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Hechos 9
La Palabra (Hispanoamérica)

Pablo irrumpe en escena (9,1-31)

Encuentro de Pablo con Jesús

9 Entre tanto, Saulo, que seguía respirando amenazas de muerte contra los discípulos del Señor, se dirigió al sumo sacerdote 2 y le pidió cartas de presentación para las sinagogas de Damasco. Su intención era conducir presos a Jerusalén a cuantos seguidores del nuevo camino del Señor encontrara, tanto hombres como mujeres.

3 Se hallaba en ruta hacia Damasco, a punto ya de llegar, cuando de pronto un resplandor celestial lo deslumbró. 4 Cayó a tierra y oyó una voz que decía:

— Saúl, Saúl, ¿por qué me persigues?

5 — ¿Quién eres, Señor? —preguntó Saulo—.

— Soy Jesús, a quien tú persigues —respondió la voz—. 6 Anda, levántate y entra en la ciudad. Allí recibirás instrucciones sobre lo que debes hacer.

7 Sus compañeros de viaje se habían quedado mudos de estupor. Oían la voz, pero no veían a nadie. 8 Saulo se levantó del suelo y, cuando abrió los ojos, no podía ver. Así que lo llevaron de la mano a Damasco, 9 donde pasó tres días privado de la vista, sin comer y sin beber.

Saulo y Ananías

10 Residía en Damasco un discípulo llamado Ananías. En una visión oyó que el Señor lo llamaba:

— ¡Ananías!

— Aquí estoy, Señor —respondió—.

11 El Señor le dijo:

— Vete rápidamente a casa de Judas, en la calle Recta, y pregunta por un tal Saulo de Tarso. Ahora está orando 12 y acaba de tener una visión en la que un hombre llamado Ananías entra en su casa y le toca los ojos con las manos para que recobre la vista.

13 — Señor —contestó Ananías—, muchas personas me han hablado acerca de ese hombre y del daño que ha causado a tus fieles en Jerusalén. 14 Y aquí mismo tiene plenos poderes de los jefes de los sacerdotes para prender a todos los que te invocan.

15 — Tú vete —replicó el Señor—, porque he sido yo quien ha elegido a ese hombre como instrumento para que anuncie mi nombre a todas las naciones, a sus gobernantes y al pueblo de Israel. 16 Yo mismo le mostraré lo que habrá de sufrir por mi causa.

17 Ananías partió inmediatamente y tan pronto como entró en la casa, tocó con sus manos los ojos de Saulo y le dijo:

— Hermano Saulo, Jesús, el Señor, el mismo que se te apareció cuando venías por el camino, me ha enviado para que recobres la vista y quedes lleno del Espíritu Santo.

18 De repente cayeron de sus ojos una especie de escamas y recuperó la vista. A continuación fue bautizado, 19 tomó alimento y recobró fuerzas.

Saulo proclama el mensaje en Damasco

Saulo se quedó algún tiempo con los discípulos que residían en Damasco, 20 y bien pronto empezó a proclamar en las sinagogas que Jesús era el Hijo de Dios. 21 Todos los que lo oían comentaban llenos de asombro:

— ¿No es este el que en Jerusalén perseguía con saña a los creyentes? ¿Y no ha venido aquí expresamente para llevarlos presos ante los jefes de los sacerdotes?

22 Pero Saulo se crecía más y más y, con argumentos irrefutables, demostraba a los judíos de Damasco que Jesús era el Mesías.

23 Algún tiempo después, los judíos se propusieron matar a Saulo. 24 Pero alguien lo puso al corriente de tales propósitos y, aunque los judíos vigilaban día y noche las puertas de la ciudad con intención de asesinarlo, 25 los discípulos de Saulo lo descolgaron una noche por la muralla, metido dentro de un cesto.

Saulo en Jerusalén

26 Cuando Saulo llegó a Jerusalén, trató de unirse al grupo de los discípulos; pero todos lo miraban con recelo, pues no acababan de creer que fuera uno de ellos. 27 Entonces, Bernabé lo tomó consigo y lo presentó a los apóstoles. Les contó cómo Saulo había visto al Señor en su viaje hacia Damasco, de qué manera le había hablado el Señor y con qué valentía había hablado en Damasco acerca de Jesús.

28 A partir de entonces, Saulo se movía libremente por Jerusalén en compañía de los apóstoles, y hablaba sin miedo acerca del Señor. 29 Pero pronto entró en polémica con los judíos de lengua griega, que comenzaron a tramar planes para matarlo. 30 Al enterarse, los hermanos lo escoltaron hasta Cesarea y después lo encaminaron a Tarso.

Sumario

31 La Iglesia gozó de un período de paz en toda Judea, Galilea y Samaría. Fueron días en que, impulsada por el Espíritu Santo y plenamente fiel al Señor, iba consolidándose y extendiéndose cada vez más.

Actividad misionera de Pedro (9,32—12,25)

Pedro sana a Eneas

32 Pedro, que recorría incansable todos los lugares, fue también a visitar a los fieles de Lida. 33 Allí encontró a un hombre llamado Eneas, a quien la parálisis tenía postrado en cama desde hacía ocho años. 34 Pedro le dijo:

— Eneas, Jesucristo va a curarte; levántate y haz tu cama.

