King James Version

What Does Acts 9:28 Mean?

Acts 9:28 in the King James Version says “And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem. — study this verse from Acts chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Acts 9:28 · KJV


Context

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem. Saul's acceptance into Jerusalem church fellowship demonstrates restored relationships through credible testimony and the comprehensive nature of Christian community.

With them indicates full incorporation—not probationary membership but complete acceptance as brother. The phrase coming in and going out is Hebrew idiom for complete life participation (Deuteronomy 28:6, Psalm 121:8). Saul wasn't merely tolerated but embraced, participating fully in community's daily life.

This marks remarkable transformation from Acts 9:26—from feared outsider to welcomed insider through Barnabas's advocacy (Acts 9:27). Reformed theology emphasizes church as covenant community where members bear responsibility for one another. Barnabas's intervention exemplifies this duty—established believers helping incorporate new converts.

The fellowship's restoration foreshadows Saul's ministry theme: reconciliation through Christ breaks down dividing walls (Ephesians 2:14-16). Saul experienced this personally—former enemy welcomed as family. This gospel pattern repeats: hostile parties reconciled through Christ's cross, demonstrated in church fellowship transcending natural divisions.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Saul's Jerusalem visit lasted fifteen days (Galatians 1:18-19), spent with Peter and meeting James, Jesus' brother. The phrase coming in and going out suggests public ministry alongside private fellowship. Acts 9:29 specifies he debated Hellenistic Jews—same group that killed Stephen (Acts 6:9-14).

Saul's bold witness among Stephen's killers fulfilled providential pattern—replacing fallen witness. However, this provoked murderous opposition (Acts 9:29), forcing hasty departure to Tarsus (Acts 9:30). The brief Jerusalem stay around 37 CE established Paul's legitimacy with apostolic leadership while demon strating that even Jerusalem wasn't safe for this controversial convert. God was directing Saul toward his true calling—Gentile apostleship beyond Palestine.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does full church fellowship ('coming in and going out') demonstrate genuine acceptance of new converts?
  2. What responsibilities do established believers bear for integrating new members into community?
  3. In what ways does church fellowship model gospel's reconciling power to watching world?
  4. How should converts with notorious pasts demonstrate transformed lives within Christian community?
  5. What does Saul's acceptance teach about forgiveness and restoration overcoming historical grievances?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 9 words
καὶ1 of 9

And

G2532

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

ἦν2 of 9

he was

G2258

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

μετ'3 of 9

with

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

αὐτῶν4 of 9

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

εἰσπορευόμενος5 of 9

coming in

G1531

to enter (literally or figuratively)

καὶ6 of 9

And

G2532

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

ἐκπορευόμενος7 of 9

going out

G1607

to depart, be discharged, proceed, project

ἐν8 of 9

at

G1722

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

Ἰερουσαλήμ9 of 9

Jerusalem

G2419

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


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 9:28 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 9:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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