Acts 9:26
What is written? (ESV)
And when he had come to Jerusalem, he attempted to join the disciples. And they were all afraid of him, for they did not believe that he was a disciple.
What does it say?
And after arriving in Jerusalem, Saul attempted to join the disciples there but they were afraid of him and didn’t believe he had been converted.
What is its immediate context?
Saul (e.g. Paul) has just been converted after being blinded on his way to Damascus, praying for three days, and meeting Ananias who baptized him. The church required a recommendation from Barnabas (vs 27) before having fellowship with him.
How Acts 9:26 is applied across Bible answers
When is someone a member of the church?
Saul attempts to join the local fellowship of believers (the church in Jerusalem) after being baptized/saved in Damascus. However, because of his reputation, the church refused fellowship.
It wasn't until Barnabas could give his personal testimony/recommendation2 about Saul's conversion and faithfulness that they would grant Saul fellowship with their assembly (vs 27).
