King James Version

What Does Acts 9:25 Mean?

Acts 9:25 in the King James Version says “Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket.” — study this verse from Acts chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Acts 9:25 · KJV

Context

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.

Read Acts 9 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket. The disciples' creative rescue demonstrates faithful stewardship, communal care, and God's provision of means for protecting His servants.

The disciples' involvement shows corporate responsibility for member safety. Christianity isn't individualistic; believers protect and assist one another. Their willingness to help despite danger to themselves exemplifies costly discipleship and mutual love Jesus commanded (John 13:34-35).

By night indicates strategic timing—darkness provided cover for clandestine operation. The basket lowering through wall (likely via window in house built into fortification) required planning, cooperation, and courage. This practical action demonstrates faith working through human ingenuity rather than passively waiting for miraculous intervention.

The scene's humiliation shouldn't be missed—prominent Pharisee, Roman citizen, Damascus's most controversial preacher, escaping like fugitive criminal. Paul later references this event with ironic pride (2 Corinthians 11:32-33), acknowledging that gospel ministry involves weakness and humiliation. Reformed theology emphasizes God's strength perfected in human weakness; the gospel advances not through worldly power but divine power manifested through weak vessels.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This escape occurred around 37 CE, forcing Saul to Jerusalem where he faced continued suspicion (Acts 9:26-30). The basket escape became memorable enough that Paul referenced it decades later (2 Corinthians 11:32-33) when defending his apostolic credentials against critics who questioned his authority.

Ancient city walls often incorporated residential buildings with external windows, enabling this escape route. The operation required coordination—obtaining basket, accessing appropriate house, timing the descent, arranging outside reception. The Damascus Christians risked severe punishment if discovered aiding Saul's escape. Their faithfulness enabled Paul's subsequent apostolic ministry transforming the Mediterranean world.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christian community responsibility include protecting endangered members?
  2. What balance should exist between trusting God's protection and taking practical safety measures?
  3. In what ways does gospel ministry involve humiliation and weakness rather than worldly prestige?
  4. How do seemingly minor human acts (like lowering basket) serve God's vast redemptive purposes?
  5. What does this episode teach about courage required for faithful discipleship?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
λαβόντες1 of 13

“took”

G2983

while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))

δὲ2 of 13

“Then”

G1161

but, and, etc

αὐτὸν3 of 13

“him”

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

οἱ4 of 13
G3588

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

μαθηταὶ5 of 13

“the disciples”

G3101

a learner, i.e., pupil

νυκτὸς6 of 13

“by night”

G3571

"night" (literally or figuratively)

καθῆκαν7 of 13

“and let him down”

G2524

and ???? (to send); to lower

διὰ8 of 13

“by”

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

τοῦ9 of 13
G3588

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

τείχους10 of 13

“the wall”

G5038

a wall (as formative of a house)

χαλάσαντες11 of 13
G5465

to lower (as into a void)

ἐν12 of 13

“in”

G1722

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

σπυρίδι13 of 13

“a basket”

G4711

a hamper or lunch-receptacle

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 9:25 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 9:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Joshua 2:152 Corinthians 11:331 Samuel 19:11-12

Test Your Knowledge

Acts 9 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterActs Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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