King James Version
Acts 9
43 verses with commentary
The Conversion of Saul
And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,
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KJV Study Commentary
Saul, 'yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter,' actively persecuted Christians with murderous intent. The Greek <em>empneon</em> (breathing) suggests this was his very atmosphere - persecution consumed him. He sought letters from the high priest authorizing arrests in Damascus, showing organized, official persecution. From a Reformed perspective, this establishes Saul as the quintessential e...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
**IX.**
(1) **Yet breathing out threatenings.**—The “yet” implies a considerable interval since the death of Stephen, probably coinciding with the time occupied by the mission-work of Philip in the previous chapter. During this interval the persecution had probably been continuing. The Greek participle, literally, *breathing-in, *is somewhat more emphatic than the English. He lived, as it were, in...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**11-14. blasphemous words against Moses--**doubtless referring to the impending disappearance of the whole Mosaic system.
**and against God--**This must refer to the supreme dignity and authority which he claimed for Christ, as the head of that new economy which was so speedily to supersede the old (compare Ac 7:56, 59, 60).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 9
Chapter Outline
The conversion of Saul.(1-9)
Saul converted preaches Christ.(10-22)
Saul is persecuted at Damascus, and goes to Jerusalem.(23-31)
Cure of Eneas.(32-35)
Dorcas raised to life.(36-43)
**Verses 1-9**
So ill informed was Saul, that he thought he ought to do all he could against the name of Christ, and that he did God service thereby; he seemed to...
Read full commentary →And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. of this way: Gr. of the way
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KJV Study Commentary
Saul sought authorization to arrest 'any of this way' - an early designation for Christianity emphasizing it as a complete way of life, not mere philosophy. His target included both 'men and women,' showing comprehensive persecution. That he sought to 'bring them bound unto Jerusalem' indicates intent for trial and punishment. The phrase 'this way' (Greek <em>hodos</em>) recalls Jesus' declaration...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(2) **And desired of him letters to Damascus.**—We learn from 2Corinthians 11:32-33, that Damascus was at this time under the government of Aretas, the king of Arabia Petræa. How it came to be so, having been previously under Vitellius, the Roman president of Syria (Jos. *Ant.* xiv. 4, § 5), is not clear. It is probable, however, that in the war which Aretas had declared against Herod Antipas, in ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**15. as ... the face of an angel--**a play of supernatural radiance attesting to all who beheld his countenance the divine calm of the spirit within.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 9
Chapter Outline
The conversion of Saul.(1-9)
Saul converted preaches Christ.(10-22)
Saul is persecuted at Damascus, and goes to Jerusalem.(23-31)
Cure of Eneas.(32-35)
Dorcas raised to life.(36-43)
**Verses 1-9**
So ill informed was Saul, that he thought he ought to do all he could against the name of Christ, and that he did God service thereby; he seemed to...
Read full commentary →And as he journeyed , he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:
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KJV Study Commentary
As Saul journeyed to Damascus, 'suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven' - divine intervention at the exact moment of God's choosing. The light's supernatural origin and intensity (brighter than noonday sun, Acts 26:13) revealed God's glory. Christ's initiative in confronting Saul demonstrates sovereign grace - the persecutor didn't seek Christ, Christ sought him. Reformed theolo...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(3) **And as he journeyed.**—The route by which the persecutor and his companions travelled was probably that taken by the Roman road, which extended from Jerusalem to Neapolis (Sychar, or Shechem), thence to Scythopolis, and so by the shores of the Sea of Galilee and Cæsarea Philippi, and thence under the slopes of Hermon, to Damascus. On this supposition Saul would traverse the chief scenes of o...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 9
Chapter Outline
The conversion of Saul.(1-9)
Saul converted preaches Christ.(10-22)
Saul is persecuted at Damascus, and goes to Jerusalem.(23-31)
Cure of Eneas.(32-35)
Dorcas raised to life.(36-43)
**Verses 1-9**
So ill informed was Saul, that he thought he ought to do all he could against the name of Christ, and that he did God service thereby; he seemed to...
