And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.

ACTS 9:19KJV
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Acts 9:19 (KJV)

What does Acts 9:19 mean?

Acts 9:19 says that after Saul (later known as Paul) ate some food and regained his strength, he spent several days with the disciples in Damascus. This verse marks the beginning of Saul’s new relationship with the followers of Jesus after his dramatic encounter on the road to Damascus.

Saul had just experienced a life-changing event where he was blinded and then healed by Ananias. The verse describes a practical moment—Saul recovering physically by eating and then staying with the local believers. This sets the stage for Saul’s transformation from a persecutor of Christians to someone learning from and being accepted by the very community he once opposed.

The Greek behind Acts 9:19

  • "μετὰ" (meta, "with"): This word emphasizes Saul’s close association and fellowship with the disciples in Damascus, showing he was now welcomed among them.
  • "ἡμέρας" (hēmeras, "days"): The use of the word for "days" suggests Saul stayed for a significant, though unspecified, period, not just a brief visit.
  • "ἐνισχύω" (enischyō, "strengthened"): This word means more than just physical recovery; it can also carry the sense of being encouraged or built up, hinting at both physical and spiritual renewal.

Why Acts 9:19 matters

  • Acts 9:19 clears up any idea that Saul’s transformation was only spiritual; it shows he needed real, physical recovery after his ordeal.
  • The verse highlights the acceptance of Saul by the disciples in Damascus, which is significant given his reputation as a former persecutor.
  • This moment connects Saul’s personal recovery to his new life among believers, preparing the reader for the dramatic changes and ministry that will follow in the next verses.

Where else these words appear

“strengthened” Greek G1765 · used in 2 verses

  • Luke 22:43 And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.

“Damascus” Greek G1154 · used in 15 verses

  • Acts 9:2 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.
  • Acts 9:22 But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.
  • Acts 22:11 And when I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of them that were with me, I came into Damascus.

“meat” Greek G5160 · used in 16 verses

  • Matthew 3:4 And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey.
  • John 4:8 (For his disciples were gone away unto the city to buy meat.)
  • Acts 27:36 Then were they all of good cheer, and they also took some meat.

“Saul” Greek G4569 · used in 17 verses

  • Acts 7:58 And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul.
  • Acts 9:11 And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth,
  • Acts 11:30 Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.