46-01

Saul

This was not the same man as King Saul in the Old Testament. Saul would later change his name to Paul (See: 47:01).

guarded the robes of the men who killed Stephen

See 45:06.

Damascus

Damascus is now the capital of the country of Syria. During Saul’s time, it was a city belonging to the Roman Empire. Most of the people there were not Jewish, but there were some Jews and also some followers of Jesus living there.

46-04

But Ananias said

Ananias did not want to go to Saul because he was afraid Saul would arrest him.

to declare my name

This could mean to teach about me or to make me known.

for my name

Saul would suffer because he would be associated with Jesus and serve Jesus.

46-05

placed his hands on him

This was a symbol that Ananias accepted Saul and gave God’s message to him.

46-06

argued with the Jews

Saul spoke persuasively with the Jews to convince them to believe in Jesus.

46-07

the city gates

The gates were the only normal way into or out of the walled cities.

lowered him over the city wall in a basket

The other believers helped Saul get into a large basket and lowered the basket with him in it over the city wall so he could leave the city without going through the gates where the Jews waited to kill him.

46-08

accepted Saul

Barnabas convinced the apostles that Saul also was a believer in Jesus.

46-09

the city of Antioch

This was an ancient city located in what is now the southernmost tip of the modern country of Turkey, near its border with Syria and close to the Mediterranean Sea. It was about 450 miles northwest of Jerusalem.

to strengthen the church

Barnabas and Saul helped the church to grow strong spiritually by teaching them about God and about Jesus.

Christians

They were called Christians because they believe in Jesus Christ.

46-10

placed their hands on them

This was a symbol that they were sending Barnabas and Saul out to work for God on behalf of all the followers of Jesus.