One night, however,This phrase sets the scene for a specific event occurring under the cover of darkness. Nighttime often symbolizes danger or urgency in biblical narratives, as seen in other instances like Nicodemus visiting Jesus at night (
John 3:2). The use of "however" indicates a contrast to previous events, suggesting a turning point or a critical moment in the narrative.
his disciples took him
The mention of "his disciples" indicates that Saul, later known as Paul, had already gathered followers who were committed to his teachings and mission. This early formation of a supportive community highlights the rapid spread of the Gospel and the establishment of early Christian fellowship. It also reflects the trust and loyalty Saul had earned despite his recent conversion.
and lowered him in a basket
The act of lowering Saul in a basket is a practical solution to a life-threatening situation. This method of escape is reminiscent of the story of Rahab, who helped the Israelite spies escape from Jericho by lowering them from her window (Joshua 2:15). The use of a basket, a humble and everyday object, underscores the theme of God's provision and protection through ordinary means.
through a window in the wall.
The window in the wall suggests a city with fortified structures, typical of ancient cities like Damascus. Archaeological evidence supports the existence of such walls, which were often part of the city's defense system. This escape route signifies a divine intervention, as walls in Scripture often symbolize barriers or protection, and here, God provides a way of escape for Saul. This event foreshadows Paul's later teachings on God's deliverance and protection (2 Corinthians 11:32-33).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Saul (Paul)The central figure in this passage, Saul, later known as Paul, was a zealous Pharisee who converted to Christianity after encountering Jesus on the road to Damascus. His transformation is a pivotal moment in the New Testament.
2.
Disciples of SaulThese were followers of Saul who assisted him in escaping from Damascus. Their actions demonstrate loyalty and courage in the face of danger.
3.
DamascusA significant city in early Christian history, Damascus is where Saul was headed to persecute Christians before his conversion. It becomes a place of refuge and transformation for him.
4.
The BasketThe means by which Saul was lowered through the wall, symbolizing both a literal and metaphorical escape from his old life into his new mission.
5.
The WallRepresents the boundary between Saul's past and his future mission. The wall is both a physical barrier and a symbol of the challenges Saul would face in his ministry.
Teaching Points
God's Protection and ProvidenceJust as God provided a way of escape for Saul, He provides for us in times of danger and uncertainty. Trust in His providence and protection.
The Role of Community in God's PlanSaul's disciples played a crucial role in his escape. This highlights the importance of community and fellowship in the Christian life. We are called to support and protect one another.
Courage in the Face of PersecutionSaul's escape from Damascus is a reminder that following Christ may lead to persecution, but we are called to be courageous and faithful, trusting in God's deliverance.
Transformation and New BeginningsSaul's escape marks a turning point in his life, symbolizing his transformation from persecutor to apostle. Embrace the new beginnings God offers through His grace.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Acts 9:25?
2.How does Acts 9:25 demonstrate the importance of community in Christian life?
3.What can we learn from the disciples' actions in Acts 9:25?
4.How does Acts 9:25 connect to Jesus' teachings on helping others?
5.How can we apply the courage shown in Acts 9:25 to our lives?
6.What role does faith play in the disciples' decision in Acts 9:25?
7.How does Acts 9:25 demonstrate the early church's commitment to protecting its leaders?
8.What does Acts 9:25 reveal about the risks faced by early Christians?
9.How does the escape in Acts 9:25 reflect God's providence in Paul's ministry?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Acts 9?
11.How does the law of conservation of mass contradict the multiplication of loaves and fish?
12.In Galatians 1:17–18, Paul says he did not go to Jerusalem immediately after his conversion, yet Acts 9 suggests otherwise; how do we reconcile this conflict?
13.How many disciples did Jesus appear to after his resurrection: Twelve (1 Cor 15:5) or Eleven (Matt 27:3-5; Acts 1:9-26; Matt 28:16; Mark 16:14; Luke 24:9, 33)?
14.What is the timeline of Paul's life events?What Does Acts 9:25 Mean
One night- Darkness had fallen, and with it came danger, just asPsalm 91:5 speaks of “the terror by night.”
- God often works in the unseen hours (Acts 16:25–26;John 3:2). Here, the cover of night becomes a shield for Saul, showing the Lord’s intimate timing in providing escape.
however- This word signals a turning point. The murderous plot fromActs 9:23 (“the Jews conspired to kill him”) seemed decisive, yetProverbs 19:21 reminds us, “Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the purpose of the LORD will prevail.”
- Opposition is real, but God’s rescue overrides it (2 Corinthians 4:8-9).
his disciples took him- Saul is not alone; fellowship in Christ mobilizes for action (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12;Galatians 6:2).
- These early believers risked their own safety, mirroring the courage of friends who carried the paralytic to Jesus (Mark 2:3-5).
- Discipleship is hands-on: faith expresses itself in practical help (James 2:15-16).
and lowered him- The verb pictures careful, deliberate effort—just as Michal “let David down through the window” in1 Samuel 19:12 and Rahab “let them down by a rope” inJoshua 2:15.
- Salvation here is not flashy; it is humble, steady obedience, echoingPhilippians 2:3.
in a basket- A simple container becomes God’s instrument, reminiscent of Moses in his basket on the Nile (Exodus 2:3).
