Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 9:18
And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.
18. And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales ] The word rendered “scales” is used as a technical term for a disease of the eye by Hippocrates, and the verb derived from it is found ( Tob 11:13 ) used of the cure of a disease of similar character. “And the whiteness pilled away from the corners of his eyes.” This “whiteness” is rendered in the margin ( Tob 2:10 ) “white films,” and was clearly something like the “scales” which caused Saul’s blindness, and a process for the cure thereof is called (Act 3:17) “to scale away the whiteness of Tobit’s eyes.” St Paul (Act 22:11) ascribes his blindness to the glory of the heavenly light, and it may have been some secretion, caused by the intensity of that vision, which formed over them, and at his cure fell away. Some have thought that his constant employment of an amanuensis, and the mention of the large characters in which he wrote in his Epistle to the Galatians (Act 6:11) “Ye see in what large letters I have written to you,” are indications that the Apostle suffered permanently in his eyesight from the heavenly vision.
and he received [recovered, and so in 17] sight forthwith ] The oldest MSS. omit the last word.
and arose, and was baptized ] In the fuller account (Act 22:16) we learn that the exhortation to be baptized was part of the message with which Ananias was charged, and so was divinely commissioned to receive Saul thus into the Christian Church.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
As it had been scales – hosei lepides. The word hosei, as it had been, is designed to qualify the following word. It is not said that scales literally fell from his eyes, but that an effect followed as if scales had been suddenly taken off. Evidently, the expression is deigned to mean no more than this. The effect was such as would take place if some dark, imperious substance had been placed before the eyes, and had been suddenly removed. The cure was as sudden, the restoration to sight was as immediate, as if such an interposing substance had been suddenly removed. This is all that the expression fairly implies, and this is all that the nature of the case demands. As the blindness had been caused by the natural effect of the light, probably on the optic nerve (Act 9:8-9, note), it is manifest that no literal removing of scales would restore the vision. We are therefore to lay aside the idea of literal scales falling to the earth. No such thing is affirmed, and no such thing would have met the case. The word translated scales is used nowhere else in the New Testament. It means properly the small crust or layer which composes a part of the covering of a fish, and also any thin layer or leaf exfoliated or separated, as scales of iron, bone, or a piece of bark, etc. (Webster). An effect similar to this is described in Tobit 11:8, 13. It is evident that there was a miracle in the healing of Saul. The blindness was the natural effect of the light. The cure was by miraculous power. This is evident:
(1) Because there were no means used that would naturally restore the sight. It may be remarked here that gutta serena has been regarded by physicians as one of the most incurable of diseases. Few cases are restored, and few remedies are efficacious (See the Edinburgh Encyclopedias Surgery on Amaurosis.)
(2) Ananias was sent for this very purpose to heal him, Act 9:17.
(3) The immediate effect shows that this was miraculous. Had it been a slow recovery, it might have been doubtful; but here it was instantaneous, and it was thus put beyond a question that it was a miracle.
And was baptized – In this he followed the example of all the early converts to Christianity. They were baptized immediately. See Act 2:41; Act 8:12, Act 8:36-39.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Verse 18. There fell from his eyes as it had been scales] This was real: he had been so dazzled with the brightness of the light that we may suppose the globe of the eye, and particularly the cornea, had suffered considerable injury. The structure of the cornea was doubtless much disturbed, and the whole of that humour would be rendered opaque, and incapable of permitting the rays of light to pass through the different humours to the retina, where all the images of things transmitted through the lenses, or humours, are distinctly painted. In the miraculous cure the membrane was restored to its primitive state, and the opaque matter separated from the cornea, in the form of thin laminae or scales. This being done, the light would have as free a passage as formerly, and the result would be distinct vision.
