Acts 9:22

22 But Saul was increasing in strength even more, and was confounding the Jews who lived in Damascus [by] proving that this one is the Christ.

Acts 9:22 Meaning and Commentary

Acts 9:22

But Saul increased the more in strength
Not of body, but of mind; his gifts and graces, and spiritual light and knowledge increased; his abilities were greater; his fortitude of mind, boldness, and freedom of speech, every day increased: he got more, and new, and fresh arguments, by which he himself was confirmed, and he confirmed others in the truths of Christ. Some copies read, "he was more strengthened in the word"; either in the word of God, having a clearer understanding, and being more confirmed in the truth of it; or in speech, being more ready and powerful in speaking it.

And confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus;
confuted them, and put them to silence, so that they had nothing to say for themselves, or against the truth:

proving that this is very Christ;
by joining and knitting passages of Scripture in the Old Testament together, by producing and citing express testimonies from thence, and by comparing the prophecies and the characters of the Messiah in them, with Jesus of Nazareth, he proved to a demonstration that he must be the Messiah.

Acts 9:22 In-Context

20 And immediately he began proclaiming Jesus in the synagogues: "This one is the Son of God!"

21 And all who heard [him] were amazed, and were saying, "Is this not the one who was wreaking havoc in Jerusalem [on] those who call upon this name, and had come here for this [reason], that he could bring them tied up to the chief priests?"

22 But Saul was increasing in strength even more, and was confounding the Jews who lived in Damascus [by] proving that this one is the Christ.

23 And when many days had elapsed, the Jews plotted to do away with him.

24 But their plot became known to Saul, and they were also watching the gates both day and night so that they could do away with him.

Footnotes

• [a]. *Here "[by]" is supplied as a component of the participle ("proving") which is understood as means
• [b]. Or "Messiah"