Acts 9:29

Spake boldly. See on v. 27. The first clause of v. 29 should be taken with v. 28. It reads literally, “speaking boldly in the name of the Lord.” The second clause reads literally, “he was both speaking and disputing against the Grecians.”

Name. See on chs. 2:21; 3:6, 16.

Disputed. The Greek word thus translated is used by Luke to describe Stephen’s encounter with the Greeks (see on ch. 6:9). There is a notable difference, however. The “Grecians” had disputed with Stephen; now Saul disputes with them. He, as a Tarsian Jew, was well equipped for such discussion (see on ch. 9:11). They were aroused to a passionate frenzy. Twice within a few weeks the apostle’s life was endangered, first in Damascus (v. 24), now in Jerusalem.

Grecians. That is, Hellenistic Jews (see on ch. 6:1).

Went about. Gr. epicheireo, “to put the hand to,” “to try” (see Acts 19:13; cf. on Luke 1:1; Acts 9:23, 24).

To slay. Saul was willing to face the death that had been dealt to Stephen, but the Lord had other plans for His courageous servant. It is at this juncture that the vision of warning and instruction can best be placed (see on ch. 22:17-21; cf. AA 130).