And arose, and was baptized.] That he was baptized by Ananias there is every reason to believe; as he appears to have been the chief Christian at Damascus. As baptism implied, in an adult, the public profession of that faith into which he was baptized, this baptism of Saul proved, at once, his own sincerity, and the deep and thorough conviction he had of the truth of Christianity.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
Scales, as scales of fish: it was no ordinary blindness, nor from any ordinary cause, and could not have been cured by common means.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
18. there fell from his eyes as itwere scales“This shows that the blindness as well as thecure was supernatural. Substances like scales would not formnaturally in so short a time” [WEBSTERand WILKINSON]. And themedical precision of Luke’s language here is to be noted.
was baptizedasdirected by Ananias (Ac 22:16).
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
And immediately there fell from his eyes, as it had been scales,…. Which were little thin skins or films, like the scales of fishes, which were formed from the defluxions that fell from his brain, through the excessive light that shone around him, and the surprise he was thrown into by it: these, as soon as Ananias put his hands upon him, dropped off; which were an emblem and representation of the scales of ignorance, of himself, of sin, of righteousness, of the law, of the Gospel, and of Jesus as the Messiah; and of unbelief in him, and of pride, malice, and envy, and of superstition and bigotry, and of error and false doctrine, which, upon his being enlightened by the Spirit of God, fell from him:
and he received sight forthwith; his corporeal sight, which was an emblem of that spiritual sight he had also received: the word “forthwith”, or “immediately”, is not in the Vulgate Latin, Syriac, and Arabic versions, but seems necessary; and indeed, if it was not expressed, it would be understood; for as soon as the scales fell from his eyes, he must receive his sight: the Ethiopic version places it after the word “baptized”, in the next clause:
and arose, and was baptized; that is, after Ananias had appointed it to him, as his duty, had pressed him to it, and called upon him to submit to it without delay, Ac 22:16 And this shows that baptism was performed by immersion; for had it been done in any other way, either by pouring or sprinkling a little water, Saul might have kept his seat, and water might have been brought to him, and so the ordinance might have been performed; but he arose and went, either to a bath that might be in Judas’s house, fit for such a purpose; for the Jews had their baths to bathe their whole bodies in on certain occasions; or he went to some certain place of water without doors, convenient for the administration of baptism, where it was administered by Ananias unto him. And this also may suggest to us, that only enlightened persons are the proper objects of this ordinance; such as have the scales of darkness, ignorance, and unbelief removed from them, and have a spiritual sight and sense of divine things: hence the ancients used to call baptism by the name of , “illumination”, and baptized persons “enlightened” ones.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
Fell off (). Second aorist active indicative (note–an ending like first aorist) of , old verb, but here alone in the N.T.
As if it were scales ( ). Chiefly late word (LXX) from , to peel, and only here in the N.T. See Tobit 11:13, “The white film peeled from his eyes” (). Luke does not say that actual “scales” fell from the eyes of Saul, but that it felt that way to him as his sight returned, “as if” (). Medical writers use the word for pieces of the skin that fall off (Hobart, Medical Language of St. Luke, p. 39). Luke may have heard Paul tell of this vivid experience.
Was baptized (). First aorist passive indicative. Apparently by Ananias (22:16) as a symbol of the new life in Christ already begun, possibly in the pool in the house of Judas as today water is plentiful in Damascus or in Abana or Pharpar (Furneaux), better than all the waters of Israel according to Naaman (2Ki 5:12).
Fuente: Robertson’s Word Pictures in the New Testament
There fell – scales [ – ] . Both words occur only here in the New Testament. In Paul ‘s own account of his conversion in ch. 26. he does not mention his blindness : in ch. 22. he mentions both the blindness and the recovery of sight, but not the particular circumstances which Luke records. The mention of the scales, or incrustations, such as are incidental to ophthalmia, is characteristic of the physician, and ajpopiptein, to fall off, was used technically by medical writers of the falling of scales from the skin, and of particles from diseased parts of the body. “We may suppose that Luke had often heard Paul relate how he felt at that moment” (Hackett).
Fuente: Vincent’s Word Studies in the New Testament
1) “And immediately there fell,” (kai eutheos apepesan) “And immediately (at once or suddenly) there fell away,” was removed. Our Lord’s miracles performed by Himself and His disciples, were genuine, real, Joh 3:1-2; Mar 2:5; Mar 2:10-12.