Read full commentary →And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?</strong>—The Damascus road christophany (Christ appearance) transformed Christianity's greatest persecutor into its chief apostle. The doubled vocative 'Saul, Saul' conveys personal address and urgency (compare Luke 10:41, 22:31). <strong>Why persecutest thou me?</strong> (τί με διώκεις;)—Chri...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(4) **Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?**—It is remarkable that here only, in the original Greek, and in Acts 9:17, as in the reproduction of the words in Acts 22:27; Acts 26:14, do we find the Hebrew form of the Benjamite name. It is as though he, who gloried in being above all things a Hebrew of the Hebrews, heard himself claimed as such by Him who spoke from heaven, called as Samuel had been...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 9
Chapter Outline
The conversion of Saul.(1-9)
Saul converted preaches Christ.(10-22)
Saul is persecuted at Damascus, and goes to Jerusalem.(23-31)
Cure of Eneas.(32-35)
Dorcas raised to life.(36-43)
**Verses 1-9**
So ill informed was Saul, that he thought he ought to do all he could against the name of Christ, and that he did God service thereby; he seemed to...
Read full commentary →And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest</strong>—Saul's initial address 'Lord' (Κύριε) could mean 'Sir' or 'Master', but Christ's self-revelation transformed it into full recognition of deity. <strong>I am Jesus</strong> (ἐγώ εἰμι Ἰησοῦς) echoes Yahweh's 'I AM' self-disclosure (Exodus 3:14), claiming divine identity. <strong>Whom thou persecutes...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(5) **Who art thou, Lord?**—The word “Lord” could not as yet have been used in all the fulness of its meaning. As in many cases in the Gospels, it was the natural utterance of respect and awe (John 5:7; John 9:36; John 20:15), such as would be roused by what the persecutor saw and heard.
**I am Jesus whom thou persecutest.**—Some of the best MSS. give “Jesus of Nazareth”; or better, perhaps, *Jesu...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 7 Ac 7:1-60. Defense and Martyrdom of Stephen.
In this long defense Stephen takes a much wider range, and goes less directly into the point raised by his accusers, than we should have expected. His object seems to have been to show (1) that so far from disparaging, he deeply reverenced, and was intimately conversant with, the whole history of the ancient economy; and (2) that in resistin...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 9
Chapter Outline
The conversion of Saul.(1-9)
Saul converted preaches Christ.(10-22)
Saul is persecuted at Damascus, and goes to Jerusalem.(23-31)
Cure of Eneas.(32-35)
Dorcas raised to life.(36-43)
**Verses 1-9**
So ill informed was Saul, that he thought he ought to do all he could against the name of Christ, and that he did God service thereby; he seemed to...
Read full commentary →And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?</strong>—Saul's question marks complete surrender: the persecutor becomes disciple, submitting his will to Christ's direction. The Greek 'tremōn' (trembling) indicates physical fear and awe before divine majesty. <strong>What wilt thou have me to do?</strong> (τί με θέλεις ποιῆσαι;) shows immediate readiness to obey,...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(6) **And he trembling and astonished . . .**—The words stand, as far as textual authority is concerned, on the same footing as the foregoing, but, for the same reason, will be dealt with here. We note (1) the use of the word “Lord,” now, we must believe, with a new meaning, as applied to the Nazarene whom he had before despised. (2) The entire surrender of his own will to that of Him whom he thus...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 7 Ac 7:1-60. Defense and Martyrdom of Stephen.
In this long defense Stephen takes a much wider range, and goes less directly into the point raised by his accusers, than we should have expected. His object seems to have been to show (1) that so far from disparaging, he deeply reverenced, and was intimately conversant with, the whole history of the ancient economy; and (2) that in resistin...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 9
Chapter Outline
The conversion of Saul.(1-9)
Saul converted preaches Christ.(10-22)
Saul is persecuted at Damascus, and goes to Jerusalem.(23-31)
Cure of Eneas.(32-35)
Dorcas raised to life.(36-43)
**Verses 1-9**
So ill informed was Saul, that he thought he ought to do all he could against the name of Christ, and that he did God service thereby; he seemed to...
Read full commentary →And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man.</strong> The witnesses to Saul's Damascus Road encounter experienced partial sensory phenomena, confirming the event's objective reality while highlighting Saul's unique call.<br><br>Stood speechless indicates stunned inability to respond. They recognized something extraordinary occurred but couldn't...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(7) **Hearing a voice, but seeing no man.**—We are told by St. Paul himself (Acts 22:9) that they “did *not* hear the voice.” What is meant is clearly that they did not hear the words—could attach no meaning to the sounds which for Saul himself had so profound a significance. So, in like manner, they saw the light, but did not see the form. In Acts 26:14, they also are said to have fallen on the g...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 7 Ac 7:1-60. Defense and Martyrdom of Stephen.
