Acts 9:21 – “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?’”

Extended Explanation

This verse describes the reaction of the people in Damascus when they heard Saul preaching about Jesus. Just days earlier, Saul had arrived in the city with the intent of arresting followers of Jesus (Acts 9:1-2). But now, instead of opposing Jesus, he was publicly proclaiming Him as the Son of God (Acts 9:20).

The people were “astonished”—they could not believe what they were hearing. They knew Saul’s reputation. He had been one of the fiercest enemies of Christians, actively “raising havoc in Jerusalem” by arresting and persecuting believers. In fact, they even remind each other that Saul had come to Damascus specifically “to take them as prisoners to the chief priests.”

This reaction makes sense—Saul’s transformation was so dramatic that it seemed impossible. How could a man who had been so devoted to destroying the church now be one of its greatest defenders?

This verse captures the shock and confusion of those who witnessed Saul’s change. It also highlights a common human struggle—sometimes, we have a hard time believing that people can truly change.

Historical Context

Saul had been a well-known figure among the Jewish leaders. He had been trained under Gamaliel, one of the most respected teachers of Jewish law (Acts 22:3), and was deeply committed to defending Judaism against what he saw as a false movement—the followers of Jesus.

Before his conversion, Saul had led efforts to arrest Christians, even approving the execution of Stephen (Acts 7:58, Acts 8:1-3). He had been given authority by the high priest to arrest Christians in Damascus and bring them back to Jerusalem for trial (Acts 9:1-2).

So when Saul began preaching about Jesus, it wasn’t just surprising—it was shocking. The people in the synagogues knew why he had come, and yet here he was, declaring that Jesus was truly the Son of God.

This moment marked a turning point, not just in Saul’s life but in the early church. One of its biggest enemies had now become one of its greatest defenders.

Theological Implications

1. God can change anyone. If God could transform Saul—one of the greatest persecutors of Christians—He can change anyone, no matter how far they seem from Him.
2. People often struggle to accept radical change. The people in Damascus were hesitant to believe that Saul’s transformation was real. This shows how difficult it can be for people to trust that someone has truly been changed by God.
3. Salvation is not based on human effort but on God’s grace. Saul didn’t gradually become a follower of Jesus through his own efforts—he was confronted by Jesus and completely transformed. This shows that salvation is a work of God, not something we achieve on our own.
4. A powerful testimony can make an impact. Saul’s preaching was shocking because of who he used to be. His life change was a testimony to God’s power, proving that Jesus was real.

Literary Analysis

This verse is structured as a conversation among the people who heard Saul. Their words highlight the contrast between Saul’s past and present:

• “Isn’t he the man who raised havoc in Jerusalem?” – This reminds us of Saul’s former life as a persecutor.
• “Among those who call on this name?” – This phrase refers to Christians, showing that early believers were identified by their devotion to Jesus’ name.
• “Hasn’t he come here to take them as prisoners?” – This reinforces the shocking nature of Saul’s transformation.

The use of “astonished” adds emphasis to the dramatic shift in Saul’s identity. The people were not just surprised—they were completely overwhelmed by what they were seeing.

Biblical Cross-References

• Acts 8:3 – Describes how Saul went from house to house, dragging Christians to prison.
• Acts 22:3-5 – Saul later recounts his past, explaining his zeal for persecuting Christians.
• 2 Corinthians 5:17 – “If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” This perfectly describes what happened to Saul.
• Galatians 1:23-24 – Paul later writes that people said, “The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.”

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse reminds us that no one is beyond God’s reach. Sometimes, we look at people who are far from God and think they will never change. But Saul’s story proves that God can transform even the hardest hearts.

It also challenges us to be patient when we see people who have a difficult past. Just as the people in Damascus struggled to believe that Saul had truly changed, we sometimes struggle to believe that others can change. But God’s grace is greater than our doubts.

This verse also encourages us to share our testimony. Saul’s radical change was a powerful witness to others. In the same way, our own transformation—no matter how big or small—can be used by God to bring others to faith.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is seen in how He doesn’t give up on people. Even though Saul had been an enemy of the church, God had a plan for him. He didn’t treat Saul according to what he deserved—He showed him mercy and gave him a new purpose.

God’s love is also patient. He allows people time to process and accept the truth. The people in Damascus were hesitant to believe in Saul’s change, but God was working through him to prove that his transformation was real.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is at the center of Saul’s transformation. It was Jesus who appeared to Saul on the road to Damascus, and now Saul was preaching Jesus as the Son of God (Acts 9:20).

This moment also connects to Jesus’ teachings on loving enemies (Matthew 5:44). Saul had been an enemy of the church, but Jesus didn’t destroy him—He saved him. This is a picture of the gospel: Jesus takes those who are against Him and makes them part of His family.

Additionally, Saul’s change fulfills Jesus’ promise that the gospel would spread beyond Jerusalem (Acts 1:8). Saul would later take the message of Christ to the Gentiles, fulfilling the mission that Jesus gave His followers.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Why do you think the people in Damascus struggled to believe that Saul had changed?
2. How does Saul’s transformation encourage us to trust that God can change anyone?
3. Have you ever struggled to believe that someone’s faith was real? How can this verse challenge us to be more open to God’s work in others?
4. In what ways can we use our personal testimonies to point others to Jesus?
5. How does this verse challenge us to love and accept people who have a difficult past but are seeking Christ?