Bible Commentary

Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: 13. I have heard by [from] many, &c.] These words seem to point to a longer residence of Ananias in Damascus than he could have made if he had only left Jerusalem … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 9:13”

And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting [his] hand on him, that he might receive his sight. 12. and hath seen in a vision ] The oldest MSS. omit “in a vision.” It could only have been in this wise that Saul had been informed, and the words … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 9:12”

And the Lord [said] unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for [one] called Saul of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, 11. into the street which is called Straight ] A long straight street still runs through Damascus, and is probably (so persistent … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 9:11”

And there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I [am here], Lord. 10 22. Saul’s sight restored. He preaches in Damascus 10. And [Now] there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias ] Of this disciple we have … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 9:10”

And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink. 9. And he was three days without sight ] During this time we cannot but think the illumination of his mind was being perfected by the Spirit. He had been convinced by the vision that Jesus was risen from the dead and … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 9:9”

And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought [him] into Damascus. 8. and [but] when his eyes were opened, he saw no man [nothing] The vision had struck him blind. He opened his eyes, but their power had … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 9:8”

And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man. 7. And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless ] Cp. Dan 10:7, “I Daniel alone saw the vision, for the men that were with me saw not the vision, but a great quaking fell upon them.” Saul … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 9:7”

And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord [said] unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. 6. Arise ] The MSS. which omit the above words insert a conjunction here. Read, But arise. Saul had … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 9:6”

And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: [it is] hard for thee to kick against the pricks. 5. And he said, Who art thou, Lord? ] Saul is sensible of the Divine nature of the vision, and shews this by his address. The appearance of … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 9:5”

And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? 4. And he fell to the earth ] Dazzled by the intense brightness. From Act 26:14 we find that not only Saul but his companions were struck down by the light, though there was more in … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Acts 9:4”