Acts 9:22
But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
συνέχυνεν
confounded
G4797
συνέχυνεν
confounded
Strong's:
G4797
Word #:
6 of 18
to commingle promiscuously, i.e., (figuratively) to throw (an assembly) into disorder, to perplex (the mind)
ὁ
which
G3588
ὁ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὁ
which
G3588
ὁ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κατοικοῦντας
dwelt
G2730
κατοικοῦντας
dwelt
Strong's:
G2730
Word #:
10 of 18
to house permanently, i.e., reside (literally or figuratively)
συμβιβάζων
proving
G4822
συμβιβάζων
proving
Strong's:
G4822
Word #:
13 of 18
causative (by reduplication) of the base of g0939); to drive together, i.e., unite (in association or affection), (mentally) to infer, show, teach
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
14 of 18
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
οὗτός
this
G3778
οὗτός
this
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
15 of 18
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
Cross References
Acts 18:5And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ.Isaiah 40:29He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.Luke 21:15For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.1 Corinthians 1:27But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;Acts 28:23And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening.
Historical Context
Saul's rabbinic education under Gamaliel (Acts 22:3) equipped him with extensive Old Testament knowledge. After conversion, the Spirit opened his understanding to see Christ throughout the Scriptures, making him a formidable apologist for Christianity.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God use our pre-conversion training and abilities for His kingdom after conversion?
- What role does reasoned argument from Scripture play in evangelism and apologetics?
- How does the Spirit's illumination transform our understanding of Scripture?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Saul 'increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.' Saul's strength grew as he matured in faith and understanding. The Greek symbibazo (proving/demonstrating) indicates logical argument from Scripture. He 'confounded' (confused/refuted) his opponents by proving Jesus is the Messiah (Christ). From a Reformed perspective, this shows the Spirit's work in illuminating Scripture - Saul's former blindness to Messianic prophecies gave way to clear understanding that Jesus fulfilled all. His Pharisaic training, once used against Christians, now served Christ.