{Increased the more} (m(836c)lon enedunamouto). Imperfect
passive indicative of endunamo(935c), to receive power (late verb),
progressive increase in strength as opposition grew. Saul's
recantation stirred controversy and Saul grew in power. See also
Paul in  Php 4:13  1Ti 1:12  2Ti 2:1  4:17  Ro 4:20 . Christ, the
dynamo of spiritual energy, was now pouring power ( Ac 1:8 ) into
Paul who is already filled with the Holy Spirit ( Ac 9:17 ).
{Confounded} (sunechunnen). Imperfect active indicative of
sunchunn(935c) (late form of sunche(935c), to pour together, commingle,
make confusion. The more Saul preached, the more the Jews were
confused. {Proving} (sunbibaz(936e)). Present active participle of
sunbibaz(935c), old verb to make go together, to coalesce, to knit
together. It is the very word that Luke will use in  16:10  of
the conclusion reached at Troas concerning the vision of Paul.
Here Saul took the various items in the life of Jesus of Nazareth
and found in them the proof that he was in reality "the Messiah"
(ho Christos). This method of argument Paul continued to use
with the Jews ( Ac 17:3 ). It was irresistible argument and
spread consternation among the Jews. It was the most powerful
piece of artillery in the Jewish camp that was suddenly turned
round upon them. It is probable that at this juncture Saul went
into Arabia for several years ( Ga 1:12-24 ). Luke makes no
mention of this important event, but he leaves ample room for it
at this point.