Acts 9:24
But their laying awaite was knowen of Saul: and they watched the gates day and night to kill him. Acts 9:24 (KJV)
In the verses that precede this passage we learn that Saul, once a zealous persecutor of the early Christian community, encountered the risen Lord on the road to Damascus. That dramatic encounter produced a radical conversion and set him on a new course as a proclaimer of the Gospel. Acts 9:23 records that, after many days, the Jews “took counsel to kill him.” These Jews were individuals who opposed Saul’s newfound faith and perceived his preaching as a threat to their religious authority.
Verse 24 reveals two critical facts. First, “their laying wait was known of Saul.” Saul became aware—whether by divine revelation or human intelligence—of the plot that had been formed against his life. That knowledge was essential for his safety and enabled him to take prudent measures. Second, “they watched the gates day and night to kill him.” The same hostile group kept constant surveillance, both day and night, intending to ambush and execute him as soon as an opportunity arose. Their purpose was to silence the message of Christ and to preserve their own power.
This verse therefore underscores the intense opposition and persecution that the newly‑converted Saul—later the apostle Paul—faced. It highlights the seriousness of the threats against him and the lengths to which his adversaries were prepared to go. At the same time, the passage points to God’s providential care. Saul’s awareness of the danger and the subsequent escape that follows in the narrative demonstrate God’s protective hand guiding the missionary’s steps.
Throughout the book of Acts we repeatedly see God’s hand directing and safeguarding Paul as he becomes a pivotal figure in the expansion of the early church. Acts 9:24 thus serves as a vivid reminder that believers may encounter fierce resistance when proclaiming the Gospel, yet they can trust in God’s provision and guidance amid such trials.
