Acts 9:29 describes Paul (formerly Saul) after his conversion to Christianity. Let's break down the verse:
"Preaching boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus." This means Paul was openly and confidently declaring the message of Jesus Christ as the Messiah and the Son of God. He wasn't whispering or hiding; he was proclaiming his new faith publicly. "In the name of the Lord Jesus" indicates that Paul was preaching with the authority and power he believed was given to him by Jesus.
"He spoke and disputed against the Hellenists..." The Hellenists were Greek-speaking Jews. They were Jewish people who had adopted Greek language, culture, and customs, often living outside of Palestine. Paul, himself from Tarsus (a city with a strong Greek influence), likely shared a similar background with these Hellenists. The "disputed" part suggests Paul was debating or arguing with them about his newfound faith in Jesus. He was trying to convince them that Jesus was the Messiah.
"...but they were seeking to kill him." The Hellenists strongly opposed Paul's message. They saw his claims as blasphemous and a threat to their Jewish traditions. Their opposition was so intense that they plotted to murder him.
In essence, this verse shows Paul's immediate commitment to spreading the gospel after his conversion. It also highlights the immediate dangers he faced, even from within his own cultural group, because of his preaching about Jesus. It demonstrates the intense opposition that the early Christians faced.
Acts 9:29 describes Paul (formerly Saul) after his conversion to Christianity. Let's break down the verse:
"Preaching boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus." This means Paul was openly and confidently declaring the message of Jesus Christ as the Messiah and the Son of God. He wasn't whispering or hiding; he was proclaiming his new faith publicly. "In the name of the Lord Jesus" indicates that Paul was preaching with the authority and power he believed was given to him by Jesus.
"He spoke and disputed against the Hellenists..." The Hellenists were Greek-speaking Jews. They were Jewish people who had adopted Greek language, culture, and customs, often living outside of Palestine. Paul, himself from Tarsus (a city with a strong Greek influence), likely shared a similar background with these Hellenists. The "disputed" part suggests Paul was debating or arguing with them about his newfound faith in Jesus. He was trying to convince them that Jesus was the Messiah.
"...but they were seeking to kill him." The Hellenists strongly opposed Paul's message. They saw his claims as blasphemous and a threat to their Jewish traditions. Their opposition was so intense that they plotted to murder him.
In essence, this verse shows Paul's immediate commitment to spreading the gospel after his conversion. It also highlights the immediate dangers he faced, even from within his own cultural group, because of his preaching about Jesus. It demonstrates the intense opposition that the early Christians faced.