Their plot ( ἐπιβουλή ) became known for their laying await was known, A.V. ; to Saul for of Saul, A.V. ; the gates also for the gates, A.V. and T.R. ; that they might for to, A.V.; a colon instead of full point at end of verse. read more
But for then, A.V.; his disciples for the disciples, A.V. and T.R.; through for by, A.V lowering him in for in, A.V. Lowering him , etc. The A.V. gives the sense freely; and combining the verb καθῆκαν with the participle χαλάσαντες , translates both by the one word "let him down." The by of the A.V. seems preferable to the through of the R.V., as through suggests the idea, which cannot be intended, of making a hole in the wall. The escape of the spies from Jericho, as... read more
The beginning of perils for Paul. To this beginning of "perils" Paul will often in later days of life have looked back. He did not live to any prolonged period, but if he had, there is not a length of life so long nor charged with changes so violent as to be able to cut off from us the effects of the touching comparisons and the telling contrasts of beginning and ending. Many a broken portion of life offers us such effects; but how much more moving those of life itself! Long was the list... read more
But their laying await - Their counsel; their design.Was known of Saul - Was made known to him. In what way this was communicated we do not know. This design of the Jews against Saul is referred to in 2 Corinthians 11:32-33, where it is said, “In Damascus, the governor under Aretas the king kept the Damascenes with a garrison, desirous to apprehend me; and through a window in a basket was I let down by the wall, and escaped his hands.”And they watched the gates - Cities were surrounded by high... read more
Took him by night ... - This was done through a window in the wall, 2 Corinthians 11:33.In a basket - This word is used to denote commonly “the basket in which food was carried,” Matthew 15:37; Mark 8:8, Mark 8:20. It was in this way that Rahab let down the spies Joshua 2:15, and so David escaped from Saul, 1 Samuel 19:12. Probably this occurred in an unguarded part of the wall, where some overhanging houses, as is usual in Eastern cities, opened into the outer country. This conduct of Saul was... read more
Acts 9:23-25. And after many days were fulfilled In which several events took place, which are elsewhere hinted at; and particularly after he had made an excursion into Arabia, as is mentioned Galatians 1:16-18, probably to spread the gospel there, or, as some suppose, that he might have opportunity, in privacy and retirement, for studying the Jewish Scriptures more carefully than he had done, by the help of the new light which had been bestowed on him, and for prayer and meditation, and... read more
In Damascus, Arabia, Jerusalem and Tarsus (9:19b-31)People throughout Damascus soon knew of Saul’s conversion. He openly joined with the Christians and argued convincingly against the Jews (19b-22). Part of the next three years he spent in Arabia, after which he returned to Damascus (Galatians 1:17-18). His activities there stirred up such violent opposition that he fled to save his life (23-25; 2 Corinthians 11:32-33).When Saul arrived in Jerusalem, the Christians did not welcome him. They... read more
laying await = plot. Greek. epiboule. Occurs elsewhere Acts 20:3 , Acts 20:19 ; Acts 23:30 . known. Greek. ginosko. App-132 . of = to. to = that they might. In 2 Corinthians 11:32 , Paul says "the governor under Aretas kept the city with a garrison". This Aretas was Herod's father-in-law, upon whom he made war because Herod had abandoned his daughter for his brother Philip's wife, Herodias. Perhaps to do the Jews a pleasure, like Felix, Aretas endeavored to seize Paul. read more
let him down = sent him down. Greek. kathiemi. Occurs elsewhere, Acts 10:11 ; Acts 11:5 .Luke 5:19 . by = through. Greek. dia. App-104 .Acts 9:1 . in = lowering him in. See note on Luke 5:4 . basket . Greek. spuris. See note on Matthew 15:37 . read more
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The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 9:23-24
The new faith exposed to trial. All manifestations of God's Spirit stir up the opposition of the evil one. The bold faith drives back the enemy into ambush. Conspiracy against truth always means confession of weakness. The false Church takes counsel to kill. But God knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations. I. CONSIDER THE EFFECT UPON SAUL HIMSELF —On his faith, on his future, on his spirit, as preparing him for suffering and humiliation for Christ. We never know... read more