Acts 8:3
As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.
Original Language Analysis
ἐλυμαίνετο
he made havock
G3075
ἐλυμαίνετο
he made havock
Strong's:
G3075
Word #:
3 of 17
properly, to soil, i.e., (figuratively) insult (maltreat)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐκκλησίαν
of the church
G1577
ἐκκλησίαν
of the church
Strong's:
G1577
Word #:
5 of 17
a calling out, i.e., (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (jewish synagogue, or christian community of members on earth
κατὰ
every
G2596
κατὰ
every
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
6 of 17
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οἴκους
house
G3624
οἴκους
house
Strong's:
G3624
Word #:
8 of 17
a dwelling (more or less extensive, literal or figurative); by implication, a family (more or less related, literally or figuratively)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
1 Timothy 1:13Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.1 Corinthians 15:9For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.Galatians 1:13For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it:Philippians 3:6Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.Acts 9:21But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests?Acts 22:19And I said, Lord, they know that I imprisoned and beat in every synagogue them that believed on thee:Acts 7:58And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul.
Historical Context
Saul likely had official authorization from the Sanhedrin to arrest Christians (Acts 9:1-2, 26:10). This persecution drove the church underground and scattered believers throughout the region, inadvertently spreading the gospel as Jesus predicted (Acts 1:8).
Questions for Reflection
- How does Saul's violent past magnify the power of God's transforming grace?
- What does systematic persecution reveal about spiritual warfare against the church?
- Why does God sometimes allow His church to face devastating opposition?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Saul 'made havock' (Greek elumaineto - to ravage or destroy) of the church with systematic violence. Going 'house to house' shows organized, thorough persecution. Haling 'men and women' to prison demonstrates the breadth of his assault on the church. This verse establishes Saul's credentials as 'chief of sinners' (1 Timothy 1:15), making his later conversion a supreme demonstration of sovereign grace. Reformed theology sees this as preparation for Paul's ministry - his firsthand knowledge of opposition would fuel compassion for the persecuted and magnify God's grace.