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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Acts 9:2 and requested letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any men or women belonging to the Way, he could bring them as prisoners to Jerusalem.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/acts/9-2.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/3/44_Act_09_02.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Acts 9:2 - The Road to Damascus" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="and requested letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any men or women belonging to the Way, he could bring them as prisoners to Jerusalem." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/acts/9-2.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/acts/9-2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/acts/">Acts</a> > <a href="/acts/9.htm">Chapter 9</a> > Verse 2</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad2.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/acts/9-1.htm" title="Acts 9:1">◄</a> Acts 9:2 <a href="/acts/9-3.htm" title="Acts 9:3">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/acts/9.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/acts/9.htm">New International Version</a> and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. <a href="/nlt/acts/9.htm">New Living Translation</a> He requested letters addressed to the synagogues in Damascus, asking for their cooperation in the arrest of any followers of the Way he found there. He wanted to bring them—both men and women—back to Jerusalem in chains. <a href="/esv/acts/9.htm">English Standard Version</a> and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. <a href="/bsb/acts/9.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> and requested letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any men or women belonging to the Way, he could bring them as prisoners to Jerusalem. <a href="/blb/acts/9.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> requested letters from him to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any being of the way, both men and women, having bound them, he might bring them to Jerusalem. <a href="/kjv/acts/9.htm">King James Bible</a> And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. <a href="/nkjv/acts/9.htm">New King James Version</a> and asked letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. <a href="/nasb_/acts/9.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> and asked for letters from him to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them in shackles to Jerusalem. <a href="/nasb/acts/9.htm">NASB 1995</a> and asked for letters from him to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, both men and women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. <a href="/nasb77/acts/9.htm">NASB 1977 </a> and asked for letters from him to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, both men and women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. <a href="/lsb/acts/9.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> and asked for letters from him to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, both men and women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. <a href="/amp/acts/9.htm">Amplified Bible</a> and he asked for letters [of authority] from him to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any men or women there belonging to the Way [believers, followers of Jesus the Messiah], men and women alike, he could arrest them and bring them bound [with chains] to Jerusalem. <a href="/csb/acts/9.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> and requested letters from him to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any men or women who belonged to the Way, he might bring them as prisoners to Jerusalem. <a href="/hcsb/acts/9.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> and requested letters from him to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any men or women who belonged to the Way, he might bring them as prisoners to Jerusalem. <a href="/asv/acts/9.htm">American Standard Version</a> and asked of him letters to Damascus unto the synagogues, that if he found any that were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. <a href="/cev/acts/9.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> and asked for letters to the leaders of the synagogues in Damascus. He did this because he wanted to arrest and take to Jerusalem any man or woman who had accepted the Lord's Way. <a href="/erv/acts/9.htm">English Revised Version</a> and asked of him letters to Damascus unto the synagogues, that if he found any that were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. <a href="/gwt/acts/9.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> and asked him to write letters of authorization to the synagogue leaders in the city of Damascus. Saul wanted to arrest any man or woman who followed the way [of Christ] and imprison them in Jerusalem. <a href="/gnt/acts/9.htm">Good News Translation</a> and asked for letters of introduction to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he should find there any followers of the Way of the Lord, he would be able to arrest them, both men and women, and bring them back to Jerusalem. <a href="/isv/acts/9.htm">International Standard Version</a> He asked him for letters to take with him to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any men or women belonging to the Way, he might bring them in chains to Jerusalem. <a href="/msb/acts/9.