2) “From his eyes as it had been scales:(autou apoton ophthalmon hos lepides) “From his eyes scale-like matter,” or there fell away the temporary affliction that came over his eyes to blind him, as an haze or cloud, the blindness vanished as darkness is driven away by the presence of the sun.
3) “And he received sight forthwith,” (aneblepsen te) “Then (at that moment) he saw again,” his sight returned, was restored, by Ananias as surely as so many had been healed by the gifts of the Holy Spirit manifestations that came to the Apostles and the church on Pentecost, Act 2:4; Act 5:14-16.
4) “And arose, and was baptized,” (kai anastas ebaptisthe) “And he arose and was immersed or baptized;” Whether in the house of Judas or a nearby place of sufficient water to immerse is not clear, but that Paul was baptized at that time is certified, Act 22:16.
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
18. There fell from his eyes as it had been scales. The blindness of Paul, as we have said before did not proceed from fear alone or from amazedness; but by this means was he admonished of his former blindness, that he might quite abandon that boldness and vain confidence wherewith he was puffed up. He boasted that he was taught at the feet of Gamaliel, (Act 22:3😉 and undoubtedly he thought very well of his great wittiness, (596) which was notwithstanding mere blindness. Therefore he is deprived of the sight of his body (597) three days, that he may begin to see with his mind; for those must become fools, whosoever they be, which seem to themselves wise, that they may attain to true wisdom. For seeing that Christ is the Sun of righteousness, in seeing without him we see not; it is he also which openeth the eyes of the mind. Both things were showed to Paul, and to us are they showed in his person; for he hath his eyes covered with scales, that, condemning all his knowledge of ignorance, (598) he may learn that he hath need of new light, which he hath hitherto wanted; and he is taught that he must let [seek] the true light from none other save only from Christ, and that it is given by no other means save only through his goodness. Furthermore, whereas being pined with three days hunger, he maketh no haste to receive meat until he be baptized, thereby appeareth the earnest (599) desire he had to learn, because he refreshed not his body with meat until his soul had received strength.
(596) “ Quin sibi multum placuerit in sua perspicacia,” but he was much pleased with his own perspicacity.”
(597) “ Oculis,” of his eyes, his bodily sight.
(598) “ Ut totum suum acumen ignorantiae damnans,” that confessing all his acuteness to be ignorance.
(599) “ Ferventissimum,” most fervent.
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
(18) There fell from his eyes as it had been scales.The description suggests the thought that the blindness was caused by an incrustation, caused by acute inflammation, covering the pupil of the eye, or closing up the eye-lids, analogous to the whiteness, that peeled (or scaled) off from the eyes of Tobit (Tob. 11:13). Like phenomena are mentioned by Hippocrates, and the care with which St. Luke records the fact in this instance, may be noted, with Act. 3:7; Act. 28:8, as one of the examples of the technical precision of his calling as a physician.
Arose, and was baptised.It is clear that both Saul and Ananias looked on this as the indispensable condition for admission into the visible society of the kingdom of God. No visions and revelations of the Lord, no intensity of personal conversion, exempted him from it. For him, too, that was the washing of regeneration (Tit. 3:5), the moment of the new birth, of being buried with Christ (Rom. 6:3-4). It may be inferred almost as a matter of certainty that it was at the hands of Ananias that he received baptism. The baptism would probably be administered in one or other of the rivers which the history of Naaman had made famous, and so the waters of Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus (2Ki. 5:12), were now sanctified no less than those of Jordan for the mystical washing away of sin.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
18. There fell Ananias had put his hand upon him, verse (12,) Saul received the Holy Ghost, (Act 9:17,) and what followed? The regenerated and Spirit-filled Saul burst away the bondage produced upon his external sense. Very probably during the three days the humours had dried upon his eyeballs, and as the abounding of his spirit quickened the whole man, the scale-like particles fell from his eyes, thus forming a striking emblem of his renewed spiritual eye-sight.