Eneas se levantó inmediatamente. 35 Y cuando los habitantes de Lida y de toda la llanura de Sarón lo vieron sano, se convirtieron al Señor.

Resurrección de Tabita

36 Había en Jope una mujer creyente llamada Tabita, nombre que significa “Gacela”. Se dedicaba por entero a hacer buenas obras y a socorrer a los necesitados. 37 Pero uno de aquellos días cayó enferma y murió. Lavaron su cadáver y lo depositaron en la habitación del piso de arriba. 38 Los discípulos de Jope, ciudad próxima a Lida, se enteraron de que Pedro se hallaba en esta última ciudad y enviaron urgentemente dos hombres con este ruego:

— Ven a nuestra ciudad sin pérdida de tiempo.

39 Pedro partió con ellos en seguida. Al llegar a Jope le hicieron subir a la habitación donde estaba la difunta. Allí se vio rodeado de viudas que, anegadas en lágrimas, le mostraban los vestidos y mantos que Gacela les hacía cuando estaba con ellas. 40 Pedro hizo salir a todos y, arrodillándose, se puso a orar. Se acercó después al cadáver y dijo:

— ¡Tabita, levántate!

Ella abrió los ojos y, al ver a Pedro, se incorporó en el lecho. 41 Él la tomó de la mano y la ayudó a ponerse en pie; llamó luego a las viudas y a los fieles, y se la presentó con vida. 42 La noticia corrió por toda Jope, y fueron muchos los que creyeron en el Señor. 43 Pedro se quedó una temporada en Jope, en casa de un tal Simón, que era curtidor.

Close NET

Acts 9
New English Translation

The Conversion of Saul

9 Meanwhile Saul, still breathing out threats[a] to murder[b] the Lord’s disciples, went to the high priest 2 and requested letters from him to the synagogues[c] in Damascus, so that if he found any who belonged to the Way,[d] either men or women, he could bring them as prisoners[e] to Jerusalem.[f] 3 As he was going along, approaching[g] Damascus, suddenly a light from heaven flashed[h] around him. 4 He[i] fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul,[j] why are you persecuting me?”[k] 5 So he said, “Who are you, Lord?” He replied, “I am Jesus whom you are persecuting! 6 But stand up[l] and enter the city and you will be told[m] what you must do.” 7 (Now the men[n] who were traveling with him stood there speechless,[o] because they heard the voice but saw no one.)[p] 8 So Saul got up from the ground, but although his eyes were open,[q] he could see nothing.[r] Leading him by the hand, his companions[s] brought him into Damascus. 9 For[t] three days he could not see, and he neither ate nor drank anything.[u]

10 Now there was a disciple in Damascus named Ananias. The[v] Lord[w] said to him in a vision, “Ananias,” and he replied, “Here I am,[x] Lord.” 11 Then the Lord told him, “Get up and go to the street called ‘Straight,’[y] and at Judas’ house look for a man from Tarsus named Saul. For he is praying, 12 and he has seen in a vision[z] a man named Ananias come in and place his hands on him so that he may see again.” 13 But Ananias replied,[aa] “Lord, I have heard from many people[ab] about this man, how much harm he has done to your saints in Jerusalem, 14 and here he has authority from the chief priests to imprison[ac] all who call on your name!”[ad] 15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, because this man is my chosen instrument[ae] to carry my name before Gentiles and kings and the people of Israel.[af] 16 For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.”[ag] 17 So Ananias departed and entered the house, placed[ah] his hands on Saul[ai] and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came here,[aj] has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”[ak] 18 Immediately[al] something like scales[am] fell from his eyes, and he could see again. He[an] got up and was baptized, 19 and after taking some food, his strength returned.

For several days[ao] he was with the disciples in Damascus, 20 and immediately he began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues,[ap] saying, “This man is the Son of God.”[aq] 21 All[ar] who heard him were amazed and were saying, “Is this not[as] the man who in Jerusalem was ravaging[at] those who call on this name, and who had come here to bring them as prisoners[au] to the chief priests?” 22 But Saul became more and more capable,[av] and was causing consternation[aw] among the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving[ax] that Jesus[ay] is the Christ.[az]

Saul’s Escape from Damascus

23 Now after some days had passed, the Jews plotted[ba] together to kill him, 24 but Saul learned of their plot against him.[bb] They were also watching[bc] the city gates[bd] day and night so that they could kill him. 25 But his disciples took him at night and let him down through an opening[be] in the wall by lowering him in a basket.[bf]

Saul Returns to Jerusalem

26 When he arrived in Jerusalem, he attempted to associate[bg] with the disciples, and they were all afraid of him, because they did not believe[bh] that he was a disciple. 27 But Barnabas took[bi] Saul,[bj] brought[bk] him to the apostles, and related to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, that[bl] the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had spoken out boldly[bm] in the name of Jesus. 28 So he was staying with them, associating openly with them[bn] in Jerusalem, speaking out boldly in the name of the Lord. 29 He was speaking and debating[bo] with the Greek-speaking Jews,[bp] but they were trying to kill him. 30 When the brothers found out about this, they brought him down to Caesarea[bq] and sent him away to Tarsus.

