The Meaning of Acts 9:27 Explained

Acts 9:27

KJV: 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 he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.

YLT: and Barnabas having taken him, brought him unto the apostles, and did declare to them how in the way he saw the Lord, and that he spake to him, and how in Damascus he was speaking boldly in the name of Jesus.

Darby: But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles, and related to them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had spoken boldly in the name of Jesus.

ASV: 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.

KJV Reverse Interlinear

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  he had preached boldly  at  Damascus  in  the name  of Jesus. 

What does Acts 9:27 Mean?

Verse Meaning

Barnabas willingly reached out to the new convert in Jerusalem, as Ananias had done in Damascus. His behavior here is consistent with what we read of him elsewhere in Acts (cf. Acts 4:36-37; Acts 11:22-30; Acts 13:1 to Acts 14:28; Acts 15:2-4; Acts 15:12; Acts 15:22). Barnabas proved to be a true "Son of Encouragement" ( Acts 4:36) for Saul.
"First, the Church owed Paul to the prayer of Stephen. Then the Church owed Paul to the forgiving spirit of Ananias. And now we see that the Church owed Paul to the large-hearted charity of Barnabas.... The world is largely divided into people who think the best of others and people who think the worst of others; and it is one of the curious facts of life that ordinarily we see our own reflection in others, and we make them what we believe them to be." [1]
The apostles whom Saul met were Peter and James , the Lord"s half brother ( Galatians 1:17-19). Paul wrote later that he stayed with Peter for15 days ( Galatians 1:15), but he may have been in Jerusalem somewhat longer at this time. James was an apostle in the general sense of that term. He was not one of the Twelve. [2]
Barnabas pointed out three indications that Saul"s conversion was genuine for the benefit of the Christian skeptics. Saul had seen the Lord, he had talked with Him, and he had witnessed boldly in Damascus in Jesus" name. Imagine how difficult it must have been for those Christians who had relatives whom Saul had persecuted to sit down with him in church meetings and share the Lord"s Supper.

Context Summary

Acts 9:23-31 - Welcomed As A Brother
He who feeds on Scripture must wax strong. The new convert started at once to testify of the Savior. We have no right to keep to ourselves the great treasures that we have discovered, but must copy the lepers of 2 Kings 7:9. He probably showed from a comparison between the predictions of the Old Testament and the facts of our Lord's life, that the key exactly fitted the wards of the ancient lock, and so proved its genuineness.
Those many days in Acts 9:23 probably include the three years spent in Arabia, Galatians 1:17. It was as though Paul wanted time and solitude for quiet thought. We may suppose that he went to Sinai, and there amid the silences of the school where Moses had studied before him, he received of the Lord Jesus that which also he was commissioned to pass on to the Church. From Arabia, he returned to Damascus; then happened Acts 9:24-25. Finally he came to Jerusalem, where he had the opportunity of comparing his teaching with that of the Apostles, Galatians 1:18-24. A vision led him to leave Jerusalem, Acts 22:17-21. While at Tarsus, he probably founded the churches in Cilicia, Acts 15:23; Acts 15:41. [source]

Chapter Summary: Acts 9

1  Saul, going toward Damascus, is stricken down to the earth,
8  and led blind to Damascus;
10  is called to the apostleship;
18  and is baptized by Ananias
20  He preaches Christ boldly
23  The Jews lay wait to kill him;
29  so do the Grecians, but he escapes both
31  The church having rest, Peter heals Aeneas;
36  and restores Tabitha to life

