The Conversion of Saul
Acts 9:1-19
Acts.9.1 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- Ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- δε: CONJ
- Σαυλος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- ετι: ADV
- εμπνεων: VERB,pres,act,part,nom,sg,m
- απειλης: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- φονου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- εις: PREP
- τους: ART,acc,pl,m
- μαθητας: NOUN,acc,pl,m
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- κυριου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- προσελθων: PART,aor,act,nom,m,sg
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- αρχιερει: NOUN,dat,sg,m
Parallels
- Acts 8:1-3 (verbal): Immediate narrative parallel: describes Saul's active persecution of the church (consenting to Stephen's death; ravaging the church and imprisoning believers), providing background to Acts 9:1's depiction of his threat and intent to kill disciples.
- Galatians 1:13-14 (thematic): Paul's later autobiographical summary of his pre-conversion life—'I persecuted the church of God'—echoes the same theme of zealous hostility toward the followers of Jesus found in Acts 9:1.
- Philippians 3:6 (verbal): Paul's self-description of his former zeal (as a Pharisee 'touching zeal persecuting the church') parallels the language and mindset behind Acts 9:1's 'breathing out threatenings and murder.'
- 1 Corinthians 15:9 (thematic): Paul's statement 'I am the least of the apostles... for I persecuted the church of God' reiterates the reality of his violent opposition to Christians prior to his conversion, directly relating to Acts 9:1's characterization of Saul.
- John 16:2 (thematic): Jesus' warning that persecutors will think they are doing God service parallels the mindset implied in Acts 9:1—Saul's threats and intent to kill are portrayed as zealous actions carried out in conviction rather than mere malice.
Alternative generated candidates
- But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest
- Now Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest
Acts.9.2 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ητησατο: VERB,aor,mid,ind,3,sg
- παρ᾽αυτου: PREP+PRON,gen,sg,m
- επιστολας: NOUN,acc,pl,f
- εις: PREP
- Δαμασκον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- προς: PREP
- τας: ART,acc,pl,f
- συναγωγας: NOUN,acc,pl,f
- οπως: CONJ
- εαν: CONJ
- τινας: PRON,acc,pl,m
- ευρη: VERB,aor,act,subj,3,sg
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- οδου: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- οντας: PART,pres,act,acc,pl,m
- ανδρας: NOUN,acc,pl,m
- τε: CONJ
- και: CONJ
- γυναικας: NOUN,acc,pl,f
- δεδεμενους: PART,perf,pass,acc,pl,m
- αγαγη: VERB,aor,act,subj,3,sg
- εις: PREP
- Ιερουσαλημ: NOUN,acc,sg,f
Parallels
- Acts 22:5 (quotation): Luke/Paul repeats the same language: Saul obtained letters to the synagogues at Damascus so that if he found any of the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem (direct retelling of Acts 9:2).
- Acts 26:12 (allusion): Paul summarizes his journey to Damascus 'with authority and commission from the chief priests,' echoing the authorized mission expressed by the letters in Acts 9:2.
- Acts 8:3 (thematic): Saul is said to 'ravage the church, entering house after house, and dragging off men and women'—a parallel description of aggressively seeking and arresting believers like the mission in Acts 9:2.
- Galatians 1:13 (thematic): Paul recalls his former life 'in Judaism, beyond measure persecuting the church of God,' providing the persecutory background and motive behind obtaining letters and pursuing 'the Way' in Acts 9:2.
Alternative generated candidates
- and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any who belonged to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.
- and asked for letters from him to the synagogues at Damascus, that if he found any who belonged to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.
Acts.9.3 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- εν: PREP
- δε: CONJ
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- πορευεσθαι: VERB,pres,mid,inf
- εγενετο: VERB,aor,mid,ind,3,sg
- αυτον: PRON,acc,sg,m
- εγγιζειν: VERB,pres,act,inf
- τη: ART,dat,sg,f
- Δαμασκω: PROPN,dat,sg,f
- εξαιφνης: ADV
- τε: CONJ
- αυτον: PRON,acc,sg,m
- περιηστραψεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- φως: NOUN,acc,sg,n
- εκ: PREP
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- ουρανου: NOUN,gen,sg,masc
Parallels
- Acts 22:6 (quotation): Paul's own retelling of his Damascus-road experience uses almost identical wording—he says a great light from heaven shone about him, a direct verbal parallel to Acts 9:3.