31 Then[br] the church throughout Judea, Galilee,[bs] and Samaria experienced[bt] peace and thus was strengthened.[bu] Living[bv] in the fear of the Lord and in the encouragement of the Holy Spirit, the church[bw] increased in numbers.

Peter Heals Aeneas

32 Now[bx] as Peter was traveling around from place to place,[by] he also came down to the saints who lived in Lydda.[bz] 33 He found there a man named Aeneas who had been confined to a mattress for eight years because[ca] he was paralyzed. 34 Peter[cb] said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus the Christ[cc] heals you. Get up and make your own bed!”[cd] And immediately he got up. 35 All[ce] those who lived in Lydda[cf] and Sharon[cg] saw him, and they[ch] turned[ci] to the Lord.

Peter Raises Dorcas

36 Now in Joppa[cj] there was a disciple named Tabitha (which in translation means[ck] Dorcas).[cl] She was continually doing good deeds and acts of charity.[cm] 37 At that time[cn] she became sick[co] and died. When they had washed[cp] her body,[cq] they placed it in an upstairs room. 38 Because Lydda[cr] was near Joppa, when the disciples heard that Peter was there, they sent two men to him and urged him, “Come to us without delay.”[cs] 39 So Peter got up and went with them, and[ct] when he arrived[cu] they brought him to the upper room. All[cv] the widows stood beside him, crying and showing him[cw] the tunics[cx] and other clothing[cy] Dorcas used to make[cz] while she was with them. 40 But Peter sent them all outside,[da] knelt down,[db] and prayed. Turning[dc] to the body, he said, “Tabitha, get up.” Then she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter, she sat up.[dd] 41 He gave[de] her his hand and helped her get up. Then he called[df] the saints and widows and presented her alive. 42 This became known throughout all[dg] Joppa, and many believed in the Lord.[dh] 43 So[di] Peter[dj] stayed many days in Joppa with a man named[dk] Simon, a tanner.[dl]

