Commentary on Acts 9:20

Acts 9:20 reads: "And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God."

Introduction

This passage marks a significant turning point in the life of Saul of Tarsus, later known as Paul the Apostle. His dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus has captivated the attention of theologians and scholars for centuries. Acts 9:20 highlights the immediacy of Saul's transformation and the fervor with which he began to proclaim the Gospel. In this commentary, we draw insights from several public domain commentaries, including those of Matthew Henry, Albert Barnes, and Adam Clarke, to unpack the theological implications and historical context of this verse.

The Context of Saul's Conversion

Before Saul's transformation, he was a fervent opponent of Christianity, committed to persecuting the early church. Acts 9 provides an account of his journey and how the risen Christ intervened in his life, leading to his profound conversion.

• Matthew Henry emphasizes the grace of God that transforms the heart of even the most ardent persecutor. Saul’s encounter with Christ is emblematic of the redemptive nature of divine grace.
• Albert Barnes notes that Saul's actions before his conversion were fueled by zeal for Jewish law, yet his rapid transition to preaching illustrates the completeness of his conversion.
• Adam Clarke provides a vivid description of Saul’s blindness and subsequent healing, which serve as metaphors for spiritual enlightenment and insight gained through faith.

The Significance of "Straightway"

The term "straightway" signifies the immediate response of Saul to his newfound faith. This immediacy conveys several important themes:

• Urgency of the Gospel: The gospel message requires an urgent response. Saul exemplifies this by moving swiftly from blindness to proclamation.
• Transformation: His change from a persecutor to a preacher underlines the transformative power of faith in Christ. As highlighted by Matthew Henry, true conversion leads to active faith.
• Divine Calling: Saul’s immediate action can be viewed as a response to the divine calling that had changed his life. Albert Barnes points out that faithful followers are often called to share their testimony as soon as they understand it.

Preaching Christ in the Synagogues

Saul’s choice to preach in the synagogues is significant for several reasons:

• Cultural Context: The synagogue was the central place of worship and teaching for Jews. By preaching there, Saul aimed to reach his fellow Jews, reflecting a strategic approach to evangelism.
• Identity of Christ: By declaring “he is the Son of God,” Saul affirmed the divine identity of Jesus, which was radical and counter to the Jewish understanding of the Messiah. Adam Clarke notes the profound implications this declaration held for both Jewish and Gentile audiences.
• Fulfillment of Prophecy: Saul’s preaching also aligns with the biblical narrative of God’s promise to Israel, as he presents Jesus as the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies regarding the Messiah.

The Reaction of the People

The immediate context that follows this verse reveals a mix of astonishment and skepticism among the people:

• Matthew Henry records that those in the synagogues were astonished, questioning how this fervent persecutor could now advocate for the faith he once sought to destroy.
• Albert Barnes explains that this astonishment is indicative of the surprising and radical nature of God’s grace. It serves as a testimony to the undeniable power of God to change lives.
• Adam Clarke highlights the irony in Saul's transformation; previously a hunter of Christians, he becomes one of the most well-known witnesses of Christ, illustrating the dramatic reversals often present in God's dealings with humanity.

Theological Implications

Acts 9:20 serves as a profound example that holds numerous theological implications:

• Grace and Redemption: The passage illustrates the depth of God’s mercy. No one is beyond the reach of Christ’s transformative power, emphasizing the universality of the Gospel.
• Role of Faith: Saul's immediate preaching underscores the necessity of faith and how genuine belief naturally leads to action. This reflects a key tenet in Christian doctrine: faith that does not lead to works is dead (James 2:26).
• Empowerment by the Holy Spirit: Although not explicitly mentioned in this verse, Saul’s preaching is presumed to be under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, as is the case for all believers. This underlines the role of the Spirit in facilitating gospel proclamation.

Application for Today’s Believers

For contemporary believers, Acts 9:20 challenges us to evaluate our response to the grace we have received:

• Immediate Action: Just as Saul acted immediately in his new role, Christians today are called to respond swiftly to God's call in their lives, sharing the message of Christ with urgency.
• Transformation: Every believer’s story of transformation can be powerful; sharing personal testimony can encourage others in their faith journeys.
• Cultural Engagement: Believers are challenged to engage with their communities in meaningful ways, preaching Christ where they are, much like Saul who entered the synagogues.

Conclusion

Acts 9:20 serves as a crucial moment in scripture that showcases the power of transformation through God's grace. The insights of Matthew Henry, Albert Barnes, and Adam Clarke enrich our understanding of this verse, reminding us of the urgency and responsibility that comes with faith. As believers reflect on Saul's conversion, they are encouraged to consider their own responses to God's call and their role in proclaiming the truth of the Gospel in a world that desperately needs it.