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John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 9:13

Verse 13 13.Lord, I have heard. In that Ananias objecteth the danger to the Lord, he betrayeth his weakness of faith therein. Therefore we see that the saints and servants of God are afraid of death, which thing keepeth them back from doing their duty; yea, it causeth them sometimes to stagger. Ananias would gladly go to some other place; but this is a point of a good man, that he yieldeth not so much to fear that he withdraweth himself from Christ’s obedience. And, therefore, this is a sign of... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 9:14

Verse 14 14.He hath power to bind. We gather by these words, that the fame of the persecution which Saul went about (590) was spread far and wide; for which cause his conversion was (591) more famous. Nevertheless, the Lord suffered the faithful to be evil entreated, (592) that the benefit of such sudden deliverance might afterwards be the more excellent. We must mark that speech, when he saith that the godly call upon the name of Christ. For whether you understand it, that inasmuch as they... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 9:15

Verse 15 15.Go; because he is an elect instrument. The commandment repeated the second time, and also the promise of success added, taketh away all doubtfulness. Therefore sloth shall want an excuse, if it be never redressed after that many pricks be used; like as we see that very many, who howsoever the Lord cry unto them continually, do not only loiter during their whole life, but do also cherish their slothfulness by all means possible. (594) If any man object that the Lord speaketh not at... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 9:16

Verse 16 16.And because. Paul could not do this, and have Satan quiet, and the world to yield to him willingly; therefore Luke addeth, that he shall be also taught to bear the cross. For the meaning of the words is, I will accustom him to suffer troubles: to endure reproaches, and to abide all manner [of] conflicts, that nothing may terrify him, and keep him back from doing his duty. And when Christ maketh himself Paul’s teacher in this matter, he teacheth that the more every man hath profited... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 9:1-31

The Ethiopian changes his skin. Of all the remarkable events in the history of human psychology, probably the most remarkable is the conversion of St. Paul, the memory of which is continually celebrated in the Church on the 25th of January. It may be viewed— I. AS AN EVIDENCE OF THE TRUTH OF CHRISTIANITY . St. Paul lived. He preached the gospel with astonishing vigor and success. Numerous Churches were founded by him in Asia and Europe. These are facts as certain as... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 9:10-18

Christ's treatment of us and our obedience to him. I. THAT CHRIST MAY CALL US TO WORK WHICH WILL BE AT FIRST PERPLEXING . ( Acts 9:10-14 .) Nothing which Christ could have given Ananias to do would have surprised him more than the duty with which he was entrusted. It filled him with astonishment and perplexity. Instead of immediately acquiescing, he raised a strong objection ( Acts 9:13 , Acts 9:14 ). It seemed impossible to him that this should be... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 9:10-19

Saul and Anaemias. I. THE MINISTRY OF MAN TO MAN . After the direct revelation through the terror of the lightning and the thunderbolt, comes the mediate revelation through the familiar voice and manner of one's fellow-man. Ananias is not an apostle; he is a disciple, a member of the Church simply, entrusted with no particular office or position. Possibly the reason for this was that Paul might not be dependent on any of the other apostles, tie was, he said, "an apostle, not... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 9:10-19

Baptism of St. Paul. While the conversion was independently of human agency, the new life awakened was immediately called up by Divine appointment into fellowship with the life of the Church. The baptism is here plainly a Divine seal upon the individual, an invitation to the privileges of the Church, a consecration to higher life and service. I. THE CHOSEN VESSEL MARKED OUT BY THE LORD . By the supernatural signs— 1. The vision; the communication of Ananias and its... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 9:13

But for then, A.V.; from many for by many, A.V.; did for hath done, A.V. Ananias's answer shows his profound astonishment, mixed with doubt and misgiving, at the commission given to him. It shows, too, how the news of Saul's commission had preceded him, and caused terror among the disciples at Damascus. Little did Ananias suspect that this dreaded enemy would be the channel of God's richest blessings to his Church throughout all ages until the coming of Christ. How empty our fears... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 9:14

Upon for on, A.V. That call upon thy name . So also Acts 9:21 ; Romans 10:12 , Romans 10:13 ; 1 Corinthians 1:2 ; and above, Acts 7:59 , this same phrase describes the believer who makes his prayer to the Lord Jesus and trusts in his Name for salvation. read more

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