Footnotes

  1. Acts 9:1 tn Or “Saul, making dire threats.”
  2. Acts 9:1 tn The expression “breathing out threats and murder” is an idiomatic expression for “making threats to murder” (see L&N 33.293). Although the two terms “threats” and “murder” are syntactically coordinate, the second is semantically subordinate to the first. In other words, the content of the threats is to murder the disciples.
  3. Acts 9:2 sn See the note on synagogue in 6:9.
  4. Acts 9:2 sn The expression “the way” in ancient religious literature refers at times to “the whole way of life fr. a moral and spiritual viewpoint” (BDAG 692 s.v. ὁδός 3.c), and it has been so used of Christianity and its teachings in the book of Acts (see also 19:9, 23; 22:4; 24:14, 22). It is a variation of Judaism’s idea of two ways, the true and the false, where “the Way” is the true one (1 En. 91:18; 2 En. 30:15).
  5. Acts 9:2 tn Grk “bring them bound”; the translation “bring someone as prisoner” for δεδεμένον ἄγειν τινά (dedemenon agein tina) is given by BDAG 221 s.v. δέω 1.b.
  6. Acts 9:2 sn From Damascus to Jerusalem was a six-day journey. Christianity had now expanded into Syria.
  7. Acts 9:3 tn Grk “As he was going along, it happened that when he was approaching.” The phrase ἐγένετο (egeneto, “it happened that”), common in Luke (69 times) and Acts (54 times), is redundant in contemporary English and has not been translated.
  8. Acts 9:3 tn Or “shone” (BDAG 799 s.v. περιαστράπτω). The light was more brilliant than the sun according to Acts 26:13.
  9. Acts 9:4 tn Grk “and he.” Because of the length of the Greek sentence, the conjunction καί (kai) has not been translated here. Instead a new English sentence is begun.
  10. Acts 9:4 tn The double vocative suggests emotion.
  11. Acts 9:4 sn Persecuting me. To persecute the church is to persecute Jesus.
  12. Acts 9:6 tn Or “But arise.”
  13. Acts 9:6 tn Literally a passive construction, “it will be told to you.” This has been converted to another form of passive construction in the translation.
  14. Acts 9:7 tn The Greek term here is ἀνήρ (anēr), which is used only rarely in a generic sense of both men and women. In the historical setting here, Paul’s traveling companions were almost certainly all males.
  15. Acts 9:7 tn That is, unable to speak because of fear or amazement. See BDAG 335 s.v. ἐνεός.
  16. Acts 9:7 sn This is a parenthetical note by the author. Acts 22:9 appears to indicate that they saw the light but did not hear a voice. They were “witnesses” that something happened.
  17. Acts 9:8 tn Grk “his eyes being open,” a genitive absolute construction that has been translated as a concessive adverbial participle.
  18. Acts 9:8 sn He could see nothing. This sign of blindness, which was temporary until v. 18, is like the sign of muteness experienced by Zechariah in Luke 1. It allowed some time for Saul (Paul) to reflect on what had happened without distractions.
  19. Acts 9:8 tn Grk “they”; the referents (Saul’s companions) have been specified in the translation for clarity.
  20. Acts 9:9 tn Grk “And for.” Because of the difference between Greek style, which often begins sentences or clauses with “and,” and English style, which generally does not, καί (kai) has not been translated here.
  21. Acts 9:9 tn The word “anything” is not in the Greek text, but is implied. Direct objects were often omitted in Greek when clear from the context, but must be supplied for the modern English reader. The fasting might indicate an initial realization of Luke 5:33-39. Fasting was usually accompanied by reflective thought.
  22. Acts 9:10 tn Grk “And the.” Because of the difference between Greek style, which often begins sentences or clauses with “and,” and English style, which generally does not, καί (kai) has not been translated here.
  23. Acts 9:10 sn The Lord is directing all the events leading to the expansion of the gospel as he works on both sides of the meeting between Paul and Ananias. “The Lord” here refers to Jesus (see v. 17).
  24. Acts 9:10 tn Grk “behold, I,” but this construction often means “here is/there is” (cf. BDAG 468 s.v. ἰδού 2).
  25. Acts 9:11 sn The noting of the detail of the locale, ironically called ‘Straight’ Street, shows how directive and specific the Lord was.
  26. Acts 9:12 tc ‡ The words ἐν ὀράματι (en oramati, “in a vision”) are not found in some of the earliest and best mss (P74 א A 81 lat sa bo), but are implied from the context. The phrase is included, although sometimes in a different order with ἄνδρα (andra, “man”) or omitting ἄνδρα altogether, by B C E Ψ 33 1175 1739 M. The order of words in NA28, ἄνδρα ἐν ὁράματι, is supported only by B C 1175. Generally speaking, when there are three or more variants, with one an omission and the others involving rearrangements, the longer readings are later scribal additions. Further, the reading looks like a clarifying note, for an earlier vision is explicitly mentioned in v. 10. On the other hand, it is possible that some scribes deleted the words because of perceived repetition, though this is unlikely since it is a different vision two verses back. It is also possible that some scribes could have confused ὁράματι with ὀνόματι (onomati, “name”); TCGNT 319 notes that several mss place ονόματι before ᾿Ανανίαν (Ananian, “Ananias”) while a few others drop ὀνόματι altogether. The Sahidic mss are among those that drop the word, however, and they also lack ἐν ὁράματι; all that is left is one version and father that drops ὀνόματι. Perhaps the best argument for the authenticity of the phrase is that B C 1175 preserve a rare, distinctively Lukan word order, but this is not nearly as harsh or unusual as what Luke does elsewhere. A decision is difficult in this case, but on balance the omission of the phrase seems to be authentic. The words are nevertheless added in the translation because of contextual considerations. NA28 places the words in brackets, indicating doubts as to their authenticity. sn Apparently while in Damascus Paul had a subsequent vision in the midst of his blindness, fulfilling the prediction in 9:6.