Greek Commentary for Acts 9:27

Took him [επιλαβομενος]
Second aorist middle (indirect) participle of επιλαμβανω — epilambanō common verb to lay hold of. Barnabas saw the situation and took Saul to himself and listened to his story and believed it. It is to the credit of Barnabas that he had the insight and the courage to stand by Saul at the crucial moment in his life when the evidence seemed to be against him. It is a pleasing hypothesis that this influential disciple from Cyprus had gone to the University of Tarsus where he met Saul. If so, he would know more of him than those who only knew his record as a persecutor of Christians. That fact Barnabas knew also, but he was convinced that Jesus had changed the heart of Saul and he used his great influence (Acts 4:36; Acts 11:22) to win the favour of the apostles, Peter in particular (Galatians 1:19) and James the half-brother of Jesus. The other apostles were probably out of the city as Paul says that he did not see them. [source]
To the apostles [προς τους αποστολους]
Both Barnabas and James are termed apostles in the general sense, though not belonging to the twelve, as Paul did not, though himself later a real apostle. So Barnabas introduced Saul to Peter and vouched for his story, declared it fully Peter was convinced and Saul was his guest for two weeks (Galatians 1:18) with delightful fellowship He had really come to Jerusalem mainly “to visit” (to see) Peter, but not to receive a commission from him. He had that from the Lord (Galatians 1:1.). Both Peter and James could tell Saul of their special experiences with the Risen Christ. Furneaux thinks that Peter was himself staying at the home of Mary the mother of John Mark (Acts 12:12) who was a cousin of Barnabas (Colossians 4:10). This is quite possible. At any rate Saul is now taken into the inner circle of the disciples in Jerusalem. [source]
Declared [διηγήσατο]
Related throughout. See on Luke 8:39; and compare on declaration, Luke 1:1. [source]
Had preached boldly [ἐπαῥῤησιάσατο]
See on freely, Acts 2:29. [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Acts 9:27

