Acts 9:19-23

Acts 9:19

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

a. ASV: And he took food and was strengthened. And he was certain days with the disciples that were at Damascus.

  

b. YLT: And having received nourishment, was strengthened, and Saul was with the disciples in Damascus certain days,

d. Amplified Bible Classic: And after he took some food, he was strengthened. For several days [afterward] he remained with the disciples at Damascus.

1. “And when he had received meat, he was strengthened…”

a. And [Strong: 2532 kaí, kahee; apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words:—and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.]

b. [when he] had received [Strong: 2983 lambánō, lam-ban'-o; a prolonged form of a primary verb, which is use only as an alternate in certain tenses; to take (in very many applications, literally and figuratively (properly objective or active, to get hold of; whereas G1209 is rather subjective or passive, to have offered to one; while G138 is more violent, to seize or remove)):—accept, + be amazed, assay, attain, bring, × when I call, catch, come on (X unto), + forget, have, hold, obtain, receive (X after), take (away, up).]

c. meat [Strong: 5160 trophḗ, trof-ay'; from G5142; nourishment (literally or figuratively); by implication, rations (wages):—food, meat.]

d. [he] was strengthened [Strong: 1765 enischýō, en-is-khoo'-o; from G1722 and G2480; to invigorate (transitively or reflexively):—strengthen.]

1). This was immediately after Paul’s conversion. The context in this passage (Acts 9:19-22), takes place in the days and perhaps weeks after his conversion while he was at Damascus.

2.  “...Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.”

a. Then [Strong: 1161 dé, deh; a primary particle (adversative or continuative); but, and, etc.:—also, and, but, moreover, now (often unexpressed in English).]

b. was [Strong: 1096 gínomai, ghin'-om-ahee; a prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e. (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.):—arise, be assembled, be(-come, -fall, -have self), be brought (to pass), (be) come (to pass), continue, be divided, draw, be ended, fall, be finished, follow, be found, be fulfilled, + God forbid, grow, happen, have, be kept, be made, be married, be ordained to be, partake, pass, be performed, be published, require, seem, be showed, × soon as it was, sound, be taken, be turned, use, wax, will, would, be wrought.]

c.  Saul [Strong: 4569 Saûlos, sow'-los; of Hebrew origin, the same as G4549; Saulus (i.e. Shaul), the Jewish name of Paul:—Saul.]

d. certain [Strong: 5100 tìs, tis; an enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object:—a (kind of), any (man, thing, thing at all), certain (thing), divers, he (every) man, one (X thing), ought, + partly, some (man, -body, - thing, -what), (+ that no-)thing, what(-soever), ×wherewith, whom(-soever), whose(-soever).]

e. days [Strong: 2250 hēméra, hay-mer'-ah; feminine (with G5610 implied) of a derivative of ἧμαι hēmai (to sit; akin to the base of G1476) meaning tame, i.e. gentle; day, i.e. (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the Jews as inclusive of the parts of both extremes); figuratively, a period (always defined more or less clearly by the context):—age, +alway, (mid-)day (by day, (-ly)), + for ever, judgment, (day) time, while, years.]

  

g. with [Strong: 3326 meta met-ah' a primary preposition (often used adverbially); properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession) with which it is joined; occupying an intermediate position between 575 or 1537 and 1519 or 4314; less intimate than 1722 and less close than 4862):--after(-ward), X that he again, against, among, X and, + follow, hence, hereafter, in, of, (up-)on, + our, X and setting, since, (un-)to, + together, when, with (+ -out). Often used in composition, in substantially the same relations of participation or proximity, and transfer or sequence.]

h. the [Strong: 3588 ho ho, including the feminine he hay, and the neuter to to in all their inflections; the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom):--the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.]

