Acts 9:21
New International Version
All those who heard him were astonished and asked, “Isn’t he the man who raised havoc in Jerusalem among those who call on this name? And hasn’t he come here to take them as prisoners to the chief priests?”

New Living Translation
All who heard him were amazed. “Isn’t this the same man who caused such devastation among Jesus’ followers in Jerusalem?” they asked. “And didn’t he come here to arrest them and take them in chains to the leading priests?”

English Standard Version
And all who heard him were amazed and said, “Is not this the man who made havoc in Jerusalem of those who called upon this name? And has he not come here for this purpose, to bring them bound before the chief priests?”

Berean Standard Bible
All 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?”

Berean Literal Bible
And all those hearing were amazed and were saying, "Is this not the one having ravaged those in Jerusalem calling on this name? And he had come here for this, that he might bring them, having been bound, to the chief priests."

King James Bible
But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests?

New King James Version
Then all who heard were amazed, and said, “Is this not he who destroyed those who called on this name in Jerusalem, and has come here for that purpose, so that he might bring them bound to the chief priests?”

New American Standard Bible
All those hearing him continued to be amazed, and were saying, “Is this not the one who in Jerusalem destroyed those who called on this name, and had come here for the purpose of bringing them bound before the chief priests?”

NASB 1995
All those hearing him continued to be amazed, and were saying, “Is this not he who in Jerusalem destroyed those who called on this name, and who had come here for the purpose of bringing them bound before the chief priests?”

NASB 1977
And all those hearing him continued to be amazed, and were saying, “Is this not he who in Jerusalem destroyed those who called on this name, and who had come here for the purpose of bringing them bound before the chief priests?”

Legacy Standard Bible
And all those hearing him continued to be astounded, and were saying, “Is this not the one who in Jerusalem destroyed those that called on this name, and who had come here for the purpose of bringing them bound before the chief priests?”

Amplified Bible
All those who heard him continued to be amazed and said, “Is this not the man who in Jerusalem attacked those who called on this name [of Jesus], and had come here [to Damascus] for the express purpose of bringing them bound [with chains] before the chief priests?”

Christian Standard Bible
All who heard him were astounded and said, “Isn’t this the man in Jerusalem who was causing havoc for those who called on this name and came here for the purpose of taking them as prisoners to the chief priests? ”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
But all who heard him were astounded and said, “Isn’t this the man who, in Jerusalem, was destroying those who called on this name and then came here for the purpose of taking them as prisoners to the chief priests?”

American Standard Version
And all that heard him were amazed, and said, Is not this he that in Jerusalem made havoc of them that called on this name? and he had come hither for this intent, that he might bring them bound before the chief priests.

Contemporary English Version
Everyone who heard Saul was amazed and said, "Isn't this the man who caused so much trouble for those people in Jerusalem who worship in the name of Jesus? Didn't he come here to arrest them and take them to the chief priests?"

English Revised Version
And all that heard him were amazed, and said, Is not this he that in Jerusalem made havock of them which called on this name? and he had come hither for this intent, that he might bring them bound before the chief priests.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Everyone who heard him was amazed. They asked, "Isn't this the man who destroyed those who worshiped the one named Jesus in Jerusalem? Didn't he come here to take these worshipers as prisoners to the chief priests [in Jerusalem]?"

Good News Translation
All who heard him were amazed and asked, "Isn't he the one who in Jerusalem was killing those who worship that man Jesus? And didn't he come here for the very purpose of arresting those people and taking them back to the chief priests?"

International Standard Version
Everyone who heard him was astonished and said, "This is the man who harassed those who were calling on Jesus' name in Jerusalem, isn't it? Didn't he come here to bring them in chains to the high priests?"

Majority Standard Bible
All 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?”

NET Bible
All who heard him were amazed and were saying, "Is this not the man who in Jerusalem was ravaging those who call on this name, and who had come here to bring them as prisoners to the chief priests?"

New Heart English Bible
All who heard him were amazed, and said, "Is not this he who in Jerusalem made havoc of those who called on this name? And he had come here intending to bring them bound before the chief priests."

Webster's Bible Translation
But all that heard him were amazed, and said, Is not this he that destroyed them who called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound to the chief priests?

