New Testament
Acts 9:26
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
When Saul arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple.
Compare translations
And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple.
What Acts 9:26 means
Plain-English insight for readers
When Saul came to Jerusalem, he was eager to connect with the followers of Jesus, known as disciples. However, they were terrified of him. Saul had previously persecuted Christians, and they couldn't believe he had truly changed. Their fear made it hard for them to accept him. This moment highlights the struggle of trust and acceptance in relationships. It shows how past actions can create barriers, even when someone has genuinely transformed. Saul's experience reminds us that change can be met with skepticism, and it takes time to build trust. The disciples' fear reflects a common human reaction to the unknown, especially when it involves someone with a troubling history. This story encourages us to look beyond past mistakes and consider the possibility of redemption in others. It challenges us to be open-hearted and willing to embrace those who seek a new path, even if their past is daunting. Saul's journey is a powerful reminder that everyone deserves a chance to be accepted and loved.
How to apply Acts 9:26 to your life
When encountering someone with a troubled past, remember that change is possible. Approach them with an open heart and mind. Building trust takes time, so be patient and willing to see the good in others. Everyone deserves a chance to start anew and be accepted for who they are now, not who they were before.
Curated for this public verse page. Acts Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Paul's story: Barnabas Stands Up for Saul (Acts 9:26–30)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Paul
Photo: zeevveez, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.0. Source. Location: Capernaum, on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Capernaum
Jesus' home base by the Sea of Galilee, and the town where Peter lived.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Acts 9:26
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Acts 9:26
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Acts
- Author
- Luke the physician
- Written
- Around AD 62
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- Gentile Christians (addressed to Theophilus)
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Acts 9:26 mean?
Acts 9:26 describes Saul's arrival in Jerusalem where he seeks to join the disciples. However, they are afraid of him due to his past as a persecutor of Christians, highlighting the challenges of trust and acceptance in relationships.
What is the significance of the disciples' fear in Acts 9:26?
The disciples' fear in Acts 9:26 illustrates a common human reaction to someone with a troubling history. It shows how past actions can create barriers to acceptance, even when someone has genuinely changed.
What does this verse teach about transformation?
This verse emphasizes that transformation can be met with skepticism. It reminds us that even when someone has changed for the better, it may take time for others to recognize and accept that change.
How does Acts 9:26 relate to the theme of redemption?
Acts 9:26 relates to redemption by showing that Saul, despite his past, seeks a new path among the disciples. It encourages the idea that everyone deserves a chance to be accepted and loved, regardless of their history.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.