I. disciples [Strong: 3101 mathētḗs, math-ay-tes'; from G3129; a learner, i.e. pupil:—disciple.]

  

j. which were at [Strong: 1722 en, en; a primary preposition denoting (fixed) position (in place, time or state), and (by implication) instrumentality (medially or constructively), i.e. a relation of rest (intermediate between G1519 and G1537); "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc.:—about, after, against, + almost, × altogether, among, × as, at, before, between, (here-)by (+ all means), for (… sake of), + give self wholly to, (here-)in(-to, -wardly), × mightily, (because) of, (up-)on, (open-)ly, × outwardly, one, × quickly, × shortly, (speedi-)ly, × that, × there(-in, -on), through(-out), (un-)to(-ward), under, when, where(-with), while, with(-in). Often used in compounds, with substantially the same import; rarely with verbs of motion, and then not to indicate direction, except (elliptically) by a separate (and different) preposition.]

k. Damascus [Strong: 1154 Damaskós, dam-as-kos'; of Hebrew origin (H1834); Damascus, a city of Syria:—Damascus.]

Acts 9:20

And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.

a. ASV: And straightway in the synagogues he proclaimed Jesus, that he is the Son of God.

  

b. YLT: and immediately in the synagogues he was preaching the Christ, that he is the Son of God.

d. Amplified Bible Classic: And immediately in the synagogues he proclaimed Jesus, saying, He is the Son of God!

1. “And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues…”

a. And [Strong: 2532 kaí, kahee; apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words:—and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.]

b. straightway [Strong: 2112 euthéōs, yoo-theh'-oce; adverb from G2117; directly, i.e. at once or soon:—anon, as soon as, forthwith, immediately, shortly, straightway.]

c. [he] preached [Strong: 2784 kērýssō, kay-roos'-so; of uncertain affinity; to herald (as a public crier), especially divine truth (the gospel):—preacher(-er), proclaim, publish.]

d. Christ [Strong: 5547 Christós, khris-tos'; from G5548; anointed, i.e. the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus:—Christ.]

e. in [Strong: 1722 en, en; a primary preposition denoting (fixed) position (in place, time or state), and (by implication) instrumentality (medially or constructively), i.e. a relation of rest (intermediate between G1519 and G1537); "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc.:—about, after, against, + almost, × altogether, among, × as, at, before, between, (here-)by (+ all means), for (… sake of), + give self wholly to, (here-)in(-to, -wardly), × mightily, (because) of, (up-)on, (open-)ly, × outwardly, one, × quickly, × shortly, (speedi-)ly, × that, × there(-in, -on), through(-out), (un-)to(-ward), under, when, where(-with), while, with(-in). Often used in compounds, with substantially the same import; rarely with verbs of motion, and then not to indicate direction, except (elliptically) by a separate (and different) preposition.]

f. the [Strong: 3588 ho ho, including the feminine he hay, and the neuter to to in all their inflections; the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom):--the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.]

g. synagogues [Strong: 3588 synagōgḗ, soon-ag-o-gay'; from (the reduplicated form of) G4863; an assemblage of persons; specially, a Jewish "synagogue" (the meeting or the place); by analogy, a Christian church:—assembly, congregation, synagogue.]

  

2.  “...that he is the Son of God.”

a. that [Strong: 3754 hóti, hot'-ee; neuter of G3748 as conjunction; demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because:—as concerning that, as though, because (that), for (that), how (that), (in) that, though, why.]

b. he [Strong: 3778 hoûtos, hoo'-tos; from the article G3588 and G846; the he (she or it), i.e. this or that (often with article repeated):—he (it was that), hereof, it, she, such as, the same, these, they, this (man, same, woman), which, who.]

c. is [Strong: 2076 estí, es-tee'; third person singular present indicative of G1510; he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are:—are, be(-long), call, X can(-not), come, consisteth, × dure for a while, + follow, × have, (that) is (to say), make, meaneth, × must needs, + profit, + remaineth, + wrestle.]

d. the [Strong: 3588 ho ho, including the feminine he hay, and the neuter to to in all their inflections; the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom):--the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.]

e. Son [Strong: 5207 huiós, hwee-os'; apparently a primary word; a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship:—child, foal, son.]

