Acts 9:18-19

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 9:17-19

A parable in things spiritual. We entertain no doubt that we have here a simplest history of what actually occurred. We doubt no less that the chiefest interest and significance of the record lie in the spiritual history that underlies it. Nay, more, though we read facts of outer life, they do nothing mere than outline those of an inner life, which Jesus notices, loves, helps, and even makes. Notice— I. THE CHANGE THAT PASSES ON SAUL . He receives his sight. For three... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 9:18

Straightway for immediately, A.V.; as it were for as it had been, A.V.; received his sight for received sight forthwith, A.V. and T.R.; he arose for arose, A.V. As it were scales ( λεπίδες ); scales , or flakes ; any thin substance which peals off; a frequent term in Greek medical writers. And was baptized . It is a curious difference between St. Paul and the other apostles that, if they were baptized at all, which is doubtful, they must have been baptized by Christ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 9:19

He took food and for when he had received meat he, A.V.; and he was for then was Saul, A.V. and T.R. Some commentators would interpose the journey to Arabia (mentioned Galatians 1:17 ) between Acts 9:19 and Acts 9:20 ; and this seems to be the intention of the A.V., where the clause commencing with Then ( Acts 9:19 ) seems to wind up and close the preceding narrative. This too is the view strongly supported by Canon Farrar, vol. 1. ch. 11., and by Lewin. Alford places the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 9:19-22

The new convert proving his sincerity. I. THE GRACE OF GOD ELEVATING THE NATURAL MAN . Characteristics of Saul appearing in the new phase of his life. 1. Intelligence. He is ready to grapple with subtle antagonists, lie seizes the great central truth of the gospel—the Messiahship of Jesus. He employs his vast knowledge of the Old Testament Scriptures. 2. Boldness and energy. Not even waiting for opportunity, but making it; entering the synagogues, producing... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 9:19-25

Saul at Damascus. I. HIS PREACHING . In those very synagogues where he had determined to make victims of the followers of Jesus, he was found owning and proclaiming his Name. And his proclamation was that Jesus was the Son of God. This was, perhaps, a new truth to the Christian Church—or at least in the clear recognition and definite expression it has now—and must have come with extraordinary power from lips that were learned and eloquent and charged with the profound conviction... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 9:19-30

The texture of human life. Of how many threads is this human life woven! Through what changeful experiences do we pass, even in a short period of our course! In the brief period—possibly three years—covered by our text, we find Paul undergoing various fluctuations of good and evil. It is suggestive of the nature and character of our common human life. We may gather them up thus— I. THE PLEASANT . Paul had the pleasure of: 1. Congenial fellowship. He was "with the disciples … at... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Acts 9:18

As it had been scales - ὡσεὶ λεπίδες hōsei lepides. The word ὡσεὶ hōsei, “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... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Acts 9:19

Had received meat - Food. The word “meat” has undergone a change since our translation was made. It then meant, as the original does, food of all kinds.With the disciples - With Christians, compare Acts 2:42.Order? certain days with the disciples? - Certain days: How long is not known. It was long enough, however, to preach the gospel, Acts 9:22; Acts 26:20. It might have been for some months, as he did not go to Jerusalem under three years from that time. He remained some time at Damascus, and... read more

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