- Paul later recalls this moment word-for-word in2 Corinthians 11:32-33, highlighting both his vulnerability and God’s faithfulness.
- God often chooses ordinary means to accomplish extraordinary preservation (1 Corinthians 1:27).
through a window- Windows symbolize openings God provides when doors are barred (Malachi 3:10;Acts 20:9-10).
- For Saul, the window becomes a literal exit and a figurative doorway into wider ministry.
in the wall- City walls were built for protection, yet here the very barrier becomes the route of deliverance, illustratingGenesis 50:20: what is meant for harm, God turns for good.
- The fortified wall of Damascus cannot confine the gospel any more than Jerusalem’s tomb could confine Jesus (Matthew 28:6).
summaryActs 9:25 shows the Lord’s precise, protective care over Saul as He orchestrates a nighttime escape using devoted disciples, humble tools, and an unlikely passageway. Opposition is real, yet the sovereign God turns walls into windows, darkness into cover, and simple baskets into vehicles of His unstoppable purpose.
(25)
Let him down by the wall in a basket.--The basket is the
spuris of
Matthew 15:37, where see Note. In
2Corinthians 11:33 St. Paul describes it by another word (
sargane)
,which gives the idea of a wicker or rope-work hamper. It seems to follow, from the tone in which the Apostle there speaks of this adventure, that it had been made matter of ridicule. It is connected in his thoughts with the "infirmities" (probably with his smallness of stature) of which he was content to boast. The escape was effected, like that of the spies from the house of Rahab (
Joshua 2:15) and of David from his own house (
1Samuel 19:11), through an opening or "window" in the town wall. Such a window is still shown in the wall of Damascus as the traditional scene of the escape.
Verse 25. - But for
then, A.V.;
his disciples for
the disciples, A.V. and T.R.;
through for
by, A.V;
lowering him in for in, A.V.
Lowering him, etc. The A.V. gives the sense freely; and combining the verb
καθῆκαν with the participle
χαλάσαντες, translates both by the one word "let him down." The
by of the A.V. seems preferable to the
through of the R.V., as
through suggests the idea, which cannot be intended, of making a hole in the wall. The escape of the spies from Jericho, as described in
Joshua 2:15, was exactly in the same way, except that they had only a rope to descend by, whereas St. Paul had a rope-basket. In the description of his escape given by St. Paul to the Corinthians (
2 Corinthians 11:33), he uses the same word for "let down" (
ἐχαλάσθην), tells us he was let down "by the wall," R.V.
διὰ τοῦ τείχους, with the additional particular that he got out through the window,
διὰ θυρίδος, and that it was a
σαργάνη, a basket made of ropes (which describes the kind of basket somewhat more accurately than the
σπυρίς here used) in which he was let down (see note on ver. 20). The passage in 2 Corinthians gives us a further interesting account of how the Jews went about to accomplish their purpose of killing Paul. It seems that at this time, either in revolt against the Romans or by permission of Caligula (it is not known certainly which), a certain Aretas, or Hareth, King of Arabia Petrea, included Damascus in his dominions for a time,
i.e. through the reigns of Caligula and Claudius. He appointed an ethnarch, who was doubtless a Jew, to rule the large Jewish population according to their Law, and who was the ready tool of the unbelieving Jews, using his power as governor to have the gates kept day and night so as to prevent Saul's escape. But he that keepeth Israel neither slumbered nor slept, and by his watchful providence Saul escaped from their hands. As regards the R.Y., his disciples for
the disciples, Alford adopts the reading
λαβόντες δὲ οἱ μαθηταὶ αὐτόν, and holds
αὐτοῦ of the R.T. to be simply a mistake for
αὐτόν, caused by the situation of
αὐτόν after
λαβόντες. The R.T. cannot be right. "The disciples" is St. Luke's regular expression for "Christians" (
Acts 6:1, 2, 7;
Acts 9:10, 19, 26;
Acts 14:22;
Acts 21:16), and is our Lord's name for his followers, but is never used by an apostle of his own followers (see
1 Corinthians 1:12, 13;
1 Corinthians 3:4-7).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
One night,νυκτὸς(nyktos)Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3571:The night, night-time. A primary word; 'night'.however,δὲ(de)Conjunction
Strong's 1161:A primary particle; but, and, etc.hisαὐτοῦ(autou)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.disciplesμαθηταὶ(mathētai)Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3101:A learner, disciple, pupil. From manthano; a learner, i.e. Pupil.took [him]λαβόντες(labontes)Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 2983:(a) I receive, get, (b) I take, lay hold of.[and] lowered [him]χαλάσαντες(chalasantes)Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 5465:To let down, lower, slacken, loosen. From the base of chasma; to lower.inἐν(en)Preposition
Strong's 1722:In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.a basketσπυρίδι(spyridi)Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4711:A plaited basket. From speiro; a hamper or lunch-receptacle.through [ a window ]διὰ(dia)Preposition
Strong's 1223:A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.in theτοῦ(tou)Article - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.wall.τείχους(teichous)Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 5038:A wall, especially of a city. Akin to the base of tikto; a wall.
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NT Apostles: Acts 9:25 But his disciples took him by night (Acts of the Apostles Ac) 