Acts 11:22 Of the church which was in Jerusalem [της εκκλησιας της εν Ιερουσαλημ]
Not yet was the term “church” applied to the group of disciples in Antioch as it is in Acts 11:26; Acts 13:1. They sent forth (εχαπεστειλαν — exapesteilan). First aorist active indicative of the double compound verb εχαποστελλω — eẋapȯstellō to send out and away. The choice of Barnabas was eminently wise. He already had a position of leadership in Jerusalem because of his generosity (Acts 4:36.) and his championship of Saul after his conversion (Acts 9:27). He was originally from Cyprus and probably had personal friends among some of the leaders in this new movement. He was to investigate the work of the travelling preachers (Acts 11:19) all the way to Antioch (εως Αντιοχειας — heōs Antiocheias). [source]
Acts 11:22 They sent forth [εχαπεστειλαν]
First aorist active indicative of the double compound verb εχαποστελλω — eẋapȯstellō to send out and away. The choice of Barnabas was eminently wise. He already had a position of leadership in Jerusalem because of his generosity (Acts 4:36.) and his championship of Saul after his conversion (Acts 9:27). He was originally from Cyprus and probably had personal friends among some of the leaders in this new movement. He was to investigate the work of the travelling preachers (Acts 11:19) all the way to Antioch (εως Αντιοχειας — heōs Antiocheias). [source]
Acts 12:16 When they had opened [ανοιχαντες]
First aorist active participle of ανοιγω — anoigō or νυμι — ̇numi The whole group rushed out to the courtyard this time to make sure. They were amazed (εχεστησαν — exestēsan). The frequent second aorist active (intransitive) indicative of εχιστημι — existēmi Acts 12:17 There were probably loud exclamations of astonishment and joy. Beckoning with the hand First aorist active participle of kataseiō old verb to signal or shake down with the hand (instrumental case cheiri). In the N.T. only in Acts 12:17; Acts 13:16; Acts 19:33; Acts 21:40. The speaker indicates by a downward movement of the hand his desire for silence (to hold their peace, sigāin present active infinitive, to keep silent). Peter was anxious for every precaution and he wanted their instant attention. Declared (diēgēsato). First aorist middle of diēgeomai old verb to carry through a narrative, give a full story. See also Acts 9:27 of Barnabas in his defence of Saul. Peter told them the wonderful story. Unto James and the brethren Dative case after apaggeilate (first aorist active imperative). Evidently “James and the brethren” were not at this meeting, probably meeting elsewhere. There was no place where all the thousands of disciples in Jerusalem could meet. This gathering in the house of Mary may have been of women only or a meeting of the Hellenists. It is plain that this James the Lord‘s brother, is now the leading presbyter or elder in Jerusalem though there were a number (Acts 11:30; Acts 21:18). Paul even terms him apostle (Galatians 1:19), though certainly not one of the twelve. The twelve apostles probably were engaged elsewhere in mission work save James now dead (Acts 12:2) and Peter. The leadership of James is here recognized by Peter and is due, partly to the absence of the twelve, but mainly to his own force of character. He will preside over the Jerusalem Conference (Acts 15:13). To another place (eis heteron topon). Probably Luke did not know the place and certainly it was prudent for Peter to conceal it from Herod Agrippa. Probably Peter left the city. He is back in Jerusalem at the Conference a few years later (Acts 15:7) and after the death of Herod Agrippa. Whether Peter went to Rome during these years we do not know. He was recognized later as the apostle to the circumcision (Galatians 2:7; 1 Peter 1:1) and apparently was in Rome with John Mark when he wrote the First Epistle (1 Peter 5:13), unless it is the real Babylon. But, even if Peter went to Rome during this early period, there is no evidence that he founded the church there. If he had done so, in the light of 2 Corinthians 10:16 it would be strange that Paul had not mentioned it in writing to Rome, for he was anxious not to build on another man‘s foundation (Romans 15:20). Paul felt sure that he himself had a work to do in Rome. Unfortunately Luke has not followed the ministry of Peter after this period as he does Paul (appearing again only in chapter Acts 15). If Peter really left Jerusalem at this time instead of hiding in the city, he probably did some mission work as Paul says that he did (1 Corinthians 9:5). [source]
Acts 12:16 Declared [diēgēsato)]
First aorist middle of diēgeomai old verb to carry through a narrative, give a full story. See also Acts 9:27 of Barnabas in his defence of Saul. Peter told them the wonderful story. [source]
Acts 13:13 Paul and his company [οι περι Παυλον]
Neat Greek idiom as in Plato, Cratylus 440 C οι περι ερακλειτον — hoi peri Herakleiton On this idiom see Gildersleeve, Syntax, p. 264. It means a man and his followers, “those around Paul.” Now Paul ranks first always in Acts save in Acts 14:2; Acts 15:12, Acts 15:25 for special reasons. Heretofore Saul (Paul) held a secondary position (Acts 9:27; Acts 11:30; Acts 13:1.). “In nothing is the greatness of Barnabas more manifest than in his recognition of the superiority of Paul and acceptance of a secondary position for himself” (Furneaux). [source]
Acts 12:16 Beckoning with the hand [kataseisas tēi cheiri)]
