Acts 9:20
And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ταῖς
G3588
ταῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
συναγωγαῖς
the synagogues
G4864
συναγωγαῖς
the synagogues
Strong's:
G4864
Word #:
5 of 15
an assemblage of persons; specially, a jewish "synagogue" (the meeting or the place); by analogy, a christian church
ἐκήρυσσεν
he preached
G2784
ἐκήρυσσεν
he preached
Strong's:
G2784
Word #:
6 of 15
to herald (as a public crier), especially divine truth (the gospel)
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
9 of 15
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
οὗτός
he
G3778
οὗτός
he
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
10 of 15
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
υἱὸς
the Son
G5207
υἱὸς
the Son
Strong's:
G5207
Word #:
13 of 15
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
Cross References
Historical Context
This preaching occurred shortly after Paul's conversion, likely within days or weeks. His proclamation in Damascus's synagogues would have shocked those who knew his mission. Paul later spent time in Arabia (Galatians 1:17) before returning to Damascus.
Questions for Reflection
- Why is immediate public confession of Christ a mark of genuine conversion?
- What does Paul's synagogue preaching teach about evangelistic strategy and boldness?
- How is Christ's identity as 'Son of God' central to the gospel message?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Immediately after conversion, Saul 'preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.' The content of Paul's earliest preaching - Christ's deity - remained central throughout his ministry. The synagogues were the very places he had intended to arrest Christians; now he proclaimed Christ there. This demonstrates genuine conversion's fruit: immediate witness and transformed priorities. Reformed theology emphasizes that saving faith naturally produces confession and witness (Romans 10:9-10). Paul's message that Jesus is 'the Son of God' declared Christ's divine nature and Messiahship.