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| 1 But, Saul, yet breathing threatening and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, going unto the High-priest, |
And Saul – Of Jewish parentage he was named after Israel's first King, Saul; but his father was a Roman citizen, and as such received the special name Paul. After his ministry reached foreign lands he used his Roman citizenship name exclusively. R4355:1, 2968:6
He had received a special course in theology at Jerusalem, under Gamaliel, one of the greatest teachers of that time. R2117:3, 4355:1
A bitter enemy of the Lord Jesus and his followers; yet he was an honest, sincere, good man, loyal to the Lord. R2968:3, 5034:5, 2117:3; NS673:1
An early tradition describes him small in size, bald, bandy-legged, well built, with eyebrows meeting, long nosed, with a winning manner and graceful motion. A later likeness indicates his fine appearance, with a beard and a fine countenance. R2969:1
Against the disciples – Experience confirms that an earnest, conscientious opponent is more to be respected than a cold, indifferent professed friend. R2117:3
High priest – The priesthood was granted and exercised considerable power under the arrangements of the Roman government, to make arrests. R2117:3
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| 2 asked from him letters for Damascus, unto the synagogues; to the end that, if he should find, any, who were of The Way, whether men or women, he might bring them, bound, unto Jerusalem. |
Desired of him letters – Armed with authority for the apprehension of the Lord's followers. R2823:6
Bring them bound – His latest move was to get orders from the high priest to bring the Christians of Damascus to Jerusalem to be tried before the Sanhedrin, rather than be tried in their local synagogue. R4355:5
Nearly all persecutions have been sanctioned by some human law; we should regulate ourselves by the divine code. R2117:5
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| 3 But, as he was journeying, it came to pass that he was drawing near unto Damascus, and, suddenly, there flashed around him a light out of heaven; |
As he journeyed – The account here given is that of Luke, doubtless received directly from the Apostle Paul himself. R2117:5
A light from heaven – Evidently a supernatural one. R2969:4
A vision of the Son of God in glory. R4355:5, 5035:2, 2117:6
A representation of Jesus' glory. R2824:6, 1873:6
A "heavenly vision." ( Acts:26:19) R1323:2
We need not suppose that he saw our Lord's spiritual body in its wonderful glory, for he is now the express image of the Father's person. (Heb. 1:3) R2824:5
He saw some of the light from his glorious presence, sufficient to give him absolute assurance that Jesus was the resurrected, glorified, heavenly Lord, a quickening Spirit. R2824:6
A demonstration or proof that God had raised Jesus from the dead and had bestowed upon him the glory, honor and immortality of the divine nature. R5034:4
"Last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born before the due time." (1 Cor. 15:8) B134; R1523:1
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| 4 And, falling unto the earth, he heard a voice saying unto him–Saul! Saul! why, me, art thou persecuting? |
Fell to the earth – Seeing him unveiled, Jesus in his glory, Saul was smitten to the earth and seriously blinded. R5299:2, 3904:2; B133
Being stunned or in a faint condition, Saul seems to have been fully possessed of his senses. R2824:1
Not only literally, but crest-fallen in his mind and self esteem. R4355:6
A voice – Only Saul could distinguish the words which were meant for him alone. R2117:6
The voice spoke in the Hebrew tongue, whereas those who were with Saul probably spoke in the Syriac or the Greek language. R2969:5, 4355:5
Persecutest thou me – Saul never saw Jesus personally in the flesh to persecute him, but whatsoever is done to the least of his disciples was done to Jesus. R5180:5
Jesus recognizes his followers as his members. SM75:2; R5053:3, 4433:2; OV280:T
Because we have been adopted by Christ, Saul was not persecuting the flesh of ordinary people, but Jesus. CR327:6
The persecution of the church in the flesh was a persecution of himself. What the church suffers is a part of the sufferings of Christ. R5394:2, 5192:6
Christ has been suffering in the flesh all down the age. SM361:T; R5053:6; CR327:4; 348:4
How close is the relationship between the Church and her Lord, as members of one sacrifice. R4433:2
This did not constitute Saul an antichrist in the Scripture use of the term, which applies to one "against" in the sense of misrepresenting, counterfeiting, taking the place of the true Christ. B281
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| 5 And he said–Who art thou, Lord? And, he, [said]–I, am Jesus, whom, thou, art persecuting! |
Who art thou Lord – This lack of knowledge of the Son implies a lack of correct knowledge of the Father. R2969:5
He recognized that the one who had power to arrest him in his journey was a lordly one, a powerful one. R2824:1
Saul needed something to arouse him thoroughly, to realize that the Lord is not a man, but "that Spirit." OV355:3
