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Act 9:22 But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at
Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.

But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus,
proving (demonstrating) that this is very (indeed) Christ.

Saul increased in spiritual strength, the ability to preach the gospel with greater clarity, and in
the teaching of the Word of God. The very scriptures Saul once used to teach against Jesus he
now used as a defense for Jesus. His demonstration of the gospel to the Jews had to be signs
and wonders. Just as Stephen had performed miracles in the sight of the Jewish leaders (6:8),
Saul is now teaching and preaching the same Old Testament as a defense of Jesus and
performing the same miracles, signs, and wonders.

SAUL ESCAPES TO JERUSALEM (23-31)

Between verses 22 and 23, Saul travels to Arabia for a time (Galatians 1:17). When he gets

back, the Jews at Damascus plot to kill Saul, but he is helped to escape and he flees to
Jerusalem.

Once there, Saul tries to join the disciples, but they do not believe he has truly converted.
Barnabas comes to Saul’s defense, confirming that he has truly had an encounter with the Lord
and has been boldly preaching in Damascus in the name of Jesus.

The Hellenists in Jerusalem try to kill Saul, and when the believers learn of it, they take him to

Caesarea and then send him to Tarsus. Following this, the churches throughout Judea, Galilee,
and Samaria have peace and are multiplied.

THE DISCIPLES HELP SAUL ESCAPE

Act 9:23 And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him:

Saul was in Arabia for the “many days” referred to in this verse. He now returns to Damascus
and the Jews decide the only way to eliminate this situation is to kill Saul.

Act 9:24 But their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to
kill him.

Either one of the disciples learn of the Jews’ plot or it is revealed to Saul through a word of
knowledge, and the Jews are watching the gates (main entrance and exit of the city) day and
night. They are so infuriated with Saul they are ready to kill him even in broad daylight.

Act 9:25 Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket.

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