In this long defense Stephen takes a much wider range, and goes less directly into the point raised by his accusers, than we should have expected. His object seems to have been to show (1) that so far from disparaging, he deeply reverenced, and was intimately conversant with, the whole history of the ancient economy; and (2) that in resistin...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 9
Chapter Outline
The conversion of Saul.(1-9)
Saul converted preaches Christ.(10-22)
Saul is persecuted at Damascus, and goes to Jerusalem.(23-31)
Cure of Eneas.(32-35)
Dorcas raised to life.(36-43)
**Verses 1-9**
So ill informed was Saul, that he thought he ought to do all he could against the name of Christ, and that he did God service thereby; he seemed to...
Read full commentary →And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus.
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KJV Study Commentary
Saul arose from the earth unable to see despite his eyes being open - the glory of Christ had blinded him physically. This blindness symbolized his previous spiritual blindness, needing divine healing for both. That his companions led him by the hand shows complete helplessness - the self-confident persecutor became utterly dependent. From a Reformed perspective, this illustrates total inability: ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(8) **He saw no** **man.**—The blindness was that of one who has been dazzled with excess of light (comp. Acts 22:11), the natural result of the vision of the supernatural glory, a witness to the man himself that the vision was not a mere play of imagination. Traces of its permanent effect on his powers of sight have been found in his habit of dictating rather than writing letters (see Note on 2Th...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 7 Ac 7:1-60. Defense and Martyrdom of Stephen.
In this long defense Stephen takes a much wider range, and goes less directly into the point raised by his accusers, than we should have expected. His object seems to have been to show (1) that so far from disparaging, he deeply reverenced, and was intimately conversant with, the whole history of the ancient economy; and (2) that in resistin...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 9
Chapter Outline
The conversion of Saul.(1-9)
Saul converted preaches Christ.(10-22)
Saul is persecuted at Damascus, and goes to Jerusalem.(23-31)
Cure of Eneas.(32-35)
Dorcas raised to life.(36-43)
**Verses 1-9**
So ill informed was Saul, that he thought he ought to do all he could against the name of Christ, and that he did God service thereby; he seemed to...
Read full commentary →And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.
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KJV Study Commentary
For three days Saul neither ate nor drank, spending time in prayer (v.11). This fasting marks mourning over his sins and seeking God. The number three may parallel Christ's three days in the tomb - Saul's old life dying, new life coming. During this time, Saul received a vision of Ananias coming to restore his sight (v.12), showing God was preparing both men for their meeting. Reformed theology se...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(9) **He was three days without sight.**—It is natural to think of this period of seclusion from the visible world as one of spiritual communion with the invisible, and we can hardly be wrong in referring the visions and revelations of the Lord, the soaring as to the third heaven, and the Paradise of God, of which he speaks fourteen or fifteen years later, to this period. (See Notes on 2Corinthian...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**6-8. four hundred years--**using round numbers, as in Ge 15:13, 16 (see on Ga 3:17).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 9
Chapter Outline
The conversion of Saul.(1-9)
Saul converted preaches Christ.(10-22)
Saul is persecuted at Damascus, and goes to Jerusalem.(23-31)
Cure of Eneas.(32-35)
Dorcas raised to life.(36-43)
**Verses 1-9**
So ill informed was Saul, that he thought he ought to do all he could against the name of Christ, and that he did God service thereby; he seemed to...
Read full commentary →And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord.
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KJV Study Commentary
The Lord spoke to Ananias in a vision, calling him by name - demonstrating God's personal knowledge of His servants. Ananias' response 'Behold, I am here, Lord' echoes the response of faithful servants throughout Scripture (Abraham, Moses, Samuel). God was orchestrating the meeting between Ananias and Saul, preparing both through visions. From a Reformed perspective, this shows God's sovereignty i...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(10) **A certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias.**—In Acts 22:12 St. Paul speaks of him as a “devout man” (the same word as in Acts 2:5; Acts 8:2) “according to the law,” well reported of by all the Jews who dwelt at Damascus. The name was so common that any identification must be in some measure uncertain, but the account which Josephus gives (*Ant. xx.* 2, § 4) of the conversion of Izates, ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**6-8. four hundred years--**using round numbers, as in Ge 15:13, 16 (see on Ga 3:17).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-22**
A good work was begun in Saul, when he was brought to Christ's feet with those words, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And never did Christ leave any who were brought to that. Behold, the proud Pharisee, the unmerciful oppressor, the daring blasphemer, prayeth! And thus it is even now, and with the proud infidel, or the abandoned sinner. What happy tidings are these to all ...
