Acts 9:1 - But Saul, still breathing threats and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest,
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What does "Acts 9:1" mean?
This verse in Acts 9:1 paints a vivid picture of Saul's (who would later become the Apostle Paul) intense animosity towards early Christians. Let's break it down:
"But Saul, still breathing threats and slaughter...": This immediately sets the scene. "Still breathing threats" indicates that Saul's hostile intentions were ongoing and relentless. The word "slaughter" is especially strong, emphasizing the violent nature of his persecution. He wasn't just arguing against Christians; he was actively trying to harm and kill them. The image of "breathing threats" suggests that hatred was the very air he inhaled and exhaled.
"...against the disciples of the Lord...": This identifies the targets of Saul's wrath: "the disciples of the Lord," meaning those who followed Jesus. It emphasizes their loyalty to Jesus and their role as students or followers.
"...went to the high priest...": This shows Saul's intent to use his authority to further his persecution. The "high priest" was the highest religious authority in Judaism. By going to him, Saul sought official sanction and assistance in his campaign against the Christians. He was looking for support and legitimacy from the religious establishment to carry out his violent actions.
In essence, this verse highlights:
Saul's intense and violent hatred: He was consumed by his desire to persecute Christians.
The vulnerability of the early Christians: They were facing real danger and opposition.
Saul's official actions: He sought the authority of the high priest to legitimize and escalate his persecution.
This verse is the calm before the storm. It sets the stage for the dramatic event that follows in the rest of Acts 9: Saul's conversion on the road to Damascus, which will drastically change his life and the course of Christian history.
Acts 9:1 - But Saul, still breathing threats and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest,
What does "Acts 9:1" mean?
This verse in Acts 9:1 paints a vivid picture of Saul's (who would later become the Apostle Paul) intense animosity towards early Christians. Let's break it down:
"But Saul, still breathing threats and slaughter...": This immediately sets the scene. "Still breathing threats" indicates that Saul's hostile intentions were ongoing and relentless. The word "slaughter" is especially strong, emphasizing the violent nature of his persecution. He wasn't just arguing against Christians; he was actively trying to harm and kill them. The image of "breathing threats" suggests that hatred was the very air he inhaled and exhaled.
"...against the disciples of the Lord...": This identifies the targets of Saul's wrath: "the disciples of the Lord," meaning those who followed Jesus. It emphasizes their loyalty to Jesus and their role as students or followers.
"...went to the high priest...": This shows Saul's intent to use his authority to further his persecution. The "high priest" was the highest religious authority in Judaism. By going to him, Saul sought official sanction and assistance in his campaign against the Christians. He was looking for support and legitimacy from the religious establishment to carry out his violent actions.
In essence, this verse highlights:
Saul's intense and violent hatred: He was consumed by his desire to persecute Christians.
The vulnerability of the early Christians: They were facing real danger and opposition.
Saul's official actions: He sought the authority of the high priest to legitimize and escalate his persecution.
This verse is the calm before the storm. It sets the stage for the dramatic event that follows in the rest of Acts 9: Saul's conversion on the road to Damascus, which will drastically change his life and the course of Christian history.