Acts 9:2 - An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

² to ask for letters [authorizing him to go] to Damascus and to enter [Jewish] synagogues looking for people of “the Way” [Note: This was a designation for Christians at that time]. And if he found any, whether men or women, he would tie them up and take them to Jerusalem.

More versions

King James Version (Oxford) 1769

² and desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.

Amplified Bible - Classic Edition

² And requested of him letters to the synagogues at Damascus [authorizing him], so that if he found any men or women belonging to the Way [of life as determined by faith in Jesus Christ], he might bring them bound [with chains] to Jerusalem.

American Standard Version (1901)

² and asked of him letters to Damascus unto the synagogues, that if he found any that were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.

Common English Bible

² seeking letters to the synagogues in Damascus. If he found persons who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, these letters would authorize him to take them as prisoners to Jerusalem.

Catholic Public Domain Version

² and he petitioned him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that, if he found any men or women belonging to this Way, he could lead them as prisoners to Jerusalem.

Douay-Rheims version of The Bible - 1752 version

² And asked of him letters to Damascus, to the synagogues: that if he found any men and women of this way, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.

Acts 9:2 Cross References

Matthew 10:17

But, watch out for people, for they will turn you over to the [Jewish] councils [for judgment] and will have you flogged in their synagogues.

John 14:6

Jesus answered him, “I am the way [to God], and the truth [to believe], and the life [to live]. No one can go to the Father, except through [believing in] me.

Acts 18:25

He was a man who had learned the way of the Lord, and with spiritual fervor, taught accurately [what he knew] about Jesus, although he knew [and had received] only the immersion [taught and practiced] by John.

Acts 19:23

About that time a large disturbance arose [in Ephesus] concerning “the Way.”

Acts 19:9

But some became stubborn and refused to obey [the message], saying false things about “the Way” [Note: This was a term used to designate the early church] in front of the large crowds. So, Paul left [the synagogue] and took the disciples and began holding discussions every day at Tyrannus’ school [house].

Acts 24:14

But, I declare to you, I am serving the God of our forefathers according to the ‘Way,’ called [by my detractors] a sect, and I believe everything that is in harmony with the Law of Moses and what is written in [the writings of] the prophets.

Acts 24:22

But because Felix [felt he] had more accurate knowledge of the “Way” [than was being presented by Paul’s accusers], he dismissed them, saying, “When commander Lysias comes down [to Caesarea] I will make a decision on your case.”

Acts 26:10

So, I was doing this in Jerusalem, having received [my] authority from the leading priests. I both imprisoned many of the saints [i.e., God’s holy people] and [even] voiced my approval when they were put to death [See 8:1].

Acts 26:12

“While on a journey to Damascus for this purpose, I was acting under the authority and directive of the leading priests.

Acts 6:9

But several men from the synagogue, made up of freed slaves from Cyrene, Alexandria, Cilicia and Asia, began arguing with Stephen.

Acts 7:19

This king exploited the Hebrews and mistreated our forefathers, even requiring that they abandon their [small] babies, leaving them to die [See Exodus 1:22].

Acts 9:14

And [now] he is here with authority from the leading priests to tie up [and imprison] everyone who calls on your name.”

Acts 9:21

And everyone who heard him was amazed and exclaimed, “Is this not the man who tried to destroy all the people who called on [Jesus’] name in Jerusalem and has now come here [to Damascus] for the purpose of arresting them and bringing them before the leading priests?”

2 Corinthians 11:32

[When I was] in Damascus [Note: Paul here refers to his conversion. See Acts 9:1ff], the governor [who served] under King Aretas, was guarding the city of the Damascenes in order to capture me,

Galatians 1:17

I did not go up to Jerusalem to [discuss it with] those who had become apostles before me either; instead I went away into Arabia. [Note: This is probably when Paul received supernatural power from the Holy Spirit]. Then afterward, I returned to Damascus. [Note: This was in Syria where Paul was converted].