Read full commentary →And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth,
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KJV Study Commentary
The Lord gave Ananias specific instructions: go to Straight Street, to Judas' house, and ask for 'Saul of Tarsus.' The specificity shows God's omniscience - knowing exactly where Saul was. The phrase 'for, behold, he prayeth' marks a significant change - the persecutor now prays! Prayer evidences new spiritual life; Saul's prayers demonstrated his regeneration. Reformed theology emphasizes that ef...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(11) **The street which is called Straight.**—A street answering to this description still runs from the Eastern Gate to the palace of the Pacha, and is known locally as the “Street of Bazaars.” Somewhat curiously, the house shown by guides as that of Judas is not in it. A piece of ground surrounded by trees, and used as a Christian burial-place, is pointed out as the scene of the Conversion; but ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**6-8. four hundred years--**using round numbers, as in Ge 15:13, 16 (see on Ga 3:17).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-22**
A good work was begun in Saul, when he was brought to Christ's feet with those words, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And never did Christ leave any who were brought to that. Behold, the proud Pharisee, the unmerciful oppressor, the daring blasphemer, prayeth! And thus it is even now, and with the proud infidel, or the abandoned sinner. What happy tidings are these to all ...
Read full commentary →And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.
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KJV Study Commentary
Saul had seen in a vision 'a man named Ananias' coming to restore his sight. God prepared both men through visions for their meeting - Ananias needed courage to approach the notorious persecutor, Saul needed assurance that Ananias' coming was God's doing. This dual preparation shows God's providence in bringing together unlikely partners for His purposes. The promise of restored sight pointed to b...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(12) **And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias.**—The coincidence of the two visions has seemed to some critics, as afterwards in the history of Cornelius, to betray something like the skill of the artistic historian. To those who reject the supernatural altogether, this may, of course, seem a short and easy explanation. To those who have not brought themselves to that point of denial, it wi...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**9-16. the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt, but God was with him--**Here Stephen gives his first example of Israel's opposition to God's purposes, in spite of which and by means of which those purposes were accomplished.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-22**
A good work was begun in Saul, when he was brought to Christ's feet with those words, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And never did Christ leave any who were brought to that. Behold, the proud Pharisee, the unmerciful oppressor, the daring blasphemer, prayeth! And thus it is even now, and with the proud infidel, or the abandoned sinner. What happy tidings are these to all ...
Read full commentary →Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem:
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KJV Study Commentary
Ananias voiced understandable fear: 'I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints.' Ananias knew Saul's reputation as a violent persecutor. His reference to Christians as 'saints' (Greek <em>hagioi</em>, holy ones) emphasizes believers' set-apart status to God. Even Christ's servants can question God's instructions when they seem dangerous or counterintuitive. Yet Ana...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(13) **Lord, I have heard by many of this man.**—The words are of interest as showing both the duration and the character of the persecution in which Saul had been the leader. The report of it had spread far and wide. The refugees at Damascus told of the sufferings of the brethren at Jerusalem.
**Thy saints at Jerusalem.**—This is noticeable as the first application of the term “saints” to the dis...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**9-16. the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt, but God was with him--**Here Stephen gives his first example of Israel's opposition to God's purposes, in spite of which and by means of which those purposes were accomplished.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-22**
A good work was begun in Saul, when he was brought to Christ's feet with those words, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And never did Christ leave any who were brought to that. Behold, the proud Pharisee, the unmerciful oppressor, the daring blasphemer, prayeth! And thus it is even now, and with the proud infidel, or the abandoned sinner. What happy tidings are these to all ...
Read full commentary →And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name.
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KJV Study Commentary
Ananias continued his protest: Saul 'hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name.' Calling on Christ's name marks Christians - prayer to Jesus as Lord demonstrates His deity and believers' dependence. Ananias feared Saul's official authorization from Jerusalem's religious authorities. Yet this very fear highlighted the magnitude of God's grace about to be displayed. Fro...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(14) **All that call on thy name.**—Here again we have to trace the growth of a new terminology. The description of the disciples of the Lord Jesus as those who called upon or invoked His name, had its origin in the words of Joel cited by St. Peter (Acts 2:21), and afterwards by St. Paul (Romans 10:13). It is used again in Acts 9:21, and afterwards in 1Corinthians 1:2; 2Timothy 2:22. It may be not...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**9-16. the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt, but God was with him--**Here Stephen gives his first example of Israel's opposition to God's purposes, in spite of which and by means of which those purposes were accomplished.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-22**
A good work was begun in Saul, when he was brought to Christ's feet with those words, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And never did Christ leave any who were brought to that. Behold, the proud Pharisee, the unmerciful oppressor, the daring blasphemer, prayeth! And thus it is even now, and with the proud infidel, or the abandoned sinner. What happy tidings are these to all ...