- Acts 26:13 (quotation): Another first‑person account by Paul of the same event; the description of a light from heaven and the sudden appearance echoes Acts 9:3 verbatim.
- Exodus 34:29–30 (thematic): Moses' face shining after an encounter with God is a near‑ancient trope of divine radiance marking theophany, thematically similar to the heavenly light shining on Paul.
- Matthew 17:2 (thematic): At the Transfiguration Christ's appearance is described as shining like light, a heavenly radiance signaling a revelatory epiphany—paralleling the motif of light from heaven in Acts 9:3.
Alternative generated candidates
- As he traveled and drew near Damascus, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him.
- As he was traveling, it happened that when he drew near to Damascus, a light from heaven suddenly shone round about him.
Acts.9.4 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- και: CONJ
- πεσων: VERB,aor,act,part,nom,sg,m
- επι: PREP
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- γην: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- ηκουσεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- φωνην: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- λεγουσαν: VERB,pres,act,part,acc,sg,f
- αυτω: PRON,dat,sg,m
- Σαουλ: NOUN,voc,sg,m
- Σαουλ: NOUN,voc,sg,m
- τι: PRON,int,nom,sg,n
- με: PRON,acc,sg,1
- διωκεις: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,sg
Parallels
- Acts 22:7 (quotation): Paul's later retelling repeats the same words and scene—he fell to the ground and heard a voice saying, 'Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?'. (Direct quotation of the Damascus-event.)
- Acts 26:14 (quotation): In Paul's defense before Agrippa he again reports the risen Lord's address to him, preserving the double-name summons and the question about persecuting him.
- Exodus 3:4 (structural): God's double-name call to Moses ('Moses! Moses!') at the burning bush provides a structural parallel: a repeated divine summons that initiates a commissioning.
- 1 Samuel 3:4-10 (structural): The Lord repeatedly calls Samuel at night ('Samuel! Samuel!'), a pattern of repeated vocal summons and revelation that parallels the mode of Saul's dramatic divine encounter.
Alternative generated candidates
- Falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?'
- And falling to the ground he heard a voice saying to him, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?'
Acts.9.5 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ειπεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- δε·Τις: CONJ+PRON,nom,sg,m
- ει: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,sg
- κυριε: NOUN,voc,sg,m
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- δε·Εγω: CONJ+PRON,nom,sg,m
- ειμι: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,sg
- Ιησους: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- ον: PART,pres,act,nom,sg,m
- συ: PRON,nom,sg,2
- διωκεις·: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,sg
Parallels
- Acts 22:8 (quotation): Paul’s own retelling of the Damascus-road appearance preserves essentially the same exchange—'Who are you, Lord?' and the reply 'I am Jesus whom you are persecuting.' (Near-verbatim repetition.)
- Acts 26:14 (quotation): Another retelling before Agrippa; Paul recounts the same voice from heaven identifying itself as Jesus and linking Saul’s persecution of Christians to persecution of Christ.
- Matthew 25:40 (thematic): Jesus’ identification with his followers—'inasmuch as you did it to one of the least… you did it to me'—parallels the theological point that persecuting Christians is persecuting Christ himself, which underlies Acts 9:5.
- Galatians 1:15–16 (thematic): Paul describes a direct revelation of the Son of God and his vocation ('to reveal his Son in me')—a thematic parallel to the Damascus appearance in which Jesus personally identifies himself to Saul and commissions him.
- 1 Corinthians 15:8–9 (thematic): Paul’s statement that he saw the risen Lord 'last of all' and his appeal to that appearance as the basis of his apostleship echoes Acts 9’s account of a revelatory encounter with the risen Jesus that transforms Saul into an apostle.
Alternative generated candidates
- 'Who are you, Lord?' he asked. And the voice said, 'I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.'
- And he said, 'Who are you, Lord?' And the Lord said, 'I am Jesus of Nazareth; it is I whom you are persecuting.'
