John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Acts 9:4
And he fell to the earth ,.... Not being able to bear the light, and still less the divine glory and majesty which he perceived was present; and therefore, in great confusion, amazement, and fear, he fell with his face to the ground, and lay there prostrate and so did also those that were with him, Acts 26:14 and heard a voice, saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me ? this voice was the real voice of Christ in his human nature, and who visibly and in person appeared, and... read more
John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Acts 9:3
And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus ,.... Some say it was a mile from Damascus: though, no mention is made of his obtaining letters from the high priest, only of his desiring them; yet there is no doubt but they were granted him; the design of the historian, under a divine direction, being to give an account of the temper and disposition of Saul; and he having got them, set out on his journey in high spirits, and proceeded on with the same wicked intentions, till he came near the... read more