  27. Acts 9:13 sn Ananias replied. Past events might have suggested to Ananias that this was not good counsel, but like Peter in Acts 10, Ananias’ intuitions were wrong.
  28. Acts 9:13 tn The word “people” is not in the Greek text, but is implied.
  29. Acts 9:14 tn Grk “to bind.”
  30. Acts 9:14 sn The expression “those who call on your name” is a frequent description of believers (Acts 2:21; 1 Cor 1:2; Rom 10:13).
  31. Acts 9:15 tn Or “tool.”
  32. Acts 9:15 tn Grk “the sons of Israel.” In Acts, Paul is a minister to all nations, including Israel (Rom 1:16-17).
  33. Acts 9:16 tn Or “because of my name.” BDAG 1031 s.v. ὑπέρ 2 lists Acts 9:16 as an example of ὑπέρ (huper) used to indicate “the moving cause or reason, because of, for the sake of, for.”
  34. Acts 9:17 tn Grk “and placing his hands on Saul, he said.” The participle ἐπιθείς (epitheis) has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style. For the same reason καί (kai) has not been translated before the participle.
  35. Acts 9:17 tn Grk “on him”; the referent (Saul) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
  36. Acts 9:17 tn Grk “on the road in which you came,” but the relative clause makes for awkward English style, so it was translated as a temporal clause (“as you came here”).
  37. Acts 9:17 sn Be filled with the Holy Spirit. Here someone who is not an apostle (Ananias) commissions another person with the Spirit.
  38. Acts 9:18 tn Grk “And immediately.” Because of the difference between Greek style, which often begins sentences or clauses with “and,” and English style, which generally does not, καί (kai) has not been translated here.
  39. Acts 9:18 tn The comparison to “scales” suggests a crusty covering which peeled away (cf. BDAG 592 s.v. λεπίς 2).
  40. Acts 9:18 tn Grk “and he.” Because of the length of the Greek sentence, the conjunction καί (kai) has not been translated here. Instead a new English sentence was started, with “and” placed before the final element of the previous clause as required by English style.
  41. Acts 9:19 tn Grk “It happened that for several days.” The introductory phrase ἐγένετο (egeneto, “it happened that”), common in Luke (69 times) and Acts (54 times), is redundant in contemporary English and has not been translated.
  42. Acts 9:20 sn See the note on synagogue in 6:9.
  43. Acts 9:20 tn The ὅτι (hoti) is understood to introduce direct (“This man is the Son of God”) rather than indirect discourse (“that this man is the Son of God”) because the pronoun οὗτος (houtos) combined with the present tense verb ἐστιν (estin) suggests the contents of what was proclaimed are a direct (albeit summarized) quotation.sn This is the only use of the title Son of God in Acts. The book prefers to allow a variety of descriptions to present Jesus.
  44. Acts 9:21 tn Grk “And all.” Because of the difference between Greek style, which often begins sentences or clauses with “and,” and English style, which generally does not, καί (kai) has not been translated here.
  45. Acts 9:21 tn The Greek interrogative particle used in this verse (οὐχ, ouch) expects a positive reply. They all knew about Saul’s persecutions.
  46. Acts 9:21 tn Normally, “destroying,” but compare 4 Macc 4:23; 11:4 and MM 529 s.v. πορθέω for examples from Koine papyri. See also BDAG 853 s.v. πορθέω.
  47. Acts 9:21 tn Grk “bring them bound”; the translation “bring someone as prisoner” for δεδεμένον ἄγειν τινά (dedemenon agein tina) is given by BDAG 221 s.v. δέω 1.b.
  48. Acts 9:22 tn Grk “was becoming stronger,” but this could be understood in a physical sense, while the text refers to Saul’s growing ability to demonstrate to fellow Jews that Jesus was the Messiah. The translation “to become capable” for ἐνδυναμόω (endunamoō) is given in L&N 74.7, with this specific verse as an example.
  49. Acts 9:22 tn Or “was confounding.” For the translation “to cause consternation” for συγχέω (suncheō) see L&N 25.221.
  50. Acts 9:22 tn Or “by showing for certain.”
  51. Acts 9:22 tn Grk “that this one”; the referent (Jesus) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
  52. Acts 9:22 tn Or “Messiah”; both “Christ” (Greek) and “Messiah” (Hebrew and Aramaic) mean “one who has been anointed.” Note again the variation in the titles used.sn See the note on Christ in 2:31.
  53. Acts 9:23 sn Fitting the pattern emphasized earlier with Stephen and his speech in Acts 7, some Jews plotted to kill God’s messenger (cf. Luke 11:53-54).
  54. Acts 9:24 tn The words “against him” are implied, as suggested by L&N 30.71.
  55. Acts 9:24 tn Or “guarding.” This is a negative term in Luke-Acts (Luke 6:7; 14:1; 20:20).
  56. Acts 9:24 tn The word πύλη (pulē) may refer to a house door or gate, or to the large gates used in a palace, temple, or city wall. Here the context clearly indicates a reference to the latter, so the translation “city gates” is used.
  57. Acts 9:25 tn The opening in the wall is not specifically mentioned here, but the parallel account in 2 Cor 11:33 mentions a “window” or “opening” (θυρίς, thuris) in the city wall through which Paul was lowered. One alternative to introducing mention of the opening is to translate Acts 9:25 “they let him down over the wall,” as suggested in L&N 7.61. This option is not employed by many translations, however, because for the English reader it creates an (apparent) contradiction between Acts 9:25 and 2 Cor 11:33. In reality the account here is simply more general, omitting the detail about the window.
  58. Acts 9:25 tn On the term for “basket” used here, see BDAG 940 s.v. σπυρίς.
  59. Acts 9:26 tn Or “join.”
  60. Acts 9:26 tn The participle πιστεύοντες (pisteuontes) has been translated as a causal adverbial participle.
  61. Acts 9:27 tn Grk “taking Saul, brought him.” The participle ἐπιλαβόμενος (epilabomenos) has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style.
  62. Acts 9:27 tn Grk “him”; the referent (Saul) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