Acts.9.6 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- αλλα: CONJ
- αναστηθι: VERB,aor,mid,imp,2,sg
- και: CONJ
- εισελθε: VERB,aor,act,imp,2,sg
- εις: PREP
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- πολιν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- λαληθησεται: VERB,fut,pass,ind,3,sg
- σοι: PRON,dat,sg,2
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- τι: PRON,int,nom,sg,n
- σε: PRON,acc,sg,2
- δει: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- ποιειν: VERB,pres,act,inf
Parallels
- Acts 22:10 (quotation): Paul's later retelling repeats the same divine command: 'Arise, go into Damascus; and there it shall be told thee of all things which are appointed for thee to do,' a near-verbatim parallel to Acts 9:6.
- Acts 26:16 (allusion): In Paul's defense before Agrippa Jesus says, 'But rise, and stand upon thy feet; for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose…'—a related commissioning formula linking the conversion encounter with a subsequent divine commission.
- Acts 9:11 (verbal): Immediately after Acts 9:6 God tells Ananias, 'Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul,' a complementary instruction about locating and ministering to Saul.
- Acts 1:4 (thematic): Jesus instructs the apostles to 'not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father,' sharing the theme of being told to remain/wait in a city for further divine instruction or empowerment.
- Luke 24:49 (thematic): Jesus tells the disciples, 'Tarry ye in the city, until ye be endued with power from on high,' echoing the motif of remaining in the city to receive future guidance or empowerment from God.
Alternative generated candidates
- And he said, 'What shall I do, Lord?' The Lord said to him, 'Rise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.'
- And he said, trembling and astonished, 'Lord, what will you have me do?' And the Lord said to him, 'Rise and go into the city, and there you will be told what you must do.'
Acts.9.7 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- οι: ART,nom,pl,m
- δε: CONJ
- ανδρες: NOUN,nom,pl,m
- οι: ART,nom,pl,m
- συνοδευοντες: VERB,pres,act,ptc,nom,pl,m
- αυτω: PRON,dat,sg,m
- ειστηκεισαν: VERB,perf,act,ind,3,pl
- ενεοι: ADJ,nom,pl,m
- ακουοντες: VERB,pres,act,part,nom,pl,m
- μεν: PART
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- φωνης: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- μηδενα: PRON,acc,sg,m
- δε: CONJ
- θεωρουντες: VERB,pres,act,ptc,nom,pl,m
Parallels
- Acts 22:9 (verbal): Paul’s later retelling of the Damascus-road event: his companions saw the light but (in his account) did not hear the voice—an explicit variant on Acts 9:7’s report that they heard the voice but saw no one.
- Acts 26:14 (structural): Another first‑person account by Paul of the same theophany before Agrippa; includes shared elements (a divine voice and the group’s reaction) and provides a slightly different perspective on who experienced what.
- Acts 9:3–6 (structural): Immediate context of 9:7: the narrative of Saul being struck by a heavenly light and hearing the voice saying, 'Saul, Saul...'; 9:7 describes the companions’ reaction within that same scene.
- 2 Corinthians 12:2–4 (thematic): Paul’s description of a unique, intense heavenly revelation that was not shared by others parallels the theme of a personal visionary encounter on which companions either do not share the same perception or experience it differently.
Alternative generated candidates
- The men who traveled with him stood speechless; they heard the voice but saw no one.
- The men who were traveling with him stood speechless; they heard the voice but saw no one.
Acts.9.8 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ηγερθη: VERB,aor,pass,ind,3,sg
- δε: CONJ
- Σαυλος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- απο: PREP
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- γης: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- ανεωγμενων: PART,perf,pass,gen,pl,m
- δε: CONJ
- των: ART,gen,pl,m
- οφθαλμων: NOUN,gen,pl,m
- αυτου: PRON,gen,sg,m
- ουδεν: PRON,acc,sg,n
- εβλεπεν·χειραγωγουντες: VERB,impf,act,ind,3,sg+PART,pres,act,nom,pl,m
- δε: CONJ
- αυτον: PRON,acc,sg,m
- εισηγαγον: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,pl
- εις: PREP
- Δαμασκον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
Parallels
- Acts 9:18 (structural): Immediate narrative continuation: after being led into Damascus blind, 'something like scales fell from his eyes' and he regained his sight—directly completes the scene in 9:8.
