Verse 13
13. The gift was wonderfully enhanced by the character of the receiver.
A blasphemer One who vilifies; but, in its most direful sense, one who vilifies God.
Persecutor Long years had passed since the martyrdom of Stephen, the fierce dispersion of the Jerusalem Church, and the wild raid upon Damascus: but to the perpetual penitence of Paul the memory is still fresh. He is now “Paul, the aged;” but he realizes his historical identity with that “young man whose name was Saul.” Acts 7:58. Christ has forgiven him; but how can he forgive himself? He will remember the whole as an incitement of gratitude to the pardoning Jesus.
Injurious An insulter.
Ignorantly in unbelief Not that this rendered him innocent, but it was cause why, when the truth was revealed to him, that he yielded that faith and obedience on which mercy depended. See note on Luke 23:34.
Be the first to react on this!
