But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest
English Standard Version (ESV)
The original Greek here uses a word for "breathing" that literally means "breathing in." This subtle detail highlights how Saul was so consumed by his hatred and desire to destroy believers that it was the very atmosphere he lived in, not just something he expressed outwardly. It shows a complete immersion in his destructive agenda.
But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest
English Standard Version (ESV)
Just prior to this verse, the early Christian church had experienced a severe persecution following Stephen's martyrdom, scattering believers throughout Judea and Samaria. Now, the narrative shifts to focus on Saul, a fervent Pharisee and zealous persecutor, who, driven by his intense hatred for this new movement, decides to take his campaign of terror to new lengths by seeking authorization from the high priest for further action against believers.
Saul wasn't just having a bad day; his actions were fueled by a deep-seated, all-consuming passion. The way Scripture describes his state of mind is incredibly vivid.
The phrase 'breathing out threatenings and slaughter' isn't just a metaphor for being angry. It paints a picture of someone whose very life force is consumed by hostility.
Why did Saul go to the high priest? It wasn't just a casual stop; it reveals a fascinating intersection of religious and political power.
Saul's decision to approach the high priest for authorization sheds light on the established religious and legal structures of the time.
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Understand the original words
Saulos · Greek Noun
A Pharisee and Roman citizen who became a key apostle, originally known for his fierce persecution of the early Christian church before his dramatic conversion.
pneōn · Greek Verb
To inspire or express intense hostility, malice, or intent to harm, often used figuratively to describe a person's constant state of agitation or rage.
mathētas · Greek Noun
The students or followers of a teacher; in the New Testament, it refers specifically to the followers of Jesus Christ who learn from Him and live according to His teachings.
Kyriou · Greek Noun
The divine title used to express the sovereign authority, ownership, and deity of God or Jesus Christ, indicating one to whom absolute obedience and worship are due.
archierea · Greek Noun
The highest religious official in Judaism, serving as the head of the Sanhedrin and the primary mediator in temple worship and legal matters.
Saul's intense persecution and his journey to Damascus occurred during a period of political upheaval in Roman-controlled Judea and Syria, with significant shifts in the high priestly office in Jerusalem. This context highlights the intersection of religious zeal and Roman administration in the early suppression of Christianity.
c. AD 30-33
Martyrdom of Stephen
Stephen, a Hellenistic Jewish Christian, is stoned to death after being accused of blasphemy. Saul of Tarsus is noted as a zealous participant, consenting to his death and guarding the executioners' clothes.
c. AD 30-34
Intensified Persecution of Christians
Following Stephen's death, a wave of persecution against the early church erupts in Jerusalem, led by Saul. Many believers are scattered throughout Judea and Samaria.
c. AD 34-37— this verse
Saul's Journey to Damascus
Still driven by a fierce zeal to stamp out the Christian movement, Saul obtains letters from the high priest to arrest any followers of 'the Way' in Damascus.
c. AD 37
Roman Political Shifts in Syria
Pontius Pilate is deposed as prefect of Judea, and Vitellius, the Roman governor of Syria, intervenes in regional politics, including the deposition of High Priest Caiaphas and the appointment of Jonathan, son of Ananus.
c. AD 37-38
High Priestly Changes in Jerusalem
Following Caiaphas' deposition, Vitellius appoints Jonathan as High Priest, who is then replaced by Theophilus, son of Ananus, later in the same year. Theophilus is likely the High Priest Saul approached.
This verse uses a similar, intense metaphor ('devour') to describe an intense, destructive desire, mirroring Saul's 'breathing out threatenings and slaughter' against believers.
Exodus 22:20This command highlights God's protective love for His people, contrasting sharply with Saul's violent intent and foreshadowing God's intervention to save His 'disciples'.
1 Samuel 24:14King David, though pursuing Saul, speaks of the 'enemy' as one who breathes out 'threatenings and slaughter,' echoing the intensity of Saul's own actions before his conversion.
Isaiah 54:17This prophetic promise assures that no weapon formed against God's people will prosper, offering a divine counterpoint to Saul's active persecution and ultimate failure.
Philippians 3:6Saul later reflects on his past zeal and persecution in this passage, revealing the depth of his former 'blasphemy and persecution' against the church, thus confirming the description in Acts 9:1.
ellicottActs 9:1: "And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,"
IX. (1) Yet breathing out threatenings.—The “yet” implies a considerable interval since the death of Stephen, probably coinciding with the time occupied by the mission-work of Philip in the previous chapter. During this interval the persecution had probably been continuing. The Greek participle, literally, breathing-in, is somewhat more emphatic than the English. He l…
expositorsActs 9:1: "And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,"
elete_me Acts 9:1-6 Chapter 2 THE CONVERSION OF THE PERSECUTOR. Acts 8:3 ; Acts 9:1-6 WE have in the last chapter traced the course of St. Paul’s life as we know it from his own reminiscences, from hints in Holy Scripture, and from Jewish history and customs. The Jewish nation is exactly like all the nations of the East, in one respect at least. They are all intensely…
The original Greek here uses a word for "breathing" that literally means "breathing in." This subtle detail highlights how Saul was so consumed by his hatred and desire to destroy believers that it was the very atmosphere he lived in, not just something he expressed outwardly. It shows a complete immersion in his destructive agenda.
Just prior to this verse, the early Christian church had experienced a severe persecution following Stephen's martyrdom, scattering believers throughout Judea and Samaria. Now, the narrative shifts to focus on Saul, a fervent Pharisee and zealous persecutor, who, driven by his intense hatred for this new movement, decides to take his campaign of terror to new lengths by seeking authorization from the high priest for further action against believers.
Just prior to this verse, the early Christian church had experienced a severe persecution following Stephen's martyrdom, scattering believers throughout Judea and Samaria. Now, the narrative shifts to focus on Saul, a fervent Pharisee and zealous persecutor, who, driven by his intense hatred for this new movement, decides to take his campaign of terror to new lengths by seeking authorization from the high priest for further action against believers.
"But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest" — The original Greek here uses a word for "breathing" that literally means "breathing in." This subtle detail highlights how Saul was so consumed by his hatred and desire to destroy believers that it w…
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Last reviewed October 2026