And the Lord said – Jesus personally; non-personal instructions are properly described as from or by the Lord's holy Spirit. E277
I am Jesus – It was necessary that all the twelve apostles should be able to bear witness to the fact that Jesus had risen from the dead. R5579:2; F215
It was this same Jesus, no longer flesh and bones but "a quickening spirit." R1416:4
Whom thou persecutest – Because persecuting a member of the Body of Christ is persecuting the Head of the Church. NS673:3
The flesh of these consecrated ones having been counted as the flesh of Jesus. SM360:3, 75:2
Saul was not persecuting the glorified Savior directly, but he was persecuting the followers of Jesus. R5173:4, 5394:2, 5180:5, 5053:6; CR348:4
A surprise and shock to Saul. R2824:1
No member can be in ill condition without the knowledge and sympathy of the Head member, Christ. R5213:4
Whoever is a faultfinder and busybody in the affairs of the brethren is doing this against the flesh of Jesus. R5274:3
It is hard... – These words and down to the word "Arise" in verse 6 are not found in the old manuscripts. R2969:6, 4355:6
Against the pricks – Of Facts, evidence, conscience. R2968:6
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| 6 But rise up, and enter into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. |
Have me to do – Meant full surrender. R2824:3
We see the loyalty of the man. NS159:2
An earnest desire to be active in the service of God to the extent of his ability. R1444:6, 934:3*
I am anxious to undo my mistakes, to be your servant, obey your orders. R2824:3, 2118:1
It is this class that the Lord is seeking during this Gospel age. SM762:1
We are not to consider Paul's conversion as of the heart from opposition to harmony with God, but a turning about, through a better understanding of the truth. (1 Tim. 1:13) R1444:5
Arise and go – Paul says: "Immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood." (Gal. 1:16) R900:6
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| 7 But, the men who were accompanying him, stood speechless,–hearing, indeed, the voice, but beholding no one. |
The men – Possibly zealots like Saul, or commissioned servants, a sort of police squad. R4355:5
Stood speechless – Afterward, no doubt, kneeling reverently about their leader. R2117:6
Hearing a voice – But not being able to distinguish the words, which were intended for Saul alone. R2117:6, 4355:5, 2969:5, 2824:3
But seeing no man – The miracle by which a natural man can behold a spirit being was wrought upon Saul. A183; R579:1, 262:1, 18:4
The Lord was seen of Saul alone. R579:1, 262:1
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| 8 And Saul arose from the earth, and, his eyes being opened, he could see nothing; and, taking him by the hand, they led him into Damascus,– |
He saw no man – He got a glimpse of the glory of a spirit being, and cost him his sight. R1416:4
The wonderful light which flashed upon his eyes destroyed his sight. R2824:5
He never fully recovered his eyesight. Of his imperfect vision, his "thorn in the flesh" (2 Cor. 12:7-9), the Lord assured him th R5952:3,4, 5416:6, 2825:1, 2118:2; F651
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| 9 And he was three days without seeing, and did neither eat nor drink. |
Three days – In some sense of the word a figure, likeness, or type of Israel, whose blinding took place in the fifth (1,000 year) day, and is to have its eyes opened on the seventh (1,000 year) day. R2118:5
Were days of prayer and reflection, comparing the Law and the prophets with what he knew of the Nazarene. R2118:1, 2969:6, 2824:5
Neither did eat – Because so overwhelmed. R4356:1
What a humiliation to think that he had fought against the truth, and a time of good resolution as respected the future. R2969:6
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| 10 Now there was a certain disciple in Damascus, by name Ananias; and, the Lord, said unto him in a vision–Ananias! And, he, said–Lo! I, [am here], Lord! |
Named Ananias – Not an apostle, an elder or a deacon, but a plain, humble, obedient disciple. R2970:1, 2118:1
Any whom the Lord chooses would be good, devout, pious--not frivolous, worldly immoral. R2824:6
An illustration of divine methods, that the Lord is both able and willing to use the humble ones who are ready and waiting. R2118:2
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| 11 And the Lord [said] unto him–Rise! go into the street which is called Straight, and seek, in the house of Judas, one Saul, by name, of Tarsus. For lo! he is praying,– |
Called Straight – A most aristocratic street, really straight, 100 feet wide. R4356:1
Saul – An Israelite indeed, a Pharisee of the Pharisees. R5002:5, 5963:2
Of Tarsus – One of the most notable cities of that date. R2117:2
Behold, he prayeth – We may be sure that those who similarly, humbly address the Almighty are in no injurious mood. R4356:1
Private prayer may be considered a sure index to an honest, contrite heart. R4356:2
Saul of Tarsus is a changed man; he is no longer the self-confident one. NS673:4
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| 12 And hath seen a man [in a vision], Ananias by name, coming in and laying on him his hands, to the intent he should see. |
