Cambridge Greek Testament for Schools and Colleges - Acts 9:27 - 9:27

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Cambridge Greek Testament for Schools and Colleges - Acts 9:27 - 9:27


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27. Βαρνάβας δὲ κ.τ.λ., but Barnabas took him and brought him to the Apostles, i.e. to such of the Apostles as happened to be then in Jerusalem. During a short space of fifteen days it is easy to understand that all but Peter and James might be absent from Jerusalem. St Paul tells us he only saw these two during his visit (Gal 1:19), and all that he says is perfectly consistent with St Luke’s narrative. Barnabas, who introduced Saul to the Apostles, has already been mentioned as a Levite of Cyprus (Act 4:36), and from the proximity of Cyprus to Cilicia, and the distinction of the schools of Tarsus, a conjecture has been hazarded that Barnabas may have been known to Saul before they came to Jerusalem. This would explain how it came to pass that while the other disciples were afraid of him, Barnabas listened to his statement and repeated it to the rest of the Church.

ἐπιλαβόμενος αὐτόν. This verb, which signifies to take hold of a person by the hand for the purpose of leading, is generally constructed with the genitive of the limb (as τῆς χειρός) or of the person (αὐτοῦ). When as here the accusative follows it, the construction appears due to the other verb (ἤγαγεν), so that the whole idea ‘took and led’ must be taken as requiring this case.

πῶς ἐν τῇ ὁδῷ κ.τ.λ., how he had seen the Lord in the way. It is worthy of notice in how many forms the statement of the appearance of Jesus to Saul is repeated. This was indeed the turning point of the Apostle’s life, Jesus of Nazareth seen as the glorified Son of God.

ἐπαρρησιάσατο, he had spoken boldly (as in Act 9:29). Whether the knowledge of Barnabas on this subject was derived from Saul himself or from other sources we are not told, but in the political turmoil of the times (see Act 9:24, note) we may easily suppose that the teachings of a preacher who appeared for a brief space, and then retired from Damascus, and who had only lately reappeared, would not be widely known among the Church at Jerusalem.