Acts 9:2

An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

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.

Cross References

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 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 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 26:12

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

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 6:9

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

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 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?”

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].

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].