Arose, and was baptized Apparently without leaving the room. The interpolation by Lechler of a journey to the banks of some branch of the Barada river is licentious mis-interpretation. There is in the text (whatever there may be in his commentary) no intermediate event or action between the arose and the was baptized. The baptism in this case was preceded by faith, justification, regeneration by the Holy Spirit, and even the special bestowment of the Holy Ghost. It follows the regenerating affusion of the Spirit as the physical picture of a spiritual operation the water-outpouring imaging the Spirit-outpouring.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
‘And immediately there fell from his eyes as it were scales, and he received his sight, and he arose and was baptised, and he took food and was strengthened. And he was certain days with the disciples that were at Damascus.’
Immediately he had spoken these words Saul’s eye were opened and his sight was restored. And with that he arose and was baptised. We may reasonable assume that this was after further words of explanation. Then he took food and was strengthened. However, the mention of baptism first would suggest that Saul was eager for it to take place as soon as possible, even before he had eaten. With his usual impatient zeal he could not wait to be made one with Christ. ‘Took food and was strengthened’ is again probably intended to be seen as meaning both physically and spiritually. Preparation is taking place for his soon coming ministry. Saul is going through a kind of ‘resurrection experience’
Then he spent a number of days with the disciples in Damascus finding his feet and becoming acquainted with his erstwhile enemies. How differently he saw them now.
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
Act 9:18. There fell from his eyes as it had been scales: Perhaps the outward coats of his eyes might have been scorched by the heat of that splendid light which he had seen; and what fell from them, might have had some resemblance to the small scales of fishes. His being thus restored to sight was, however, a most lively emblem of the veil’s being done away from his heart. Immediately Saul rose up and was baptized, and, as appears by the event, was then also filled with the Holy Spirit; that is, as that phrase commonly signifies, the Holy Spirit was poured down upon him immediately from heaven, and not conveyed by the laying on of the hands of any man; and very probably that effusion upon Saul was accompanied with a glory, cloven tongues, or pointed flames, like as of fire, which was always the external symbol when the Spirit was given in the most honourable manner, as well as in the highest measure; and if that symbol attended his receiving the Holy Spirit, it was proper that his eyes should be first opened, that he himself might see the glory, and so be convinced, both byexternal signs and internal gifts, that he who had formerly been a persecutor, was now graciously accepted as a Christian, a prophet, and an apostle.
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
18 And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.
Ver. 18. There fell from his eyes ] God also at the same time tore the covering, rent the veil that was spread over the eyes of his understanding,Isa 24:7Isa 24:7 . See “The Blind Eye Opened” in a discourse on Eph 5:8 , by my entire friend Mr Dugard.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
18. ] The recovery of sight is plainly related as miraculous, the consequence of the divinely appointed laying on of the hands of Ananias. And this scaly substance which fell from his eyes was thrown off in the process of the instantaneous healing.
] It has been well remarked (Olsh.) that great honour was here placed upon the sacrament of baptism, inasmuch as not even Saul, who had seen the Lord in special revelation and was an elect vessel, was permitted to dispense with this, the Lord’s appointed way of admission into His Church.