Read full commentary →But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:
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KJV Study Commentary
The Greek phrase 'skeuos eklogēs' (chosen vessel/instrument) emphasizes Paul's election by divine sovereignty for a specific purpose. God outlines three spheres of Paul's ministry: Gentiles (ethnē), kings (basileis), and Israel (huioi Israel) - a mission Paul fulfilled through his missionary journeys, appearances before rulers like Agrippa and Caesar, and ministry in synagogues. The term 'vessel' ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(15) **He if a chosen vessel unto me.**—Literally, *a vessel of election.* The term has nothing directly analogous to it in the Old Testament, but it is Hebrew in its form; the second noun being used as a genitive of the characteristic attribute, and so equivalent to an intensified adjective. So in Isaiah 22:7, we have in the LXX. “valleys of election” for the “choicest valleys” of the English ver...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**9-16. the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt, but God was with him--**Here Stephen gives his first example of Israel's opposition to God's purposes, in spite of which and by means of which those purposes were accomplished.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-22**
A good work was begun in Saul, when he was brought to Christ's feet with those words, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And never did Christ leave any who were brought to that. Behold, the proud Pharisee, the unmerciful oppressor, the daring blasphemer, prayeth! And thus it is even now, and with the proud infidel, or the abandoned sinner. What happy tidings are these to all ...
Read full commentary →For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake .
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KJV Study Commentary
The Lord told Ananias 'I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.' This is remarkable - immediately after conversion, Saul learns his calling includes suffering. The persecutor would become the persecuted. This reversed his expectations: Saul thought following Christ led to judgment, not realizing it leads through suffering to glory. Reformed theology emphasizes that God's...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(16) **For I will shew him how great things he must suffer . . .**—The words are spoken as by One who knows “what is in man” (John 2:25), their secret motives, and springs of action. With characters of a lower type, the prospect of what they will have to suffer in any enterprise tends to deter them from embarking on it. With such a one as Saul of Tarsus, now repenting of the sufferings he had infl...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**9-16. the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt, but God was with him--**Here Stephen gives his first example of Israel's opposition to God's purposes, in spite of which and by means of which those purposes were accomplished.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-22**
A good work was begun in Saul, when he was brought to Christ's feet with those words, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And never did Christ leave any who were brought to that. Behold, the proud Pharisee, the unmerciful oppressor, the daring blasphemer, prayeth! And thus it is even now, and with the proud infidel, or the abandoned sinner. What happy tidings are these to all ...
Read full commentary →And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.
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KJV Study Commentary
Ananias' obedient visit to Saul demonstrates remarkable faith overcoming legitimate fear—the Lord commanded him to minister to Christianity's chief persecutor. Addressing Saul as 'brother' immediately includes him in the believing community despite his past. This encounter shows God uses ordinary believers, not just apostles, for strategic ministry.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(17) **Putting his hands on him** **said, Brother Saul.**—The correspondence of the act with the vision spoken of in Acts 9:12, would be the first step in the identification of the visitor. The words would tend to remove all doubt and misgiving. The man who came as the representative of the disciples of Jesus welcomed the persecutor as a “brother.” It may be noted that he uses the same Hebrew form...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**9-16. the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt, but God was with him--**Here Stephen gives his first example of Israel's opposition to God's purposes, in spite of which and by means of which those purposes were accomplished.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-22**
A good work was begun in Saul, when he was brought to Christ's feet with those words, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And never did Christ leave any who were brought to that. Behold, the proud Pharisee, the unmerciful oppressor, the daring blasphemer, prayeth! And thus it is even now, and with the proud infidel, or the abandoned sinner. What happy tidings are these to all ...
Read full commentary →And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Scales Falling Imagery:</strong> The phrase "as it had been scales" (<em>hōs lepides</em>) uses fish-scale imagery to describe what fell from Paul's eyes at the moment of healing. The Greek <em>lepis</em> specifically refers to fish scales or scale-like flakes. Whether literal physical scales (perhaps caused by the intense light of Christ's glory) or metaphorical description, the imagery p...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(18) **There fell from his eyes as it had been scales.**—The description suggests the thought that the blindness was caused by an incrustation, caused by acute inflammation, covering the pupil of the eye, or closing up the eye-lids, analogous to the “whiteness,” that peeled (or *scaled*) off from the eyes of Tobit (Tobit 11:13). Like phenomena are mentioned by Hippocrates, and the care with which ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**9-16. the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt, but God was with him--**Here Stephen gives his first example of Israel's opposition to God's purposes, in spite of which and by means of which those purposes were accomplished.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-22**
A good work was begun in Saul, when he was brought to Christ's feet with those words, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And never did Christ leave any who were brought to that. Behold, the proud Pharisee, the unmerciful oppressor, the daring blasphemer, prayeth! And thus it is even now, and with the proud infidel, or the abandoned sinner. What happy tidings are these to all ...
