King James Version

What Does Acts 9:21 Mean?

Acts 9:21 in the King James Version says “But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem,... — study this verse from Acts chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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?

Acts 9:21 · KJV


Context

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:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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? The Damascus Jews' astonishment at Saul's transformation highlights conversion's radical nature and divine power's authentication.

All that heard him were amazed indicates widespread shock—Saul's reputation preceded him. The question Is not this he who destroyed emphasizes identity verification—confirming this is indeed the notorious persecutor. The verb destroyed (Greek: portheō) means to ravage or devastate, capturing the violence of Saul's pre-conversion activity.

Called on this name identifies early Christian practice—invoking Jesus' name in worship, baptism, and prayer. This divine name invocation demonstrates early Christianity's high Christology—treating Jesus as Yahweh. Saul, who persecuted those calling on Christ's name, now himself invokes that Name.

The purpose clause—that he might bring them bound unto chief priests—reminds hearers of Saul's original mission. His about-face from bringing Christians bound to proclaiming Christ freely demonstrates grace's transforming power. No one is too far gone for God's redemption. This becomes paradigmatic for Paul's later ministry—if God saved Christianity's chief enemy, He can save anyone.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Saul's persecution (Acts 8:1-3, 22:4-5, 26:9-11) had been systematic and violent—entering houses, dragging believers to prison, voting for executions. His reputation extended beyond Jerusalem to Damascus's Jewish community, making his conversion all the more shocking.

The phrase called on this name reflects early Christian worship practice, treating Jesus as divine (Romans 10:13, 1 Corinthians 1:2). Saul's persecution targeted this central Christian confession—that Jesus is Lord. His conversion meant embracing the very claim he'd violently opposed. This transformation around 34-35 CE provided powerful apologetic—if Saul of Tarsus converted, Christianity's claims must be true.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Saul's radical transformation demonstrate grace's power to convert the hardest hearts?
  2. What does calling on Jesus' name reveal about early Christian Christology and worship practices?
  3. In what ways does Paul's conversion provide apologetic evidence for Christianity's truth?
  4. How should believers respond when confronted with dramatic conversions of unlikely candidates?
  5. What encouragement does Saul's transformation offer regarding seemingly impossible conversions?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 31 words
ἐξίσταντο1 of 31

him were amazed

G1839

to put (stand) out of wits, i.e., astound, or (reflexively) become astounded, insane

δὲ2 of 31

But

G1161

but, and, etc

πάντες3 of 31

all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

τοὺς4 of 31

them which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀκούοντες5 of 31

that heard

G191

to hear (in various senses)

καὶ6 of 31

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἔλεγον7 of 31

said

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

Οὐχ8 of 31

not

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

οὗτός9 of 31

this

G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

ἐστιν10 of 31

Is

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

τοὺς11 of 31

them which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πορθήσας12 of 31

he that destroyed

G4199

to ravage (figuratively)

ἐν13 of 31

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

Ἰερουσαλὴμ14 of 31

Jerusalem

G2419

hierusalem (i.e., jerushalem), the capitol of palestine

τοὺς15 of 31

them which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἐπικαλουμένους16 of 31

called on

G1941

to entitle; by implication, to invoke (for aid, worship, testimony, decision, etc.)

τοὺς17 of 31

them which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὄνομα18 of 31

name

G3686

a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)

τοῦτο19 of 31

that

G5124

that thing

καὶ20 of 31

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ὧδε21 of 31

hither

G5602

in this same spot, i.e., here or hither

εἰς22 of 31

for

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τοῦτο23 of 31

that

G5124

that thing

ἐληλύθει24 of 31

came

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

ἵνα25 of 31

that

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

δεδεμένους26 of 31

bound

G1210

to bind (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

αὐτοὺς27 of 31

them

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἀγάγῃ28 of 31

he might bring

G71

properly, to lead; by implication, to bring, drive, (reflexively) go, (specially) pass (time), or (figuratively) induce

ἐπὶ29 of 31

unto

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τοὺς30 of 31

them which

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀρχιερεῖς31 of 31

the chief priests

G749

the high-priest (literally, of the jews; typically, christ); by extension a chief priest


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Acts. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Acts 9:21 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Acts 9:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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