New International VersionHe talked and debated with the Hellenistic Jews, but they tried to kill him.
New Living TranslationHe debated with some Greek-speaking Jews, but they tried to murder him.
English Standard VersionAnd he spoke and disputed against the Hellenists. But they were seeking to kill him.
Berean Standard BibleHe talked and debated with the Grecian Jews, but they tried to kill him.
Berean Literal BibleAnd he was speaking and was debating with the Hellenists. But they were seeking to kill him.
King James BibleAnd he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him.
New King James VersionAnd he spoke boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus and disputed against the Hellenists, but they attempted to kill him.
New American Standard BibleAnd he was talking and arguing with the Hellenistic Jews; but they were attempting to put him to death.
NASB 1995And he was talking and arguing with the Hellenistic Jews; but they were attempting to put him to death.
NASB 1977And he was talking and arguing with the Hellenistic Jews; but they were attempting to put him to death.
Legacy Standard BibleAnd he was talking and arguing with the Hellenistic Jews, but they were attempting to put him to death.
Amplified BibleHe was talking and arguing with the Hellenists (Greek-speaking Jews); but they were attempting to kill him.
Christian Standard BibleHe conversed and debated with the Hellenistic Jews, but they tried to kill him.
Holman Christian Standard BibleHe conversed and debated with the Hellenistic Jews, but they attempted to kill him.
American Standard Versionpreaching boldly in the name of the Lord: and he spake and disputed against the Grecian Jews; but they were seeking to kill him.
Contemporary English VersionHe was always arguing with the Jews who spoke Greek, and so they tried to kill him.
English Revised Versionpreaching boldly in the name of the Lord: and he spake and disputed against the Grecian Jews; but they went about to kill him.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationHe talked and argued with Greek-speaking Jews, but they tried to murder him.
Good News TranslationHe also talked and disputed with the Greek-speaking Jews, but they tried to kill him.
International Standard VersionHe kept talking and arguing with the Hellenistic Jews, but they were bent on murdering him.
NET BibleHe was speaking and debating with the Greek-speaking Jews, but they were trying to kill him.
New Heart English BibleHe spoke and disputed against the Hellenists, but they were seeking to kill him.
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd he spoke boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him.
Weymouth New Testamentand speaking fearlessly in the name of the Lord. And he often talked with the Hellenists and had discussions with them. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleHe talked and debated with the Grecian Jews, but they tried to kill him.
World English Biblepreaching boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus. He spoke and disputed against the Hellenists, but they were seeking to kill him. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand speaking boldly in the Name of the Lord Jesus; he was both speaking and disputing with the Hellenists, and they were taking in hand to kill him,
Berean Literal BibleAnd he was speaking and was debating with the Hellenists. But they were seeking to kill him.
Young's Literal Translation and speaking boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, he was both speaking and disputing with the Hellenists, and they were taking in hand to kill him,
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd he spake and sought out with the Greeks; but they purposed to kill him. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleHe spoke also to the Gentiles, and disputed with the Greeks; but they sought to kill him.
Catholic Public Domain VersionHe also was speaking with the Gentiles and disputing with the Greeks. But they were seeking to kill him.
New American BibleHe also spoke and debated with the Hellenists, but they tried to kill him.
New Revised Standard VersionHe spoke and argued with the Hellenists; but they were attempting to kill him. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd he spoke openly in the name of Jesus, and debated with the Jews who understood Greek: but they wanted to kill him.
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishAnd he was speaking in the name of Yeshua openly and disputing with the Jews who knew Greek, but they were seeking to kill him. NT Translations Anderson New Testamenthe conversed and reasoned with the Hellenists; but they under took to kill him.
Godbey New Testamentand he was speaking and arguing against the Hellenists, and they undertook to kill him.
Haweis New Testamentand speaking boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus. And he talked and disputed with the Grecian proselytes: but they made an attempt to murder him.
Mace New Testamentand he openly preach'd in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Hellenists, who therefore plotted against his life:
Weymouth New Testamentand speaking fearlessly in the name of the Lord. And he often talked with the Hellenists and had discussions with them.