  

g. [of] God [Strong: 2316 theós, theh'-os; of uncertain affinity; a deity, especially (with G3588) the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very:—X exceeding, God, god(-ly, -ward).]

1). This is in the immediate days after his conversion.

Acts 9:21

But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests?

a. ASV: And all that heard him were amazed, and said, Is not this he that in Jerusalem made havoc of them that called on this name? and he had come hither for this intent, that he might bring them bound before the chief priests.

  

b. YLT: And all those hearing were amazed, and said, 'Is not this he who laid waist in Jerusalem those calling on this name, and hither to this intent had come, that he might bring them bound to the chief priests?'

d. Amplified Bible Classic: And all who heard him were amazed and said, Is not this the very man who harassed and overthrew and destroyed in Jerusalem those who called upon this Name? And he has come here for the express purpose of arresting them and bringing them in chains before the chief priests.

1. “But all that heard him were amazed…”

a. But [Strong: 1161 dé, deh; a primary particle (adversative or continuative); but, and, etc.:—also, and, but, moreover, now (often unexpressed in English).]

b. all [Strong: 3956 pâs, pas; including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole:—all (manner of, means), alway(-s), any (one), × daily, + ever, every (one, way), as many as, + no(-thing), X thoroughly, whatsoever, whole, whosoever.

c. that heard [Strong: 191 akoúō, ak-oo'-o; a primary verb; to hear (in various senses):—give (in the) audience (of), come (to the ears), (shall) hear(-er, -ken), be noised, be reported, understand.]

d. [him were] amazed [Strong: 1839 exístēmi, ex-is'-tay-mee; from G1537 and G2476; to put (stand) out of wits, i.e. astound, or (reflexively) become astounded, insane:—amaze, be (make) astonished, be beside self (selves), bewitch, wonder.]

2.  “...and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem…”

a. and [Strong: 2532 kaí, kahee; apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words:—and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.]

b. said [Strong: 3004 légō, leg'-o; a primary verb; properly, to "lay" forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas G2036 and G5346 generally refer to an individual expression or speech respectively; while G4483 is properly to break silence merely, and G2980 means an extended or random harangue)); by implication, to mean:—ask, bid, boast, call, describe, give out, name, put forth, say(-ing, on), shew, speak, tell, utter.]

c. Is [Strong: 2076 estí, es-tee'; third person singular present indicative of G1510; he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are:—are, be(-long), call, X can(-not), come, consisteth, × dure for a while, + follow, × have, (that) is (to say), make, meaneth, × must needs, + profit, + remaineth, + wrestle.]

d. not [Strong: 3756 ou, oo; a primary word; the absolute negative (compare G3361) adverb; no or not:—+ long, nay, neither, never, no (X man), none, (can-)not, + nothing, + special, un(-worthy), when, + without, + yet but.]

e. this [Strong: 3778 hoûtos, hoo'-tos; from the article G3588 and G846; the he (she or it), i.e. this or that (often with article repeated):—he (it was that), hereof, it, she, such as, the same, these, they, this (man, same, woman), which, who.]

  

g. he [Strong: 3588 ho ho, including the feminine he hay, and the neuter to to in all their inflections; the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom):--the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.]

h. [that] destroyed [Strong: 4199 porthéō, por-theh'-o; prolongation from πέρθω pérthō (to sack); to ravage (figuratively):—destroy, waste.]

i. them which [Strong: 3588 ho ho, including the feminine he hay, and the neuter to to in all their inflections; the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom):--the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.]

