Acts 9:26 – “When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple.”

Extended Explanation

This verse describes Saul’s return to Jerusalem after his dramatic conversion and early ministry in Damascus. After escaping an assassination plot (Acts 9:23-25), Saul went to Jerusalem, hoping to connect with the believers there. However, when he arrived, the disciples “were all afraid of him.”

Their fear was understandable. Just a short time earlier, Saul had been one of the most aggressive persecutors of Christians. He had been present at the stoning of Stephen (Acts 7:58) and had worked to arrest and imprison believers (Acts 8:3, Acts 9:1-2). Now, he was claiming to be one of them.

The phrase “not believing that he really was a disciple” shows that the believers in Jerusalem doubted whether Saul’s conversion was genuine. They may have feared that he was pretending to be a disciple in order to infiltrate and destroy the church from within.

This moment highlights the tension between Saul’s past and his new identity in Christ. Even though God had changed him, others were not so quick to accept him. Saul’s journey into Christian fellowship would require both God’s timing and the willingness of others to extend grace.

Historical Context

At this time, the church in Jerusalem was still recovering from heavy persecution. Many believers had been forced to flee because of Saul’s actions (Acts 8:1-4). The disciples who remained likely saw Saul as a dangerous man and had every reason to be cautious.

It had been three years since Saul’s conversion (Galatians 1:18). During that time, he had been preaching in Damascus and spent time in Arabia. However, the believers in Jerusalem had not yet seen the change in him firsthand.

Additionally, the early church did not have modern ways to verify someone’s story. They couldn’t check social media or make a phone call to confirm Saul’s transformation. All they knew was that a man who had once been their greatest enemy was now claiming to be on their side.

This sets the stage for the next verse, where Barnabas steps in to vouch for Saul and help him find acceptance among the disciples (Acts 9:27).

Theological Implications

1. Past sins can create barriers, but God’s grace is greater. Saul’s past caused fear among the believers, but his story reminds us that God’s grace can change even the worst sinners (1 Timothy 1:15-16).
2. The church must balance caution with grace. The disciples were understandably afraid, but they also had to be open to the possibility of Saul’s transformation. This teaches us to be discerning but also willing to forgive and restore people.
3. True conversion takes time to be recognized. Saul had been saved, but people still doubted him. This reminds us that change is a process, and sometimes others need time to see the fruit of a transformed life.
4. God provides advocates. Saul needed someone to stand with him (Barnabas in the next verse). In the same way, God often raises up people to help new believers find their place in the church.

Literary Analysis

This verse is structured to highlight tension:

• “When he came to Jerusalem” – Saul is making a bold move, returning to the very place where he had once persecuted Christians.
• “He tried to join the disciples” – This phrase suggests effort on Saul’s part. He wanted to be part of the Christian community.
• “But they were all afraid of him” – The word “but” marks a sharp contrast between Saul’s expectations and reality. He expected acceptance, but he found fear.
• “Not believing that he really was a disciple” – Their doubt is clear. They did not yet see him as one of their own.

This structure makes the reader feel the tension of the moment. It shows that transformation is not always immediately accepted by others.

Biblical Cross-References

• 1 Timothy 1:15-16 – Paul later writes that he was the worst of sinners, but God showed him mercy as an example for others.
• 2 Corinthians 5:17 – “If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” Saul was living this reality, even though others didn’t fully see it yet.
• Matthew 7:16 – “By their fruit, you will recognize them.” The disciples needed time to see the fruit of Saul’s new life in Christ.
• Acts 9:27 – The next verse, where Barnabas helps Saul by confirming his testimony to the apostles.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse speaks to both new believers and those already in the church.

For new believers, it teaches patience. If you have a past that people associate with sin, it may take time for others to trust the change in your life. Instead of getting discouraged, stay faithful, and let your actions prove your transformation.

For the church, this verse is a reminder to be gracious. While it’s wise to be discerning, we must also be willing to welcome those whom God has changed. If God has forgiven someone, we should not hold their past against them.

This verse also challenges us to ask: Are we willing to welcome people into the church, even if they have a difficult past? Saul’s story reminds us that no one is beyond redemption.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is seen in His patience and transformation. He did not reject Saul because of his past but instead called him to a new life. Even when others doubted Saul, God had already accepted him.

God’s love is also seen in how He provides encouragement and support. Saul was not left alone—Barnabas would soon step in to help him find his place in the church. In the same way, God often places people in our lives to guide and encourage us.

Finally, this verse shows that God does not waste anything. Even though Saul’s past caused fear among the disciples, God would later use his testimony as one of the greatest stories of transformation in history.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Saul’s experience mirrors what Jesus Himself faced:

1. Jesus was also rejected. After His resurrection, many of His own people refused to believe in Him (John 1:11). Saul’s rejection by the disciples reflects how difficult it can be for people to accept change.
2. Jesus transforms lives. Just as Jesus turned fishermen into apostles, He transformed Saul into Paul—the greatest missionary of the early church.
3. Jesus welcomes the outcast. Saul, once an enemy, was now welcomed into the family of God. This reflects Jesus’ teaching that anyone who repents and believes can be saved (Luke 15:7).

Saul’s life was a testimony to the grace of Jesus Christ, proving that no one is beyond God’s reach.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Why do you think the disciples in Jerusalem were afraid of Saul?
2. Have you ever struggled to trust that someone’s faith was real? How does this verse challenge you?
3. What can we learn from Saul’s perseverance in seeking Christian fellowship?
4. How does this verse encourage new believers who feel like outsiders in the church?
5. In what ways can we, as a church, be more welcoming to those with a difficult past?