  63. Acts 9:27 tn Grk “and brought,” but καί (kai) has not been translated since English normally uses a coordinating conjunction only between the last two elements in a series of three or more.
  64. Acts 9:27 tn Grk “and that,” but καί (kai) has not been translated since English normally uses a coordinating conjunction only between the last two elements in a series of three or more.
  65. Acts 9:27 tn On this verb which is used 7 times in Acts, see BDAG 782 s.v. παρρησιάζομαι 1. See also v. 28.
  66. Acts 9:28 tn Grk “he was with them going in and going out in Jerusalem.” The expression “going in and going out” is probably best taken as an idiom for association without hindrance. Some modern translations (NASB, NIV) translate the phrase “moving about freely in Jerusalem,” although the NRSV retains the literal “he went in and out among them in Jerusalem.”
  67. Acts 9:29 tn Or “arguing.” BDAG 954 s.v. συζητέω 2 gives “dispute, debate, argue…τινί ‘w. someone’” for συνεζήτει (sunezētei).
  68. Acts 9:29 tn Grk “the Hellenists,” but this descriptive term is largely unknown to the modern English reader. The translation “Greek-speaking Jews” attempts to convey something of who these were, but it was more than a matter of language spoken; it involved a degree of adoption of Greek culture as well.
  69. Acts 9:30 sn Caesarea was a city on the coast of Palestine, south of Mount Carmel (not Caesarea Philippi). See the note on Caesarea in Acts 10:1.
  70. Acts 9:31 tn Or “Therefore.” This verse is another summary text in Acts (cf. 2:41-47; 4:32-37; 5:12-16; 6:7).
  71. Acts 9:31 tn Grk “and Galilee,” but καί (kai) has not been translated since English normally uses a coordinating conjunction only between the last two elements in a series of three or more.
  72. Acts 9:31 tn Grk “had.”
  73. Acts 9:31 tn Or “Built up.” The participle οἰκοδομουμένη (oikodomoumenē) has been translated as a participle of result related to εἶχεν (eichen). It could also be understood as adverbial to ἐπληθύνετο (eplēthuneto): “Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria experienced peace. Strengthened and living in the fear of the Lord and in the encouragement of the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers.” Although some scholars do not regard the participle of result as a legitimate category, it is actually fairly common (see ExSyn 637-39).
  74. Acts 9:31 tn Grk “And living.” Because of the difference between Greek style, which often begins sentences or clauses with “and,” and English style, which generally does not, καί (kai) has not been translated here.
  75. Acts 9:31 tn Grk “it”; the referent (the church) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
  76. Acts 9:32 tn Grk “Now it happened that.” The introductory phrase ἐγένετο (egeneto, “it happened that”), common in Luke (69 times) and Acts (54 times), is redundant in contemporary English and has not been translated.
  77. Acts 9:32 tn Grk “As Peter was going through all [the places],” which is somewhat awkward in English. The meaning is best expressed by a phrase like “going around from place to place” or “traveling around from place to place.”
  78. Acts 9:32 sn Lydda was a city northwest of Jerusalem on the way to Joppa. It was about 10.5 miles (17 km) southeast of Joppa.
  79. Acts 9:33 tn Since the participle κατακείμενον (katakeimenon), an adjectival participle modifying Αἰνέαν (Ainean), has been translated into English as a relative clause (“who had been confined to a mattress”), it would be awkward to follow with a second relative clause (Grk “who was paralyzed”). Furthermore, the relative pronoun here has virtually a causal force, giving the reason for confinement to the mattress, so it is best translated “because.”
  80. Acts 9:34 tn Grk “And Peter.” Because of the difference between Greek style, which often begins sentences or clauses with “and,” and English style, which generally does not, καί (kai) has not been translated here.
  81. Acts 9:34 tc ‡ Several variants occur at this juncture. Some of the earliest and best witnesses (P74 א B* C Ψ 33vid Didpt) read “Jesus Christ” (᾿Ιησοῦς Χριστός, Iēsous Christos); others ([A] 36 1175 it) have “the Lord Jesus Christ” (ὁ κύριος ᾿Ιησοῦς Χριστός, ho kurios Iēsous Christos); a few read simply ὁ Χριστός (614 1241 1505); the majority of mss (B2 E 1739 M Didpt) have “Jesus the Christ” ( ᾿Ιησοῦς ὁ Χριστός). Although the pedigree of this last reading is relatively weak, it draws strength from the fact that (a) the other readings are much more natural and thus more predictable, and (b) there are several variants for this text. It seems hardly likely that scribes would intentionally change a more common expression into a title that is used nowhere else in the NT (although 1 John 2:22; 5:1 come close with “Jesus is the Christ”), nor would they unintentionally change a frequently used designation into an unusual one. Thus, in spite of the external evidence (which is nevertheless sufficient to argue for authenticity), ᾿Ιησοῦς ὁ Χριστός is the reading that best explains the rise of the others.tn Or “Messiah”; both “Christ” (Greek) and “Messiah” (Hebrew and Aramaic) mean “one who has been anointed.”
  82. Acts 9:34 tn The translation “make your own bed” for στρῶσον σεαυτῷ (strōson seautō) is given by BDAG 949 s.v. στρωννύω 1. Naturally this involves some adaptation, since a pallet or mat would not be ‘made up’ in the sense that a modern bed would be. The idea may be closer to “straighten” or “rearrange,” and the NIV’s “take care of your mat” attempts to reflect this, although this too probably conveys a slightly different idea to the modern English reader.
  83. Acts 9:35 tn Grk “And all.” Because of the difference between Greek style, which often begins sentences or clauses with “and,” and English style, which generally does not, καί (kai) has not been translated here.
  84. Acts 9:35 sn Lydda was a city northwest of Jerusalem on the way to Joppa.
  85. Acts 9:35 sn Sharon refers to the plain of Sharon, a region along the coast of Palestine.