- Acts 22:11 (verbal): Paul's first-person retelling repeats the detail that 'they led me by the hand into Damascus' and that he could not see because of the light, echoing the wording and circumstance of Acts 9:8.
- Acts 26:13-18 (verbal): Paul's later account of the Damascus-road revelation includes falling to the ground at a blinding heavenly light and his commissioning—parallels the collapse, blindness, and setting of Acts 9:8 within his conversion narrative.
- John 9:25 (thematic): The motif of transformation from blindness to sight as a metaphor for spiritual awakening ('I was blind and now I see') parallels the theological significance of Saul's temporary physical blindness leading to his conversion.
Alternative generated candidates
- Saul rose from the ground, and though his eyes were open he could see nothing; so they led him by the hand into Damascus.
- Saul rose from the ground, and although his eyes were open he could see nothing; so they led him by the hand into Damascus.
Acts.9.9 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- και: CONJ
- ην: VERB,impf,act,ind,3,sg
- ημερας: NOUN,acc,pl,f
- τρεις: NUM,acc,pl,f
- μη: PART
- βλεπων: VERB,pres,act,part,nom,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- ουκ: PART,neg
- εφαγεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- ουδε: CONJ,neg
- επιεν: VERB,impf,act,ind,3,sg
Parallels
- Acts 22:11 (verbal): Paul's later recounting of the Damascus event repeats that he 'could not see' after the vision—same incident and similar wording about temporary blindness.
- Acts 26:13-14 (quotation): Paul's testimony before Agrippa retells the heavenly vision and the subsequent loss of sight, effectively quoting the same event described in Acts 9:9.
- Esther 4:16 (verbal): Esther's instruction to 'neither eat nor drink' for three days uses the same language and timeframe (three days without food or drink) as Acts 9:9.
- Jonah 1:17 (thematic): Jonah's being three days in the fish parallels the motif of a three-day period of incapacitation or seclusion found in Acts 9:9.
- Matthew 12:40 (allusion): Jesus' reference to Jonah's three days prefigures the theological significance of 'three days' as a period of trial/transition, a motif echoed in Acts 9:9's three-day blindness and fasting.
Alternative generated candidates
- For three days he was without sight and neither ate nor drank.
- For three days he was without sight and neither ate nor drank.
Acts.9.10 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- Ην: VERB,impf,act,ind,3,sg
- δε: CONJ
- τις: PRON,nom,sg,?
- μαθητης: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- εν: PREP
- Δαμασκω: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- ονοματι: NOUN,dat,sg,n
- Ανανιας: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- ειπεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- προς: PREP
- αυτον: PRON,acc,sg,m
- εν: PREP
- οραματι: NOUN,dat,sg,n
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- κυριος·Ανανια: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- δε: CONJ
- ειπεν·Ιδου: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- εγω: PRON,nom,sg,1
- κυριε: NOUN,voc,sg,m
Parallels
- Isaiah 6:8 (verbal): God calls a servant and receives the reply 'Here am I; send me'—the same call/response formula as Ananias' 'Here I am, Lord.'
- Exodus 3:4 (verbal): God calls Moses from the burning bush and Moses answers 'Here I am,' paralleling the immediate, personal response to a divine summons in Acts 9:10.
- 1 Samuel 3:4-10 (thematic): The Lord calls a young servant by name at night and the servant replies, 'Here am I'—a narrative pattern of God-initiated calling and human availability seen also in Ananias' vision.
- Acts 22:12 (structural): Paul's later retelling names 'a certain disciple in Damascus called Ananias,' repeating the same character and call in the Lukan narrative and underscoring the role of Ananias in Paul's conversion account.
Alternative generated candidates
- Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, 'Ananias.' He answered, 'Here I am, Lord.'
- Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, 'Ananias.' And he answered, 'Here I am, Lord.'
