ACT 9:26-30

Saul in Jerusalem

26Having arrived in Jerusalem, Saul was attempting to attach himself to the disciples; and all were afraid of him, not believing that he is a disciple — that he is a disciple. [9:27] Barnabas, however, seizing him, brought him to the apostles and related to them how on the road he had seen the Lord, and that he spoke to him, and how in Damascus he had spoken boldly in the name of Jesus. [9:28] And he was with them, coming in and going out in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord. [9:29] He was speaking both and also debating with the Hellenists; but they were seeking to execute him. [9:30] The brothers, however, having recognized it, brought him down to Caesarea and sent him away to Tarsus.

In the world it was spoken into

In 1st-century Jerusalem, the early Jesus-following community was a tight-knit group, wary of outsiders due to persecution and internal tensions. Saul, known for his zealous persecution of this movement, arrives seeking to join the disciples. His reputation precedes him, and fear grips the community—understandable given his past actions. Trust is scarce in such a context. Barnabas, a respected figure known for his generosity and mediating role, intervenes, vouching for Saul by recounting his Damascus Road encounter and subsequent bold preaching in Jesus’ name. This act of advocacy bridges the gap, allowing Saul to integrate into the community. Saul’s boldness in Jerusalem, particularly in debating Hellenists—Greek-speaking Jews—reflects his rhetorical skill and familiarity with Hellenistic Jewish thought. However, this provokes hostility, as Hellenists likely saw his message as a threat to their cultural and religious identity. The attempt on Saul’s life underscores the volatile religious and political climate of Jerusalem.

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How other translations render this

ACT 9:26

KJV: And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple.
BSB: When Saul arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple.
Koinōnos: Having arrived in Jerusalem, Saul was attempting to attach himself to the disciples; and all were afraid of him, not believing that he is a disciple — that he is a disciple.

ACT 9:27

KJV: But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.
BSB: Then Barnabas brought him to the apostles and described how Saul had seen the Lord, who had spoken to him on the road to Damascus, and how Saul had spoken boldly in that city in the name of Jesus.
Koinōnos: Barnabas, however, seizing him, brought him to the apostles and related to them how on the road he had seen the Lord, and that he spoke to him, and how in Damascus he had spoken boldly in the name of Jesus.

ACT 9:28

KJV: And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem.
BSB: So Saul stayed with them, moving about freely in Jerusalem and speaking boldly in the name of the Lord.
Koinōnos: And he was with them, coming in and going out in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord.

ACT 9:29

KJV: And he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him.
BSB: He talked and debated with the Grecian Jews, but they tried to kill him.
Koinōnos: He was speaking both and also debating with the Hellenists; but they were seeking to execute him.

ACT 9:30

KJV: Which when the brethren knew, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus.
BSB: When the brothers learned of this, they took him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus.
Koinōnos: The brothers, however, having recognized it, brought him down to Caesarea and sent him away to Tarsus.

Only verses where the wording diverges meaningfully are shown. Identical phrasings are suppressed.

Translator's notes

ACT 9:26

in:The word translated 'in' here is often used to describe testing or attempting something, sometimes with the implication of proving its quality or character. It suggests Saul was making an earnest effort to connect with the disciples.
Jerusalem:The term used here for 'Jerusalem' literally means 'to glue' or 'to cement together.' It conveys a strong sense of adhering or bonding closely, highlighting Saul's desire for deep connection.
he was trying:The word translated 'he was trying' is a definite article, which in this context functions as a relative pronoun. It emphasizes the ongoing nature of Saul's attempt to associate with the disciples.
to join:The word translated 'to join' refers to a learner or pupil, someone who is actively engaged in following and internalizing the teachings of a master. It implies a committed relationship of instruction and adherence.