Acts 9:1-20

Acts 9:1-20
Eastertide C23
Narrative Lectionary 441

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Meanwhile Saul,A still breathingB threatsC and murderD

Notes on verse 1a

A “Saul” = Saulos. 15x in NT. From Saoul (Saul); from Hebrew Shaul (Saul, Shaul; meaning “asked of the Lord”); from shaal (to ask, inquire, beg, borrow, desire, request; can also mean demand). This is Saul, meaning “asked of the Lord.”
B “breathing” = empneo. 1x in NT. From en (in, on, at, by, with, within) + pneo (to blow, breathe, breathe hard). This is to inhale or, figuratively, to be bent on something.
C “threats” = apeile. 3x in NT. Perhaps from apeileo (to threaten, warn). This is a threat or menacing.
D “murder” = phonos. 9x in NT. From pheno (to slay). This is killing, murder, or slaughter. It is one of the crimes that Barabbas and Saul are accused of.

against the disciplesE of the Lord,F wentG to the high priestH 

Notes on verse 1b

E “disciples” = mathetes. From matheteuo (to make a disciple of); from manthano (to learn key facts, gain knowledge from experience; generally implies reflection as part of the learning process); from math– (thinking things through). This is a disciple, learner, or student. It is where we get “mathematics” from.
F “Lord” = Kurios. From kuros (authority, supremacy). This is a respectful address meaning master or sir. It refers to one who has control or power greater than one’s own. So, it was also applied to God and Jesus as Master or Lord.
G “went” = proserchomai. From pros (for, at, towards) + erchomai (to come, go). This is to approach, draw near, come up to. It is also used figuratively to mean worship.
H “high priest” = archiereus. From archo (to rule, begin, have first rank or have political power) + hiereus (a priest literal or figurative – of any faith); {from hieros (sacred, something sacred, temple, holy, set apart; something consecrated to God or a god)} This is a high or chief priest.

and askedI him for lettersJ to the synagoguesK at Damascus,L so that if he foundM any who belongedN to the Way,O

Notes on verse 2a

I “asked” = aiteo. This is to ask, demand, beg, desire.
J “letters” = epistole. From epistello (to write, communicate through letter); {from epi (on, upon, against, what is fitting) + stello (to send, set, arrange, prepare, gather up); {from histemi (to make to stand, place, set up, establish, appoint, stand by, stand still, stand ready, stand firm, be steadfast)}}. This is an epistle, letter, or other written message. This is where the word “epistle” comes from.
K “synagogues” = sunagoge. From sun (with, together with, closely associated) + ago (to lead, bring, carry, guide, go, drive). Literally, this is a bringing together, a place of assembly. The term can be used for the people or for the place where they assemble. It is also sometimes used of Christian churches in the New Testament. So, this is synagogue, assembly, congregation, or church. This is where the word “synagogue” comes from.
L “Damascus” = Damskos. 15x in NT. From Hebrew Dammeseq (Damascus is Aram/Syria – foreign origin unclear). This is Damascus in Syria.
M “found” = heurisko. This is to find, learn, or obtain. It is to discover something, which generally implies a period of searching for it. This is to find in a literal or figurative sense. This is where the word “heuristic” comes from.
N “belonged” = eimi. This is to be or exist.
O “Way” = Hodos. This is way, road, path, or journey. It can imply progress along a route.

menP or women,Q he might bringR them boundS to Jerusalem.T Now as he was going alongU andV approachingW Damascus,

Notes on verses 2b-3a

P “men” = aner. This is man, male, husband, or fellow. It can also refer to an individual.
Q “women” = gune. Perhaps from ginomai (to come into being, to happen, become, be born; to emerge from one state or condition to another; this is coming into being with the sense of movement or growth). This is woman, wife, or bride. This is where the word “gynecologist” comes from.
R “bring” = ago. Related to “synagogues” in v2. See note K above.
S “bound” = deo. To tie, bind, compel, put in chains. This is to bind in a literal or figurative sense. Can also mean declaring something unlawful.
T “Jerusalem” = Ierousalem. From Hebrew yerushalaim (probably foundation of peace); {from yarah (to throw, shoot, be stunned; to flow as water so figuratively to instruct or teach) + shalam (to make amends, to be complete or sound)}. This is Jerusalem, dwelling of peace.
U “going along” = poreuomai. From poros (ford, passageway). This is to go, travel, journey, or die. It refers to transporting things from one place to another and focuses on the personal significance of the destination.
V {untranslated} = ginomai. Related to “women” in v2. See note Q above.
W “approaching” = eggizo. From eggus (nearby or near in time). This is extremely close by – approaching, at hand, immediately imminent.

suddenlyX a lightY from heavenZ flashed aroundAA him. 

