King James Version

What Does Acts 9:26 Mean?

Acts 9:26 in the King James Version says “And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and b...” — study this verse from Acts chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

Acts 9:26 · KJV

Fear & CourageFaith

Context

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.

Read Acts 9 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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. The Jerusalem church's initial skepticism toward Saul demonstrates appropriate caution while highlighting conversion's radical nature and difficulty of overcoming reputational history.

He assayed to join indicates Saul's initiative in seeking church fellowship. Genuine conversion produces desire for communion with believers, not isolation. The verb join (Greek: kollaō) means to glue or cement together, indicating desire for genuine union with Christ's body, not superficial association.

They were all afraid reveals understandable suspicion—Saul's persecution had traumatized Jerusalem Christians. Fear mingled with doubt: was this elaborate deception to infiltrate and destroy from within? Their caution wasn't faithless cynicism but appropriate prudence given Saul's history.

Believed not that he was disciple shows requiring evidence beyond profession. Reformed theology emphasizes true conversion produces fruit validating profession (Matthew 7:16-20). The church's wariness, while initially excluding genuine believer, demonstrates healthy discernment against false professors. Resolution required credible witness—Barnabas's testimony (Acts 9:27) bridged credibility gap.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Saul's arrival in Jerusalem occurred approximately three years post-conversion (Galatians 1:18), around 37 CE. Jerusalem Christians remembered his devastation of the church (Acts 8:1-3)—imprisonments, beatings, Stephen's martyrdom. Saul's reputation as violent persecutor made instant trust impossible.

The church's fear was realistic—Roman authorities and Jewish leaders still persecuted Christians. A infiltrator could identify leaders for arrest. Their caution protected vulnerable community. Barnabas, originally Joseph from Cyprus (Acts 4:36), had established credibility enabling him to vouch for Saul. This illustrates the vital role of established believers bridging credibility gaps for new converts, especially those with problematic pasts.

Reflection Questions

  1. How should churches balance appropriate caution against false professors with welcoming genuine converts?
  2. What role do established believers play in vouching for new converts with troubled pasts?
  3. In what ways does genuine conversion produce desire for church fellowship despite potential rejection?
  4. How should believers with criminal or immoral pasts demonstrate transformed lives to skeptical communities?
  5. What distinguishes faithful caution from unforgiving refusal to accept repentant sinners?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
Παραγενόμενος1 of 19

“was come”

G3854

to become near, i.e., approach (have arrived); by implication, to appear publicly

δὲ2 of 19

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

ὁ3 of 19
G3588

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

Σαῦλος4 of 19

“when Saul”

G4569

saulus (i.e., shaul), the jewish name of paul

εἰς5 of 19

“to”

G1519

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

Ἰερουσαλὴμ6 of 19

“Jerusalem”

G2419

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

ἐπείρᾶτο7 of 19

“he assayed”

G3987

to test (subjectively), i.e., (reflexively) to attempt

κολλᾶσθαι8 of 19

“to join himself”

G2853

to glue, i.e., (passively or reflexively) to stick (figuratively)

τοῖς9 of 19
G3588

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

μαθητής10 of 19

“a disciple”

G3101

a learner, i.e., pupil

καὶ11 of 19

“but”

G2532

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

πάντες12 of 19

“all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ἐφοβοῦντο13 of 19

“afraid”

G5399

to frighten, i.e., (passively) to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e., revere

αὐτόν14 of 19

“of 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

μὴ15 of 19

“not”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

πιστεύοντες16 of 19

“and believed”

G4100

to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch

ὅτι17 of 19

“that”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἐστὶν18 of 19

“he was”

G2076

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

μαθητής19 of 19

“a disciple”

G3101

a learner, i.e., pupil

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 9:26 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 9:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 26:20Galatians 1:17-19Acts 4:23Acts 22:17-20Acts 9:19Galatians 2:4

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
View all places in Acts 9 →

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