Acts 9:20 – “At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God.”

Extended Explanation

This verse describes what Saul did immediately after his conversion. Just days before, he had been an enemy of Jesus, hunting down Christians to arrest them (Acts 9:1-2). But now, after meeting Jesus, being healed, and being baptized (Acts 9:17-19), he does something shocking—he goes into the Jewish synagogues and preaches that “Jesus is the Son of God.”

The phrase “at once” shows that Saul did not hesitate. His transformation was so real and so powerful that he immediately wanted to tell others about Jesus. Instead of fighting against Christ, he was now boldly proclaiming Him.

This was a dramatic change. Saul had been a Pharisee, trained in the strictest Jewish traditions (Philippians 3:5). He once believed that Jesus was a false teacher. But after encountering the risen Christ, he knew the truth—Jesus is the Son of God. Now, he was preaching the very message he had once tried to destroy.

Historical Context

In the first century, synagogues were gathering places where Jews met to read and discuss the Scriptures. Saul, being a highly educated Pharisee, would have had the authority to speak in these settings. However, no one would have expected him to stand up and declare that Jesus is the Son of God!

Just a short time before this, Saul had received permission from the high priest to go to Damascus and arrest Christians (Acts 9:1-2). The Jewish leaders considered Jesus’ followers to be heretics. To claim that Jesus was the Son of God was especially offensive, because it meant He was equal with God (John 5:18). This is the very charge that had led to Jesus’ crucifixion.

Saul’s sudden change in message would have been shocking to those who heard him. His reputation as a persecutor of Christians was well known (Acts 9:13-14). His preaching would have confused both the Jews who opposed Jesus and the believers who feared him.

Theological Implications

1. A true encounter with Jesus changes everything. Saul went from persecutor to preacher because he had truly met the risen Christ. When someone genuinely encounters Jesus, they cannot stay the same.
2. The gospel must be proclaimed boldly. Saul didn’t wait to share his faith. As soon as he knew the truth, he preached it. This challenges believers today to be bold in sharing Jesus with others.
3. Jesus is the Son of God. This is the core message of the gospel. It means that Jesus is divine, sent by God to save the world. This truth is the foundation of Christianity.
4. God calls people for His purposes. Saul had been deeply devoted to the Jewish law, but God had a greater plan for him—to be a messenger of Jesus. No matter our past, God can use us for His glory.

Literary Analysis

This verse is short but powerful.

• “At once” – This phrase highlights Saul’s urgency. He didn’t delay in telling others about Jesus.
• “He began to preach” – This shows his new identity. He was no longer a persecutor but a preacher.
• “In the synagogues” – This is significant because these were Jewish places of worship. Saul was now bringing the gospel to his own people.
• “That Jesus is the Son of God” – This is the heart of the message. It is a direct declaration of Jesus’ divine identity.

The contrast between Saul’s past and his present is striking. Just days before, he was opposing Jesus, and now he is preaching Jesus. This reversal is one of the greatest testimonies to the power of God’s grace.

Biblical Cross-References

• John 5:18 – The Jews wanted to kill Jesus because He claimed to be the Son of God, making Himself equal with God.
• Matthew 16:16 – Peter declares, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” This is the same truth Saul now proclaims.
• Galatians 1:23 – Paul later writes that people said, “The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.”
• Romans 1:16 – Paul teaches that the gospel is the power of God for salvation to all who believe. His own life was proof of that power.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse challenges us to share the gospel with urgency. Saul didn’t wait until he had been a believer for years before he started preaching. He spoke out immediately because he knew the truth about Jesus.

It also reminds us that no one is beyond God’s grace. If God can transform Saul—who was violently opposing the church—He can change anyone. This gives us hope for people in our own lives who seem far from God.

Additionally, this verse affirms the core truth of Christianity: Jesus is the Son of God. Many people today are willing to say Jesus was a good teacher or prophet, but the Bible makes it clear—He is divine. We must boldly stand for this truth, just as Saul did.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is shown in how He did not give up on Saul. Even though Saul had been fighting against Jesus, God reached out to him and gave him a new purpose.

This verse also shows God’s love in action—Saul didn’t keep his faith to himself. He immediately shared it so that others could know the truth. God’s love is meant to be shared, not hidden.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is the center of this verse. Everything changed for Saul when he realized that Jesus is truly the Son of God. This truth is what Saul would spend the rest of his life proclaiming.

Saul’s boldness in preaching reflects what Jesus commanded in Matthew 28:19-20—to go and make disciples of all nations. Saul was now fulfilling that mission.

Additionally, this moment foreshadows Saul’s future as the Apostle Paul. He would go on to write much of the New Testament, spreading the message of Jesus across the Roman world.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Why do you think Saul started preaching about Jesus so quickly after his conversion?
2. How does this verse challenge us to be more bold in sharing our faith?
3. What does Saul’s transformation teach us about God’s power to change lives?
4. How can we help people who struggle to believe that Jesus is the Son of God?
5. Have you ever experienced a time when you felt an urgency to tell someone about Jesus? What happened?