Weymouth New Testament
and his hearers were all amazed, and began to ask one another, "Is not this the man who in Jerusalem tried to exterminate those who called upon that Name, and came here on purpose to carry them off in chains to the High Priests?"

World English Bible
All who heard him were amazed, and said, “Isn’t this he who in Jerusalem made havoc of those who called on this name? And he had come here intending to bring them bound before the chief priests!”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And all those hearing were amazed and said, “Is this not he who laid waste in Jerusalem those calling on this Name, and here to this intent had come, that he might bring them bound to the chief priests?”

Berean Literal Bible
And all those hearing were amazed and were saying, "Is this not the one having ravaged those in Jerusalem calling on this name? And he had come here for this, that he might bring them, having been bound, to the chief priests."

Young's Literal Translation
And all those hearing were amazed, and said, 'Is not this he who laid waist in Jerusalem those calling on this name, and hither to this intent had come, that he might bring them bound to the chief priests?'

Smith's Literal Translation
And all they hearing were affected in mind, and said: Is not this he having laid waste in Jerusalem those calling upon this name, and he has come here for this, that he might bring them having been bound to the chief priests?
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And all that heard him, were astonished, and said: Is not this he who persecuted in Jerusalem those that called upon this name: and came hither for that intent, that he might carry them bound to the chief priests?

Catholic Public Domain Version
And all who heard him were astonished, and they said, “Is this not the one who, in Jerusalem, was fighting against those invoking this name, and who came here for this: so that he might lead them away to the leaders of the priests?”

New American Bible
All who heard him were astounded and said, “Is not this the man who in Jerusalem ravaged those who call upon this name, and came here expressly to take them back in chains to the chief priests?”

New Revised Standard Version
All who heard him were amazed and said, “Is not this the man who made havoc in Jerusalem among those who invoked this name? And has he not come here for the purpose of bringing them bound before the chief priests?”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
But all those who heard him were amazed and said: Is this not he who persecuted those who called on this name in Jerusalem and behold, he was sent here for that very purpose that he might bring them bound to the high priests?

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
And all those who heard him were astounded and they were saying, “Was this not he who was persecuting all those who are calling on this Name in Jerusalem? And he was even sent here to bind them to convey them to The Chief Priests!”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
And all that heard him were astonished, and said: Is not this he who destroyed in Jerusalem those that call on this name, and who has come hither for this purpose, that he might carry them bound to the chief priests?

Godbey New Testament
And all those hearing were astonished, and continued to say, Is not this the one laying waste those calling on this name in Jerusalem? and has come hither for this, that he may lead them bound to the chief priests.

Haweis New Testament
And all who heard him were amazed, and said, Is not this the man who made havoc at Jerusalem, among those who called on this name? and hither he came for this purpose, that he might carry them in chains unto the chief priests?

Mace New Testament
the audience were all amazed, and said, is not this he that persecuted the professors of this doctrine at Jerusalem, and came here on purpose to carry them prisoners to the chief priests?

Weymouth New Testament
and his hearers were all amazed, and began to ask one another, "Is not this the man who in Jerusalem tried to exterminate those who called upon that Name, and came here on purpose to carry them off in chains to the High Priests?"

Worrell New Testament
And all who heard were astonished, and said, "Is not this he who destroyed, in Jerusalem, those calling upon this name, and had come here for this purpose, that he might bring them bound to the high priests?"

Worsley New Testament
But all that heard him, were amazed, and said, Is not this he that persecuted those in Jerusalem who called on this name, and came hither for this end, that he might carry them bound to the chief priests?

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Saul Preaches at Damascus
20Saul promptly began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, declaring, “He is the Son of God.” 21 All 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?” 22But Saul was empowered all the more, and he confounded the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Christ.…

Cross References
Galatians 1:23
They only heard the account: “The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.”

Acts 22:4-5
I persecuted this Way even to the death, detaining both men and women and throwing them into prison, / as the high priest and the whole Council can testify about me. I even obtained letters from them to their brothers in Damascus, and I was on my way to apprehend these people and bring them to Jerusalem to be punished.

Acts 26:9-11
So then, I too was convinced that I ought to do all I could to oppose the name of Jesus of Nazareth. / 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.

1 Timothy 1:13
I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a violent man; yet because I had acted in ignorance and unbelief, I was shown mercy.

