Acts 9:27
But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.
Original Language Analysis
Βαρναβᾶς
Barnabas
G921
Βαρναβᾶς
Barnabas
Strong's:
G921
Word #:
1 of 32
son of nabas (i.e., prophecy); barnabas, an israelite
ἐπιλαβόμενος
took
G1949
ἐπιλαβόμενος
took
Strong's:
G1949
Word #:
3 of 32
to seize (for help, injury, attainment, or any other purpose; literally or figuratively)
αὐτῷ
him
G846
αὐτῷ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
4 of 32
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
ἤγαγεν
and brought
G71
ἤγαγεν
and brought
Strong's:
G71
Word #:
5 of 32
properly, to lead; by implication, to bring, drive, (reflexively) go, (specially) pass (time), or (figuratively) induce
πρὸς
him to
G4314
πρὸς
him to
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
6 of 32
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,
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 32
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀποστόλους
the apostles
G652
ἀποστόλους
the apostles
Strong's:
G652
Word #:
8 of 32
a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the gospel; officially a commissioner of christ ("apostle") (with miraculous powers)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 32
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτῷ
him
G846
αὐτῷ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
11 of 32
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
πῶς
how
G4459
πῶς
how
Strong's:
G4459
Word #:
12 of 32
an interrogative particle of manner; in what way? (sometimes the question is indirect, how?); also as exclamation, how much!
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 32
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὁδῷ
the way
G3598
ὁδῷ
the way
Strong's:
G3598
Word #:
15 of 32
a road; by implication, a progress (the route, act or distance); figuratively, a mode or means
εἶδεν
he had seen
G1492
εἶδεν
he had seen
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
16 of 32
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 32
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κύριον
the Lord
G2962
κύριον
the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
18 of 32
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
19 of 32
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
20 of 32
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
αὐτῷ
him
G846
αὐτῷ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
22 of 32
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
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
23 of 32
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πῶς
how
G4459
πῶς
how
Strong's:
G4459
Word #:
24 of 32
an interrogative particle of manner; in what way? (sometimes the question is indirect, how?); also as exclamation, how much!
ἐπαῤῥησιάσατο
he had preached boldly
G3955
ἐπαῤῥησιάσατο
he had preached boldly
Strong's:
G3955
Word #:
27 of 32
to be frank in utterance, or confident in spirit and demeanor
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
29 of 32
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὀνόματι
the name
G3686
ὀνόματι
the name
Strong's:
G3686
Word #:
30 of 32
a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)
Cross References
Acts 4:36And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus,Acts 4:29And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,Acts 4:13Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.
Historical Context
Barnabas was a Levite from Cyprus (Acts 4:36), who had sold his land to support the Jerusalem church. His character and standing made his endorsement credible. This marked the beginning of Barnabas and Paul's partnership (Acts 11:25-26, 13:2).
Questions for Reflection
- Why did God use Barnabas to bridge Saul into the Jerusalem church?
- How does advocacy and encouragement of new or struggling believers advance God's kingdom?
- What does Barnabas's willingness to risk his reputation teach about Christian brotherhood?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
When Saul came to Jerusalem, disciples feared him, not believing his conversion. Barnabas ('son of encouragement') took Saul and brought him to the apostles, declaring 'how he had seen the Lord in the way' and 'how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.' Barnabas's advocacy was crucial - vouching for Saul's genuine conversion and ministry. Reformed theology sees God's providence in raising up advocates when needed. Barnabas's willingness to risk his reputation for Saul enabled Paul's acceptance by the Jerusalem church.