Acts 9:2
And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.
Original Language Analysis
παρ'
of
G3844
παρ'
of
Strong's:
G3844
Word #:
2 of 24
properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj
αὐτοῦ
him
G846
αὐτοῦ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 24
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
εἰς
to
G1519
εἰς
to
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
5 of 24
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
πρὸς
to
G4314
πρὸς
to
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
7 of 24
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
τὰς
G3588
τὰς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
συναγωγάς
the synagogues
G4864
συναγωγάς
the synagogues
Strong's:
G4864
Word #:
9 of 24
an assemblage of persons; specially, a jewish "synagogue" (the meeting or the place); by analogy, a christian church
ὅπως
that
G3704
ὅπως
that
Strong's:
G3704
Word #:
10 of 24
what(-ever) how, i.e., in the manner that (as adverb or conjunction of coincidence, intentional or actual)
ἐάν
if
G1437
ἐάν
if
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
11 of 24
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὁδοῦ
of this way
G3598
ὁδοῦ
of this way
Strong's:
G3598
Word #:
15 of 24
a road; by implication, a progress (the route, act or distance); figuratively, a mode or means
καὶ
or
G2532
καὶ
or
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
19 of 24
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
δεδεμένους
bound
G1210
δεδεμένους
bound
Strong's:
G1210
Word #:
21 of 24
to bind (in various applications, literally or figuratively)
ἀγάγῃ
he might bring them
G71
ἀγάγῃ
he might bring them
Strong's:
G71
Word #:
22 of 24
properly, to lead; by implication, to bring, drive, (reflexively) go, (specially) pass (time), or (figuratively) induce
Cross References
Acts 19:23And the same time there arose no small stir about that way.Acts 19:9But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus.Acts 24:14But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets:Acts 24:22And when Felix heard these things, having more perfect knowledge of that way, he deferred them, and said, When Lysias the chief captain shall come down, I will know the uttermost of your matter.Acts 18:25This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John.
Historical Context
The high priest's authority extended to diaspora synagogues for religious matters. Damascus was outside Judea but had cooperative relations with Jerusalem's religious authorities. This persecution charter gave Saul official power to arrest and extradite Christians.
Questions for Reflection
- What does calling Christianity 'the way' teach about its exclusive truth claims?
- How does Saul's authority from religious leaders contrast with his later authority from Christ?
- Why did Saul's zeal against 'the way' later become zeal for it?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Saul sought authorization to arrest 'any of this way' - an early designation for Christianity emphasizing it as a complete way of life, not mere philosophy. His target included both 'men and women,' showing comprehensive persecution. That he sought to 'bring them bound unto Jerusalem' indicates intent for trial and punishment. The phrase 'this way' (Greek hodos) recalls Jesus' declaration 'I am the way' (John 14:6), identifying Christianity not as one option among many but as the exclusive path to God. Saul sought to destroy 'the way' but would become its most ardent proponent.