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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/9-21.htm" title="Acts 9:21">◄</a> Acts 9:22 <a href="/acts/9-23.htm" title="Acts 9:23">►</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> Yet Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Messiah. <a href="/nlt/acts/9.htm">New Living Translation</a> Saul’s preaching became more and more powerful, and the Jews in Damascus couldn’t refute his proofs that Jesus was indeed the Messiah. <a href="/esv/acts/9.htm">English Standard Version</a> But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus was the Christ. <a href="/bsb/acts/9.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> But Saul was empowered all the more, and he confounded the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Christ. <a href="/blb/acts/9.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> But Saul was empowered all the more and kept confounding the Jews dwelling in Damascus, proving that this is the Christ. <a href="/kjv/acts/9.htm">King James Bible</a> But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ. <a href="/nkjv/acts/9.htm">New King James Version</a> But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who dwelt in Damascus, proving that this Jesus is the Christ. <a href="/nasb_/acts/9.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> But Saul kept increasing in strength and confounding Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that this Jesus is the Christ. <a href="/nasb/acts/9.htm">NASB 1995</a> But Saul kept increasing in strength and confounding the Jews who lived at Damascus by proving that this Jesus is the Christ. <a href="/nasb77/acts/9.htm">NASB 1977 </a> But Saul kept increasing in strength and confounding the Jews who lived at Damascus by proving that this Jesus is the Christ. <a href="/lsb/acts/9.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> But Saul kept increasing in strength and confounding the Jews who lived at Damascus by proving that this One is the Christ. <a href="/amp/acts/9.htm">Amplified Bible</a> But Saul increased in strength more and more, and continued to perplex the Jews who lived in Damascus by examining [theological evidence] and proving [with Scripture] that this Jesus is the Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed). <a href="/csb/acts/9.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> But Saul grew stronger and kept confounding the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Messiah. <a href="/hcsb/acts/9.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> But Saul grew more capable and kept confounding the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that this One is the Messiah. <a href="/asv/acts/9.htm">American Standard Version</a> But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews that dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is the Christ. <a href="/cev/acts/9.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Saul preached with such power that he completely confused the Jewish people in Damascus, as he tried to show them that Jesus is the Messiah. <a href="/erv/acts/9.htm">English Revised Version</a> But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is the Christ. <a href="/gwt/acts/9.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Saul grew more powerful, and he confused the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus was the Messiah. <a href="/gnt/acts/9.htm">Good News Translation</a> But Saul's preaching became even more powerful, and his proofs that Jesus was the Messiah were so convincing that the Jews who lived in Damascus could not answer him. <a href="/isv/acts/9.htm">International Standard Version</a> But Saul grew more and more persuasive, and continued to confound the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that this man was the Messiah. <a href="/msb/acts/9.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> But Saul was empowered all the more, and he confounded the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Christ. <a href="/net/acts/9.htm">NET Bible</a> But Saul became more and more capable, and was causing consternation among the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Christ. <a href="/nheb/acts/9.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> But Saul increased more in strength, and confounded the Jews who lived at Damascus, proving that this is the Christ. <a href="/wbt/acts/9.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ. <a href="/wey/acts/9.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Saul, however, gained more and more influence, and as for the Jews living in Damascus, he bewildered them with his proofs that Jesus is the Christ. <a href="/web/acts/9.htm">World English Bible</a> But Saul increased more in strength, and confounded the Jews who lived at Damascus, proving that this is the Christ. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/acts/9.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And Saul was still more strengthened, and he was confounding the Jews dwelling in Damascus, proving that this is the Christ. <a href="/blb/acts/9.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> But Saul was empowered all the more and kept confounding the Jews dwelling in Damascus, proving that this is the Christ. <a href="/ylt/acts/9.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And Saul was still more strengthened, and he was confounding the Jews dwelling in Damascus, proving that this is the Christ. <a href="/slt/acts/9.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And Saul was the more strengthened, and confounded the Jews dwelling in Damascus, demonstrating that this is the Christ.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/acts/9.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> But Saul increased much more in strength, and confounded the Jews who dwelt at Damascus, affirming that this is the Christ. <a href="/cpdv/acts/9.