Philippians 3:6
as to zeal, persecuting the church; as to righteousness in the law, faultless.

John 9:8-9
At this, his neighbors and those who had formerly seen him begging began to ask, “Isn’t this the man who used to sit and beg?” / Some claimed that he was, but others said, “No, he just looks like him.” But the man kept saying, “I am the one.”

Acts 8:3
But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off men and women and put them in prison.

Acts 7:58
They dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile the witnesses laid their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul.

Acts 22:19-20
‘Lord,’ I answered, ‘they know very well that in one synagogue after another I imprisoned and beat those who believed in You. / And when the blood of Your witness Stephen was shed, I stood there giving my approval and watching over the garments of those who killed him.’

1 Corinthians 15:9
For I am the least of the apostles and am unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.

2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away. Behold, the new has come!

Romans 1:16
I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, then to the Greek.

Matthew 13:54-57
Coming to His hometown, He taught the people in their synagogue, and they were astonished. “Where did this man get such wisdom and miraculous powers?” they asked. / “Isn’t this the carpenter’s son? Isn’t His mother’s name Mary, and aren’t His brothers James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas? / Aren’t all His sisters with us as well? Where then did this man get all these things?” ...

Mark 6:2-3
When the Sabbath came, He began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard Him were astonished. “Where did this man get these ideas?” they asked. “What is this wisdom He has been given? And how can He perform such miracles? / Isn’t this the carpenter, the son of Mary and the brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? Aren’t His sisters here with us as well?” And they took offense at Him.

Luke 4:22
All spoke well of Him and marveled at the gracious words that came from His lips. “Isn’t this the son of Joseph?” they asked.


Treasury of Scripture

But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came here for that intent, that he might bring them bound to the chief priests?

amazed.

Acts 2:6,12
Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language…

Acts 4:13
Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.

Numbers 23:23
Surely there is no enchantment against Jacob, neither is there any divination against Israel: according to this time it shall be said of Jacob and of Israel, What hath God wrought!

Is not.

Acts 3:10
And they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him.

Matthew 13:54,55
And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works? …

Mark 5:15-20
And they come to Jesus, and see him that was possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid…

destroyed.

Acts 9:1,2,13,14
And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, …

Acts 8:3
As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.

Galatians 1:13-24
For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it: …

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Amazed Astonished Bound Carry Chains Chief Continued Destroyed Exterminate Full Hasn't Havoc Heard Hearers Hearing High Hither Intending Intent Jerusalem Priests Prisoners Purpose Raised Tried
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Amazed Astonished Bound Carry Chains Chief Continued Destroyed Exterminate Full Hasn't Havoc Heard Hearers Hearing High Hither Intending Intent Jerusalem Priests Prisoners Purpose Raised Tried
Acts 9
1. Saul, going toward Damascus, is stricken down to the earth,
8. and led blind to Damascus;
10. is called to the apostleship;
18. and is baptized by Ananias.
20. He preaches Christ boldly.
23. The Jews lay wait to kill him;
29. so do the Grecians, but he escapes both.
31. The church having rest, Peter heals Aeneas;
36. and restores Tabitha to life.














All who heard him were astounded
This phrase captures the immediate reaction of those who witnessed Saul's transformation. The Greek word for "astounded" is "ἐξίσταντο" (existanto), which conveys a sense of being amazed or astonished to the point of being beside oneself. This reaction is significant because it underscores the dramatic change in Saul's life. Historically, Saul was known as a fierce persecutor of Christians, and his sudden shift to preaching the Gospel would have been shocking to those familiar with his past. This astonishment reflects the power of God's transformative work in an individual's life, serving as a testament to the authenticity of Saul's conversion.

and asked, “Isn’t this the man who wreaked havoc in Jerusalem
The phrase "wreaked havoc" is translated from the Greek "πορθέω" (portheo), meaning to destroy or ravage. This word choice emphasizes the intensity and violence of Saul's previous actions against the early Christian community. The historical context here is crucial; Saul was a zealous Pharisee who actively sought to dismantle the burgeoning Christian movement. His reputation as a persecutor was well-known, particularly in Jerusalem, the epicenter of early Christianity. This question posed by the onlookers highlights the stark contrast between Saul's past and his present mission, illustrating the profound impact of his encounter with Christ.

on those who call on this name?
The phrase "call on this name" refers to the early Christians who invoked the name of Jesus in prayer and worship. The Greek word "ἐπικαλέω" (epikaleo) means to call upon or appeal to, indicating a deep reliance and trust in Jesus. This expression underscores the centrality of Jesus' name in the life of believers, as it represents their faith and identity. In the scriptural context, calling on the name of Jesus was a defining characteristic of the Christian community, setting them apart from other religious groups. Saul's previous mission was to suppress this very act, making his newfound advocacy for Jesus all the more remarkable.

