Bible Strands
Acts 9:27
Then Barnabas brought him to the apostles and described how Saul had seen the Lord, who had spoken to him on the road to Damascus, and how Saul had spoken boldly in that city in the name of Jesus.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Barnabas brings Saul to the apostles in Jerusalem immediately after Saul's failed attempt to join the disciples, who were afraid and disbelieving (Acts 9:26). This occurs at the precise moment Saul seeks formal recognition from the original leadership.
The words — ἐπιλαβόμενος (epilabomenos) means "having taken hold of," indicating Barnabas physically guided Saul. ἤγαγεν (ēgagen) translates as "he brought," marking the deliberate action of presenting him to the apostles.
The thread — Barnabas's mediation aligns with his title "Son of Encouragement" (Acts 4:36) and fulfills the early church's prayer for bold proclamation (Acts 4:29). The emphasis on speaking in Jesus' name parallels the apostles' own witnessed boldness in Jerusalem (Acts 4:13).
Why it lands — The text requires a reader to acknowledge that institutional validation of a former enemy rests on verified divine encounter and public testimony. It demands that communities evaluate new participants by observable transformation rather than historical reputation.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
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.
Cross-references
- Acts 4:36 Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (meaning Son of Encouragement),
- Acts 4:29 And now, Lord, consider their threats, and enable Your servants to speak Your word with complete boldness,
- Acts 4:13 When they saw the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they marveled and took note that these men had been with Jesus.
- Ephesians 6:19 Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will boldly make known the mystery of the gospel,
- Acts 9:3 As Saul drew near to Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him.
- Acts 9:20 Saul promptly began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, declaring, “He is the Son of God.”
- Acts 11:22 When news of this reached the ears of the church in Jerusalem, they sent Barnabas to Antioch.
- Acts 11:25 Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul,
- Acts 12:25 When Barnabas and Saul had fulfilled their mission to Jerusalem, they returned, bringing with them John, also called Mark.
- Acts 13:2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”