Fuente: Henry Alford’s Greek Testament
Act 9:18 . : as the immediate result of the laying on of hands the recovery of sight is given, but the baptism follows for the reception of the Holy Ghost, cf. Act 22:13 ff. .: the words cannot be taken as merely figurative with Weiss or Zckler, or with Blass as merely indicating the speediness of the cure some scaly substance had formed over the eyes, probably as the result of the dazzling brightness which had struck upon them, cf. Tob 3:17 ; Tob 11:13 ; Tob 2:10 ( cf. Act 6:8 ), = white films (see H. and R., sub v ., ). St. Chrysostom’s comment is also to be noted: , . Here, as elsewhere, we may see traces of St. Luke’s accuracy as a physician. Both and are used only by St. Luke in N.T. ( , although found six times in LXX, does not occur in the sense before us), and both words are found conjoined in medical writers, the former for the falling off of scales from the cuticle and particles from the diseased parts of the body or bones, etc., and as the regular medical term for the particles or scaly substances thrown off from the body (see instances in Hobart, p. 39, and Felten, in loco ), and cf. also Zahn, Einleitung in das N. T. , ii., p. 436 (1899). , see above on Act 8:26 ; the word may here be taken literally (although not necessarily so), as of Saul rising from a sitting or reclining position (so Weiss). : no doubt by Ananias there was no reception into the Church without this. , see on Act 9:9 . : here used intransitively ( 1Ma 7:25 , 3Ma 2:32 ), if we adopt reading of T.R. which is retained by Weiss. We have the verb, in the N.T. peculiar to St. Luke, used in the transitive sense ( cf. Luk 22:43-44 , W. H., App. , 67, and Plummer, in loco ), and in this sense its use outside the LXX is confined to Hippocrates and St. Luke, Hobart, p. 80 ( cf. 2Sa 22:40 , Sir 1:4 ); but cf. Psalms of Solomon , Act 16:12 . The reading here to which Wendt apparently inclines is (see critical notes), as this would be in accordance with the transitive use of the verb in Luk 22:43 , and other instances.
Fuente: The Expositors Greek Testament by Robertson
immediately = straightway. Greek. eutheos,
fell = fell away. Greek. apopipto. Only here.
scales. Greek. lepis. Only here in NT. In Septuagint, Lev 11:9, Lev 11:10. &C.
forthwith. Greek. parachrema. Compare Act 3:7; Act 5:10. The texts omit.
baptized. App-115.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
18. ] The recovery of sight is plainly related as miraculous, the consequence of the divinely appointed laying on of the hands of Ananias. And this scaly substance which fell from his eyes was thrown off in the process of the instantaneous healing.
] It has been well remarked (Olsh.) that great honour was here placed upon the sacrament of baptism, inasmuch as not even Saul, who had seen the Lord in special revelation and was an elect vessel, was permitted to dispense with this, the Lords appointed way of admission into His Church.
Fuente: The Greek Testament
Act 9:18. , immediately) A miracle.-, there fell from) Saul, after having beheld Christ, does not see by reason of the splendour: upon Ananias, whom He sent, coming, he recovers his sight.- , as it were scales) The humour in the eyes having been dried up.-, he was baptized) by Ananias; but instructed by the Lord.
Fuente: Gnomon of the New Testament
immediately: 2Co 3:14, 2Co 4:6
and was: Act 2:38, Act 2:41, Act 13:12, Act 13:13, Act 13:37, Act 13:38, Act 22:16
Reciprocal: Isa 35:5 – the eyes Mat 28:19 – baptizing Mar 16:18 – they shall lay Act 9:8 – he saw Act 9:12 – General Act 26:18 – open Act 28:8 – laid Gal 3:27 – as many
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Saul Saved to Serve
Act 9:18-25
INTRODUCTORY WORDS
Following his baptism Saul received meat for his famished body, and was strengthened. Then Saul entered into a new comradeship with believers; a comradeship that never was broken during a long and eventful ministry. Our text reads, “Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.” He was not baptized into that fellowship, he was saved into it. The Cross must ever remain the sign by which the believer is separated from the world. The Cross, not baptism, must ever remain the great center of fellowship among saints.
Saul saved, was Saul separated; Saul saved, was Saul fellowshiped. In after years, Paul, by inspiration wrote, “God forbid that I should glory, save in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.”
How blessed that the one who, in separation, comes out of the associations of the old life, can find a new life, hallowed with blessed and new associations!
The day that Saul, the erstwhile persecutor entered their group, must have been epochal in the lives of the Christians at Damascus. As long as they lived, they surely delighted in relating how Saul, by the side of Ananias, entered their assembly, and stood among them. We can easily imagine how they gathered around Saul, and gave him welcome. There was a common tie that bound their hearts together. They were “brothers” indeed; they loved one Lord, and therefore they loved one another.
