Acts 9:23-27 - They were afraid of him

9:23-25

The Jews (meaning the Jewish religious leaders) could not stand idly by while Saul continued to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. So they reacted in exactly the same way as they had reacted against Jesus Himself, they plotted to kill him. However, Saul became aware of their plan. The plotters don’t seem to have been overly imaginative, keeping watch on the city gates, intending to capture him when he went out. His followers, meanwhile, lowered him in a basket through an opening in the city walls. Previously Saul may have imagined the believers seeking to escape the city, instead it was Saul himself who had to escape.

9:26,27

Saul made his way to Jerusalem and tried to join the disciples. They, of course, were well aware of his reputation and activities, and had not witnessed the new Saul in Damascus. So they were understandably very wary of him, thinking this was some kind of plot. Barnabas spoke up on Saul’s behalf. Barnabas was aware of all that had happened in Damascus, and assured them that Saul was now a genuine believer. Indeed, he had boldly proclaimed the gospel in Damascus. Saul’s ministry was heavily dependent upon many people, like Ananias and Barnabas.