Read full commentary →Saul Preaches in Damascus
And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.</strong> Saul's physical recovery and immediate fellowship with Damascus Christians demonstrate conversion's comprehensive transformation—physical, spiritual, and social.<br><br>Received meat marks end of three-day fast (Acts 9:9). Physical nourishment accompanies spiri...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(19) **And when he had received meat.**—Better, as elsewhere, *food.* The three days’ fast had obviously brought about a state of extreme prostration. In St. Paul’s account of his conversion in Galatians 1:17, he states that when it pleased God to reveal His Son in him, immediately he “conferred not with flesh, and blood,” but went into Arabia and returned again to Damascus. We have, it is obvious...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**9-16. the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt, but God was with him--**Here Stephen gives his first example of Israel's opposition to God's purposes, in spite of which and by means of which those purposes were accomplished.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-22**
A good work was begun in Saul, when he was brought to Christ's feet with those words, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And never did Christ leave any who were brought to that. Behold, the proud Pharisee, the unmerciful oppressor, the daring blasphemer, prayeth! And thus it is even now, and with the proud infidel, or the abandoned sinner. What happy tidings are these to all ...
Read full commentary →And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.
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KJV Study Commentary
Immediately after conversion, Saul 'preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.' The content of Paul's earliest preaching - Christ's deity - remained central throughout his ministry. The synagogues were the very places he had intended to arrest Christians; now he proclaimed Christ there. This demonstrates genuine conversion's fruit: immediate witness and transformed priorities. R...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(20) **And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues.**—The “straightway” as interpreted by the inference drawn in the previous Note, must be taken to refer to the Apostle’s first public appearance in the synagogues of Damascus after his return from Arabia. The tense of the verb implies that the work was continued for some length of time. What he had to proclaim was, first, that the Christ ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**17. But when--**rather, "as."
**the time of the promise--**that is, for its fulfilment.
**the people grew and multiplied in Egypt--**For more than two hundred years they amounted to no more than seventy-five souls; how prodigious, then, must have been their multiplication during the latter two centuries, when six hundred thousand men, fit for war, besides women and children, left Egypt!
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-22**
A good work was begun in Saul, when he was brought to Christ's feet with those words, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And never did Christ leave any who were brought to that. Behold, the proud Pharisee, the unmerciful oppressor, the daring blasphemer, prayeth! And thus it is even now, and with the proud infidel, or the abandoned sinner. What happy tidings are these to all ...
Read full commentary →But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests?
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests?</strong> The Damascus Jews' astonishment at Saul's transformation highlights conversion's radical nature and divine power's authentication.<br><br>All that heard him were amazed indic...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(21) **That destroyed them which called on this name.**—Better, *made havock of them.* It is noticeable that St. Paul uses the same verb as descriptive of his own conduct in Galatians 1:13, where the English version has “wasted.” On “them which called on this name,” see Note on Acts 9:16.
**And came hither.**—More accurately, *had come hither, *as implying that the purpose of his coming had been a...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-22**
A good work was begun in Saul, when he was brought to Christ's feet with those words, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And never did Christ leave any who were brought to that. Behold, the proud Pharisee, the unmerciful oppressor, the daring blasphemer, prayeth! And thus it is even now, and with the proud infidel, or the abandoned sinner. What happy tidings are these to all ...
Read full commentary →But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.
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KJV Study Commentary
Saul 'increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.' Saul's strength grew as he matured in faith and understanding. The Greek <em>symbibazo</em> (proving/demonstrating) indicates logical argument from Scripture. He 'confounded' (confused/refuted) his opponents by proving Jesus is the Messiah (Christ). From a Reformed perspective,...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(22) **But Saul increased the more in strength.**—The tense implies a continuous growth in power, obviously in the spiritual power which enabled the Apostle *to carry* on his work. A comparison of dates suggests the connection of this growth with the special vision of 2Corinthians 12:8, when in answer to his prayer that the infirmity which he describes as “a thorn in his flesh, the minister of Sat...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 10-22**
A good work was begun in Saul, when he was brought to Christ's feet with those words, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And never did Christ leave any who were brought to that. Behold, the proud Pharisee, the unmerciful oppressor, the daring blasphemer, prayeth! And thus it is even now, and with the proud infidel, or the abandoned sinner. What happy tidings are these to all ...
