2 Corinthians 11:33

33. Window Or, kiosk, based upon and projecting over the wall. From a similar window Eutychus fell to the ground, as stated Acts 20:9.

Basket Bloomfield describes it as a very strong netting made of cords, for the purpose of a net for taking fish, or, rather, a hamper for carrying fish, “a fish-hamper.” Stanley says: “There is a spot still pointed out on the eastern wall, itself modern, as the scene of Paul’s escape. Close by is a cavity in the ancient burial ground, where he is said, in the local legends, to have concealed himself; and formerly a tomb was shown of a St. George, who was martyred in furthering the escape. It is curious that in the present traditions of Damascus the incidents of this escape have almost entirely eclipsed the story of his conversion.” And, we may add, that the popular interest in such an incident very probably gave it that notoriety in his own day which rendered it an effective reminder against his opponents that any sufferings he had to narrate were credible. “An apostle in a basket” is an object quite likely to attract attention, and suggestive of some reflections and lessons. Let no man be ashamed of any predicament, however humble, in which he may be found in a career of good-doing. Alford, we think, mistakes the point when he supposes Paul tells this story of the basket as a self-humbling fact, likely to be quoted ever after to his disgrace. The infirmity of the narrative in which St. Paul glories is simply the fact that he was the object of united Gentile and Jewish hostility for Christ, and a refugee from their hands; not especially because he escaped in a basket. The man who could work at tent making for the glory of a gratuitous gospel, would see slight disgrace in a rope-hamper; far less the man who could boast of being five times striped with Jewish thongs, and thrice with the Roman rods.