Acts 9:2-3

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Acts 9:1-9

We found mention made of Saul twice or thrice in the story of Stephen, for the sacred penman longed to come to his story; and now we are come to it, not quite taking leave of Peter but from henceforward being mostly taken up with Paul the apostle of the Gentiles, as Peter was of the circumcision. His name in Hebrew was Saul?desired, though as remarkably little in stature as his namesake king Saul was tall and stately; one of the ancients calls him, Homo tricubitalis?but four feet and a half in... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Acts 9:1-9

9:1-9 But Saul, still breathing out threat and murder to the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters of credit to Damascus, to the synagogues there, so that if he found any of The Way there, both men and women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. As he journeyed he came near Damascus. Suddenly a light from heaven flashed round about him. He fell on the ground and he heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" He said, "Who, are you,... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Acts 9:2

And desired of him letters to Damascus ,.... Damascus was the head or metropolis of Syria, Isaiah 7:8 And so Pliny F26 L. 36. c. 8. calls it Damascus of Syria: it was a very ancient city; it was in the times of Abraham; his servant Eliezer is said to be of it, Genesis 15:2 and some say it was built by him the said Eliezer; though Josephus F1 Antiqu. l. 1. c. 6. sect. 5. makes Uz, a grandson of Shem, to be the founder of it; whose surname is conjectured, by some, to be... read more

John Gill

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

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 9:2

Letters to Damascus to the synagogues - Damascus, anciently called דמסק Damask , and דרמסק Darmask , was once the metropolis of all Syria. It was situated at fifty miles' distance from the sea; from which it is separated by lofty mountains. It is washed by two rivers, Amara or Abara, which ran through it, and Pharpar, called by the Greeks Chrysorrhoas, the golden stream, which ran on the outside of its walls. It is one of the most ancient cities in the world, for it existed in the... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 9:3

Suddenly there shined round about him - This might have been an extraordinary flash of the electric fluid, accompanied with thunder, with which God chose to astonish and confound Saul and his company; but so modified it as to prevent it from striking them dead. Thunder would naturally follow such a large quantity of this fluid as appears to have been disengaged at this time; and out of this thunder, or immediately after it, Christ spoke in an awful and distinct voice, which appears to have... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 9:2

Verse 2 2.And Luke describeth therewithal that he was furnished with weapons and power to do hurt, when as he saith that he had obtained letters of the highest priest, that he might bring all those bound to Jerusalem whom he should find professing the name of Christ. There is mention made of women, that it may the better appear how desirous he was to shed blood who had no respect of sex whom even armed enemies are wont to spare in the heat of war. Therefore he setteth forth before us a fierce... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 9:3

Verse 3 3.As he was in the way. In craving epistles of the high priest, he ran headlong against Christ willingly; and now he is enforced to obey whether he will or no. This is surely the most excellent mercy of God, in that that man is reclaimed unto salvation contrary to the purpose of his mind, whom so great a heat carried headlong into destruction. Whereas the Lord suffereth him to receive letters, and to come near to the city; (whereby we see how well he knoweth the very instants of times... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 9:1-5

The one question of conversion. With this paragraph the landmark of the history changes. The conspicuous figure of Paul is seen, and is not again lost to sight till a certain Lord's day morning dawns on the Isle Patmos. The differences that exist in the life and lot of various men often awaken thought in those who think enough, oftener envy or murmur in those who fail to think enough. It is a 'notable token of the character of such envy that, when excited, it is almost invariably in... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 9:1-8

Saul on his way to Damascus. I. THE PICTURE OF THE PERSECUTOR . It is almost the picture of a monster. It resembles the idea of the fearful dragon-monster, which breathes forth smoke and flame, and threatens to devour the sun and moon and stars. Saul is inspired by a murderous feeling against the disciples of Christ. H e himself afterwards recognized that to persecute them was to persecute him ( 1 Timothy 1:13 ). Zeal for God without knowledge is another of his own... read more

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