Acts 9:29
And he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him.
Acts 9:29
Saul’s bold preaching in Jerusalem, particularly among the Grecians (Gentile-oriented Hellenistic Jews), marks a pivotal moment of cross-cultural witness. He faces fierce opposition from those who resent his former persecution and fear his message’s novelty. The Grecians’ hostility—“they went about to slay him”—highlights the dangerous intensity of religious and ethnic tensions in this period. The early church’s response, including protection and relocation, shows a practical theology of mission: the gospel presses into contested spaces, and the Spirit enables bold proclamation even when it invites opposition. Saul’s rhetorical and doctrinal challenges to the Grecians reveal the centrality of the name of Jesus and the supremacy of the gospel over cultural barriers. The immediate danger also foreshadows later conflicts Paul will endure as he continues to preach to both Jews and Gentiles.
This verse underscores the inevitability of spiritual opposition in a world hostile to the gospel. It highlights the power of proclamation—the boldness given by the Spirit to name Jesus and declare the truth in the face of hostility. It also reveals God’s sovereign care for his messengers; even as persecution breaks out, the church remains committed to witness, trust, and resilience. Theologically, it stresses the universality of the gospel’s reach—transcending ethnic and cultural boundaries—and the call to bear faithful testimony amid danger.
Believers today may face skepticism, derision, or even threats for sharing Christ. The model here is bold, respectful proclamation paired with accountability to the church. Practical wisdom: know your audience, speak truth with love, and be prepared for pushback without vindictiveness. Build relationships across cultural boundaries, practice listening, and distinguish boldness from brashness. When opposition arises, rely on prayer, wise counsel, and the support of a faith community. This passage invites us to consider how we respond to disagreement: do we retreat, or do we continue speaking the gospel with integrity?
Cross-References: 2 Corinthians 11:23-29; Acts 4:29-31; Romans 9:1-3; 1 Thessalonians 2:2-3; Galatians 1:16-17