Acts 9:29
What does Acts 9:29 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 9:29 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 9:29 means
Continuing his bold ministry in Jerusalem, Saul preached and debated vigorously against the Grecian Jews, also known as Hellenists, who were Greek-speaking Jews. These were likely the same group with whom Stephen had previously debated, leading to his martyrdom. Saul's fervent arguments naturally provoked similar hostility, and these Hellenistic Jews quickly sought to kill him, just as they had sought to kill Stephen. This illustrates the consistent opposition faced by those who boldly proclaimed Jesus.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000preaching boldly in the name of the Lord: and he spake and disputed against the Grecian Jews; but they were seeking to kill him.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901preaching boldly in the name of the Lord: and he spake and disputed against the Grecian Jews; but they were seeking to kill him.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Preaching in the name of the Lord without fear; and he had discussions with the Greek Jews; but they were working for his death.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and speaking boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, he was both speaking and disputing with the Hellenists, and they were taking in hand to kill him,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752He spoke also to the Gentiles and disputed with the Greeks. But they sought to kill him.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890and speaking boldly in the name of the Lord. And he spoke and discussed with the Hellenists; but they sought to kill him.
Context
Building on Saul's acceptance and fellowship in verse 28, this verse details his continuation of bold preaching, specifically engaging with Grecian Jews. This public disputation, echoing the conflict that led to Stephen's death, immediately generates a death threat against Saul. This renewed danger necessitates his departure from Jerusalem, highlighting the constant peril faced by early evangelists and foreshadowing Peter's later ministry.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Jude 1:9
But Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing judgment, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.
- Acts 19:8
And he entered into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, reasoning and persuading as to the things concerning the kingdom of God.
- 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.
- Jude 1:3
Beloved, while I was giving all diligence to write unto you of our common salvation, I was constrained to write unto you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered unto the saints.
- Acts 17:17
So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the devout persons, and in the marketplace every day with them that met him.
- 2 Corinthians 11:26
in journeyings often, in perils of rivers, in perils of robbers, in perils from my countrymen, in perils from the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren;
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