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> and requested letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any men or women belonging to the Way, he could bring them as prisoners to Jerusalem. <a href="/net/acts/9.htm">NET Bible</a> and requested letters from him to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any who belonged to the Way, either men or women, he could bring them as prisoners to Jerusalem. <a href="/nheb/acts/9.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> and asked for letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. <a href="/wbt/acts/9.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And desired from him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he should find any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. <a href="/wey/acts/9.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> went to the High Priest and begged from him letters addressed to the synagogues in Damascus, in order that if he found any believers there, either men or women, he might bring them in chains to Jerusalem. <a href="/web/acts/9.htm">World English Bible</a> and asked for letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/acts/9.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> asked from him letters to Damascus, to the synagogues, that if he may find any being of The Way, both men and women, he may bring them bound to Jerusalem. <a href="/blb/acts/9.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> requested letters from him to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any being of the way, both men and women, having bound them, he might bring them to Jerusalem. <a href="/ylt/acts/9.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> did ask from him letters to Damascus, unto the synagogues, that if he may find any being of the way, both men and women, he may bring them bound to Jerusalem. <a href="/slt/acts/9.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> He asked of him letters to Damascus, to the synagogues, so that if he find certain men being of the way, and also women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/acts/9.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And asked of him letters to Damascus, to the synagogues: that if he found any men and wemen of this way, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. <a href="/cpdv/acts/9.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> and he petitioned him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that, if he found any men or women belonging to this Way, he could lead them as prisoners to Jerusalem. <a href="/nabre/acts/9.htm">New American Bible</a> and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, that, if he should find any men or women who belonged to the Way, he might bring them back to Jerusalem in chains. <a href="/nrsvce/acts/9.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> 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.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/acts/9.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And he asked the high priests to give him letters to the synagogues at Damascus, that if he should find anyone, men or women, following this faith, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/acts/9.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> And he requested a letter for himself from The High Priest and to give it for Darmsuq for the synagogues, that if he were to find those following in this way, men or women, he may bind and bring them to Jerusalem.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/acts/9.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> and asked of him letters to Damascus, for the synagogues, that, if he should find any who were of this persuasion, either men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.<CM> <a href="/godbey/acts/9.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> asked from him letters to Damascus against the synagogues, in order that if he should find any being of the way, both men and women, he might lead them bound to Jerusalem. <a href="/haweis/acts/9.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> besought of him letters for the synagogues at Damascus, that if he should find any persons of this way, whether men or women, he might bring them in chains to Jerusalem. <a href="/mace/acts/9.htm">Mace New Testament</a> went to the high priest, and demanded letters for the synagogues of Damascus, that if he found any of this sect, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. <a href="/wey/acts/9.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> went to the High Priest and begged from him letters addressed to the synagogues in Damascus, in order that if he found any believers there, either men or women, he might bring them in chains to Jerusalem. <a href="/worrell/acts/9.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> asked from him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that, if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. <a href="/worsley/acts/9.