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> But Saul was increasing to a greater extent in ability, and so he was confounding the Jews who lived at Damascus, by affirming that he is the Christ. <a href="/nabre/acts/9.htm">New American Bible</a> But Saul grew all the stronger and confounded [the] Jews who lived in Damascus, proving that this is the Messiah. <a href="/nrsvce/acts/9.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Saul became increasingly more powerful and confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus was the Messiah.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/acts/9.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> But Saul became more powerful and he made the Jews who dwelt in Damascus tremble when he proved that Jesus is the Christ. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/acts/9.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> But Shaul was strengthened even more and was agitating those Jews who were dwelling in Darmsuq as he was showing that This One is The Messiah.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/acts/9.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> But Saul increased the more in strength, and confuted the Jews that dwelt in Damascus, proving that this is the Christ. <a href="/godbey/acts/9.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> And Saul continued to be the more filled up with dynamite, and he was confounding the Jews dwelling in Damascus, proving that Jesus is the Christ. <a href="/haweis/acts/9.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> But Saul was endued with still greater power, and confounded the Jews who dwelt at Damascus, conclusively evincing that this person is the Messiah.<CM> <a href="/mace/acts/9.htm">Mace New Testament</a> however Saul still gain'd ground, and confounded the Jews of Damascus, proving that Jesus was the Messias. <a href="/wey/acts/9.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Saul, however, gained more and more influence, and as for the Jews living in Damascus, he bewildered them with his proofs that Jesus is the Christ. <a href="/worrell/acts/9.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> But Saul was being more empowered, and was confounding the Jews who were dwelling in Damascus; proving that this is the Christ. <a href="/worsley/acts/9.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> But Saul prevailed more and more, and confounded the Jews that dwelt at Damascus, fully proving that this same Jesus is the Christ. <a href="/parallel/acts/9-22.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=2880" 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">Saul Preaches at Damascus</a> …21All who heard him were astounded and asked, “Isn’t this the man who wreaked havoc in Jerusalem on those who call on this name? And hasn’t he come here to take them as prisoners to the chief priests?” 22<a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">But</a> <a href="/greek/4569.htm" title="4569: Saulos (N-NMS) -- Saul, the apostle. Of Hebrew origin, the same as Saoul; Saulus, the Jewish name of Paul.">Saul</a> <a href="/greek/1743.htm" title="1743: enedynamouto (V-IIM/P-3S) -- To fill with power, strengthen, make strong. From en and dunamoo; to empower.">was empowered</a> <a href="/greek/3123.htm" title="3123: mallon (Adv) -- More, rather. Neuter of the comparative of the same as malista; more) or rather.">all the more,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/4797.htm" title="4797: synechynnen (V-IIA-3S) -- Or sugchuno from sun and cheo or its alternate; to commingle promiscuously, i.e. to throw into disorder, to perplex.">he confounded</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tous (Art-AMP) -- 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/2453.htm" title="2453: Ioudaious (Adj-AMP) -- Jewish. From Iouda; Judaean, i.e. Belonging to Jehudah.">Jews</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tous (Art-AMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2730.htm" title="2730: katoikountas (V-PPA-AMP) -- To dwell in, settle in, be established in (permanently), inhabit. From kata and oikeo; to house permanently, i.e. Reside.">living</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</a> <a href="/greek/1154.htm" title="1154: Damaskō (N-DFS) -- Damascus. Of Hebrew origin; Damascus, a city of Syria.">Damascus</a> <a href="/greek/4822.htm" title="4822: symbibazōn (V-PPA-NMS) -- From sun and bibazo (by reduplication) of the base of basis); to drive together, i.e. Unite, to infer, show, teach.">by proving</a> <a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.">that</a> <a href="/greek/3778.htm" title="3778: houtos (DPro-NMS) -- This; he, she, it. ">Jesus</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: estin (V-PIA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">is</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- 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/5547.htm" title="5547: Christos (N-NMS) -- Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.">Christ.</a> 23After many days had passed, the Jews conspired to kill 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="/galatians/1-23.htm">Galatians 1:23</a> They only heard the account: “The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” <a href="/acts/18-28.htm">Acts 18:28</a> For he powerfully refuted the Jews in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ. <a href="/acts/17-3.htm">Acts 17:3</a> explaining and proving that the Christ had to suffer and rise from the dead. “This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Christ,” he declared. <a href="/acts/2-36.htm">Acts 2:36</a> Therefore let all Israel know with certainty that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ!” <a href="/acts/13-33.htm">Acts 13:33</a> He has fulfilled for us, their children, by raising up Jesus. As it is written in the second Psalm: ‘You are My Son; today I have become Your Father.’ <a href="/acts/22-15.htm">Acts 22:15</a> You will be His witness to everyone of what you have seen and heard. <a href="/acts/26-22.htm">Acts 26:22-23</a> But I have had God’s help to this day, and I stand here to testify to small and great alike. I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen: / that the Christ would suffer, and as the first to rise from the dead, would proclaim light to our people and to the Gentiles.” <a href="/1_corinthians/15-3.htm">1 Corinthians 15:3-4</a> For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, / that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, <a href="/romans/1-4.htm">Romans 1:4</a> and who through the Spirit of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God by His resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord. <a href="/philippians/1-14.htm">Philippians 1:14-17</a> And most of the brothers, confident in the Lord by my chains, now dare more greatly to speak the word without fear. / It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. / The latter do so in love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel. ... <a href="/2_corinthians/3-14.htm">2 Corinthians 3:14-16</a> But their minds were closed. For to this day the same veil remains at the reading of the old covenant. It has not been lifted, because only in Christ can it be removed. / And even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. / But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. <a href="/isaiah/53-3.htm">Isaiah 53:3-5</a> He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief. Like one from whom men hide their faces, He was despised, and we esteemed Him not. / Surely He took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows; yet we considered Him stricken, struck down by God, and afflicted. / But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. <a href="/isaiah/42-1.htm">Isaiah 42:1-4</a> “Here is My Servant, whom I uphold, My Chosen One, in whom My soul delights. I will put My Spirit on Him, and He will bring justice to the nations. / He will not cry out or raise His voice, nor make His voice heard in the streets. / A bruised reed He will not break and a smoldering wick He will not extinguish; He will faithfully bring forth justice. ... <a href="/jeremiah/31-31.htm">Jeremiah 31:31-34</a> Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah. / It will not be like the covenant I made with their fathers when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt—a covenant they broke, though I was a husband to them,” declares the LORD. / “But this is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the LORD. I will put My law in their minds and inscribe it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they will be My people. ... <a href="/psalms/2-7.htm">Psalm 2:7</a> I will proclaim the decree spoken to Me by the LORD: “You are My Son; today I have become Your Father.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelled at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.increased.<a href="/genesis/49-24.htm">Genesis 49:24</a> But his bow abode in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob; (from thence is the shepherd, the stone of Israel:)<a href="/job/17-9.htm">Job 17:9</a> The righteous also shall hold on his way, and he that hath clean hands shall be stronger and stronger.<a href="/psalms/84-7.htm">Psalm 84:7</a> They go from strength to strength, every one of them in Zion appeareth before God.confounded.<a href="/acts/6-9.htm">Acts 6:9,10</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/18-27.htm">Acts 18:27,28</a> And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace: … <a href="/luke/21-15.htm">Luke 21:15</a> For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.proving.<a href="/acts/17-3.htm">Acts 17:3</a> Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ.<a href="/acts/18-5.htm">Acts 18:5</a> And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ.<a href="/acts/28-23.htm">Acts 28:23</a> And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/acts/9-18.htm">Able</a> <a href="/john/13-38.htm">Answers</a> <a href="/isaiah/59-4.htm">Arguments</a> <a href="/daniel/5-9.htm">Baffled</a> <a href="/acts/8-11.htm">Bewildered</a> <a href="/acts/9-20.htm">Christ</a> <a href="/acts/2-6.htm">Confounded</a> <a href="/acts/9-20.htm">Damascus</a> <a href="/acts/7-46.htm">Dwelling</a> <a href="/acts/7-4.htm">Dwelt</a> <a href="/luke/19-18.htm">Gained</a> <a href="/acts/7-17.htm">Grew</a> <a href="/acts/8-40.htm">However</a> <a href="/acts/7-17.htm">Increased</a> <a href="/acts/7-17.htm">Increasing</a> <a href="/acts/8-11.htm">Influence</a> <a href="/acts/9-20.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/acts/6-9.htm">Jews</a> <a href="/acts/9-19.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/acts/8-27.htm">Power</a> <a href="/acts/7-22.htm">Powerful</a> <a href="/acts/1-3.htm">Proofs</a> <a href="/john/8-6.htm">Proving</a> <a href="/acts/9-19.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/acts/9-19.htm">Strength</a> <a href="/acts/9-19.htm">Strengthened</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/acts/10-47.htm">Able</a> <a href="/romans/9-20.htm">Answers</a> <a href="/acts/27-11.htm">Arguments</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/4-8.htm">Baffled</a> <a href="/job/41-25.htm">Bewildered</a> <a href="/acts/9-34.htm">Christ</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-6.htm">Confounded</a> <a href="/acts/9-27.htm">Damascus</a> <a href="/acts/9-32.htm">Dwelling</a> <a href="/acts/9-32.htm">Dwelt</a> <a href="/acts/27-13.htm">Gained</a> <a href="/acts/9-31.htm">Grew</a> <a href="/acts/9-27.htm">However</a> <a href="/acts/9-31.htm">Increased</a> <a href="/acts/12-24.htm">Increasing</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-26.htm">Influence</a> <a href="/acts/9-27.