Notes on verse 3b

X “suddenly” = exaiphnes. 5x in NT. From ek (from, from out of) + aiphnidios (literally not apparent so sudden or unexpected); {from aiphnes (suddenly); {from a (not, without) + phaino (to bring light, cause to appear, shine, become visible or clear); {perhaps from phos (light, radiance; light literal or figurative)}}}. This is suddenly or unexpectedly.
Y “light” = phos. Related to “suddenly” in v3. See note X above.
Z “heaven” = ouranos. May be related to oros (mountain, hill) with the notion of height. This is the air, the sky, the atmosphere, and heaven. It is the sky that is visible and the spiritual heaven where God dwells. Heaven implies happiness, power, and eternity.
AA “flashed around” = periastrapto. 2x in NT. From peri (about, concerning, all around, encompassing) + astrapto (to flash with or like lightning, be dazzling); {probably from aster (star literally or figuratively); probably from stronnumi or stronnuo (to spread, make a bed)}. This is to shine around or surround with light.

He fellBB to the groundCC and heardDD a voiceEE

Notes on verse 4a

BB “fell” = pipto. This is to fall literally or figuratively.
CC “ground” = ge. This is earth, land, soil, region, country, the inhabitants of an area.
DD “heard” = akouo. This is hear or listen, but it also means to understand by hearing. This is where the word “acoustics” comes from.
EE “voice” = phone. Related to “suddenly” and “light” in v3. Probably from phemi (to declare, say, use contrasts in speaking to shed light on one point of view); {from phao (to shine) or phaino (see note X above). This is a voice, sound, tone or noise. It can also be a language or dialect.

sayingFF to him, “Saul, Saul,GG why do you persecuteHH me?” 

He asked, “Who are you, Lord?”

The reply came, “I am Jesus,II whom you are persecuting.JJ 

Notes on verses 4b-5

FF “saying” = lego. This is to speak, say, name, call, command. It is generally to convey verbally.
GG “Saul, Saul” = Saoul + Saoul. Related to “Saul” in v1. 9x in NT. See note A above.
HH “persecute” = dioko. From dio (put to flight). This is chase or pursue in an aggressive fashion. By implication, it is persecute. It can also be used positively for eagerly pursuing something.
II “Jesus” = Iesous. From Hebrew Yehoshua (Joshua, the Lord is salvation); {from YHVH (proper name of the God of Israel; the self-existent and eternal one); {from havah (to become) or from hayah (to come to pass, become, be)} + yasha (to deliver, defend, help, preserve, rescue; properly, to be open, wide or free, which implies being safe. So, in a causative sense, this is to free someone)}. This is Jesus or Joshua in Greek – the Lord saves or the Lord is salvation.
JJ Some manuscripts add “it is hard for you to kick against the goads. Trembling and astonished he said, ‘Lord, what do you want me to do?’” “Hard” = skleros. 6x in NT. From skello (to dry) OR from the base of skelos (leg); {perhaps from skello (to parch)}. This is hard because dried, rough, difficult, fierce, harsh. It can also be stubborn or unyielding – unyieldingly hard. This is where the word “sclera” comes from. “Goads” = kentron. 5x in NT. From kenteo (to prick). This is a sting or sharp point. Figuratively, it could be poison or death. “Kick” = laktizo. 2x in NT. From lax (heel-wise). This is to kick. “Trembling” = tremo. 3x in NT. From treo (to dread or terrify). This is to tremble or shake, whether from fear or dread. “Astonished” = thambeo. 3x in NT. From thambos (amazement, wonder, being stunned or dumbfounded because something unusual happened; it can be positive or negative); akin to tapho (dumbfounded). This is astonish, amaze, be terrified or dumbfounded. It can denote wonder or terror – either way, as a surprise. “Want” = thelo. This is to wish, desire, will, or intend. It is to choose or prefer in a literal or figurative sense. It can also mean inclined toward or take delight in. It can have a sense of being ready to act on the impulse in question. “Do” = poieo. This is to make, do, act, construct, abide, or cause.

But get upKK and enterLL the city,MM and you will be told what you areNN to do.” 

