Bible Commentary

And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him: 23 25. A Plot against Saul’s Life. His Flight from Damascus 23. And after that [when] many days were fulfilled ] As the visit to Jerusalem mentioned in Act 9:26 seems to follow closely upon the events narrated in Act 9:25, … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 9:23”

But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ. 22. But Saul increased the more in strength ] i.e. he became more and more energetic in his labours and the Holy Ghost gave him more power. His fitness for the labour on which … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 9:22”

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? 21. But all that heard him were amazed ] Saul’s fame as a persecutor of Christians … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 9:21”

And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God. 20. And straightway he preached Christ [proclaimed Jesus] in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God ] The best MSS. read Jesus in this verse, and this naturally is correct. The preaching which was to be to the … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 9:20”

And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus. 19. and when he had received [taken] meat, &c.] Needed after his three days fast, but (says Calvin) “he refreshed not his body with meat until his soul had received strength.” Then was Saul … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 9:19”

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 … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 9:18”

And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, [even] Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. 17. Brother Saul ] The Hebrew … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 9:17”

For I will show him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake. 16. for I will shew him how great [many] things he must suffer ] Cp. Paul’s own words (Act 20:23), “The Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.” The truth of this is borne … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 9:16”

But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: 15. he is a chosen vessel unto me ] Literally, “a vessel of election.” This is a Hebrew form of expression, cp. Jer 22:28, … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 9:15”

And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name. 14. all that call on thy name ] To call on Christ is the same as to be a believer in Him. The expression is used as an apposition to “saints” in 1Co 1:2, and thence we see … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 9:14”