Acts.9.11 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- δε: CONJ
- κυριος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- προς: PREP
- αυτον·Αναστας: PRON,acc,sg,m
- πορευθητι: VERB,aor,pass,imp,2,sg
- επι: PREP
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- ρυμην: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- καλουμενην: PART,pres,mid/pass,acc,sg,f
- Ευθειαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- ζητησον: VERB,aor,act,imp,2,sg
- εν: PREP
- οικια: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- Ιουδα: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- Σαυλον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- ονοματι: NOUN,dat,sg,n
- Ταρσεα: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- ιδου: PART
- γαρ: PART
- προσευχεται: VERB,pres,mid,ind,3,sg
Parallels
- Acts 9:10 (verbal): Immediate context: the vision of Ananias is introduced here (the same scene where God speaks to Ananias), providing the setup for the command to go to Straight Street.
- Acts 9:12-13 (verbal): Direct continuation of the episode: the text records the vision of a man named Ananias coming to Saul and the disciples’ initial hesitation—same event described from the other perspective.
- Acts 9:17-19 (structural): Narrative follow-up showing the result of Ananias' visit (laying on of hands, Paul regaining sight and being baptized), linking the command to go with its immediate outcome.
- Acts 22:12-16 (quotation): Paul's later testimony about his conversion recounts Ananias' visit and instruction, offering a retrospective parallel to the episode in Acts 9 and confirming key details (Ananias, blindness, baptism).
- Acts 26:12-18 (thematic): Paul's account of his Damascus-road commission emphasizes the divine initiative and subsequent instructions about mission and obedience—thematically related to the divine command directing movement and encounter in Acts 9:11.
Alternative generated candidates
- 'Get up and go to the street called Straight,' the Lord said, 'and inquire in the house of Judas for a man of Tarsus named Saul; for behold, he is praying,'
- The Lord said to him, 'Rise and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas ask for a man of Tarsus named Saul; for behold, he is praying.'
Acts.9.12 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- και: CONJ
- ειδεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- ανδρα: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- εν: PREP
- οραματι: NOUN,dat,sg,n
- Ανανιαν: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- ονοματι: NOUN,dat,sg,n
- εισελθοντα: VERB,aor,act,part,acc,pl,n
- και: CONJ
- επιθεντα: VERB,aor,act,ptc,acc,m,sg
- αυτω: PRON,dat,sg,m
- χειρας: NOUN,acc,pl,f
- οπως: CONJ
- αναβλεψη: VERB,aor,act,subj,3,sg
Parallels
- Acts 9:17 (structural): Immediate narrative parallel and continuation: Ananias indeed comes, lays his hands on Saul, and Saul regains his sight and is filled with the Holy Spirit—same sequence of vision, visit, and laying on of hands.
- Acts 22:12-16 (verbal): Paul's own retelling of his conversion repeats the key elements: Ananias appears, lays hands on him, restores his sight, and instructs baptism—verbal and narrative repetition of Acts 9:12–17.
- Acts 26:13-18 (thematic): Paul's account of his Damascus-road commission emphasizes being 'to open their eyes' (both literally and spiritually) and to turn people from darkness to light—thematic parallel to the restoration of Paul's sight and spiritual awakening.
- Mark 8:22-25 (thematic): Jesus heals a blind man by taking him by the hand and restoring his sight; parallels Acts 9:12 in the motif of tactile contact (hand/laying on of hands) as the means by which sight is given.
- John 9:6-7 (thematic): Healing of the man born blind: Jesus applies a physical action (spit/mud) and instructs washing, resulting in restored sight—another example of a physical act leading to the recovery of sight, thematically akin to Ananias' laying on of hands.
Alternative generated candidates
- and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight.
- And he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay hands on him so that he might regain his sight.
Acts.9.13 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- απεκριθη: VERB,aor,mid,ind,3,sg
- δε: CONJ
- Ανανιας·Κυριε: NOUN,nom,sg,m;NOUN,voc,sg,m
- ηκουσα: VERB,aor,act,ind,1,sg
- απο: PREP
- πολλων: ADJ,gen,pl,m
- περι: PREP
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- ανδρος: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- τουτου: DEM,gen,sg,m
- οσα: PRON,acc,pl,n
- κακα: ADJ,nom/acc,pl,n
- τοις: ART,dat,pl,n
- αγιοις: NOUN,dat,pl,m
- σου: PRON,gen,sg,2
- εποιησεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- εν: PREP
- Ιερουσαλημ·: NOUN,gen,sg,f
Parallels
- Acts 9:1-2 (structural): Immediate context describing Saul's mission to arrest Christians in Damascus — sets the background for Ananias' report about the man's evil deeds toward the saints.