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> that if he should find any of this persuasion, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. <a href="/parallel/acts/9-2.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/in5WTRQ9BSQ?start=2690" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/acts/9.htm">The Road to Damascus</a> 1Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the disciples of the Lord. He approached the high priest 2<a href="/greek/154.htm" title="154: ētēsato (V-AIM-3S) -- To ask, request, petition, demand. Of uncertain derivation; to ask.">and requested</a> <a href="/greek/3844.htm" title="3844: par’ (Prep) -- Gen: from; dat: beside, in the presence of; acc: alongside of. "></a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autou (PPro-GM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons."></a> <a href="/greek/1992.htm" title="1992: epistolas (N-AFP) -- A letter, dispatch, epistle, message. From epistello; a written message.">letters</a> <a href="/greek/4314.htm" title="4314: pros (Prep) -- To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.">to</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tas (Art-AFP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/4864.htm" title="4864: synagōgas (N-AFP) -- From sunago; an assemblage of persons; specially, a Jewish synagogue; by analogy, a Christian church.">synagogues</a> <a href="/greek/1519.htm" title="1519: eis (Prep) -- A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.">in</a> <a href="/greek/1154.htm" title="1154: Damaskon (N-AFS) -- Damascus. Of Hebrew origin; Damascus, a city of Syria.">Damascus,</a> <a href="/greek/3704.htm" title="3704: hopōs (Conj) -- From hos and pos; what(-ever) how, i.e. In the manner that (as adverb or conjunction of coincidence, intentional or actual).">so that</a> <a href="/greek/1437.htm" title="1437: ean (Conj) -- If. From ei and an; a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.">if</a> <a href="/greek/2147.htm" title="2147: heurē (V-ASA-3S) -- A prolonged form of a primary heuro, which heureo is used for it in all the tenses except the present and imperfect to find.">he found</a> <a href="/greek/5100.htm" title="5100: tinas (IPro-AMP) -- Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.">any</a> <a href="/greek/5037.htm" title="5037: te (Conj) -- And, both. A primary particle of connection or addition; both or also."></a> <a href="/greek/435.htm" title="435: andras (N-AMP) -- A male human being; a man, husband. A primary word; a man.">men</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">or</a> <a href="/greek/1135.htm" title="1135: gynaikas (N-AFP) -- A woman, wife, my lady. Probably from the base of ginomai; a woman; specially, a wife.">women</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: ontas (V-PPA-AMP) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">belonging</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēs (Art-GFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">to the</a> <a href="/greek/3598.htm" title="3598: Hodou (N-GFS) -- A way, road, journey, path. Apparently a primary word; a road; by implication, a progress; figuratively, a mode or means.">Way,</a> <a href="/greek/1210.htm" title="1210: dedemenous (V-RPM/P-AMP) -- To bind, tie, fasten; I impel, compel; I declare to be prohibited and unlawful. A primary verb; to bind.">he could bring them as prisoners</a> <a href="/greek/71.htm" title="71: agagē (V-ASA-3S) -- A primary verb; properly, to lead; by implication, to bring, drive, go, pass, or induce."></a> <a href="/greek/1519.htm" title="1519: eis (Prep) -- A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.">to</a> <a href="/greek/2419.htm" title="2419: Ierousalēm (N-AFS) -- Of Hebrew origin; Hierusalem, the capitol of Palestine.">Jerusalem.</a> 3As Saul drew near to Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/acts/22-4.htm">Acts 22:4</a> I persecuted this Way even to the death, detaining both men and women and throwing them into prison, <a href="/acts/26-10.htm">Acts 26:10-11</a> And that is what I did in Jerusalem. With authority from the chief priests I put many of the saints in prison, and when they were condemned to death, I cast my vote against them. / I frequently had them punished in the synagogues, and I tried to make them blaspheme. In my raging fury against them, I even went to foreign cities to persecute them. <a href="/galatians/1-13.htm">Galatians 1:13</a> For you have heard of my former way of life in Judaism, how severely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it. <a href="/1_corinthians/15-9.htm">1 Corinthians 15:9</a> For I am the least of the apostles and am unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. <a href="/philippians/3-6.htm">Philippians 3:6</a> as to zeal, persecuting the church; as to righteousness in the law, faultless. <a href="/john/15-21.htm">John 15:21</a> But they will treat you like this because of My name, since they do not know the One who sent Me. <a href="/john/16-2.htm">John 16:2</a> They will put you out of the synagogues. In fact, a time is coming when anyone who kills you will think he is offering a service to God. <a href="/matthew/10-17.htm">Matthew 10:17</a> But beware of men, for they will hand you over to their councils and flog you in their synagogues. <a href="/matthew/24-9.htm">Matthew 24:9</a> Then they will deliver you over to be