue calledthe synagogueof the Libertines, and of the Cyrenians, and of the Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and Asia, disputing with Stephen.

  • Acts 17:3

    opening and alleging that it behooved the Christ to suffer, and to rise again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom, said he, I proclaim unto you, is the Christ.

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