Acts 9:28
And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem.
Original Language Analysis
Historical Context
Saul's Jerusalem visit lasted fifteen days (Galatians 1:18-19), spent with Peter and meeting James, Jesus' brother. The phrase coming in and going out suggests public ministry alongside private fellowship. Acts 9:29 specifies he debated Hellenistic Jews—same group that killed Stephen (Acts 6:9-14).
Saul's bold witness among Stephen's killers fulfilled providential pattern—replacing fallen witness. However, this provoked murderous opposition (Acts 9:29), forcing hasty departure to Tarsus (Acts 9:30). The brief Jerusalem stay around 37 CE established Paul's legitimacy with apostolic leadership while demon strating that even Jerusalem wasn't safe for this controversial convert. God was directing Saul toward his true calling—Gentile apostleship beyond Palestine.
Questions for Reflection
- How does full church fellowship ('coming in and going out') demonstrate genuine acceptance of new converts?
- What responsibilities do established believers bear for integrating new members into community?
- In what ways does church fellowship model gospel's reconciling power to watching world?
- How should converts with notorious pasts demonstrate transformed lives within Christian community?
- What does Saul's acceptance teach about forgiveness and restoration overcoming historical grievances?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem. Saul's acceptance into Jerusalem church fellowship demonstrates restored relationships through credible testimony and the comprehensive nature of Christian community.
With them indicates full incorporation—not probationary membership but complete acceptance as brother. The phrase coming in and going out is Hebrew idiom for complete life participation (Deuteronomy 28:6, Psalm 121:8). Saul wasn't merely tolerated but embraced, participating fully in community's daily life.
This marks remarkable transformation from Acts 9:26—from feared outsider to welcomed insider through Barnabas's advocacy (Acts 9:27). Reformed theology emphasizes church as covenant community where members bear responsibility for one another. Barnabas's intervention exemplifies this duty—established believers helping incorporate new converts.
The fellowship's restoration foreshadows Saul's ministry theme: reconciliation through Christ breaks down dividing walls (Ephesians 2:14-16). Saul experienced this personally—former enemy welcomed as family. This gospel pattern repeats: hostile parties reconciled through Christ's cross, demonstrated in church fellowship transcending natural divisions.