persecuted and killed, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name. <a href="/luke/21-12.htm">Luke 21:12</a> But before all this, they will seize you and persecute you. On account of My name they will deliver you to the synagogues and prisons, and they will bring you before kings and governors. <a href="/1_timothy/1-13.htm">1 Timothy 1:13</a> I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a violent man; yet because I had acted in ignorance and unbelief, I was shown mercy. <a href="/1_thessalonians/2-15.htm">1 Thessalonians 2:15</a> who killed both the Lord Jesus and their own prophets and drove us out as well. They are displeasing to God and hostile to all men, <a href="/romans/10-2.htm">Romans 10:2</a> For I testify about them that they are zealous for God, but not on the basis of knowledge. <a href="/isaiah/49-7.htm">Isaiah 49:7</a> Thus says the LORD, the Redeemer and Holy One of Israel, to Him who was despised and abhorred by the nation, to the Servant of rulers: “Kings will see You and rise, and princes will bow down, because of the LORD, who is faithful, the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen You.” <a href="/isaiah/66-5.htm">Isaiah 66:5</a> You who tremble at His word, hear the word of the LORD: “Your brothers who hate you and exclude you because of My name have said, ‘Let the LORD be glorified that we may see your joy!’ But they will be put to shame.”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.desired.<a href="/acts/9-14.htm">Acts 9:14</a> And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name.<a href="/acts/7-19.htm">Acts 7:19</a> The same dealt subtilly with our kindred, and evil entreated our fathers, so that they cast out their young children, to the end they might not live.<a href="/acts/22-5.htm">Acts 22:5</a> As also the high priest doth bear me witness, and all the estate of the elders: from whom also I received letters unto the brethren, and went to Damascus, to bring them which were there bound unto Jerusalem, for to be punished.the synagogues.<a href="/acts/6-9.htm">Acts 6:9</a> Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen.<a href="/acts/13-14.htm">Acts 13:14,15</a> But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down… <a href="/acts/28-17.htm">Acts 28:17-21</a> And it came to pass, that after three days Paul called the chief of the Jews together: and when they were come together, he said unto them, Men and brethren, though I have committed nothing against the people, or customs of our fathers, yet was I delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans… of this way.<a href="/acts/19-9.htm">Acts 19:9,23</a> But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus… <a href="/acts/22-5.htm">Acts 22:5</a> As also the high priest doth bear me witness, and all the estate of the elders: from whom also I received letters unto the brethren, and went to Damascus, to bring them which were there bound unto Jerusalem, for to be punished.<a href="/acts/28-22.htm">Acts 28:22</a> But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, we know that every where it is spoken against.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/acts/5-35.htm">Addressed</a> <a href="/acts/8-31.htm">Begged</a> <a href="/acts/5-14.htm">Believers</a> <a href="/acts/7-6.htm">Belonging</a> <a href="/john/20-23.htm">Bound</a> <a href="/zechariah/9-1.htm">Damascus</a> <a href="/acts/8-31.htm">Desired</a> <a href="/acts/2-10.htm">Either</a> <a href="/acts/7-46.htm">Find</a> <a href="/acts/8-40.htm">Found</a> <a href="/acts/9-1.htm">High</a> <a href="/acts/8-27.htm">Jerusalem</a> <a href="/john/7-15.htm">Letters</a> <a href="/acts/8-19.htm">Order</a> <a href="/acts/9-1.htm">Priest</a> <a href="/luke/4-19.htm">Prisoners</a> <a href="/acts/3-14.htm">Request</a> <a href="/john/18-20.htm">Synagogues</a> <a href="/acts/8-39.htm">Way</a> <a href="/acts/5-8.htm">Whether</a> <a href="/acts/8-12.htm">Women</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/acts/22-2.htm">Addressed</a> <a href="/acts/10-48.htm">Begged</a> <a href="/acts/9-41.htm">Believers</a> <a href="/acts/21-39.htm">Belonging</a> <a href="/acts/9-21.htm">Bound</a> <a href="/acts/9-3.htm">Damascus</a> <a href="/acts/10-10.htm">Desired</a> <a href="/acts/17-21.htm">Either</a> <a href="/acts/10-27.htm">Find</a> <a href="/acts/9-33.htm">Found</a> <a href="/acts/9-14.htm">High</a> <a href="/acts/9-13.htm">Jerusalem</a> <a href="/acts/15-23.htm">Letters</a> <a href="/acts/9-24.htm">Order</a> <a href="/acts/14-13.htm">Priest</a> <a href="/acts/9-14.htm">Prisoners</a> <a href="/acts/9-38.htm">Request</a> <a href="/acts/9-20.htm">Synagogues</a> <a href="/acts/9-15.htm">Way</a> <a href="/acts/9-26.htm">Whether</a> <a href="/acts/9-39.htm">Women</a><div class="vheading2">Acts 9</div>1. <a href="/acts/9-1.htm">Saul, going toward Damascus, is stricken down to the earth, </a> 8. <a href="/acts/9-8.htm">and led blind to Damascus;</a> 10. <a href="/acts/9-10.htm">is called to the apostleship;</a> 18. <a href="/acts/9-18.htm">and is baptized by Ananias.</a> 20. <a href="/acts/9-20.htm">He preaches Christ boldly.</a> 23. <a href="/acts/9-23.htm">The Jews lay wait to kill him;</a> 29. <a href="/acts/9-29.htm">so do the Grecians, but he escapes both.</a> 31. <a href="/acts/9-31.htm">The church having rest, Peter heals Aeneas;</a> 36. <a href="/acts/9-36.htm">and restores Tabitha to life.