Notes on verse 6

KK “get up” = anistemi. Related to “letters” in v2. From ana (upwards, up, again, back, anew) + histemi (see note J above). This is to raise up, rise, appear. It is to stand up literally or figuratively. Can also mean to resurrect.
LL “enter” = eiserchomai. Related to “went” in v1. From eis (to, into, for, among) + erchomai (see note G above). This is to go in in a literal or figurative sense.
MM “city” = polis. This is a city or its inhabitants. It is a town of variable size, but one that has walls. This is where “metropolis” and “police” come from.
NN “are” = dei. From deo (to tie, bind, compel; declare unlawful). This is what is necessary or proper. It is what is needed or what one should do – a duty or something inevitable. This refers to something absolutely necessary.

The men who were traveling withOO him stoodPP speechlessQQ because they heardRR the voice but sawSS no one. 

Notes on verse 7

OO “travelling with” = sunodeuo. Related to “Way” in v2. 1x in NT. From sun (with, together with) + hodeuo (to travel or journey); {from hodos (see note O above)}. This is to travel with or accompany
PP “stood” = histemi. Related to “letters” in v2 & “get up” in v6. See note J above.
QQ “speechless” = enneos. 1x in NT. From eneos (speechless) OR from enneuo (to nod at, gesture, beckon); {from en (in, on, at, by, with, within) + neuo (to nod, to signal)}. This is speechless or one who is silent and makes signs to communicate. It can also be someone made silent from amazement.
RR {untranslated} = men. This is truly, indeed, even, in fact. Often, it is not translated, but used to emphasize affirmation.
SS “saw” = theoreo. From theaomai (to behold, look upon, see, contemplate, visit); from thaomai (to gaze at a spectacle; to look at or contemplate as a spectator; to interpret something in efforts to grasp its significance); from theoros (a spectator or envoy). This is gazing, beholding, experiencing, discerning. It is looking at something to analyze it and concentrate on what it means. This is the root of the word “theatre” in that people concentrate on the action of the play to understand its meaning.

SaulTT got upUU from the ground, and though his eyesVV were open,WW

Notes on verse 8a

TT “Saul” = Saulos. Same as “Saul” in v1. See note A above.
UU “got up” = egeiro. This is to awake, raise up or lift up. It can be to get up from sitting or lying down, to get up from sleeping, to rise from a disease or from death. Figuratively, it can be rising from inactivity or from ruins.
VV “eyes” = ophthalmos. From optanomai (to appear, be seen by); from horao (to see, perceive, attend to, look upon, experience; to stare at, which implies clear discernment; by extension, attending to what was seen and learned; to see, often with a metaphorical sense, which can include inward spiritual seeing). This is eye or sight. It is used figuratively for the mind’s eye, a vision, or for envy.
WW “were open” = anoigo. From ana (up, back, again, among, between, anew) + oigo (to open). This is to open in  literal or figurative sense.

he could seeXX nothing; so they led him by the handYY and broughtZZ him into Damascus. 

Notes on verse 8b

XX “see” = blepo. This is literally to see – it is primarily used in the physical sense. However, figuratively it can be seeing, which includes attention and so to watchfulness, being observant, perceiving, and acting on the visual information. It can also mean beware.
YY “led…by the hand” = cheiragogeo. Related to “synagogues” and “bring” in v2. 2x in NT. From cheiragogos (one who leads by the hand, someone who is blind or helpless); {from cheir (hand in a literal sense; figuratively, the means a person uses to accomplish things so it can mean power, means, or instrument); {perhaps from cheimon (winter, storm – winter as the rainy season); related to the base of chasma (chasm, gap, gulf); from chasko (to yawn)} + ago (see note K above)}. This is to lead by the hand as one leads someone who is blind.
ZZ “brought” = eisago. Related to “synagogues” and “bring” in v2 & “led…by the hand” in v8. 11x in NT. From eis (to, into, for, among) + ago (see note K above). This is to bring or lead in in a literal or figurative sense.

For threeAAA daysBBB he was without sight,CCC and neither ateDDD nor drank.EEE

Notes on verse 9

AAA “three” = treis. This is three.
BBB “days” = hemera. Perhaps from hemai (to sit). This is day, time, or daybreak.
CCC “sight” = blepo. Same as “see” in v8. See note XX above.
DDD “ate” = phago. This is to eat or figuratively to consume like rust does.
EEE “drank” = pino. This is to drink, literally or figuratively.