Worrell New Testamentpreaching boldly in the name of the Lord; and he was speaking and disputing with the Helenists; but they were attempting to kill him;
Worsley New Testamentand he talked and disputed with the Hellenists, who attempted to kill him:
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Saul in Jerusalem… 28So Saul stayed with them, moving about freely in Jerusalem and speaking boldly in the name of the Lord. 29He talkedanddebatedwiththeGrecian Jews,butthey triedto killhim.30When the brothers learned of this, they took him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus.…
Cross References Acts 22:18-21and saw the Lord saying to me, ‘Hurry! Leave Jerusalem quickly, because the people here will not accept your testimony about Me.’ / ‘Lord,’ I answered, ‘they know very well that in one synagogue after another I imprisoned and beat those who believed in You. / And when the blood of Your witness Stephen was shed, I stood there giving my approval and watching over the garments of those who killed him.’ ...
Acts 6:9-10But resistance arose from what was called the Synagogue of the Freedmen, including Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and men from the provinces of Cilicia and Asia. They disputed with Stephen, / but they could not stand up to his wisdom or the Spirit by whom he spoke.
Acts 13:45-46But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy, and they blasphemously contradicted what Paul was saying. / Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: “It was necessary to speak the word of God to you first. But since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles.
Acts 17:17So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and God-fearing Gentiles, and in the marketplace with those he met each day.
Acts 18:4-6Every Sabbath he reasoned in the synagogue, trying to persuade Jews and Greeks alike. / And when Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul devoted himself fully to the word, testifying to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ. / But when they opposed and insulted him, he shook out his garments and told them, “Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent of it. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.”
Acts 26:20-21First to those in Damascus and Jerusalem, then to everyone in the region of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, I declared that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds worthy of their repentance. / For this reason the Jews seized me in the temple courts and tried to kill me.
Galatians 1:13-14For you have heard of my former way of life in Judaism, how severely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it. / I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers.
Galatians 1:23They only heard the account: “The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.”
Galatians 2:4-5This issue arose because some false brothers had come in under false pretenses to spy on our freedom in Christ Jesus, in order to enslave us. / We did not give in to them for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel would remain with you.
2 Corinthians 11:26In my frequent journeys, I have been in danger from rivers and from bandits, in danger from my countrymen and from the Gentiles, in danger in the city and in the country, in danger on the sea and among false brothers,
Philippians 1:14-17And most of the brothers, confident in the Lord by my chains, now dare more greatly to speak the word without fear. / It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. / The latter do so in love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel. ...
1 Thessalonians 2:2As you are aware, we had already endured suffering and shameful treatment in Philippi. But in the face of strong opposition, we were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God.
John 7:1After this, Jesus traveled throughout Galilee. He did not want to travel in Judea, because the Jews there were trying to kill Him.
John 8:37-40I know you are Abraham’s descendants, but you are trying to kill Me because My word has no place within you. / I speak of what I have seen in the presence of the Father, and you do what you have heard from your father.” / “Abraham is our father,” they replied. “If you were children of Abraham,” said Jesus, “you would do the works of Abraham. ...
John 15:18-20If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first. / If you were of the world, it would love you as its own. Instead, the world hates you, because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. / Remember the word that I spoke to you: ‘No servant is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you as well; if they kept My word, they will keep yours as well.