- Acts 8:3 (verbal): Describes Saul 'ravaging the church' and dragging off men and women — language and idea parallel Ananias' summary of the evil done to the saints.
- Acts 22:4-5 (verbal): Paul's own confession before the crowd recounts persecuting Christians and obtaining letters to bind and deliver them — echoes the charge referenced by Ananias.
- Galatians 1:13 (thematic): Paul recalls his former life in Judaism in which he violently persecuted the church of God, matching Ananias' characterization of the man's past actions.
- 1 Corinthians 15:9 (thematic): Paul describes himself as the least of the apostles because he persecuted the church — a reflective parallel to the claim about the man's hostile treatment of the saints.
Alternative generated candidates
- But Ananias answered, 'Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem; and here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name.'
- But Ananias answered, 'Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to your saints at Jerusalem; and here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name.'
Acts.9.14 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- και: CONJ
- ωδε: ADV
- εχει: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- εξουσιαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- παρα: PREP
- των: ART,gen,pl,m
- αρχιερεων: NOUN,gen,pl,m
- δησαι: VERB,aor,act,inf
- παντας: ADJ,acc,pl,m
- τους: ART,acc,pl,m
- επικαλουμενους: PART,pres,act,acc,pl,m
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- ονομα: NOUN,acc,sg,n
- σου: PRON,gen,sg,2
Parallels
- Acts 26:10 (verbal): Paul, in his defense, explicitly says he 'obtained authority from the chief priests' to bind and persecute Christians—close verbal and thematic parallel about official authority to arrest believers.
- Acts 22:5 (quotation): Paul recounts receiving letters/authority from the chief priests to bring followers of 'the Way' to Damascus, echoing the same action and source of authority described in Acts 9:14.
- Acts 4:18 (verbal): The council commands the apostles not to speak or teach 'in the name of Jesus'—parallels the phrase and the hostility toward those who invoke Jesus' name.
- Acts 5:17-18 (thematic): The high priest and his companions seize and imprison the apostles—a structural/thematic parallel showing the chief priests' use of power to detain followers of Jesus.
Alternative generated candidates
- But the Lord said to him, 'Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel.'
- But the Lord said to him, 'Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to bear my name before Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel.
Acts.9.15 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- ειπεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- δε: CONJ
- προς: PREP
- αυτον: PRON,acc,sg,m
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- κυριος·Πορευου: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- οτι: CONJ
- σκευος: NOUN,acc,sg,n
- εκλογης: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- εστιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- μοι: PRON,dat,sg,1
- ουτος: PRON,nom,sg,m
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- βαστασαι: VERB,aor,act,inf
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- ονομα: NOUN,acc,sg,n
- μου: PRON,gen,sg,1
- ενωπιον: PREP
- εθνων: NOUN,gen,pl,n
- τε: CONJ
- και: CONJ
- βασιλεων: NOUN,gen,pl,m
- υιων: NOUN,gen,pl,m
- τε: CONJ
- Ισραηλ: NOUN,voc,sg,m
Parallels
- Acts 22:14-15 (verbal): Ananias' summary repeats the commission language: Saul is chosen to 'be a witness' of what he has seen and heard—paralleling 'a chosen vessel... to bear my name' before peoples.
- Acts 26:16-18 (allusion): The risen Jesus commissions Paul to be 'a servant and a witness' and to open the Gentiles' eyes—closely echoing the mission to bear God's name to Gentiles and Israel.
- Isaiah 49:6 (thematic): God's servant is appointed to be a light to the nations and to bring salvation 'to the ends of the earth,' paralleling the mission to preach to Gentiles and Israel.
- Isaiah 42:6 (thematic): The servant is called as a covenant and light for the nations—the prophetic background for commissioning a chosen agent to bear God's name before the peoples.
- Luke 2:32 (thematic): Simeon's description of the Messiah as 'a light for revelation to the Gentiles' echoes the idea of bearing God's name and witness before the nations.