I. SAUL’S TESTIMONY (Act 9:20)
Saul, the sinner; was Saul, the persecutor; Saul, the saved; was Saul, the preacher. Saul who had been active against Christ now was active for Christ. When Saul was saved, Satan lost a mighty warrior; but God found one:
There was no delay on Saul’s part in testifying of Christ. Mark the reading of Act 9:20 : “And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.”
“Straightway,” means without delay. There was no waiting for human authority, or for human recognition. “Straightway”-there was no going up, first, to Jerusalem to those who were Apostles before him. The Gospel which Saul preached was “not after man,” neither received he it of man, neither was he taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Straightway Saul preached Christ, that He was the Son of God. No wonder that all the Jews who 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?” (Act 9:21).
Saul, however, “increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.”
How we would have enjoyed “sitting in” on one of Saul’s messages! He spoke with an earnestness, a wisdom, and a full assurance of faith, that swept all before him.
No one could resist his wisdom, nor gainsay his infallible proofs that Christ was the Son of God.
This is the crux of all theology. We need men today with Pauline conviction and courage, who will preach Christ as Paul preached Him.
II. SAUL’S SUFFERINGS (Act 9:23)
It was not long until the animosity of the Jews was aroused; then, after many days were fulfilled, “The Jews took counsel to kill him.” We need not be surprised at this. There is much in the old time Gospel to stir up the heart of men in antagonism. Men love to hear of smooth things. They love to make a fair show in the flesh. They love to find in themselves their saviour. They prefer to say to the works of their own hands: “ye are our gods.”
The Jews’ religion, as it was carried on in Saul’s day, was a system of laws and ceremonies builded upon the works of the flesh. The priests went about to establish their own righteousness; they rested in the Law, and made their boast of God; they professed to know His will; they made themselves guides to the blind, and a guide to them who were in darkness; instructors of the foolish and a teacher of babes. Their idea of a Jew was one who was a Jew outwardly.
The Jews’ religion in Saul’s day had lost the meaning of the sacrifices; had lost the need of atonement. It was builded upon ceremonials-the washing of pots, the making broad of their phylacteries, and the enlarging of the borders of their garments.
The Jews’ religion consisted in “uppermost rooms” and “chief seats” in the synagogues; it delighted in being called, “Rabbi, Rabbi,” and in receiving greetings in the market places. It was summed up in a making of long prayers, in the paying of tithes, in compassing sea and land to make proselytes. It was centered in the enforcement of ceremonials, obnoxious to God. It carried an exterior of sanctity, and appeared as whited sepulchers. It delighted in garnishing the tombs of the Prophets.
In all of this, the Jews’ religion had lost mercy, and justice and faith. It had given itself over to base excesses in carnal impurities. It had utterly repudiated the Son of God, the Saviour, whom the Prophets had foretold would come to redeem the people.
This is what Saul faced. Do we marvel, that, as Saul preached the Gospel divers were hardened, and that many, especially of the Jews went about to kill him?
III. SAUL’S SAFETY SECURED (Act 9:24-25)
When the Jews lying in wait sought to take Saul; watching the gates day and night that they might kill him; the disciples took him by night and let him down by the wall in a basket.
What a strange sense of circumstances must have come over Saul as, by night, he slipped away from the city to which he had come to apprehend the saints! He who had come to seek the saints, was himself sought. The tables were turned. Saul knew something of the spirit that prompted his would-be slayers, for his own breast had throbbed with that same spirit not many moons before.
Saul slipping down the wall in a basket, was not Saul afraid to die; but Saul, desiring to live that he might preach the Christ whom he once despised. Saul, who was so soon to be known as Paul, was a chosen vessel unto God to carry His Gospel far hence to the Gentiles. Thus, in retreat from one city, he hastened on to another. In a subsequent message we will find Paul in Jerusalem, the city from whence he left to go to Damascus; however, we will find him there, under different auspices.
Let us all arise to follow our Lord, and to follow, if need be, even unto death.