Treasury of Scripture And he spoke boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him. he spake. Acts 9:20-22,27 And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God… disputed. Acts 6:9,10 Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is calledthe synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen… Acts 17:17 Therefore disputed he in the synagogue with the Jews, and with the devout persons, and in the market daily with them that met with him. Acts 18:19 And he came to Ephesus, and left them there: but he himself entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews. Grecians. Acts 6:1 And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. Acts 11:20 And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus. but. Acts 9:23 And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him: 2 Corinthians 11:26In journeyings often,in perils of waters,in perils of robbers,in perils bymine own countrymen,in perils by the heathen,in perils in the city,in perils in the wilderness,in perils in the sea,in perils among false brethren; Jump to Previous ArguingAttemptingBoldlyDebatedDiscussionsDisputedDisputingFearFearlesslyGrecianGreciansGreekHandHellenisticHellenistsJesusJewsKillOftenPreachingSeekingSlaySoughtSpeakingTalkedTalkingWorkingJump to Next ArguingAttemptingBoldlyDebatedDiscussionsDisputedDisputingFearFearlesslyGrecianGreciansGreekHandHellenisticHellenistsJesusJewsKillOftenPreachingSeekingSlaySoughtSpeakingTalkedTalkingWorkingActs 9 1.Saul, going toward Damascus, is stricken down to the earth,8.and led blind to Damascus;10.is called to the apostleship;18.and is baptized by Ananias.20.He preaches Christ boldly.23.The Jews lay wait to kill him;29.so do the Grecians, but he escapes both.31.The church having rest, Peter heals Aeneas;36.and restores Tabitha to life.He talked and debated with the Grecian JewsThis phrase highlights Paul's engagement with the Hellenistic Jews, who were Greek-speaking Jews living outside of Israel. These Jews were often more open to philosophical discussions, which is why Paul, with his background in both Jewish and Greek education, was well-suited to engage with them. This interaction reflects Paul's strategy of first reaching out to the Jewish community in each city he visited, as seen in Acts 17:2. The term "debated" indicates a formal discussion, suggesting that Paul was using reason and scripture to argue for Jesus as the Messiah, similar to his approach in Acts 17:17 in Athens. but they tried to kill him
This phrase underscores the intense opposition Paul faced from the Jewish community, a recurring theme in his ministry. The hostility from the Grecian Jews can be linked to their perception of Paul as a threat to their religious traditions and authority, as seen inActs 23:12-15, where a group of Jews conspires to kill him. This attempt on Paul's life also echoes the broader pattern of persecution faced by early Christians, as Jesus predicted inJohn 15:20. The phrase foreshadows the many trials and tribulations Paul would endure for the sake of the Gospel, aligning with his own words in2 Corinthians 11:23-27 about suffering for Christ. Persons / Places / Events 1. Saul (Paul)Former persecutor of Christians who experienced a dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus. He is now boldly preaching the gospel. 2. HellenistsGreek-speaking Jews who were part of the Jewish diaspora. They often had different cultural perspectives compared to the Hebrew-speaking Jews. 3. JerusalemThe central city of Jewish worship and the early Christian church. It is where Saul is engaging with the Hellenists. 4. DebateSaul is actively engaging in discussions and arguments about the gospel, demonstrating his deep understanding and conviction. 5. Threat of DeathThe Hellenists' reaction to Saul's preaching is hostile, leading them to plot his death, highlighting the danger early Christians faced. Teaching Points Boldness in Proclaiming the GospelSaul's transformation and boldness in preaching serve as an example for believers to share their faith courageously, even in the face of opposition. Cultural EngagementEngaging with different cultural groups, as Saul did with the Hellenists, is crucial for effective ministry. Understanding and respecting cultural differences can open doors for the gospel. Perseverance Amidst PersecutionThe threat against Saul's life reminds us that following Christ may lead to persecution. Believers are called to persevere and trust in God's protection and purpose. The Power of TransformationSaul's life is a testament to the transformative power of Christ. No one is beyond the reach of God's grace, and every believer has a unique testimony to share. Divine Guidance and ProtectionSaul's experience underscores the importance of seeking and following God's guidance, especially when facing challenges in ministry. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Acts 9:29?
2.How does Acts 9:29 demonstrate boldness in sharing the Gospel today?
3.What challenges did Saul face when "speaking boldly in the name of the Lord"?
4.How can we apply Saul's courage in Acts 9:29 to our daily lives?
5.What other Scriptures encourage boldness in proclaiming the Gospel like Acts 9:29?
6.How can we overcome fear when witnessing, as Saul did in Acts 9:29?
7.Why did Saul debate with the Hellenists in Acts 9:29?
8.How does Acts 9:29 demonstrate Saul's transformation?
9.What historical evidence supports the events in Acts 9:29?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Acts 9?
11.Who were the Hellenistic Jews in the Bible?
12.What is the timeline of Paul's life events?
13.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?
14.Mark 9:14-29 - What proof exists that this exorcism was not merely a medical or psychological case misunderstood by ancient people?What Does Acts 9:29 Mean He talked• Saul, now redeemed and empowered by the Spirit, “talked” openly about Jesus; his speech was straightforward proclamation rather than private musings (Acts 9:20;Acts 13:49). • Speaking boldly in Jerusalem shows the immediate fruit of his conversion—he cannot stay silent about the Lord who met him on the road (Jeremiah 20:9;2 Corinthians 5:14). • This ongoing conversation within the synagogues mirrors the apostles’ earlier witness in the same city (Acts 4:20).
