Acts 9:23

What does Acts 9:23 mean?

A plain-English look at Acts 9:23 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Acts 9:23 means

After a significant period, the Jewish leaders in Damascus conspired to kill Saul. His effective and provocative preaching, coupled with his dramatic conversion, represented a profound threat to their religious authority and traditions. This plot reveals the intensity of the opposition he faced as a faithful follower of Christ. The same hatred that drove him to persecute Christians was now directed against him, demonstrating the cost of his new commitment to Jesus.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Then, after some days, the Jews made an agreement together to put him to death:

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And when many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel together to kill him,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And when many days were passed, the Jews consulted together to kill him.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Now when many days were fulfilled, the Jews consulted together to kill him.

Context

As Saul's ministry strengthened and confounded his opponents (verse 22), this verse reveals the inevitable consequence: a Jewish plot to kill him. This marked shift from amazement to lethal opposition underscores the danger inherent in his new calling. This assassination attempt sets up the subsequent narrative of his escape, demonstrating the practical dangers of his ministry and necessitating his eventual departure from Damascus.

v.22But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews that dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is the Christ.

v.23This passage

v.24but their plot became known to Saul. And they watched the gates also day and night that they might kill him:

Cross references

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

  • Acts 14:2

    But the Jews that were disobedient stirred up the souls of the Gentiles, and made them evil affected against the brethren.

  • Acts 9:16

    for I will show him how many things he must suffer for my name’s sake.

  • Acts 13:50

    But the Jews urged on the devout women of honorable estate, and the chief men of the city, and stirred up a persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and cast them out of their borders.

  • Acts 22:21

    And he said unto me, Depart: for I will send thee forth far hence unto the Gentiles.

  • Galatians 1:17

    neither went I up to Jerusalem to them that were apostles before me: but I went away into Arabia; and again I returned unto Damascus.

  • Acts 14:19

    But there came Jews thither from Antioch and Iconium: and having persuaded the multitudes, they stoned Paul, and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead.

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