  86. Acts 9:35 tn Repetition of the pronoun “they” as subject of ἐπέστρεψαν (epestrepsan) is not strictly necessary in English, but emphasizes slightly the resultative nature of the final clause: They turned to the Lord as a result of seeing Aeneas after he was healed.
  87. Acts 9:35 sn They turned. To “turn” is a good summary term for the response to the gospel.
  88. Acts 9:36 sn Joppa was a seaport on the Philistine coast, in the same location as modern Jaffa. “Though Joppa never became a major seaport, it was of some importance as a logistical base and an outlet to the Mediterranean” (A. F. Rainey, ISBE 2:1118-19).
  89. Acts 9:36 tn Grk “which being translated is called.” In English this would normally be expressed “which is translated as” or “which in translation means.” The second option is given by L&N 33.145.
  90. Acts 9:36 sn This is a parenthetical note by the author. Dorcas is the Greek translation of the Aramaic name Tabitha. Dorcas in Greek means “gazelle” or “deer.”
  91. Acts 9:36 tn Or “and helping the poor.” Grk “She was full of good deeds and acts of charity which she was continually doing.” Since it is somewhat redundant in English to say “she was full of good deeds…which she was continually doing,” the translation has been simplified to “she was continually doing good deeds and acts of charity.” The imperfect verb ἐποίει (epoiei) has been translated as a progressive imperfect (“was continually doing”).
  92. Acts 9:37 tn Grk “It happened that in those days.” The introductory phrase ἐγένετο (egeneto, “it happened that”), common in Luke (69 times) and Acts (54 times), is redundant in contemporary English and has not been translated.
  93. Acts 9:37 tn Grk “becoming sick, she died.” The participle ἀσθενήσασαν (asthenēsasan) has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style.
  94. Acts 9:37 tn The participle λούσαντες (lousantes) is taken temporally.
  95. Acts 9:37 tn Grk “washed her,” but the reference is to her corpse.
  96. Acts 9:38 sn Lydda was a city northwest of Jerusalem on the way to Joppa.
  97. Acts 9:38 tn Grk “Do not delay to come to us.” It is somewhat smoother to say in English, “Come to us without delay.”
  98. Acts 9:39 tn Grk “who.” The relative clause makes for awkward English style here, so the following clause was made coordinate with the conjunction “and” supplied in place of the Greek relative pronoun.
  99. Acts 9:39 tn The participle παραγενόμενον (paragenomenon) is taken temporally.
  100. Acts 9:39 tn Grk “and all.” Because of the length of the Greek sentence, the conjunction καί (kai) has not been translated here. Instead a new English sentence is begun.
  101. Acts 9:39 tn The word “him” is not in the Greek text, but is implied. Direct objects were often omitted in Greek when clear from the context, but must be supplied for the modern English reader.
  102. Acts 9:39 tn Or “shirts” (a long garment worn under the cloak next to the skin). The name for this garment (χιτών, chitōn) presents some difficulty in translation. Most modern readers would not understand what a ‘tunic’ was any more than they would be familiar with a ‘chiton.’ On the other hand attempts to find a modern equivalent are also a problem: “shirt” conveys the idea of a much shorter garment that covers only the upper body, and “undergarment” (given the styles of modern underwear) is more misleading still. “Tunic” was therefore employed, but with a note to explain its nature.
  103. Acts 9:39 tn Grk “and garments,” referring here to other types of clothing besides the tunics just mentioned.
  104. Acts 9:39 tn The verb ἐποίει (epoiei) has been translated as a customary imperfect.
  105. Acts 9:40 tn Grk “Peter, sending them all outside, knelt down.” The participle ἐκβαλών (ekbalōn) has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style.
  106. Acts 9:40 tn Grk “and kneeling down,” but καί (kai) has not been translated since English normally uses a coordinating conjunction only between the last two elements in a series of three or more. Instead the “and” is placed before the verb προσηύξατο (prosēuxato, “and prayed”). The participle θείς (theis) is taken as a participle of attendant circumstance.
  107. Acts 9:40 tn Grk “and turning.” Because of the length of the Greek sentence, the conjunction καί (kai) has not been translated here. Instead a new English sentence is begun.
  108. Acts 9:40 sn She sat up. This event is told much like Luke 8:49-56 and Mark 5:35-43. Peter’s ministry mirrored that of Jesus.
  109. Acts 9:41 tn Grk “Giving her his hand, he raised her up.” The participle δούς (dous) has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style.
  110. Acts 9:41 tn Grk “Then calling the saints…he presented her.” The participle φωνήσας (phōnēsas) has been translated as a finite verb due to requirements of contemporary English style; it could also be taken temporally (“After he called”).
  111. Acts 9:42 tn Or “known all over.” BDAG 511 s.v. κατά A.1.c. has “became known throughout all Joppa” for γνωστὸν γενέσθαι καθ᾿ ὅλης ᾿Ιόππης (gnōston genesthai kath’ holēs Ioppēs).
  112. Acts 9:42 sn This became known…many believed in the Lord. This is a “sign” miracle that pictures how the Lord can give life.
  113. Acts 9:43 tn Grk “So it happened that.” The introductory phrase ἐγένετο (egeneto, “it happened that”), common in Luke (69 times) and Acts (54 times), is redundant in contemporary English and has not been translated.
  114. Acts 9:43 tn Grk “he”; the referent (Peter) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
  115. Acts 9:43 tn Grk “with a certain Simon.”
  116. Acts 9:43 tn Or “with a certain Simon Berseus.” Although most modern English translations treat βυρσεῖ (bursei) as Simon’s profession (“Simon the tanner”), it is possible that the word is actually Simon’s surname (“Simon Berseus” or “Simon Tanner”). BDAG 185 s.v. βυρσεύς regards it as a surname. See also MM 118.
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Acts 9
New King James Version