Alternative generated candidates
- 'I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.'
- For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.'
Acts.9.16 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- εγω: PRON,nom,sg,1
- γαρ: PART
- υποδειξω: VERB,fut,act,ind,1,sg
- αυτω: PRON,dat,sg,m
- οσα: PRON,acc,pl,n
- δει: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- αυτον: PRON,acc,sg,m
- υπερ: PREP
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- ονοματος: NOUN,gen,sg,n
- μου: PRON,gen,sg,1
- παθειν: VERB,aor,act,inf
Parallels
- Acts 5:41 (verbal): The apostles are described as rejoicing 'that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name'—uses the same language of suffering 'for the name' as in Acts 9:16.
- John 15:20 (thematic): Jesus teaches that 'if they persecuted me, they will persecute you'—establishes the principle that followers will suffer because of their connection to Christ, paralleling Paul's predicted suffering.
- Philippians 1:29 (verbal): Paul states that it has been granted 'to you that for Christ you should not only believe but also suffer'—explicitly frames suffering as participation in Christ's cause, echoing 'to suffer for my name.'
- 1 Peter 4:14-16 (verbal): Peter encourages believers who are 'reproached for the name of Christ' and speaks of suffering for being a Christian—directly parallels the motif of suffering on account of Jesus' name.
- Matthew 10:22 (thematic): Jesus warns his disciples they 'will be hated by all for my name's sake'—a teaching that anticipates and undergirds the expectation that followers (like Paul) will endure suffering for Jesus' name.
Alternative generated candidates
- So Ananias went and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, 'Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.'
- So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, 'Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.'
Acts.9.17 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- απηλθεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- δε: CONJ
- Ανανιας: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- εισηλθεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- εις: PREP
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- οικιαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- επιθεις: VERB,aor,act,part,nom,m,sg
- επ᾽αυτον: PREP+PRON,acc,sg,3,m
- τας: ART,acc,pl,f
- χειρας: NOUN,acc,pl,f
- ειπεν·Σαουλ: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg+NOUN,voc,sg,m
- αδελφε: NOUN,voc,sg,m
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- κυριος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- απεσταλκεν: VERB,perf,pass,ind,3,sg
- με: PRON,acc,sg,1
- Ιησους: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- οφθεις: VERB,aor,pass,ptc,nom,m,sg
- σοι: PRON,dat,sg,2
- εν: PREP
- τη: ART,dat,sg,f
- οδω: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- ηρχου: VERB,impf,act,ind,3,sg
- οπως: CONJ
- αναβλεψης: VERB,aor,act,subj,2,sg
- και: CONJ
- πλησθης: VERB,aor,pass,subj,2,sg
- πνευματος: NOUN,gen,sg,n
- αγιου: ADJ,gen,sg,n
Parallels
- Acts 22:12-16 (quotation): Paul's later retelling of his conversion repeats Ananias' visit and the commands to 'rise, be baptized' and receive the Spirit—same event and similar wording.
- Acts 26:16-18 (quotation): Paul's account before Agrippa recounts the heavenly commission and the opening of his eyes to receive mission and cleansing—parallels the divine sending and purpose described by Ananias.
- Acts 8:14-17 (verbal): Peter and John lay hands on Samaritans so they might receive the Holy Spirit—direct verbal and ritual parallel to Ananias' laying on of hands to fill Saul with the Spirit.
- Acts 2:1-4 (thematic): The giving/filling of the Holy Spirit to believers (Pentecost) echoes here in the theme of reception and empowerment by the Spirit.
- John 20:21-22 (thematic): Jesus breathes on the disciples and says 'Receive the Holy Spirit,' a thematic precedent for commissioning and imparting the Spirit associated with Ananias' words.
Alternative generated candidates
- And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized;
- And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized;
Acts.9.18 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- και: CONJ
- ευθεως: ADV
- απεπεσαν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,pl
- αυτου: PRON,gen,sg,m
- απο: PREP
- των: ART,gen,pl,m
- οφθαλμων: NOUN,gen,pl,m
- ως: ADV
- λεπιδες: NOUN,nom,pl,f
- ανεβλεψεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- τε: CONJ
- και: CONJ
- αναστας: VERB,aor,act,part,nom,sg,m
- εβαπτισθη: VERB,aor,pass,ind,3,sg
Parallels
- Acts 22:13-16 (quotation): Paul's own retelling of Ananias' words and the event: Ananias says 'Brother Saul, receive thy sight' and commands him to be baptized—direct verbal parallel to Acts 9:18.