10 Now there was a disciple in Damascus namedFFF Ananias.GGG The Lord said to him in a vision,HHH “Ananias.”

He answered, “HereIII I am, Lord.” 

Notes on verse 10

FFF “named” = onoma. May be from ginosko (know, recognize, learn from firsthand experience). This is a name, authority, cause, character, fame, reputation. The name was thought to include something of the essence of the person so it was not thought to be separate from the person.
GGG “Ananias” = Ananias. Related to “Jesus” in v5. 11x in NT. From Hebrew Chananyah (Hannaniah; “the Lord has been gracious” or “the Lord has favored); {from chanan (beseech, show favor, be gracious; properly, to bend in kindness to someone with less status) Yah (the shortened form of the name of the God of Israel; God, Lord); {from YHVH (see note II above)}. This is Ananias, meaning “the Lord has been gracious” or “the Lord has favored.”
HHH “vision” = horama. Related to “eyes” in v8. 12x in NT. From horao (see note VV above). This is a sight, something seen, a vision. In the New Testament, it is always a supernatural vision.
III “here” = idou. From eido (to be aware, see, know, remember, appreciate). This is see! Lo! Behold! Look! Used to express surprise and or draw attention to the statement.

11 The Lord said to him, “Get upJJJ and go to the streetKKK calledLLL Straight,MMM

Notes on verse 11a

JJJ “get up” = anistemi. Same as “get up” in v6. See note KK above.
KKK “street” = rhume. 4x in NT. Probably related to rheuma (something that flows; a current); from rheo (to flow, to flow like water, overflow) OR from rhoumai (to pull to oneself, rescue from danger, snatch up, set free); from eruo (to draw, drag) This is a street or lane – a street alley as crowded.
LLL “called” = kaleo. Related to keleuo (to command, order, direct); from kelomai (to urge on). This is to call by name, invite, to name, bid, summon, call aloud.
MMM “Straight” = Euthus. 8x in NT. Perhaps from eu (good, well, well done, rightly) + tithemi (to place, lay, set, establish). This is immediately, upright, straight and not crooked.

and at the houseNNN of JudasOOO look forPPP a man

Notes on verse 11b

NNN “house” = oikia. From oikos (house – the building, the household, the family, descendants; the temple). This is a house, household, goods, property, family, or means.
OOO “Judas” = Ioudas. From Hebrew Yehudah (Judah, son of Jacob, his tribal descendants, a name for the southern kingdom. Literally, it means praised); probably from yadah (to throw one’s hands into the air in a gesture of praise); from yad (hand). This is Judah or Judas, meaning praised.
PPP “look for” = zeteo. This is to seek, search for, desire. It is searching for something by inquiring or investigation. It can be seek in a literal or figurative sense. There is a Hebrew figure of speech “to seek God’s face” so it can also mean to worship God. Alternately, you could seek someone’s life i.e. plot to kill them.

of TarsusQQQ named Saul.RRR At this momentSSS he is praying,TTT 

Notes on verse 11c

QQQ “of Tarsus” = Tarseus. 2x in NT. From Tarsos (Tarsus); {perhaps from tarsos (basket) or Hebrew tirza (cypress) or Hebrew erez (cedar) or Hittite Tarsa (Tarsa); {perhaps from Tarhunz (a storm god)}}. This is from Tarsus. See https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Tarsus.html & https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tarsus,_Mersin
RRR “Saul” = Saulos. Same as “Saul” in v1. See note A above.
SSS “at this moment” = idou. Same as “here” in v10. See note III above.
TTT “praying” = proseuchomai. From pros (advantageous for, at, toward) + euchomai (to wish, make a request, pray). This is to pray or pray for, to worship or supplicate. It is more literally exchanging one’s own wishes for God’s.

12 and he has seenUUU in a vision a man named Ananias come in and layVVV his handsWWW on him so that he might regain his sight.”XXX 

Notes on verse 12

UUU “seen” = horao. Related to “eyes” in v8 & “vision” in v10. See note VV above.
VVV “lay” = epitithemi. Related to “Straight” in v11. From epi (on, upon, what is fitting) + tithemi (see note MMM above). This is to lay on or place on, whether in a friendly or aggressive way.
WWW “hands” = cheir. Related to “led…by the hand” in v8. See note YY above.
XXX “regain…sight” = anablepo. Related to “see” in v8. From ana (up, back, again, among, between, anew) + blepo (see note XX above). This is to look up or regain sight.