  

j. called on [Strong: 1941 epikaléomai, ep-ee-kal-eh'-om-ahee; middle voice from G1909 and G2564; to entitle; by implication, to invoke (for aid, worship, testimony, decision, etc.):—appeal (unto), call (on, upon), surname.]

k. this [Strong: 5124 toûto, too'-to; neuter singular nominative or accusative case of G3778; that thing:—here (-unto), it, partly, self(-same), so, that (intent), the same, there(-fore, -unto), this, thus, where(-fore).]

l . name [Strong: 3686 ónoma, on'-om-ah; from a presumed derivative of the base of G1097(compare G3685); a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character):—called, (+ sur-)name(-d).]

m. in [Strong: 1722 en, en; a primary preposition denoting (fixed) position (in place, time or state), and (by implication) instrumentality (medially or constructively), i.e. a relation of rest (intermediate between G1519 and G1537); "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc.:—about, after, against, + almost, × altogether, among, × as, at, before, between, (here-)by (+ all means), for (… sake of), + give self wholly to, (here-)in(-to, -wardly), × mightily, (because) of, (up-)on, (open-)ly, × outwardly, one, × quickly, × shortly, (speedi-)ly, × that, × there(-in, -on), through(-out), (un-)to(-ward), under, when, where(-with), while, with(-in). Often used in compounds, with substantially the same import; rarely with verbs of motion, and then not to indicate direction, except (elliptically) by a separate (and different) preposition.]

n. Jerusalem [Strong: Hierousalḗm, hee-er-oo-sal-ame'; of Hebrew origin (H3389); Hierusalem (i.e. Jerushalem), the capitol of Palestine:—Jerusalem.]

3. “...and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests?”

a. and [Strong: 2532 kaí, kahee; apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words:—and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.]

b. came [Strong: 2064 érchomai, er'-khom-ahee; middle voice of a primary verb (used only in the present and imperfect tenses, the others being supplied by a kindred (middle voice) ἐλεύθομαι eleúthomai el-yoo'-thom-ahee, or (active) ἔλθω élthō el'-tho, which do not otherwise occur); to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively):—accompany, appear, bring, come, enter, fall out, go, grow, × light, ×next, pass, resort, be set.]

c. hither [Strong: 5602 hōde, ho'-deh; from an adverb form of G3592; in this same spot, i.e. here or hither:—here, hither, (in) this place, there.]

d. for [Strong: 1519 eis, ice; a primary preposition; to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases:—(abundant-)ly, against, among, as, at, (back-)ward, before, by, concerning, +continual, + far more exceeding, for (intent, purpose), fore, + forth, in (among, at, unto, -so much that, -to), to the intent that, + of one mind, + never, of, (up-)on, +perish, + set at one again, (so) that, therefore(-unto), throughout, til, to (be, the end, -ward), (here-)until(-to), …ward, (where-)fore, with.]

e. that [intent] [Strong: 5124 toûto, too'-to; neuter singular nominative or accusative case of G3778; that thing:—here (-unto), it, partly, self(-same), so, that (intent), the same, there(-fore, -unto), this, thus, where(-fore).]

  

g. that [Strong: 2443 hína, hin'-ah; probably from the same as the former part of G1438 (through the demonstrative idea; compare G3588); in order that (denoting the purpose or the result):—albeit, because, to the intent (that), lest, so as, (so) that, (for) to.]

h. [he might] bring [Strong: 71 ágō, ag'-o; a primary verb; properly, to lead; by implication, to bring, drive, (reflexively) go, (specially) pass (time), or (figuratively) induce:—be, bring (forth), carry, (let) go, keep, lead away, be open.]

i. them [Strong: 846 autós, ow-tos'; from the particle αὖ aû (perhaps akin to the base of G109 through the idea of a baffling wind) (backward); the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438) of the third person , and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons:—her, it(-self), one, the other, (mine) own, said, (self-), the) same, ((him-, my-, thy- )self, (your-)selves, she, that, their(-s), them(-selves), there(-at, - by, -in, -into, -of, -on, -with), they, (these) things, this (man), those, together, very, which.]