And hasn’t he come here to take them as prisoners to the chief priests?”
This question highlights the initial purpose of Saul's journey to Damascus. The phrase "take them as prisoners" is derived from the Greek "δεσμεύω" (desmeuo), meaning to bind or imprison. Saul's intent was to capture Christians and bring them back to Jerusalem for trial and punishment. The mention of "the chief priests" points to the religious authorities in Jerusalem who were opposed to the spread of Christianity. This historical detail emphasizes the official sanction Saul had for his mission, underscoring the gravity of his conversion. His original intent was to further persecute the followers of Jesus, yet he became one of the most influential apostles, demonstrating the radical nature of God's grace and redemption.

(21) That destroyed them which called on this name.--Better, made havock of them. It is noticeable that St. Paul uses the same verb as descriptive of his own conduct in Galatians 1:13, where the English version has "wasted." On "them which called on this name," see Note on Acts 9:16.

And came hither.--More accurately, had come hither, as implying that the purpose of his coming had been abandoned.

Verse 21. - And for but, A.V.; that in Jerusalem made havoc of for that destroyed them (which called on this Name) in Jerusalem, A.V.; and he had come hither for this intent for and came hither for that intent, A.V., differently stopped; before for unto, A.V. The chief priests. The plural seems to mark how the high priesthood at this period was passed from one to another. Caiaphas, Annas, Jonathan, and Theophilus would all be included under the term.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
All
πάντες (pantes)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3956: All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.

who
οἱ (hoi)
Article - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

heard [him]
ἀκούοντες (akouontes)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 191: To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.

were amazed
Ἐξίσταντο (Existanto)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 1839: From ek and histemi; to put out of wits, i.e. Astound, or become astounded, insane.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

asked,
ἔλεγον (elegon)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 2036: Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.

“Isn’t
ἐστιν (estin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

this
οὗτός (houtos)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it.

the [man who]
(ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

wreaked havoc
πορθήσας (porthēsas)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4199: To lay waste, destroy, ravage, harass. Prolongation from pertho; to ravage.

in
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

Jerusalem
Ἰερουσαλὴμ (Ierousalēm)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2419: Of Hebrew origin; Hierusalem, the capitol of Palestine.

on those
τοὺς (tous)
Article - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

[who] call on
ἐπικαλουμένους (epikaloumenous)
Verb - Present Participle Middle - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 1941: (a) To call (name) by a supplementary (additional, alternative) name, (b) mid: To call upon, appeal to, address.

this
τοῦτο (touto)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it.

name?
ὄνομα (onoma)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3686: Name, character, fame, reputation. From a presumed derivative of the base of ginosko; a 'name'.

And
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

hasn’t he come
ἐληλύθει (elēlythei)
Verb - Pluperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2064: To come, go.

here
ὧδε (hōde)
Adverb
Strong's 5602: From an adverb form of hode; in this same spot, i.e. Here or hither.

to
ἵνα (hina)
Conjunction
Strong's 2443: In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.

take
ἀγάγῃ (agagē)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 71: A primary verb; properly, to lead; by implication, to bring, drive, go, pass, or induce.

them
αὐτοὺς (autous)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

as prisoners
δεδεμένους (dedemenous)
Verb - Perfect Participle Middle or Passive - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 1210: To bind, tie, fasten; I impel, compel; I declare to be prohibited and unlawful. A primary verb; to bind.

to
ἐπὶ (epi)
Preposition
Strong's 1909: On, to, against, on the basis of, at.

the
τοὺς (tous)
Article - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

chief priests?”
ἀρχιερεῖς (archiereis)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 749: High priest, chief priest. From arche and hiereus; the high-priest; by extension a chief priest.


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