Fuente: Neighbour’s Wells of Living Water
8
Act 9:18. As it had been means that what fell from his eyes was like scales. The reason Saul was baptized is given at chapter 22:16. In both passages it should be noted that Saul arose to be baptized, because that ordinance is done by immersion.
Fuente: Combined Bible Commentary
Act 9:18. There fell from his eyes as it had been scales. A good deal has been written on the nature of the injury which Sauls eyes had suffered. The blinding glare of the light from heaven which surrounded the glorified Jesus had destroyed the sight, and now it was miraculously restored. Whether or not some scaly substance which had spread over his eyes fell off at the command of Ananias, is of little importance. We know after the Lord met him, and appeared to him in the way near Damascus, the eyes of Saul were sightless. We know, too, after Ananias, acting on the Lords command, had laid his hands on him, the power of seeing returned to the sightless eyes.
And was baptized. Most likely in the house of Judas, where Saul was staying. Damascus is abundantly supplied with water. At this day, the Barada (the Abana of the Old Testament) runs directly through the city, supplying the cisterns, baths, and fountains; all the better houses have a reservoir in their court, or stand beside a natural or artificial stream.
The motives which led to the conversion of St. Paul have been often inquired into. Jew and Gentile unbelievers have again and again sought to discover an earthly motive for the change which so suddenly passed over Saul the Pharisee, whose words and works more than any other mere mans have influenced the fortunes of Christianity. These inquiries date from the earliest times. Epiphanius mentions an old story current among the Ebionites, an heretical sect of Judaising Christians of the second century, which relates how Saul first became a Jew that he might marry the high priests daughter, and then became the antagonist of Judaism, because the high priest deceived him. The charge that he was a fanatic or an impostor is a favourite one in all times among the enemies of the faith of Jesus. It is surely impossible to entertain for a moment the idea that he was a fanatic, when we read his letters, and his story in these Acts, and consider fairly his calmness, his wisdom, his prudence, his humility. It is still more impossible to conceive that he changed his religion for mere selfish purposes.
Was he moved by the ostentation of learning? He cast aside in a moment all that he had learned from Gamaliel and the great Jewish doctors, after so many years of patient study, and took up the teaching of the unknown Rabbi of Nazareth and His untaught followers.
Was it love of rule which induced him to throw off his old allegiance? He abdicated in a moment the great power which he possessed as a rising and favourite leader of a dominant party in the nation, for a precarious influence over a flock of sheep driven to the slaughter, whose chief Shepherd had been put to a shameful death but a little time before, and all that he could hope from his change was to be marked out in a particular manner for the same fate.
Was it love of wealth? Whatever might be his worldly possessions at the time, he joined himself to those who were for the most part poor, and among whom he would frequently have to minister to his own necessities, and to the necessities of those about him, with the labour of his own hands. Was it the love of fame? His prophetic power must have been greater than that ever possessed by mortal man, if he could look beyond the shame and scorn which then rested on the servants of a crucified Master, to that glory with which Christendom now surrounds the memory of St. Paul.
If, then, the conversion of this man be the act neither of a fanatic nor of an impostor, to what was it due? He himself often answers the question: It arose from a miraculous appearance of Christ, It must be remembered, on this occasion, he was accompanied with others. The time was mid-day, the scene a public and much frequented highway. No attempted explanation has ever yet thrown the least doubt upon the plain unvarnished story which Paul told so often to account for the change in his life, viz. that Jesus of Nazareth, the Crucified, the Risen One, showed Himself to Paul when on his way to Damascus, and spoke with him face to face, eye to eye (see Conybeare and Howson, St. Paul, chap. iii.).
Fuente: A Popular Commentary on the New Testament
See notes on verse 17
Fuente: McGarvey and Pendleton Commentaries (New Testament)
God then restored Saul’s sight. The impression given in the text is that the first thing he did was identify with Christ and the disciples of Christ by water baptism (cf. Act 8:12; Act 8:38). He did this even before breaking his fast of three days. Then he ate and received strength physically.