King James Version

What Does Acts 9:27 Mean?

Acts 9:27 in the King James Version says “But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and ... — study this verse from Acts chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Acts 9:27 · KJV


Context

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
When Saul came to Jerusalem, disciples feared him, not believing his conversion. Barnabas ('son of encouragement') took Saul and brought him to the apostles, declaring 'how he had seen the Lord in the way' and 'how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.' Barnabas's advocacy was crucial - vouching for Saul's genuine conversion and ministry. Reformed theology sees God's providence in raising up advocates when needed. Barnabas's willingness to risk his reputation for Saul enabled Paul's acceptance by the Jerusalem church.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Barnabas was a Levite from Cyprus (Acts 4:36), who had sold his land to support the Jerusalem church. His character and standing made his endorsement credible. This marked the beginning of Barnabas and Paul's partnership (Acts 11:25-26, 13:2).

Reflection Questions

  1. Why did God use Barnabas to bridge Saul into the Jerusalem church?
  2. How does advocacy and encouragement of new or struggling believers advance God's kingdom?
  3. What does Barnabas's willingness to risk his reputation teach about Christian brotherhood?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 32 words
Βαρναβᾶς1 of 32

Barnabas

G921

son of nabas (i.e., prophecy); barnabas, an israelite

δὲ2 of 32

But

G1161

but, and, etc

ἐπιλαβόμενος3 of 32

took

G1949

to seize (for help, injury, attainment, or any other purpose; literally or figuratively)

αὐτῷ4 of 32

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

ἤγαγεν5 of 32

and brought

G71

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

πρὸς6 of 32

him to

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

τοὺς7 of 32
G3588

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

ἀποστόλους8 of 32

the apostles

G652

a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the gospel; officially a commissioner of christ ("apostle") (with miraculous powers)

καὶ9 of 32

and

G2532

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

διηγήσατο10 of 32

declared

G1334

to relate fully

αὐτῷ11 of 32

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

πῶς12 of 32

how

G4459

an interrogative particle of manner; in what way? (sometimes the question is indirect, how?); also as exclamation, how much!

ἐν13 of 32

at

G1722

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

τῇ14 of 32
G3588

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

ὁδῷ15 of 32

the way

G3598

a road; by implication, a progress (the route, act or distance); figuratively, a mode or means

εἶδεν16 of 32

he had seen

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

τὸν17 of 32
G3588

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

κύριον18 of 32

the Lord

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

καὶ19 of 32

and

G2532

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

ὅτι20 of 32

that

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἐλάλησεν21 of 32

he had spoken

G2980

to talk, i.e., utter words

αὐτῷ22 of 32

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

καὶ23 of 32

and

G2532

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

πῶς24 of 32

how

G4459

an interrogative particle of manner; in what way? (sometimes the question is indirect, how?); also as exclamation, how much!

ἐν25 of 32

at

G1722

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

Δαμασκῷ26 of 32

Damascus

G1154

damascus, a city of syria

ἐπαῤῥησιάσατο27 of 32

he had preached boldly

G3955

to be frank in utterance, or confident in spirit and demeanor

ἐν28 of 32

at

G1722

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

τῷ29 of 32
G3588

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

ὀνόματι30 of 32

the name

G3686

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

τοῦ31 of 32
G3588

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

Ἰησοῦ32 of 32

of Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites


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 9:27 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 9:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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