In a vision – Greek, horama; signifies a vision, not reality. The man seen by the blind Saul was obviously not a reality but a vision. R4142:4*
Ananias – The name Ananias signifies, "Jah is gracious." R2118:5
Receive his sight – When the time shall come for the opening of Israel's eyes, the Lord will send some Ananias whose touch and blessing under divine favor will bring sight. R2118:5
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| 13 And Ananias, answered–Lord! I have heard from many concerning this man, how many evil things unto thy saints he hath done in Jerusalem; |
Saints – Ananias is the first one to use the word "saints" signifying holy ones, sanctified ones. R4356:2
Shows how intimately he stands related with all who are truly his; those who touch his saints touch him. 2824:2
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| 14 And, here, he hath authority from the High-priests to bind all them that call upon thy name. |
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| 15 But the Lord said unto him–Be going thy way; for, a choice vessel unto me, is this man, to bear my name before both [the] nations and kings, and the sons of Israel; |
He is – Peculiarly fitted by birth, education, and temperament. R4356:2, 5941:6, 4385:3
Saul was an acute logician. R1565:6
A chosen vessel – To take Judas' place. F215; R2925:3, 2823:2, 2141:1; PD74/88
As one of the chosen twelve. R1523:2; PD74/88
The testimony which indicates his apostleship. F216
This choice did not interfere with his free agency. R4356:3
He had full proof of his apostleship. R5941:6
God had chosen him for a special service. (Gal. 1:15) R5002:5, 5400:1, 4356:3, 2832:2, 550:3
Though misled by error, he was a very noble, worthy vessel to be used in his service. CR467:5
Such language could not be used by the Lord in connection with one whose heart was not already fully consecrated to the divine will and service, however ignorantly it had been misused. 2824:5
Saul did not see Jesus in the flesh after his resurrection, but this was no barrier to God's plan. R550:3
To bear my name – To present divine truth to us with all the power and force of logical deduction. R1565:3
And to be for salvation to the ends of the earth. R25:1*
As a woman bears her husband's name, we are to bear the name of Jesus Christ, as "the bride, the Lamb's wife." (Rev. 21:9) R5594:2
Before – Unto. R5400:1
The Gentiles – Paul's missionary efforts were first directed of the Lord to the Gentiles. R4385:3
And kings – Before Felix, Agrippa, Festus, and possibly Emperor Nero. R4356:3, 4385:3
Children of Israel – Through his epistle to the Hebrews, he helped "Israelites indeed" to discern between the shadows in the types of the Law Covenant and the eternal verities antityped in Christ, Head and Body. R4385:3,5
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| 16 For, I, will let him understand how many things he must needs, for my name, suffer. |
He must suffer – Paul was not long in proving the truth of this prediction, but he rejoiced in the privilege of testifying his love to the Lord. R1884:6
He was put through disciplinary experiences because he was a favored child of God. R5147:4
To be chosen to suffer much implies qualification for the higher glory hereafter. R2825:4
May the Lord show us how much more it is our privilege to suffer for his sake. R581:3
The Lord does not call his disciples under any misapprehension of the facts. R4356:4
For my name's sake – Not for wrong-doing, anger, malice, hatred, strife, evil-speaking, etc. R3012:5
Includes everything connected with the divine plan, of which Jesus is the center. R4356:4
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| 17 And Ananias departed, and entered into the house; and, laying upon him his hands, said–Saul, brother! The Lord, hath sent me,–Jesus, who appeared unto thee in the way by which thou wast coming,–that thou mayest recover sight, and be filled with Holy Spirit. |
Putting his hands on him – The manner of imparting the Holy Spirit used to be by the laying on of hands. R183:1
Said, Brother Saul – In full confidence of faith he addressed Saul in the most kindly terms. R4356:5
He was glad to forget that he had been a persecutor of the church; he did not upbraid him, he made no unkind allusion to the past. R2970:2
All the Church were similarly greeted--as brothers and sisters in Christ. R1523:5; F230
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| 18 And, straightway, there fell from him–from his eyes,–as it were scales; he recovered sight also, and, arising, was immersed: |
Scales – Seems to indicate that a certain portion of the eye had been thoroughly destroyed by the great light; and the healing may be said to have been in a natural way by the removal of the injured cornea. R2118:2, 4356:5
He received sight – A miracle was required for his recovery of sight. R5416:6; B133
His eyes were never restored to their former strength. R2825:1, 5963:2, 1540:4
Because of his serious affection of the eyes, he was ignominiously styled "The blear-eyed Jew." R1540:4
This remnant of his eye trouble would ever keep him in remembrance of his zeal without knowledge and of the Lord's mercy to him. R4356:6