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div 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Damascus, a significant city in Syria, was a major trade center and had a substantial Jewish population. The synagogues served as community centers for Jews, and Saul aimed to leverage these institutions to identify and arrest Christians. This reflects the early church's spread beyond Jerusalem, indicating the rapid growth of Christianity. The letters would have been formal documents granting Saul the authority to act on behalf of the Jewish religious leadership.so that if he found any men or women belonging to the Way "The Way" was an early term for Christianity, emphasizing the movement as a distinct path or lifestyle. This term is rooted in Jesus' declaration of being "the way, the truth, and the life" (<a href="/john/14-6.htm">John 14:6</a>). The inclusion of both men and women highlights the egalitarian nature of the early church, where both genders were active participants. Saul's mission underscores the perceived threat Christianity posed to traditional Jewish beliefs and practices.he could bring them as prisoners to Jerusalem Saul's intent was to arrest and transport Christians back to Jerusalem for trial, likely before the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council. This reflects the centrality of Jerusalem as the religious and judicial hub for Jews. The act of bringing prisoners to Jerusalem also symbolizes the attempt to suppress the nascent Christian movement at its roots. Saul's zeal in persecuting Christians is later contrasted with his transformation and dedication to spreading the gospel, illustrating the profound change that occurs through encountering Christ.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/s/saul.htm">Saul (Paul)</a> A zealous Pharisee who persecuted early Christians, believing he was upholding Jewish law. His journey to Damascus marks a pivotal moment in his life, leading to his conversion. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_way.htm">The Way</a> An early term used to describe the followers of Jesus Christ. It signifies the path of faith and discipleship in Christ, reflecting Jesus' statement, "I am the way, the truth, and the life." 3. <a href="/topical/d/damascus.htm">Damascus</a> A significant city in ancient Syria, where Saul intended to arrest Christians. It becomes the setting for his transformative encounter with Christ. 4. <a href="/topical/s/synagogues.htm">Synagogues</a> Jewish places of worship and community gathering. Saul sought letters from the high priest to gain authority to arrest Christians in these locations. 5. <a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a> The center of Jewish religious authority and the location where Saul intended to bring the arrested Christians for trial.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/z/zeal_without_knowledge.htm">Zeal Without Knowledge</a> Saul's fervor in persecuting Christians was misguided. This teaches us the importance of aligning our zeal with the truth of God's Word. <a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_transformation.htm">The Power of Transformation</a> Saul's journey to Damascus is a powerful reminder that no one is beyond the reach of God's grace. Our past does not define our future in Christ. <a href="/topical/t/the_cost_of_discipleship.htm">The Cost of Discipleship</a> Being part of "The Way" meant facing persecution. As modern believers, we should be prepared to stand firm in our faith despite opposition. <a href="/topical/a/authority_and_submission.htm">Authority and Submission</a> Saul sought authority from religious leaders to persecute Christians. This challenges us to consider whose authority we submit to and whether it aligns with God's will. <a href="/topical/c/community_and_accountability.htm">Community and Accountability</a> The early Christians were part of a community known as "The Way." This underscores the importance of fellowship and accountability in our spiritual journey.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_acts_9.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Acts 9</a> <a href="/q/what_occurred_in_saul's_conversion.htm">What happened during Saul's Damascus Road conversion?</a> <a href="/q/why_does_paul's_conversion_story_differ.htm">Why does Paul's account of his own conversion in Acts contradict his letters?</a> <a href="/q/why_does_acts_contradict_paul's_letters.htm">Why does Acts contradict Paul's letters in key details, such as his visits to Jerusalem?</a> <a href="/q/what_are_the_bible's_ancient_paths.htm">What are the ancient paths mentioned in the Bible?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/acts/9.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(2) And desired of him letters to Damascus.--We learn from <a href="/context/2_corinthians/11-32.htm" title="In Damascus the governor under Aretas the king kept the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desirous to apprehend me:">2Corinthians 11:32-33</a>, that Damascus was at this time under the government of Aretas, the king of Arabia Petraea. How it came to be so, having been previously under Vitellius, the Roman president of Syria (Jos. Ant. xiv. 4, ? 