13 But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from manyYYY about this man, how much evilZZZ he has done to your saintsAAAA in Jerusalem; 

Notes on verse 13

YYY “many” = polus. This is much, often, plenteous – a large number or a great extent.
ZZZ “evil” = kakos. This is bad, evil, harm, ill. It is evil that is part of someone’s core character – intrinsic, rotted, worthless, depraved, causing harm. It refers to deep inner malice that comes from a rotten character. Can be contrasted with the Greek poneros, which is that which bears pain – a focus on the miseries and pains that come with evil. Also contrasting the Greek sapros, which deals with falling away from a previously embodied virtue.
AAAA “saints” = hagios. From hagnos (holy, sacred, pure ethically, ritually, or ceremonially; prepared for worship, chaste, unadulterated, pure to the core; undefiled by sin; figurative for innocent, modest, perfect). God is totally different from humanity and thus set apart. That which is consecrated to worship God (elements of worship) or to serve God (as the saints) are holy because they are now set apart for God’s purposes. Holy because important to God. This is sacred physically, pure. It can be morally blameless or ceremonially consecrated.

14 and here he has authorityBBBB from the chief priests to bind allCCCC who invokeDDDD your name.” 

Notes on verse 14

BBBB “authority” = exousia. Related to “belonged” in v2. From exesti (to be permitted or lawful); {from ek (out, out of) + eimi (see note N above)}. This is power to act or weight. It especially denotes moral authority or influence. It can mean domain, liberty, freedom, capacity, mastery, right, force, or strength.
CCCC “all” = pas. This is all or every.
DDDD “invoke” = epikaleo. Related to “called” in v11. From epi (on, upon, among, what is fitting) + kaleo (see note LLL above). This is to call on, appeal to, worship, invoke for help.

15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is an instrumentEEEE whom I have chosenFFFF to bringGGGG

Notes on verse 15a

EEEE “instrument” = skeuos. This is a vessel, object, article, property, a tool. It is an implement or other equipment in a literal or figurative sense. It could also refer to a vessel of mercy or a wife.
FFFF “chosen” = ekloge + eimi. Ekloge is related to “saying” in v4. 7x in NT. From eklego (to choose, select, elect); {from ek (from, from out of) + lego (see note FF above)}. This is properly a choosing out so it is a selection or choice. It is also used theologically to mean election i.e. God’s choice. Eimi is the same as “belonged” in v2. See note N above.
GGGG “bring” = bastazo. Perhaps from the base of basis (step, hence foot; a pace); from baino (to walk, to go). This is to lift in a literal of figurative sense. It can also mean take up, carry, bear, or remove. Figuratively, it can mean declare, endure, or sustain.

my name beforeHHHH GentilesIIII and kingsJJJJ and before the peopleKKKK of Israel;LLLL 

Notes on verse 15b

HHHH “before” = enopios. Related to “eyes” in v8 & “vision” in v10 & “seen” in v12. From en (in, on, at, by, with) + ops (eye, face); {from optanomai (see note VV above). This is literally “in sight of.” It means before in a literal or figurative sense.
IIII “Gentiles” = ethnos. Probably from etho (a custom or culture). This is people who are united by having similar customs or culture. Generally, it is used to refer to Gentiles. This is a tribe, race, nation, or Gentiles in general. This is where the term “ethnicity” comes from.
JJJJ “kings” = baisleus. Related to “bring” in v15. Probably from basis (see note GGGG above). This is king, emperor, or sovereign.
KKKK “people” = huios. This is son, descendant – a son whether natural born or adopted. It can be used figuratively for other forms of kinship.
LLLL “Israel” = Israel. From Hebrew Yisrael (God strives or one who strives with God; new name for Jacob and for his offspring); {from sarah (to persist, exert oneself, contend, persevere, wrestle, prevail) + el (God or god)}. This is Israel the people and the land.

16 I myself will showMMMM him how much he mustNNNN sufferOOOO for the sake of my name.” 

Notes on verse 16

MMMM “show” = hupodeiknumi. 6x in NT. From hupo (by, under, about, under someone’s authority) + deiknumi (to show, demonstrate, teach, make known). This is to teach, indicate, suggest, prove, exhibit, to show secretly, admonish.
NNNN “must” = dei. Same as “are” in v6. See note NN above.
OOOO “suffer” = pascho. Akin to penthos (mourning, sorrow). This is to be acted on for good or ill. It is often used for negative treatment. Properly, it means feeling strong emotions – especially suffering. It can also be the ability to feel suffering.