But how much greater was the spiritual sight--the illumination of his heart and mind. R2970:4
After his eyes of understanding had been opened, St. Paul manifested a wonderful insight into the things divine. R5941:5
Some today, who had been blinded with misconceptions of God's character and plan, opposing the truth, have been as Saul, "called out of darkness into his marvelous light." (1 Pet. 2:9) to God's service. R2824:4
Baptized – By the first of God's children he met. R769:2
With John's baptism, for the remission of sins. ( Acts 22:16) R5963:1
Thus symbolizing his allegiance to the Crucified One. R4356:6
Greek, dipping; immersion. R444:3, 1541:2,3
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| 19 And, receiving food, gained strength. And he came to be with the disciples who were in Damascus certain days; |
With the disciples – Days of communion with those whom he had come to persecute. R2118:5
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| 20 And, straightway, in the synagogues, he began proclaiming Jesus, that, This, is the Son of God. |
He preached Christ – Publicly using the opportunities afforded in the Jewish Synagogues. R2118:5
Calling upon all to repent and turn to God and do works meet for repentance. R1445:1
And so with us. But first the eye of appreciation and faith must be opened, and the ear of understanding unstopped. R2825:3
Paul was here preaching previous to his indorsement for the missionary work. ( Acts 13:1-3) F285
In the synagogues – The Lord and the apostles did not call believers out of the Jewish synagogues. They could teach the people there for a time, but soon found little and finally no opportunity to teach in the synagogues. R986:5
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| 21 And all who were hearing were astonished, and began to say–is not, this, he who destroyed, in Jerusalem, them that invoke this name; and, here, for this purpose, had come, in order that he might lead them, bound, unto the High-priests? |
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| 22 But, Saul, was the more gaining power; and was confounding the Jews who dwelt in Damascus, shewing, by comparison, that–This, is the Christ. |
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| 23 Now, when a considerable number of days were being fulfilled, the Jews took counsel together to kill him; |
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| 24 But their plot was made known unto Saul,–and they were even narrowly watching the gates, both day and night, that they might kill him; |
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| 25 But the disciples, taking him by night, through the wall, let him down, lowering him in a basket. |
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| 26 And, when he had arrived in Jerusalem, he made attempts to join himself unto the disciples; and all were afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple. |
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| 27 But, Barnabas, taking him, brought him unto the apostles, and related unto them,–how, in the way, he had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken unto him; and how, in Damascus, he had spoken boldly in the name of Jesus. |
Brought him to the apostles – When Paul first visited Jerusalem, he needed a personal introduction. R1720:2
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| 28 And he was with them, coming in and going out in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord; |
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| 29 And was both speaking and discussing with the Grecian Jews,–but, they, were setting to work to kill him. |
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| 30 And the brethren, discovering it, brought him down into Caesarea, and sent him away unto Tarsus. |
Caesarea – Philip made it his headquarters. R2222:3
Tarsus – His native city. R2998:3
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| 31 So then, the assembly throughout the whole of Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, had peace, building itself up, and going on its way in the fear of the Lord; and, by the advocacy of the Holy Spirit, was being multiplied. |
Then – A.D. 41 when Caligula was murdered. 2986:3
Rest – It is not surprising that such outside persecution and interference with their own religious rites and liberties caused the Jews to relax their persecution of the Christians. R2986:3
Opportunity for spiritual edification, comfort, growth in grace and knowledge. R4335:2, 2986:2
And were edified – This was a time of upbuilding amongst the little groups of the Lord's people. The church was growing in numbers and growing in grace. R2986:5
The work of grace flourished amongst the Samaritans very promptly after the door of opportunity opened to them. R4132:3
Fear – Reverence. R3435:1, 4335:3
And in the comfort – United, cemented or strengthened together. R2987:1
Of the Holy Spirit – The spirit, mind or disposition of God. The use of the word "ghost" for the Greek pneuma is unfortunate, and confusing. It should be "spirit." R2987:1; E173
Which comforts us by enabling us to see matters not only from the divine standpoint but also can appreciate and feel from the same standpoint. R3435:1