5), is not clear. It is probable, however, that in the war which Aretas had declared against Herod Antipas, in consequence of the Tetrarch's divorcing his daughter in order that he might marry Herodias (see Notes on <a href="/matthew/14-3.htm" title="For Herod had laid hold on John, and bound him, and put him in prison for Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife.">Matthew 14:3</a>; <a href="/luke/3-14.htm" title="And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said to them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages.">Luke 3:14</a>), he had been led, after defeating the Tetrarch (Jos. Ant. xviii. 5, ? 1), to push his victories further; and, taking advantage of the absence of Vitellius, who had hastened to Rome on hearing of the death of Tiberius (A.D. 37) had seized on Damascus. In this abeyance of the control of the Roman power, Aretas may have desired to conciliate the priestly party at Jerusalem by giving facilities to their action against the sect which they would naturally represent as identified with the Galileans against whom he had been waging war. The Jewish population at Damascus was, at this time, very numerous. Josephus relates that not less than 10,000 were slain in a tumult under Nero (Wars, ii. 25), and the narrative of the Acts (<a href="/acts/9-14.htm" title="And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on your name.">Acts 9:14</a>) implies that there were many "disciples of the Lord" among them. Many of these were probably refugees from Jerusalem, and the local synagogues were called upon to enforce the decrees of the Sanhedrin of the Holy City against them. On the position and history of Damascus, see Note on next verse.If he found any of this way.--Literally, of the way. We have here the first occurrence of a term which seems to have been used familiarly as a synonym for the disciples of Christ (<a href="/acts/19-9.htm" title="But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spoke evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus.">Acts 19:9</a>; <a href="/acts/19-23.htm" title="And the same time there arose no small stir about that way.">Acts 19:23</a>; <a href="/acts/22-4.htm" title="And I persecuted this way to the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women.">Acts 22:4</a>; <a href="/acts/24-14.htm" title="But this I confess to you, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets:">Acts 24:14</a>; <a href="/acts/24-22.htm" title="And when Felix heard these things, having more perfect knowledge of that way, he deferred them, and said, When Lysias the chief captain shall come down, I will know the uttermost of your matter.">Acts 24:22</a>). It may have originated in the words in which Christ had claimed to be Himself the "Way," as well as the "Truth" and the "Life" (<a href="/john/14-6.htm" title="Jesus said to him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes to the Father, but by me.">John 14:6</a>); or in His language as to the "strait way" that led to eternal life (<a href="/matthew/7-13.htm" title="Enter you in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leads to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:">Matthew 7:13</a>); or, perhaps, again, in the prophecy of Isaiah (<a href="/isaiah/40-3.htm" title="The voice of him that cries in the wilderness, Prepare you the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.">Isaiah 40:3</a>) cited by the Baptist (<a href="/matthew/3-3.htm" title="For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare you the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.">Matthew 3:3</a>; <a href="/mark/1-3.htm" title="The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare you the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.">Mark 1:3</a>), as to preparing "the way of the Lord." Prior to the general acceptance of the term "Christian" (<a href="/acts/11-26.htm" title="And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.">Acts 11:26</a>) it served as a convenient, neutral designation by which the disciples could describe themselves, and which might be used by others who wished to speak respectfully, or, at least, neutrally, instead of the opprobrious epithet of the "Nazarenes" (<a href="/acts/24-5.htm" title="For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes:">Acts 24:5</a>). The history of the term "Methodists," those that follow a distinct "method" or "way" of life, offers a partial but interesting analogue. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/acts/9.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 2. - Asked for desired, A.V.; unto for to, A.V.; any that were of the Way for any of this way, A.V.; whether men, etc., for whether they were men, etc., A.V.; to for unto, A.V. To Damascus. No special reason is given why Damascus is singled out. But it is clear from vers. 10 and 13 that there was already a considerable number of Christian Jews at Damascus. And this, with the fact of there being a great multitude of Jews settled there, was a sufficient reason why Saul should ask for letters to each of the synagogues at Damascus, directing them to send any Christians who might be found amongst them bound to Jerusalem to be tried there before the Sanhedrim. There may have been thirty or forty synagogues at Damascus, and not less than forty thousand resident Jews. Of the Way; i.e. holding the doctrine of Christ. Thus in <a href="/acts/18-25.htm">Acts 18:25, 26</a>, the Christian faith is spoken of as "the way of the Lord" and "the way of God." In <a href="/acts/19-9.htm">Acts 19:9, 23</a>; <a href="/acts/22-4.htm">Acts 22:4</a>; <a href="/acts/24-14.htm">Acts 24:14</a>, was the term by which the faith of Christ was spoken of chiefly, perhaps, among the Jews. The term means a peculiar doctrine or sect. Its application to Christians apparently lasted only so long as Christianity was considered to be a modification or peculiar form of Judaism, and its frequent use in the Acts is therefore an evidence of the early composition of the book. <a href="/commentaries/acts/9-2.