Read full commentary →And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him:
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him:</strong> The opposition Saul now faces reverses his former role, demonstrating that genuine conversion produces persecution and identifying believers with Christ's sufferings.<br><br>After many days indicates extended ministry period—Galatians 1:17-18 suggests approximately three years total (Damascus, Arabia, Dama...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(23) **After that many days were fulfilled.**—We learn from the more definite statement in Galatians 1:18 that these few words cover a period of otherwise unrecorded work, extending over a period of three years. That period must have witnessed the growth of a Christian society at Damascus, with an order of discipline and worship based on the outlines of that at Jerusalem. It follows, however, from...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**20-22. In which time--**of deepest depression.
**Moses was born--**the destined deliverer.
**exceeding fair--**literally, "fair to God" (Margin), or, perhaps, divinely "fair" (see on He 11:23).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 23-31**
When we enter into the way of God, we must look for trials; but the Lord knows how to deliver the godly, and will, with the temptation, also make a way to escape. Though Saul's conversion was and is a proof of the truth of Christianity, yet it could not, of itself, convert one soul at enmity with the truth; for nothing can produce true faith, but that power which new-creates t...
Read full commentary →But their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>But their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him.</strong> The conspiracy's detection and elaborate countermeasures demonstrate both God's providence in protecting His servants and the intensity of opposition genuine gospel witness provokes.<br><br>Their laying await was known indicates divine providence through human means—likely sympathetic i...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(24) **They watched the gates day and night to kill him.**—A somewhat fuller account of this episode in the Apostle’s life is given by him in 2Corinthians 11:32. There we read that the governor—literally, *ethnarch*—of the city, under Aretas, King of Arabia Petræa, with Petra as his capital, the father of the wife whom Herod Antipas divorced, in order that he might marry Herodias, took an active p...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**20-22. In which time--**of deepest depression.
**Moses was born--**the destined deliverer.
**exceeding fair--**literally, "fair to God" (Margin), or, perhaps, divinely "fair" (see on He 11:23).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 23-31**
When we enter into the way of God, we must look for trials; but the Lord knows how to deliver the godly, and will, with the temptation, also make a way to escape. Though Saul's conversion was and is a proof of the truth of Christianity, yet it could not, of itself, convert one soul at enmity with the truth; for nothing can produce true faith, but that power which new-creates t...
Read full commentary →Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket.</strong> The disciples' creative rescue demonstrates faithful stewardship, communal care, and God's provision of means for protecting His servants.<br><br>The disciples' involvement shows corporate responsibility for member safety. Christianity isn't individualistic; believers protect and assist one another. Th...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(25) **Let him down by the wall in a basket.**—The basket is the *spuris* of Matthew 15:37, where see Note. In 2Corinthians 11:33 St. Paul describes it by another word (*sarganè*)*, *which gives the idea of a wicker or rope-work hamper. It seems to follow, from the tone in which the Apostle there speaks of this adventure, that it had been made matter of ridicule. It is connected in his thoughts wi...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**20-22. In which time--**of deepest depression.
**Moses was born--**the destined deliverer.
**exceeding fair--**literally, "fair to God" (Margin), or, perhaps, divinely "fair" (see on He 11:23).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 23-31**
When we enter into the way of God, we must look for trials; but the Lord knows how to deliver the godly, and will, with the temptation, also make a way to escape. Though Saul's conversion was and is a proof of the truth of Christianity, yet it could not, of itself, convert one soul at enmity with the truth; for nothing can produce true faith, but that power which new-creates t...
Read full commentary →And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple.</strong> The Jerusalem church's initial skepticism toward Saul demonstrates appropriate caution while highlighting conversion's radical nature and difficulty of overcoming reputational history.<br><br>He assayed to join indicates Saul's...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(26) **And when Saul was come to Jerusalem.**—His journey probably took him, as before, through Samaria (see Note on Acts 9:3), and so laid the foundation of the interest in the Samaritan Church, which shows itself later on in the history in Acts 15:3, when he and Barnabas journeyed “through Phœnice and Samaria.”
**He assayed to join himself to the disciples.**—The reader may note the use of the w...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
23-27. In Ac 7:23, 30, 36, the life of Moses is represented as embracing three periods, of forty years each; the Jewish writers say the same; and though this is not expressly stated in the Old Testament, his age at death, one hundred twenty years (De 34:7), agrees with it.