The Damascus Road: Saul Converted(A)

9 Then (B)Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 2 and asked (C)letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.

3 (D)As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. 4 Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, (E)why are you persecuting Me?”

5 And he said, “Who are You, Lord?”

Then the Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. [a]It is hard for you to kick against the goads.”

6 So he, trembling and astonished, said, “Lord, what do You want me to do?”

Then the Lord said to him, “Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”

7 And (F)the men who journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice but seeing no one. 8 Then Saul arose from the ground, and when his eyes were opened he saw no one. But they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. 9 And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank.

Ananias Baptizes Saul

10 Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus (G)named Ananias; and to him the Lord said in a vision, “Ananias.”

And he said, “Here I am, Lord.”

11 So the Lord said to him, “Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul (H)of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying. 12 And in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him, so that he might receive his sight.”

13 Then Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, (I)how much [b]harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem. 14 And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all (J)who call on Your name.”

15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for (K)he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before (L)Gentiles, (M)kings, and the (N)children[c] of Israel. 16 For (O)I will show him how many things he must suffer for My (P)name’s sake.”

17 (Q)And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and (R)laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord [d]Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and (S)be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized.

19 So when he had received food, he was strengthened. (T)Then Saul spent some days with the disciples at Damascus.

Saul Preaches Christ

20 Immediately he preached [e]the Christ in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God.

21 Then all who heard were amazed, and said, (U)“Is this not he who destroyed those who called on this name in Jerusalem, and has come here for that purpose, so that he might bring them bound to the chief priests?”

22 But Saul increased all the more in strength, (V)and confounded the Jews who dwelt in Damascus, proving that this Jesus is the Christ.

Saul Escapes Death

23 Now after many days were past, (W)the Jews plotted to kill him. 24 (X)But their plot became known to Saul. And they watched the gates day and night, to kill him. 25 Then the disciples took him by night and (Y)let him down through the wall in a large basket.

Saul at Jerusalem

26 And (Z)when Saul had come to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, and did not believe that he was a disciple. 27 (AA)But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. And he declared to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had spoken to him, (AB)and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus. 28 So (AC)he was with them at Jerusalem, coming in and going out. 29 And he spoke boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus and disputed against the (AD)Hellenists,[f] (AE)but they attempted to kill him. 30 When the brethren found out, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him out to Tarsus.

The Church Prospers

31 (AF)Then the [g]churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were (AG)edified.[h] And walking in the (AH)fear of the Lord and in the (AI)comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were (AJ)multiplied.

Aeneas Healed

32 Now it came to pass, as Peter went (AK)through all parts of the country, that he also came down to the saints who dwelt in Lydda. 33 There he found a certain man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden eight years and was paralyzed. 34 And Peter said to him, “Aeneas, (AL)Jesus the Christ heals you. Arise and make your bed.” Then he arose immediately. 35 So all who dwelt at Lydda and (AM)Sharon saw him and (AN)turned to the Lord.

Dorcas Restored to Life

36 At Joppa there was a certain disciple named [i]Tabitha, which is translated [j]Dorcas. This woman was full (AO)of good works and charitable deeds which she did. 37 But it happened in those days that she became sick and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in (AP)an upper room. 38 And since Lydda was near Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent two men to him, imploring him not to delay in coming to them. 39 Then Peter arose and went with them. When he had come, they brought him to the upper room. And all the widows stood by him weeping, showing the tunics and garments which Dorcas had made while she was with them. 40 But Peter (AQ)put them all out, and (AR)knelt down and prayed. And turning to the body he (AS)said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. 41 Then he gave her his hand and lifted her up; and when he had called the saints and widows, he presented her alive. 42 And it became known throughout all Joppa, (AT)and many believed on the Lord. 43 So it was that he stayed many days in Joppa with (AU)Simon, a tanner.

Footnotes

  1. Acts 9:5 NU, M omit the rest of v. 5 and begin v. 6 with But arise and go
  2. Acts 9:13 bad things
  3. Acts 9:15 Lit. sons
  4. Acts 9:17 M omits Jesus
  5. Acts 9:20 NU Jesus
  6. Acts 9:29 Greek-speaking Jews
  7. Acts 9:31 NU church . . . was
  8. Acts 9:31 built up
  9. Acts 9:36 Lit., in Aram., Gazelle
  10. Acts 9:36 Lit., in Gr., Gazelle
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Acts 9
King James Version

9 And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,

2 And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.

3 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:

4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?

5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.

6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

7 And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man.

8 And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus.

9 And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.

10 And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord.

11 And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth,

12 And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.

13 Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem:

14 And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name.

15 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:

16 For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.

17 And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.

18 And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.

19 And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.

20 And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.

21 But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests?

22 But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.

23 And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him:

24 But their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him.

25 Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket.

26 And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple.

27 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.

28 And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem.

29 And he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him.

30 Which when the brethren knew, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus.

31 Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.

32 And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all quarters, he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda.

33 And there he found a certain man named Aeneas, which had kept his bed eight years, and was sick of the palsy.

34 And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately.

35 And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord.

36 Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.

37 And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber.

38 And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them.

39 Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them.

40 But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up.

41 And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive.

42 And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord.

43 And it came to pass, that he tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner.

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