  

j. bound [Strong: 1210 déō, deh'-o; a primary verb; to bind (in various applications, literally or figuratively):—bind, be in bonds, knit, tie, wind.]

k. unto [Strong: 1909: epí, ep-ee'; a primary preposition; properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e. over, upon, etc.; of rest (with the dative case) at, on, etc.; of direction (with the accusative case) towards, upon, etc.:—about (the times), above, after, against, among, as long as (touching), at, beside, × have charge of, (be-, (where-))fore, in (a place, as much as, the time of, -to), (because) of, (up-)on (behalf of), over, (by, for) the space of, through(-out), (un-)to(-ward), with.]

l. the [Strong: 3588 ho ho, including the feminine he hay, and the neuter to to in all their inflections; the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom):--the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.]

m. chief priests [Strong: 749 archiereús, ar-khee-er-yuce'; from G746 and G2409; the high-priest (literally, of the Jews, typically, Christ); by extension a chief priest:—chief (high) priest, chief of the priests.]

1). The description given that Paul was the one persecuting believers in Jerusalem and had come to Damascus to arrest believers, speaks of its nearness to Paul’s coming to Damascus. As we shall see, Acts 9:22 flows in that same time period. Acts 9:19-22 occurs in days or weeks. The trip to Arabia occurs between Acts 9:22 and Acts 9:23.  

Acts 9:22

But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.

a. ASV: But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews that dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is the Christ.

  

b. YLT: And Saul was still more strengthened, and he was confounding the Jews dwelling in Damascus, proving that this is the Christ.

d. Amplified Bible Classic: But Saul increased all the more in strength, and continued to confound and put to confusion the Jews who lived in Damascus by comparing andexamining evidence and proving that Jesus is the Christ (the Messiah).

1. “But Saul increased the more in strength…”

a. But [Strong: 1161 dé, deh; a primary particle (adversative or continuative); but, and, etc.:—also, and, but, moreover, now (often unexpressed in English).]

b. Saul [Strong: 4569 Saûlos, sow'-los; of Hebrew origin, the same as G4549; Saulus (i.e. Shaul), the Jewish name of Paul:—Saul.]

c. increased...in strength [Strong: 1743 endynamóō, en-doo-nam-o'-o; from G1722 and G1412; to empower:—enable, (increase in) strength(-en), be (make) strong.]

d. [the] more [Strong: 3123 mâllon, mal'-lon; neuter of the comparative of the same as G3122; (adverbially) more (in a greater degree)) or rather:—+ better, × far, (the) more (and more), (so) much (the more), rather.]

2.  “...and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus…”

a. and [Strong: 2532 kaí, kahee; apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words:—and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.]

b. confounded [Strong: 4797 synchéō, soong-kheh'-o; from G4862 and χέω chéō (to pour) or its alternate; to commingle promiscuously, i.e. (figuratively) to throw (an assembly) into disorder, to perplex (the mind):—confound, confuse, stir up, be in an uproar.]

c. the  [Strong: 3588 ho ho, including the feminine he hay, and the neuter to to in all their inflections; the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom):--the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.]

d. Jews [Strong: 2453 Ioudaîos, ee-oo-dah'-yos; from G2448 (in the sense of G2455 as a country); Judæan, i.e. belonging to Jehudah:—Jew(-ess), of Judæa.]

e. which [Strong: 3588 ho, ho; the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom):—the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.]

