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| 1 The and Saul still breathing of threatening and slaughter towards the disciples of the Lord, coming to 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 he desired from him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if any he might find of the way being, men both and women, having been bound he might lead into 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 In and the to go, came him to draw near to the Damascus; and suddenly flashed around him a light from the 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 having fallen to the earth, he heard a voice saying to him: Saul, Saul; Why dost thou persecute?
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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 He said and: Who art thou, O Lord? The and Lord said: I am Jesus; whom thou persecutest;
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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 stand thou up and enter into the city, and it shall be told to thee what thee it is necessary to do.
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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 The and men those traveling with him, stood dumb, hearing indeed the voice, no one but seeing. |
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 Arose and the Saul from the earth; having been opened and the eyes of him, no one he saw; leading by the hand and him they led 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 days three not seeing; and not ate, nor drank. |
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 Was and a certain disciple in Damascus by name Ananias, and said to him the Lord in a vision: Ananias.
He and said: Lo I, O 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 The and Lord to him: Having arisen go thou to the street that being called Straight, and seek for in house of Judas, Saul by name, of Tarsus; lo for he prays,
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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 saw in a vision a man by name Ananias, having come in and having placed to him a hand, that he might receive sight.
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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 Answered and Ananias: O Lord, I have heard from many concerning the man this, what things bad he did to the saints of thee 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 has authority from the high-priests, to bind all those calling upon the name of thee. |
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| 15 Said and to him the Lord: Go thou, because a vessel chosen to me is this, of the to bear the name of me before nations, and kings, sons and of Israel.
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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 I for will point out to him, what things it behooves him in behalf of the name of me to suffer.
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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 Went away and Ananias and entered into the house; and having placed on him the hands, he said: Saul O brother, the Lord has sent me, (Jesus he having appeared to thee in the way in which thou camest,) that thou mayest receive sight, and mayest be filled of spirit holy. |
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 immediately fell from the eyes of him as it were scales, he recovered sight and; and having arisen he was dipped. |
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 having taken food he was strengthened. He was and with the in Damascus disciples days several. |
With the disciples – Days of communion with those whom he had come to persecute. R2118:5
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| 20 And immediately in the synagogues he proclaimed the Jesus, that this is the son of the 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 Were amazed and all those having heard, and said: Not this is the one having wasted in Jerusalem those calling upon the name this? and here for this had come, that having bound them he might lead to the high-priests. |
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| 22 Saul but more was strengthened, and perplexed the Jews those dwelling in Damascus, proving, that this is the Anointed. |
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| 23 When and were fulfilled days many, consulted together the Jews to kill him; |
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| 24 was made known but to the Saul the plot of them; they were watching and the gates day both and night, that him they might kill. |
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| 25 Having taken but him the disciples by night, they let down through the wall, lowering in a basket. |
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| 26 Having come and into Jerusalem, he tried to unite himself to the disciples; and all feared him; not believing that he is a disciple. |
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| 27 Barnabas but having taken him, brought to the apostles, and related to them, how in the way he saw the Lord, and that he spoke to him, and how in Damascus he spoke boldly in the name of the 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, and speaking boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus. |
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| 29 He spoke and and contended with the Hellenists; they but took in hand him to kill. |
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| 30 Having known but the brethren they brought down him to Caesarea, and sent away him into Tarsus. |
Caesarea – Philip made it his headquarters. R2222:3
Tarsus – His native city. R2998:3
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| 31 The indeed then congregations in whole of the Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace, being built up and proceeding in the fear of the Lord and the consolation of the holy spirit, were 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 It happened and Peter, passing through all, to have gone down also to the saints those dwelling 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 He found and there a man certain Eneas by name, from years eight being laid in bed, who was a paralytic. |
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 said to him the Peter: Eneas, cures thee Jesus the Anointed; arise thou, and make the bed for thyself. And immediately 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 saw him all those dwelling Lydda and the Saron, who turned to the Lord. |
Saron – The valley of Sharon, very fertile, thickly settled. R2126:2
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| 36 In Joppa and certain was a female disciple by name Tabitha, which being translated is called Dorcas; she was full of good works and of alms which she did. |
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 It happened and in the days those having been sick her to have died; having washed and her they laid in an upper room. |
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| 38 Near and being Lydda to the Joppa, the disciples having heard that Peter is in her, sent two men to him, entreating not to delay to come over to them. |
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 Having arisen and Peter came with them; whom having come they laid into the upper room, and stood beside him all the widows weeping, and showing tunics and mantles, as many as she made with them being the Dorcas. |
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 Having put and out all the Peter having placed the knees he prayed; and having turned to the body, said: Tabitha, do thou arise. She and opened the eyes of herself; and seeing the 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 Having given and to her a hand, he raised her; having called and the saints and the widows, he presented her living. |
Alive – Evidence of divine power and an evidence of Restitution times. R4335:6
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| 42 Known and it became in whole of the Joppa; and many believed in 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 It happened and days many to remain him in Joppa, with one Simon a tanner. |
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