and debated• Saul “debated,” meaning he reasoned, argued persuasively, and answered objections from Scripture, just as he later would in Thessalonica and Corinth (Acts 17:2–3;Acts 18:4). • Reasoned discussion is a biblical pattern for defending the gospel (Isaiah 1:18;1 Peter 3:15). • His prior rabbinic training equipped him to engage rigorously, turning former weapons of opposition into tools for truth (Philippians 3:4–8).
with the Grecian Jews• The “Grecian Jews” (Hellenists) were Jews who spoke Greek and were steeped in the wider Greco-Roman culture, like those who contended with Stephen earlier (Acts 6:1, 9). • Saul, a native of Tarsus and fluent in Greek, naturally gravitated toward this group; his background enabled him to meet them on familiar cultural ground (Acts 21:39). • Their very identity—Jews influenced by Gentile culture—foreshadows Saul’s future calling as apostle to the Gentiles (Acts 22:21;Romans 11:13).
but they tried to kill him• The pattern of persecution repeats: the same circle that stoned Stephen now targets Saul (Acts 7:58;Acts 22:20). • Hostility toward the gospel often intensifies when the messenger was once an ally of the opposition (Galatians 1:13–23). • The murderous intent fulfills Jesus’ warning that His followers would face hatred for His name (John 15:18-20;2 Timothy 3:12). • God protects Saul through the church’s vigilance, leading to his eventual departure for Tarsus (Acts 9:30), showing that the Lord preserves His servants until their work is done (Psalm 91:11-16).
summaryActs 9:29 portrays a newly converted Saul passionately proclaiming and defending the gospel among Greek-speaking Jews in Jerusalem. His bold speech, informed debate, cultural connection, and the violent backlash all highlight the transformative power of Christ, the inevitability of opposition, and God’s faithful preservation of His chosen witness. (29) Disputed against the Grecians.--It will be remembered that it was as the leader of the Hellenistic-Jews of the synagogue named in Acts 6:9 that Saul had first appeared in the history of the Church. Now, it would seem, he sought to undo the evil that he had then wrought, by preaching to them the faith which he had then opposed, and presenting, we may well believe, the very aspects of the truth that had been most prominent in Stephen's teaching, and which, therefore, now, as then, roused them to a passionate frenzy. Twice, within a few weeks, the Apostle's life was in danger. Verse 29.- Preaching boldly, etc, the and of the T.R. is omitted, and this clause connected with the preceding one; the Lord for the Lord Jesus, A.V. and T.R.; he spake for he spake boldly, A.V. (The παῥῤησιαζόμενος (translated preaching boldly) ἐν τῷ ὀνόματι Κυρίου, is in the R.T. separated from ἐλάλει); the Grecian Jews for the Grecians, A.V., as in Acts 6:1; to kill for to slay, A.V. The Grecian Jews; or, Hellenists (margin). St. Stephen was a Hellenist, and it was among the Hellenists that his evangelical labors elderly lay and from whose enmity he met his death. Saul showed his dauntless spirit, and perhaps his deep compunction at the part he had taken in Stephen's death, by thus encountering their bitter and unrelenting enmity.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek He talkedἐλάλει(elalei)Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2980:A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. Utter words.andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.debatedσυνεζήτει(synezētei)Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 4802:To seek together, discuss, dispute. From sun and zeteo; to investigate jointly, i.e. Discuss, controvert, cavil.withπρὸς(pros)Preposition
Strong's 4314:To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.theτοὺς(tous)Article - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.Grecian Jews,Ἑλληνιστάς(Hellēnistas)Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 1675:From a derivative of Hellen; a Hellenist or Greek-speaking Jew.butδὲ(de)Conjunction
Strong's 1161:A primary particle; but, and, etc.they triedἐπεχείρουν(epecheiroun)Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 2021:To take in hand, attempt. From epi and cheir; to put the hand upon, i.e. Undertake.to killἀνελεῖν(anelein)Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 337:From ana and haireomai; to take up, i.e. Adopt; by implication, to take away, i.e. Abolish, murder.him.αὐτόν(auton)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 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.
Links Acts 9:29 NIVActs 9:29 NLTActs 9:29 ESVActs 9:29 NASBActs 9:29 KJV
Acts 9:29 BibleApps.comActs 9:29 Biblia ParalelaActs 9:29 Chinese BibleActs 9:29 French BibleActs 9:29 Catholic Bible
NT Apostles: Acts 9:29 Preaching boldly in the name (Acts of the Apostles Ac) |