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/acts/9-23.htm">Jews</a> <a href="/acts/9-24.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/acts/9-33.htm">Power</a> <a href="/romans/11-23.htm">Powerful</a> <a href="/isaiah/41-21.htm">Proofs</a> <a href="/acts/17-3.htm">Proving</a> <a href="/acts/9-23.htm">Saul</a> <a href="/acts/11-23.htm">Strength</a> <a href="/acts/9-31.htm">Strengthened</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 id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/acts/9.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/acts/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/acts/9.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>But Saul was empowered all the more Saul, later known as Paul, experienced a dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus. This empowerment refers to the Holy Spirit's work in his life, enabling him to preach with authority and boldness. This transformation is significant, as Saul was previously a fierce persecutor of Christians. The empowerment is reminiscent of <a href="/acts/1-8.htm">Acts 1:8</a>, where Jesus promises the disciples power through the Holy Spirit. Saul's increasing strength in his mission highlights the transformative power of God's grace.and he confounded the Jews living in Damascus The Jews in Damascus were likely familiar with Saul's reputation as a persecutor of Christians, making his newfound zeal for Christ surprising and perplexing. The term "confounded" suggests that Saul's arguments were compelling and difficult to refute. Damascus was a significant city in the Roman province of Syria, with a substantial Jewish population. Saul's ability to confound them indicates his deep understanding of the Scriptures and his skill in using them to demonstrate the truth of the Gospel.by proving that Jesus is the Christ Saul's arguments were based on the Hebrew Scriptures, which he used to demonstrate that Jesus fulfilled the Messianic prophecies. This would have included references to passages like <a href="/isaiah/53.htm">Isaiah 53</a> and <a href="/psalms/22.htm">Psalm 22</a>, which describe the suffering servant and the crucifixion, respectively. Saul's method of proving Jesus as the Christ involved showing that Jesus' life, death, and resurrection were the fulfillment of God's promises to Israel. This approach is consistent with the apostolic preaching found throughout the New Testament, where the focus is on Jesus as the promised Messiah.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/s/saul.htm">Saul (Paul)</a> Originally a zealous Pharisee and persecutor of Christians, Saul experienced a dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus. He became one of the most influential apostles, known for his missionary journeys and epistles in the New Testament. 2. <a href="/topical/j/jews_in_damascus.htm">Jews in Damascus</a> These were the Jewish residents of Damascus who were initially skeptical of Saul's conversion and teachings about Jesus as the Messiah. 3. <a href="/topical/d/damascus.htm">Damascus</a> A significant city in ancient Syria, Damascus was a center of trade and culture. It was also the location where Saul was headed to persecute Christians before his conversion. 4. <a href="/topical/j/jesus_as_the_christ.htm">Jesus as the Christ</a> The central claim of Saul's preaching was that Jesus is the Messiah (Christ), the anointed one prophesied in the Hebrew Scriptures. 5. <a href="/topical/s/saul's_growing_power.htm">Saul's Growing Power</a> This refers to Saul's increasing ability to articulate and defend the Christian faith, demonstrating the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in his life.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_transformation.htm">The Power of Transformation</a> Saul's conversion is a powerful testament to the transformative work of Christ. No one is beyond the reach of God's grace, and even the most unlikely individuals can become powerful witnesses for the Gospel. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_the_holy_spirit.htm">The Role of the Holy Spirit</a> Saul's increasing power and ability to confound the Jews in Damascus highlight the role of the Holy Spirit in empowering believers to speak boldly and effectively about their faith. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_proclaiming_christ.htm">The Importance of Proclaiming Christ</a> Saul's focus on proving that Jesus is the Christ underscores the centrality of this message in Christian witness. Believers are called to know and articulate the truth of Jesus as the Messiah. <a href="/topical/f/facing_opposition_with_confidence.htm">Facing Opposition with Confidence</a> Despite initial skepticism and opposition, Saul's confidence in his message serves as an example for believers to stand firm in their faith, trusting in God's truth and power.<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/why_different_versions_of_paul's_conversion.htm">Why does Acts record different versions of Paul's conversion story?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_sin_ignorance.htm">Who were the three biblical men named Ananias?</a> <a href="/q/why_do_acts_and_paul's_letters_differ.htm">Why does the Book of Acts contradict Paul's letters in describing his conversion?</a> <a href="/q/evidence_of_paul's_quick_acceptance.htm">Acts 9:20–28: Is there historical or archaeological evidence outside the Bible supporting Paul’s quick acceptance by early Christians? </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>(22) But Saul increased the more in strength.