Bible Strands
Acts 9:29
He talked and debated with the Grecian Jews, but they tried to kill him.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Saul remains in Jerusalem following his conversion, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord to the Hellenistic Jews. This occurs during his initial period of public ministry before his companions escort him to Caesarea and send him to Tarsus.
The words — The text records ἐλάλει (elalei), meaning "he was speaking," and συνεζήτει (sunezētei), meaning "he was debating." These imperfect verbs describe the continuous, back-and-forth verbal exchange that directly preceded the attempt on his life.
The thread — The conflict with Hellenistic Jews mirrors the earlier disputes in Acts 6:1 and foreshadows the cross-cultural proclamation in Acts 11:20. Paul later catalogs similar threats from his countrymen in 2 Corinthians 11:26.
Why it lands — The verse documents that bold proclamation immediately triggers violent opposition from those it confronts. It requires a reader to acknowledge that faithful speech operates within a framework of resistance, not safety.
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
And he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him.
Cross-references
- Acts 6:1 In those days when the disciples were increasing in number, the Grecian Jews among them began to grumble against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food.
- Acts 11:20 But some of them, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began speaking to the Greeks as well, proclaiming the good news about the Lord Jesus.
- 2 Corinthians 11:26 In 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,
- Jude 1:9 But even the archangel Michael, when he disputed with the devil over the body of Moses, did not presume to bring a slanderous charge against him, but said, “The Lord rebuke you!”
- Acts 9:20 Saul promptly began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, declaring, “He is the Son of God.”
- 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.
- Acts 17:17 So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and God-fearing Gentiles, and in the marketplace with those he met each day.
- Acts 18:19 When they reached Ephesus, Paul left Priscilla and Aquila. He himself went into the synagogue there and reasoned with the Jews.
- Acts 19:8 Then Paul went into the synagogue and spoke boldly there for three months, arguing persuasively about the kingdom of God.
- Acts 6:9 But 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,