17 So Ananias wentPPPP and entered the house. He laid his hands on Saul and said, “BrotherQQQQ Saul,RRRR the Lord Jesus, who appearedSSSS to you on your wayTTTT here,

Notes on verse 17a

PPPP “went” = aperchomai. Related to “went” in v1 & “enter” in v6. From apo (from, away from) + erchomai (see note G above). This is to depart, follow, or go off in a literal or figurative sense.
QQQQ “Brother” = adelphos. From a (with, community, fellowship) + delphus (womb). This is a brother in a literal or figurative sense. It is also used of another member of the Church.
RRRR “Saul” = Saoul. Same as “Saul” in v4. See note GG above.
SSSS “appeared” = horao. Same as “seen” in v12. See note UUU above.
TTTT {untranslated} = erchomai. Related to “went” in v1 & “enter” in v6 & “went” in v17. See note G above.

has sentUUUU me so that you may regain your sight and be filledVVVV with the HolyWWWW Spirit.”XXXX 

Notes on verse 17b

UUUU “sent” = apostello. Related to “letters” in v2 & “get up” in v6 & “stood” in v7. From apo (from, away from) + stello (see note J above). This is to send forth, send away, dismiss, send as a messenger. It implies one that is sent for a particular mission or purpose rather than a quick errand. This is where “apostle” comes from.
VVVV “be filled” = pleito. This is to fill to the highest level possible – to accomplish, supply, or complete.
WWWW “Holy” = Hagios. Same as “saints” in v13. See note AAAA above.
XXXX “Spirit” = Pneuma. Related to “breathing” in v1. From pneo (see note B above). This is wind, breath, or ghost. A breeze or a blast or air, a breath. Figuratively used for a spirit, the human soul or part of us that is rational. It is also used supernaturally for angels, demons, God, and the Holy Spirit. This is where pneumonia comes from.

18 And immediatelyYYYY something like scalesZZZZ fellAAAAA from his eyes, and his sight was restored.BBBBB Then he got upCCCCC and was baptized,DDDDD 

Notes on verse 18

YYYY “immediately” = eutheos. Related to “Straight” in v11 & “lay” in v12. From euthus (see note MMM above). This is directly, soon, at once.
ZZZZ “scales” = lepis. 1x in NT. From lepo (to peel). This is a scale or a flake.
AAAAA “fell” = apopipto. Related to “fell” in v4. 1x in NT. From apo (from, away from) + pipto (see note BB above). This is to fall off or away from.
BBBBB “sight was restored” = anablepo. Same as “regain…sight” in v12. See note XXX above.
CCCCC “got up” = anistemi. Same as “get up” in v6. See note KK above.
DDDDD “baptized” = baptizo. From bapto (to dip or dye; to entirely cover with liquid, to stain). This is to submerge, wash, or immerse. Used specially for baptism.

19 and after takingEEEEE some food,FFFFF he regained his strength.GGGGG

Notes on verse 19a

EEEEE “taking” = lambano. It does not refer to passive receiving of something, but active acceptance or taking of something whether it is offered or simply nearby. It focuses on individual decision and action.
FFFFF “food” = trophe. 16x in NT. Perhaps from trepho (to bring up, rear, nourish, fatten, nurse; properly, to enlarge through proper nourishment). This is nourishment in a literal or figurative sense. By implication, it can be ration or wages.
GGGGG “regained…strength” = enischuo. 2x in NT. From en (in, on, at, by, with) + ischuo (to be strong, healthy and vigorous, able, have power, prevail; strength that engages a resisting force); from ischus (strength, might, power, force, ability; power that engages immediate resistance); {perhaps from is (force) + echo (to have, hold, possess)}}. This is to strengthen or invigorate.

For several days he wasHHHHH with the disciples in Damascus, 20 and immediately he began to proclaimIIIII Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is the SonJJJJJ of God.”KKKKK

Notes on verses 19b-20

HHHHH “was” = ginomai. Same as {untranslated} in v3. See note V above.
IIIII “began to proclaim” = kerusso. This is to proclaim, preach, publish. Properly, it is to act as a herald – announcing something publicly with confidence and/or to persuade.
JJJJJ “Son” = Huios. Same as “people” in v15. See note KKKK above.
KKKKK “God” = Theos. From Proto-Indo-European origins, meaning do, put, place. This is God or a god in general.


Image credit: “Statue of Saul Falling from his Horse” at the Chapel of St. Paul, Damascus. Photo by Mappo, 2010.

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