  

g. dwelt [Strong: 2730 katoikéō, kat-oy-keh'-o; from G2596 and G3611; to house permanently, i.e. reside (literally or figuratively):—dwell(-er), inhabitant(-ter).]

h. at [Strong: 1722 en, en; a primary preposition denoting (fixed) position (in place, time or state), and (by implication) instrumentality (medially or constructively), i.e. a relation of rest (intermediate between G1519 and G1537); "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc.:—about, after, against, + almost, × altogether, among, × as, at, before, between, (here-)by (+ all means), for (… sake of), + give self wholly to, (here-)in(-to, -wardly), × mightily, (because) of, (up-)on, (open-)ly, × outwardly, one, × quickly, × shortly, (speedi-)ly, × that, × there(-in, -on), through(-out), (un-)to(-ward), under, when, where(-with), while, with(-in). Often used in compounds, with substantially the same import; rarely with verbs of motion, and then not to indicate direction, except (elliptically) by a separate (and different) preposition.]

i.  Damascus [Strong: 1154 Damaskós, dam-as-kos'; of Hebrew origin (H1834); Damascus, a city of Syria:—Damascus.]

  

3. “...proving that this is very Christ.”

a. proving [Strong: 4822 symbibázō, soom-bib-ad'-zo; from G4862 and βιβάζω bibázō (to force; causative (by reduplication) of the base of G939); to drive together, i.e. unite (in association or affection), (mentally) to infer, show, teach:—compact, assuredly gather, intrust, knit together, prove.]

b. that [Strong: 3754 hóti, hot'-ee; neuter of G3748 as conjunction; demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because:—as concerning that, as though, because (that), for (that), how (that), (in) that, though, why.]

c. this [Strong: 3778 hoûtos, hoo'-tos; from the article G3588 and G846; the he (she or it), i.e. this or that (often with article repeated):—he (it was that), hereof, it, she, such as, the same, these, they, this (man, same, woman), which, who.]

d. is [Strong: 2076 estí, es-tee'; third person singular present indicative of G1510; he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are:—are, be(-long), call, X can(-not), come, consisteth, × dure for a while, + follow, × have, (that) is (to say), make, meaneth, × must needs, + profit, + remaineth, + wrestle.]

e. [Strong: 3588 ho, ho; the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom):—the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.]

  

g. [very] Christ [Strong: 5547 Christós, khris-tos'; from G5548; anointed, i.e. the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus:—Christ.]

1). The trip into Arabia should be inserted between Acts 9:22 and Acts 9:23. The phrase  “after many days were fulfilled”, in Acts 9:23 compares with the three years of Saul being in Damascus. The three years clearly takes place AFTER Paul returns back to Damascus.

a). Galatians 1:17, 18 Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus.

1:18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days.

2). Note also the comparison in 1 Kings where “many days” is “three years.”

a). 1 Kings 2:38, 39 And Shimei said unto the king, The saying is good: as my lord the king hath said, so will thy servant do. And Shemei dwelt in Jerusalem many days.

2:39 And it came to pass at the end of three years, that two of the servants of Shimei ran unto Achish son of Maachah king of Gath. And they told Shieei, saying, Behold, they servants be in Gath.

Acts 9:23

And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him:

a. ASV: And when many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel together to kill him:

  

b. YLT: And when many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel together to kill him,

d. Amplified Bible Classic: After considerable time had elapsed, the Jews conspired to put Saul out of the way by slaying him,

1. “And after that many days were fulfilled…”

a. And [Strong: 1161 dé, deh; a primary particle (adversative or continuative); but, and, etc.:—also, and, but, moreover, now (often unexpressed in English).]

b. after [Strong: 5613 hōs, hoce; probably adverb of comparative from G3739; which how, i.e. in that manner (very variously used, as follows):—about, after (that), (according) as (it had been, it were), as soon (as), even as (like), for, how (greatly), like (as, unto), since, so (that), that, to wit, unto, when(-soever), while, × with all speed.]

c. [that] many [Strong: 2425 hikanós, hik-an-os'; from ἵκω híkō ( ἱκάνω hikánō or ἱκνέομαι hiknéomai, akin to G2240) (to arrive); competent (as if coming in season), i.e. ample (in amount) or fit (in character):—able, + content, enough, good, great, large, long (while), many, meet, much, security, sore, sufficient, worthy.]