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>to ask for ᾐτήσατο (ētēsato) Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_154.htm">Strong's 154: </a> To ask, request, petition, demand. Of uncertain derivation; to ask. letters ἐπιστολὰς (epistolas) Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1992.htm">Strong's 1992: </a> A letter, dispatch, epistle, message. From epistello; a written message. to πρὸς (pros) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_4314.htm">Strong's 4314: </a> To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward. the τὰς (tas) Article - Accusative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. synagogues συναγωγάς (synagōgas) Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4864.htm">Strong's 4864: </a> From sunago; an assemblage of persons; specially, a Jewish 'synagogue'; by analogy, a Christian church. in εἰς (eis) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1519.htm">Strong's 1519: </a> A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases. Damascus, Δαμασκὸν (Damaskon) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1154.htm">Strong's 1154: </a> Damascus. Of Hebrew origin; Damascus, a city of Syria. so that ὅπως (hopōs) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3704.htm">Strong's 3704: </a> From hos and pos; what(-ever) how, i.e. In the manner that (as adverb or conjunction of coincidence, intentional or actual). if ἐάν (ean) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1437.htm">Strong's 1437: </a> If. From ei and an; a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc. he found εὕρῃ (heurē) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2147.htm">Strong's 2147: </a> A prolonged form of a primary heuro, which heureo is used for it in all the tenses except the present and imperfect to find. any τινας (tinas) Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5100.htm">Strong's 5100: </a> Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object. men ἄνδρας (andras) Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_435.htm">Strong's 435: </a> A male human being; a man, husband. A primary word; a man. [or] καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. women γυναῖκας (gynaikas) Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1135.htm">Strong's 1135: </a> A woman, wife, my lady. Probably from the base of ginomai; a woman; specially, a wife. belonging ὄντας (ontas) Verb - Present Participle Active - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. to the τῆς (tēs) Article - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. Way, Ὁδοῦ (Hodou) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3598.htm">Strong's 3598: </a> A way, road, journey, path. Apparently a primary word; a road; by implication, a progress; figuratively, a mode or means. he could bring them as prisoners δεδεμένους (dedemenous) Verb - Perfect Participle Middle or Passive - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1210.htm">Strong's 1210: </a> To bind, tie, fasten; I impel, compel; I declare to be prohibited and unlawful. A primary verb; to bind. to εἰς (eis) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1519.htm">Strong's 1519: </a> A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases. Jerusalem. Ἰερουσαλήμ (Ierousalēm) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2419.htm">Strong's 2419: </a> Of Hebrew origin; Hierusalem, the capitol of Palestine. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/acts/9-2.htm">Acts 9:2 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/acts/9-2.htm">Acts 9:2 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/acts/9-2.htm">Acts 9:2 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/acts/9-2.htm">Acts 9:2 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/acts/9-2.htm">Acts 9:2 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/acts/9-2.htm">Acts 9:2 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/acts/9-2.htm">Acts 9:2 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/acts/9-2.htm">Acts 9:2 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/acts/9-2.htm">Acts 9:2 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/acts/9-2.htm">Acts 9:2 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/acts/9-2.htm">NT Apostles: Acts 9:2 And asked for letters from him (Acts of the Apostles Ac) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/acts/9-1.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Acts 9:1"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Acts 9:1" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/acts/9-3.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Acts 9:3"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Acts 9:3" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>