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| 32 And it came to pass that, Peter, going through all [quarters] went down unto the saints also dwelling in Lydda. |
To the saints – Holy ones, set apart, sanctified believers in Christ. R2987:3, 4335:3, 2126:2
The name is not adopted by many professed Christians who feel unworthy of its implications; also because of opposition to the Catholic custom to "canonize" such selected persons centuries after life. R2987:3, 2126:2
The word "saint" certainly approves itself to us. It does not signify actual perfection, but those reckoned holy through our Lord. R2987:4
Dwelt at Lydda – The chief city of the plain of Sharon (Saron), midway between Jerusalem and Joppa, ten miles from each. R2987:3, 2126:2
Where one of the early Christian churches was founded. R1381:4
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| 33 And he found there a certain man, by name Aeneas, who, for eight years, had been lying prostrate upon a bed, for he was paralysed. |
A certain man – We are not told that he was one of the saints, but possibly he was the friend of some of them. R2987:5, 4335:5
Miracles of healing were seldom, if ever, performed upon believers. R4335:5
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| 34 And Peter said unto him–Aeneas! Jesus Christ healeth thee! Arise, and smooth thy bed for thyself. And, straightway, he arose. |
Christ Jesus – These things were done by his authority and power. R61:3*
Maketh thee whole – The healing was a miracle. R2987:5
Was used of the Lord to advertise the truth, after a manner not necessary at the present time. R4335:5, 2126:5
He arose immediately – The power of conferring those gifts was vested in the apostles, and did "vanish away" when the apostles died. (1 Cor. 12:28, 13:8) R1998:3, 2987:6
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| 35 And all who dwelt in Lydda and Saron, saw him,–and, they, turned unto the Lord. |
Saron – The valley of Sharon, very fertile, thickly settled. R2126:2
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| 36 Now, in Joppa, there was a certain female disciple, by name Tabitha, which, being translated, means Dorcas [a Gazelle]. The same, was full of good works and alms which she was doing. |
Tabitha – In the Syrian language, then and there prevalent; signifies beautiful. R4335:6, 2987:6
In the Aramaic language, signifies Gazelle. R2126:3,5
Is called Dorcas – In Greek language carries thought of beauty, signifying gazelle; the timidity and the bright, sparkling eye of the gazelle. 4335:6, 2126:3, 5
Full of good works – She sought to relieve the temporal necessities of the needy poor. R1451:4
Beautiful of heart and character. R4336:1, 2987:6
A noble Christian woman. R2126:5
She was a burning and shining light for the Lord in that vicinity. She served the Lord, his brethren and all needing help according to the best opportunities afforded her. R2987:6
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| 37 And it came to pass in those days, that she, sickening, died; and, bathing her, they laid her in an upper room. |
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| 38 Now, Lydda being nigh unto Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was therein, sent off two men unto him, beseeching him–Do not delay to come through unto us! |
Desiring him – With no thought of such a miracle, but rather that Peter could give them some consolation at this time. R2988:4
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| 39 And Peter, arising, went with them,–whom, when he arrived, they brought up into the upper room; and there stood by him all the widows, weeping, and showing the tunics and mantles–whatsoever things Dorcas was making while she was with them. |
Widows – The widows of olden times had a peculiarly hard lot; hence the frequent reference to them in the Scriptures as objects of charity. R4336:2
Weeping, and shewing the coats – Such mourners give eloquent testimony to saintship: "She hath done what she could." (Mark 14:8) R4336:1
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| 40 But Peter, putting them all outside, knelt down and prayed; and, turning towards the body, said–Tabitha, arise! And she, opening her eyes and seeing Peter, sat up. |
She opened her eyes – One whom all the creeds of "Christendom" would send to heaven, yet when she was awakened to life she had no wonderful experiences or mysterious visions to relate. R1450:6
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| 41 And, giving her his hand, he raised her up; and, calling the saints and the widows, presented her, living. |
Alive – Evidence of divine power and an evidence of Restitution times. R4335:6
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| 42 And it became known throughout the whole of Joppa, and many believed upon the Lord. |
Many believed – The Lord's agency was recognized by the people. R61:6*
The object was to establish the authority of the apostles' teaching, and endorsing them. R1450:2
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| 43 And it came to pass that, for a considerable number of days, he abode in Joppa, with one Simon, a tanner. |
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