Acts 9:3

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 9:3

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 9:3

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 9:3

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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 9:1-9

Conversion. We have here an instance and a picture of conversion—of a human soul pursuing the wrong course, being arrested by the Divine hand, and submitting itself willingly to the rule of Christ. I. A HUMAN SOUL PURSUING ITS OWN WRONG COURSE . Paul was moving with the whole force of his strong and ardent nature in the direction of active persecution of the friends of Christ ( Acts 9:1 , Acts 9:2 , Acts 9:5 ). Sin sometimes takes this special form now. More often... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 9:1-9

The sign from heaven. The state of the Church and the world calling for such a sign. The want of a greater spirit among the apostles, to undertake the new leadership as the gospel went forth to challenge the whole world. The awakening mind of the disciples—Samaria, Philip and the eunuch, Caesarea ( Acts 8:40 ), all pointed to a new epoch. The hour was there; but where was the man? Peculiar qualifications necessary—intellect; culture; burning zeal; personal experience of the power of... 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

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