d. days [Strong: 2250 hēméra, hay-mer'-ah; feminine (with G5610 implied) of a derivative of ἧμαι hēmai (to sit; akin to the base of G1476) meaning tame, i.e. gentle; day, i.e. (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the Jews as inclusive of the parts of both extremes); figuratively, a period (always defined more or less clearly by the context):—age, +alway, (mid-)day (by day, (-ly)), + for ever, judgment, (day) time, while, years.]

e. [were] fulfilled [Strong: 4137 plēróō, play-ro'-o; from G4134; to make replete, i.e. (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute (an office), finish (a period or task), verify (or coincide with a prediction), etc.:—accomplish, × after, (be) complete, end, expire, fill (up), fulfil, (be, make) full (come), fully preach, perfect, supply.]

  

1).  The trip into Arabia should be inserted between Acts 9:22 and Acts 9:23. The phrase  “after many days were fulfilled”, in Acts 9:23 compares with the three years of Saul being in Damascus. The three years clearly takes place AFTER Paul returns back to Damascus. Notice the flow of the Galatians passage.

a). Galatians 1:11-18 But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.

1:12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.

1:13 For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it:

1:14 And profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers.

1:15 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace,

1:16 To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:

1:17 Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus.

1:18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days.

2). Note also the comparison in 1 Kings where “many days” is “three years.”

a). 1 Kings 2:38, 39 And Shimei said unto the king, The saying is good: as my lord the king hath said, so will thy servant do. And Shemei dwelt in Jerusalem many days.

2:39 And it came to pass at the end of three years, that two of the servants of Shimei ran unto Achish son of Maachah king of Gath. And they told Shieei, saying, Behold, they servants be in Gath.

2. “...the Jews took counsel to kill him.”

a. the  [Strong: 3588 ho ho, including the feminine he hay, and the neuter to to in all their inflections; the definite article; the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom):--the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc.]

b. Jews [Strong: 2453 Ioudaîos, ee-oo-dah'-yos; from G2448 (in the sense of G2455 as a country); Judæan, i.e. belonging to Jehudah:—Jew(-ess), of Judæa.]

c. took counsel [Strong: 4823 symbouleúō, soom-bool-yoo'-o; from G4862 and G1011; to give (or take) advice jointly, i.e. recommend, deliberate or determine:—consult, (give, take) counsel (together).]

d. to kill [Strong: 337  anairéō, an-ahee-reh'-o; from G303 and (the active of) G138; to take up, i.e. adopt; by implication, to take away (violently), i.e. abolish, murder:—put to death, kill, slay, take away, take up.]

e. him [Strong: 846 autós, ow-tos'; from the particle αὖ aû (perhaps akin to the base of G109 through the idea of a baffling wind) (backward); the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438) of the third person , and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons:—her, it(-self), one, the other, (mine) own, said, (self-), the) same, ((him-, my-, thy- )self, (your-)selves, she, that, their(-s), them(-selves), there(-at, - by, -in, -into, -of, -on, -with), they, (these) things, this (man), those, together, very, which.]

  

b. It is clear from this passage that the “gospel” of the New Covenant was given to Saul through “the revelation of Jesus Christ”. It is also clear that this revelation took place in Arabia. Comparing the passages in Galatians 1 with Acts 26 I am fully persuaded that Jesus appeared to Saul while he was in Arabia and gave him the New Covenant, the gospel of Jesus Christ. Look closely at what Jesus said in Acts 26.

1). Acts 26:16 But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;

a). Jesus said he appeared to Saul in order to make or ordain him a minister and a witness of the things he saw and the things  of which Jesus would appear to him in the future.

2). Acts 26:17 Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee,

a). Jesus said he was going to send Saul to the Gentiles.

3). Acts 26:18 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

a). Verse 18 is literally the content of the New Covenant, salvation to the Gentiles. Exactly what he meant in Galatians 1:16, “that I might preach him among the heathen.”