First aorist active participle of kataseiō old verb to signal or shake down with the hand (instrumental case cheiri). In the N.T. only in Acts 12:17; Acts 13:16; Acts 19:33; Acts 21:40. The speaker indicates by a downward movement of the hand his desire for silence (to hold their peace, sigāin present active infinitive, to keep silent). Peter was anxious for every precaution and he wanted their instant attention. Declared (diēgēsato). First aorist middle of diēgeomai old verb to carry through a narrative, give a full story. See also Acts 9:27 of Barnabas in his defence of Saul. Peter told them the wonderful story. Unto James and the brethren Dative case after apaggeilate (first aorist active imperative). Evidently “James and the brethren” were not at this meeting, probably meeting elsewhere. There was no place where all the thousands of disciples in Jerusalem could meet. This gathering in the house of Mary may have been of women only or a meeting of the Hellenists. It is plain that this James the Lord‘s brother, is now the leading presbyter or elder in Jerusalem though there were a number (Acts 11:30; Acts 21:18). Paul even terms him apostle (Galatians 1:19), though certainly not one of the twelve. The twelve apostles probably were engaged elsewhere in mission work save James now dead (Acts 12:2) and Peter. The leadership of James is here recognized by Peter and is due, partly to the absence of the twelve, but mainly to his own force of character. He will preside over the Jerusalem Conference (Acts 15:13). To another place (eis heteron topon). Probably Luke did not know the place and certainly it was prudent for Peter to conceal it from Herod Agrippa. Probably Peter left the city. He is back in Jerusalem at the Conference a few years later (Acts 15:7) and after the death of Herod Agrippa. Whether Peter went to Rome during these years we do not know. He was recognized later as the apostle to the circumcision (Galatians 2:7; 1 Peter 1:1) and apparently was in Rome with John Mark when he wrote the First Epistle (1 Peter 5:13), unless it is the real Babylon. But, even if Peter went to Rome during this early period, there is no evidence that he founded the church there. If he had done so, in the light of 2 Corinthians 10:16 it would be strange that Paul had not mentioned it in writing to Rome, for he was anxious not to build on another man‘s foundation (Romans 15:20). Paul felt sure that he himself had a work to do in Rome. Unfortunately Luke has not followed the ministry of Peter after this period as he does Paul (appearing again only in chapter Acts 15). If Peter really left Jerusalem at this time instead of hiding in the city, he probably did some mission work as Paul says that he did (1 Corinthians 9:5). [source]
Acts 16:19 Laid hold on [επιλαβομενοι]
Second aorist middle participle of επιλαμβανω — epilambanō as in Acts 9:27; Acts 17:19, but here with hostile intent. Dragged (ειλκυσαν — heilkusan). First aorist active indicative of ελκυω — helkuō late form of the old verb ελκω — helkō (also in James 2:6) to draw as a sword, and then to drag one forcibly as here and Acts 21:30. It is also used of spiritual drawing as by Jesus in John 12:32. Here it is by violence. Into the marketplace Into the Roman forum near which would be the courts of law as in our courthouse square, as in Acts 17:17. Marketing went on also (Mark 7:4), when the crowds collect (Mark 6:56), from αγειρω — ageirō to collect or gather. Unto the rulers (επι τους αρχοντας — epi tous archontas). General Greek term for “the magistrates.” [source]
Acts 17:19 And they took hold of him [επιλαβομενοι δε αυτου]
Second aorist middle participle of επιλαμβανω — epilambanō old verb, but in the N.T. only in the middle, here with the genitive αυτου — autou to lay hold of, but with no necessary sense of violence (Acts 9:27; Acts 23:27; Mark 8:23), unless the idea is that Paul was to be tried before the Court of Areopagus for the crime of bringing in strange gods. But the day for that had passed in Athens. Even so it is not clear whether “unto the Areopagus It was all very polite. [source]
1 Corinthians 9:1 Am I not an apostle? [ουκ ειμι αποστολοσ]
He has the exceptional privileges as an apostle to support from the churches and yet he foregoes these. Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? (ουχι Ιησουν τον Κυριον ημων εορακα — ouchi Iēsoun ton Kurion hēmōn heoraka̱). Proof (1 Corinthians 15:8; Acts 9:17, Acts 9:27; Acts 18:9; Acts 22:14, Acts 22:17.; 2 Corinthians 12:1.) that he has the qualification of an apostle (Acts 1:22) though not one of the twelve. Note strong form of the negative ουχι — ouchi here. All these questions expect an affirmative answer. The perfect active εορακα — heoraka from οραω — horaō to see, does not here have double reduplication as in John 1:18.Are not ye? They were themselves proof of his apostleship. [source]
1 Corinthians 9:1 Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? [ουχι Ιησουν τον Κυριον ημων εορακα]
Proof (1 Corinthians 15:8; Acts 9:17, Acts 9:27; Acts 18:9; Acts 22:14, Acts 22:17.; 2 Corinthians 12:1.) that he has the qualification of an apostle (Acts 1:22) though not one of the twelve. Note strong form of the negative ουχι — ouchi here. All these questions expect an affirmative answer. The perfect active εορακα — heoraka from οραω — horaō to see, does not here have double reduplication as in John 1:18. [source]
1 Timothy 6:12 Lay hold [ἐπιλαβοῦ]
oP. Frequent in Luke and Acts. Occasionally in this strong sense, as Luke 20:20; Luke 23:26; Acts 18:17, but not usually. See Mark 8:23; Luke 9:47; Acts 9:27. [source]
Hebrews 11:32 To tell [διηγούμενον]
Lit. the time will fail me telling: if I tell. See on Mark 9:9, and comp. Mark 5:16; Luke 8:39; Luke 9:10; Acts 9:27, and διήγησις narrative(A.V. declaration ), Luke 1:1. Gideon, etc. These names of the four judges are not enumerated in chronological order. Samuel is closely connected with David as in the history, but with τε καὶ as introducing the new order of the prophets. [source]