--The tense implies a continuous growth in power, obviously in the spiritual power which enabled the Apostle to carry on his work. A comparison of dates suggests the connection of this growth with the special vision of <a href="/2_corinthians/12-8.htm" title="For this thing I sought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.">2Corinthians 12:8</a>, when in answer to his prayer that the infirmity which he describes as "a thorn in his flesh, the minister of Satan to buffet him," he received the comforting assurance from the Lord whom he served--"My strength is made perfect in weakness." It is not without interest that in after years St. Paul once and again uses the same verb of himself--"I can do all things in Christ that strengthened me" (<a href="/philippians/4-13.htm" title="I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.">Philippians 4:13</a>). It was Christ who "enabled him," or, made him strong, for his ministry (<a href="/1_timothy/1-12.htm" title="And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;">1Timothy 1:12</a>); who "strengthened him" in the closing trials of his life (<a href="/2_timothy/4-17.htm" title="Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.">2Timothy 4:17</a>). By some commentators the words are connected with the journey to Arabia as following on his first appearance as a preacher in the synagogues; but see Note on the previous verse.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/acts/9.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 22. - The Christ for very Christ, A.V. The repetition of the phrase ὅτι οῦτός ἐστιν (vers. 20 and 22) is remarkable. As already observed, it presupposes the mention of Jesus, of whom it is thus predicated that he is both "the Son of God" and "the Christ" (comp. <a href="/acts/2-32.htm">Acts 2:32, 36</a>; <a href="/acts/4-11.htm">Acts 4:11</a>, etc.). Observe the incidental proof of the general expectation of the Jews that Christ should come in this description of the apostolic preaching as directed to the one point that Jesus of Nazareth was the Christ. <a href="/commentaries/acts/9-22.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>But δὲ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. Saul Σαῦλος (Saulos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4569.htm">Strong's 4569: </a> Saul, the apostle. Of Hebrew origin, the same as Saoul; Saulus, the Jewish name of Paul. was empowered ἐνεδυναμοῦτο (enedynamouto) Verb - Imperfect Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1743.htm">Strong's 1743: </a> To fill with power, strengthen, make strong. From en and dunamoo; to empower. all the more, μᾶλλον (mallon) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3123.htm">Strong's 3123: </a> More, rather. Neuter of the comparative of the same as malista; more) or rather. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. he confounded συνέχυννεν (synechynnen) Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4797.htm">Strong's 4797: </a> Or sugchuno from sun and cheo or its alternate; to commingle promiscuously, i.e. to throw into disorder, to perplex. the τοὺς (tous) Article - Accusative Masculine 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. Jews Ἰουδαίους (Ioudaious) Adjective - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2453.htm">Strong's 2453: </a> Jewish. From Iouda; Judaean, i.e. Belonging to Jehudah. living κατοικοῦντας (katoikountas) Verb - Present Participle Active - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2730.htm">Strong's 2730: </a> To dwell in, settle in, be established in (permanently), inhabit. From kata and oikeo; to house permanently, i.e. Reside. in ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. Damascus Δαμασκῷ (Damaskō) Noun - Dative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1154.htm">Strong's 1154: </a> Damascus. Of Hebrew origin; Damascus, a city of Syria. by proving συμβιβάζων (symbibazōn) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4822.htm">Strong's 4822: </a> From sun and bibazo (by reduplication) of the base of basis); to drive together, i.e. Unite, to infer, show, teach. that ὅτι (hoti) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3754.htm">Strong's 3754: </a> Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because. [Jesus] οὗτός (houtos) Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3778.htm">Strong's 3778: </a> This; he, she, it. is ἐστιν (estin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <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. the ὁ (ho) Article - Nominative Masculine 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. Christ. Χριστός (Christos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5547.htm">Strong's 5547: </a> Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/acts/9-22.htm">Acts 9:22 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/acts/9-22.htm">Acts 9:22 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/acts/9-22.htm">Acts 9:22 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/acts/9-22.htm">Acts 9:22 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/acts/9-22.htm">Acts 9:22 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/acts/9-22.htm">Acts 9:22 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/acts/9-22.htm">Acts 9:22 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/acts/9-22.htm">Acts 9:22 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/acts/9-22.htm">Acts 9:22 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/acts/9-22.htm">Acts 9:22 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/acts/9-22.htm">NT Apostles: Acts 9:22 But Saul increased more in strength (Acts of the Apostles Ac) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/acts/9-21.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Acts 9:21"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Acts 9:21" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/acts/9-23.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Acts 9:23"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Acts 9:23" /></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>