Acts Chapter 9 · Verse 1
And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,
Original Language Analysis
Ὁ
G3588
Ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐμπνέων
breathing out
G1709
ἐμπνέων
breathing out
Strong's:
G1709
Word #:
5 of 16
to inhale, i.e., (figuratively) to be animated by (bent upon)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
εἰς
against
G1519
εἰς
against
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
9 of 16
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κυρίου
of the Lord
G2962
κυρίου
of the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
13 of 16
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
προσελθὼν
went
G4334
προσελθὼν
went
Strong's:
G4334
Word #:
14 of 16
to approach, i.e., (literally) come near, visit, or (figuratively) worship, assent to
Cross References
Acts 8:3As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.1 Timothy 1:13Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.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: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.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.Psalms 27:12Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty.Philippians 3:6Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.
Historical Context
Damascus had a significant Jewish population and likely an emerging Christian community. Saul's journey (140 miles from Jerusalem) circa AD 34-35 to extend persecution beyond Judea shows the threat Christianity posed to traditional Judaism.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Saul's violent hatred of Christians magnify God's transforming grace?
- What does Saul's zeal in persecution teach about misdirected religious fervor?
- Why is Saul's conversion the ultimate example of God's sovereign election?
Analysis & Commentary
Saul, 'yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter,' actively persecuted Christians with murderous intent. The Greek empneon (breathing) suggests this was his very atmosphere - persecution consumed him. He sought letters from the high priest authorizing arrests in Damascus, showing organized, official persecution. From a Reformed perspective, this establishes Saul as the quintessential example of God's sovereign, irresistible grace - transforming the church's greatest enemy into its greatest missionary. No sinner is too far gone for God's electing love.