Today we seldom use the word ‘confound’, but according to my studies on this, this verse can be translated: “Saul’s preaching left the Jews speechless and prevented them from arguing against Christianity”. Friend, is this not what we need more of today in our churches (sermons, Sunday/Sabbath School and other teachings)? Is this not what we need to practice in our own lives? Doesn’t it appear to you that our shyness is caused by the questions that may be posed by our opponents in order to confuse us and make us speechless? Then for us to follow Saul’s example, we must be prepared to talk about Jesus and His mighty acts and His power to save. OK, STOP, is probably what you are thinking very loudly right now, as you say: But I’m not a preacher or even a Bible Scholar, so how can I confound, or leave my opponents speechless. Re-read the last sentence and notice the ‘I’ and ‘My’. Saul was a brand new Christian, so we knew this act of leaving his opponents speechless was nothing studied in Seminary or in years of church attendance, instead, it was the power of the Holy Spirit that Saul surrendered to and allowed to guide his thoughts and his words. As Christians, we have access to this same Holy Spirit. Set self aside and ask the Holy Spirit to take control of your thoughts, actions and words, so that the Father might receive glory for all that is accomplished through you (His servant). In recent studies on this through my church, I was reminded that daily I must ask for this power, just like I ask for breath, health, guidance, and direction for my day. So Lord, again today, please fill me with Your Holy Spirit so that You may accomplish Your work through me, and may all who I come into contact with see You in action and hear a word of encouragement, or be led to a life in You. You are God alone, and only You can touch the hearts of sinners and draw them to You. I make myself available to be used by You today. Friend, won’t you open your heart and life to be used by Jesus today also? We are His hands and feet, His army on the ground to serve Him!

Acts 9:22 (ASV)

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