9 ²⁶ When he reached Jerusalem he tried to join the body of disciples there; but they were all afraid of him, because they did not believe that he was really a convert. 9 ²⁷ Barnabas, however, took him by the hand and introduced him to the apostles. He described to them how Saul had seen the Lord on his journey, and heard his voice, and how he had spoken out boldly in the name of Jesus at Damascus. 9 ²⁸ Saul now stayed with them, moving about freely in Jerusalem. 9 ²⁹ He spoke out boldly and openly in the name of the Lord, talking and debating with the Greek-speaking Jews. Literally: the Hellenists. 9 ³⁰ But they planned to murder him, and when the brethren learned of this they escorted him to Caesarea and saw him off to Tarsus.

9 ³¹ MEANWHILE THE CHURCH, throughout Judaea, Galilee, and Samaria, was left in peace to build up its strength. In the fear of the Lord, upheld by the Holy Spirit, it held on its way and grew in numbers.