Acts 9:27

Barnabas. Why did Barnabas receive Saul, when the other disciples feared him? The answer may be found in his character, which appears to have been of a kindly, generous nature (see on ch. 4:36, 37). Many commentators suggest that Barnabas championed Saul because of previous acquaintance. If this is true, we can see Barnabas, on the strength of his trust in Saul’s sterling character, believing the miracle of his conversion, and gladly recommending him to the apostles. The kindly act also testifies to the influential position held by Barnabas in the church.

To the apostles. That is, he brought him to such of the apostles as happened to be then in Jerusalem. In the more specific account in Gal. 1:18, 19, Saul himself states that he went to Jerusalem “to see Peter,” and that the only other leading teacher whom he saw was “James the Lord’s brother.” Although he had received his commission directly from Jesus, he wished to hear about his Lord from those who were eyewitnesses of His earthly life and ministry. Since only Peter and James are mentioned, it is possible that the other apostles were absent from Jerusalem at the time. It is also possible that, after feeling the pulse of the church, he made no effort to force his presence upon them. He records that he “was unknown by face unto the churches of Judaea” (Gal. 1:22). This expression, however, may simply mean that he was unknown to the provincial churches in Judea, although he was personally known to the members in Jerusalem. In view of his vigorous evangelistic activity in Jerusalem (Acts 9:28, 29), it is hardly possible that he remained unknown to the church in the capital city. On the other hand, his visit lasted only 15 days (Gal. 1:18), and was cut short by attempts on his life (Acts 9:29, 30).

Declared. Gr. diegeomai, “to declare folly,” “to declare in detail.” This, as the Greek text more clearly states, was done by Barnabas on Saul’s behalf. This presupposes a full recital of his conversion experience by Saul to Barnabas, who then recounted the wonderful story.

Seen the Lord. In none of the other records of Saul’s encounter on the Damascus road (chs. 9:3-9; 22:6-11; 26:12-18) is it specifically stated that he saw the Lord Jesus. However, in chs. 9:17; 26:16 the Lord is said to have appeared unto Saul, and in ch. 22:14 Ananias speaks of his having seen “that Just One.” Now Barnabas says clearly that Saul “had seen the Lord in the way.” This agrees with Paul’s later claims — “Have I not seen Jesus Christ?” and “he [the Lord] was seen of me also” (1 Cor. 9:1; 15:8).

Spoken to him. It was important for the apostles to know that Christ had actually spoken to the one whom Barnabas was sponsoring. They had received their commissions directly from the Lord (see on Mark 3:14; Matt. 28:19, 20; etc.). They would be impressed on learning that Saul had also been personally commissioned by the same Master.

Preached boldly. Gr. parresiazomai, “to speak plainly,” or “freely”; hence, “to grow confident,” “to have boldness” (cf. 9:29; 14:3; 18:26; etc.). Here was proof of the genuine nature of the conversion of Saul. He boldly championed the cause he had originally set out to destroy. Barnabas well knew that news of Saul’s bold ministry would make a deep impression on the minds of the apostles and lead them to receive him as one of their own.

Name of Jesus. See on ch. 3:6, 16.