What do the individual words in Acts 9:27 mean?

Barnabas however having taken him brought [him] to the apostles and he related to them how on the road he had seen the Lord that He had spoken to him in Damascus he had spoken boldly the name - of Jesus
Βαρνάβας δὲ ἐπιλαβόμενος αὐτὸν ἤγαγεν πρὸς τοὺς ἀποστόλους καὶ διηγήσατο αὐτοῖς πῶς ἐν τῇ ὁδῷ εἶδεν τὸν Κύριον ὅτι ἐλάλησεν αὐτῷ ἐν Δαμασκῷ ἐπαρρησιάσατο τῷ ὀνόματι ‹τοῦ› Ἰησοῦ

Βαρνάβας  Barnabas 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: Βαρναβᾶς  
Sense: the surname of Joses or Joseph, a Levite, a native of Cyprus He was a distinguished Christian teacher and companion and colleague of Paul.
δὲ  however 
Parse: Conjunction
Root: δέ  
Sense: but, moreover, and, etc.
ἐπιλαβόμενος  having  taken 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Participle Middle, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: ἐπιλαμβάνομαι  
Sense: to take in addition, to lay hold of, take possession of, overtake, attain, attain to.
ἤγαγεν  brought  [him] 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Active, 3rd Person Singular
Root: ἄγω  
Sense: to lead, take with one.
ἀποστόλους  apostles 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Masculine Plural
Root: ἀπόστολος  
Sense: a delegate, messenger, one sent forth with orders.
διηγήσατο  he  related 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Middle, 3rd Person Singular
Root: διηγέομαι  
Sense: to lead or carry a narration through to the end.
αὐτοῖς  to  them 
Parse: Personal / Possessive Pronoun, Dative Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Root: αὐτός  
Sense: himself, herself, themselves, itself.
πῶς  how 
Parse: Adverb
Root: πῶς  
Sense: how, in what way.
ὁδῷ  road 
Parse: Noun, Dative Feminine Singular
Root: ὁδός 
Sense: properly.
εἶδεν  he  had  seen 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Active, 3rd Person Singular
Root: εἶδον 
Sense: to see with the eyes.
Κύριον  Lord 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Masculine Singular
Root: κύριος  
Sense: he to whom a person or thing belongs, about which he has power of deciding; master, lord.
ὅτι  that 
Parse: Conjunction
Root: ὅτι  
Sense: that, because, since.
ἐλάλησεν  He  had  spoken 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Active, 3rd Person Singular
Root: ἀπολαλέω 
Sense: to utter a voice or emit a sound.
αὐτῷ  to  him 
Parse: Personal / Possessive Pronoun, Dative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Root: αὐτός  
Sense: himself, herself, themselves, itself.
Δαμασκῷ  Damascus 
Parse: Noun, Dative Feminine Singular
Root: Δαμασκός  
Sense: one of the most ancient and most important cities of Syria lying in almost lovely and fertile plain at the eastern base of the Antilibanus.
ἐπαρρησιάσατο  he  had  spoken  boldly 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Middle, 3rd Person Singular
Root: παρρησιάζομαι  
Sense: to use freedom in speaking, be free spoken.
ὀνόματι  name 
Parse: Noun, Dative Neuter Singular
Root: ὄνομα  
Sense: name: univ.
‹τοῦ›  - 
Parse: Article, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
Ἰησοῦ  of  Jesus 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root: Ἰησοῦς  
Sense: Joshua was the famous captain of the Israelites, Moses’ successor.