- Acts 26:12-18 (thematic): Paul's account before Agrippa recounts the blinding light and his commission 'to open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light'—thematic parallel of physical/ spiritual regaining of sight and conversion.
- John 9:6-7 (thematic): Jesus heals a man born blind and tells him to wash in the pool of Siloam; after washing he 'came seeing'—parallel linking physical restoration of sight with washing/baptismal imagery.
- Mark 8:22-25 (thematic): Healing of a blind man at Bethsaida where sight is restored (gradually) after Jesus lays hands—parallels the physical recovery of vision and the imagery of eyes being opened.
- Isaiah 35:5 (allusion): Prophetic promise that 'the eyes of the blind shall be opened' provides theological background for Acts' motif of restored sight as part of God's redemptive action.
Alternative generated candidates
- and after taking food he was strengthened. For some days he was with the disciples in Damascus.
- and taking food he was strengthened. For he was some days with the disciples at Damascus.
Acts.9.19 - Details
Translation
Original Text
Morphology
- και: CONJ
- λαβων: PART,aor,act,nom,sg,m
- τροφην: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- ενισχυσεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- Εγενετο: VERB,aor,mid,ind,3,sg
- δε: CONJ
- μετα: PREP
- των: ART,gen,pl,m
- εν: PREP
- Δαμασκω: PROPN,dat,sg,m
- μαθητων: NOUN,gen,pl,m
- ημερας: NOUN,acc,pl,f
- τινας: PRON,acc,pl,m
Parallels
- 1 Kings 19:7-8 (verbal): Elijah is given food by an angel, eats and is strengthened for a journey (’he arose, and did eat and drink; and went in the strength of that meat’). Close verbal and thematic parallel: food as divine/refreshing sustenance enabling continued mission.
- Luke 24:41-43 (verbal): The risen Jesus takes and eats food in the disciples’ presence ('they gave him a piece of broiled fish… he took it, and did eat'), echoing the motif of eating to be strengthened and to confirm bodily reality after a revelatory event.
- Galatians 1:16-18 (structural): Paul’s own account of his post-conversion movements (going to Arabia, returning to Damascus, then after three years going to Jerusalem) parallels Acts’ note that he remained with the disciples in Damascus for a time — both situate Paul’s early formation and association with believers after his vision.
- Acts 22:6-16 (structural): Paul’s retelling of his Damascus conversion in Acts 22 repeats key elements of Acts 9 (vision, temporary blindness, being led to Damascus, encounter with Ananias). Acts 9:19 fits into the same conversion tradition; the chapter-to-chapter accounts function as parallel/recapitulation of the same event.
Alternative generated candidates
- He began at once to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, saying, 'He is the Son of God.'
- And immediately he began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, saying, 'He is the Son of God.'
Now Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest,
and asked letters from him to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.
As he journeyed and drew near Damascus, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him.
He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, 'Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?' And he said, 'Who are you, Lord?' And the Lord said, 'I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.' And he trembling and amazed said, 'Lord, what do you want me to do?' And the Lord said to him, 'Get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.'
The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one.
Saul rose from the ground; and though his eyes were open, he saw nothing. So they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus.
For three days he was without sight and neither ate nor drank. Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and the Lord said to him in a vision, 'Ananias.' And he answered, 'Here I am, Lord.' And the Lord said to him, 'Rise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for a man from Tarsus named Saul; for behold, he is praying,'
and has seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in and laying his hands on him so that he might regain his sight. But Ananias answered, 'Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem;'
'and here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name.' But the Lord said to him, 'Go; for he is a chosen vessel of mine to bear my name before Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel.'
'For I will show him how much he must suffer for my name's sake.' So Ananias departed and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, 'Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road by which you came, has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.' And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized;
and taking food, he was strengthened. For several days he was with the disciples at Damascus.