**it came into his heart to visit his brethren--**his heart yearning with love to them as God's chosen people, and heaving w...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 23-31**
When we enter into the way of God, we must look for trials; but the Lord knows how to deliver the godly, and will, with the temptation, also make a way to escape. Though Saul's conversion was and is a proof of the truth of Christianity, yet it could not, of itself, convert one soul at enmity with the truth; for nothing can produce true faith, but that power which new-creates t...
Read full commentary →But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.
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KJV Study Commentary
When Saul came to Jerusalem, disciples feared him, not believing his conversion. Barnabas ('son of encouragement') took Saul and brought him to the apostles, declaring 'how he had seen the Lord in the way' and 'how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.' Barnabas's advocacy was crucial - vouching for Saul's genuine conversion and ministry. Reformed theology sees God's providence ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(27) **But Barnabas took him.**—What, we ask, made Barnabas more ready than others, not only to receive the convert himself, but to vouch for his sincerity? The answer is found in the inference that the Levite of Cyprus and the tent-maker had been friends in earlier years. The culture of which Tarsus was the seat, would naturally attract a student from the neighbouring island, and the eagerness of...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
23-27. In Ac 7:23, 30, 36, the life of Moses is represented as embracing three periods, of forty years each; the Jewish writers say the same; and though this is not expressly stated in the Old Testament, his age at death, one hundred twenty years (De 34:7), agrees with it.
**it came into his heart to visit his brethren--**his heart yearning with love to them as God's chosen people, and heaving w...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 23-31**
When we enter into the way of God, we must look for trials; but the Lord knows how to deliver the godly, and will, with the temptation, also make a way to escape. Though Saul's conversion was and is a proof of the truth of Christianity, yet it could not, of itself, convert one soul at enmity with the truth; for nothing can produce true faith, but that power which new-creates t...
Read full commentary →And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem.</strong> Saul's acceptance into Jerusalem church fellowship demonstrates restored relationships through credible testimony and the comprehensive nature of Christian community.<br><br>With them indicates full incorporation—not probationary membership but complete acceptance as brother. The phrase coming in and going out is Hebrew id...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(28) **Coming in and going out.**—The words, like the kindred phrase in Acts 1:21, are used to imply a certain undefined frequency of intercourse. From Galatians 1:18 we learn that the whole duration of the visit was not more than fifteen days.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
23-27. In Ac 7:23, 30, 36, the life of Moses is represented as embracing three periods, of forty years each; the Jewish writers say the same; and though this is not expressly stated in the Old Testament, his age at death, one hundred twenty years (De 34:7), agrees with it.
**it came into his heart to visit his brethren--**his heart yearning with love to them as God's chosen people, and heaving w...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 23-31**
When we enter into the way of God, we must look for trials; but the Lord knows how to deliver the godly, and will, with the temptation, also make a way to escape. Though Saul's conversion was and is a proof of the truth of Christianity, yet it could not, of itself, convert one soul at enmity with the truth; for nothing can produce true faith, but that power which new-creates t...
Read full commentary →And he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him.</strong> Saul's fearless proclamation and resulting persecution establish patterns defining his entire ministry—bold witness producing violent opposition.<br><br>Spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus indicates authoritative proclamation grounded in Christ's authority,...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(29) **Disputed against the Grecians.**—It will be remembered that it was as the leader of the Hellenistic-Jews of the synagogue named in Acts 6:9 that Saul had first appeared in the history of the Church. Now, it would seem, he sought to undo the evil that he had then wrought, by preaching to them the faith which he had then opposed, and presenting, we may well believe, the very aspects of the tr...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
23-27. In Ac 7:23, 30, 36, the life of Moses is represented as embracing three periods, of forty years each; the Jewish writers say the same; and though this is not expressly stated in the Old Testament, his age at death, one hundred twenty years (De 34:7), agrees with it.
**it came into his heart to visit his brethren--**his heart yearning with love to them as God's chosen people, and heaving w...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 23-31**
When we enter into the way of God, we must look for trials; but the Lord knows how to deliver the godly, and will, with the temptation, also make a way to escape. Though Saul's conversion was and is a proof of the truth of Christianity, yet it could not, of itself, convert one soul at enmity with the truth; for nothing can produce true faith, but that power which new-creates t...
Read full commentary →Which when the brethren knew, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Which when the brethren knew, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus.</strong> The church's protective intervention demonstrates corporate responsibility for endangered members while illustrating God's providence in geographic repositioning for future ministry.<br><br>When the brethren knew indicates vigilant community awareness. The church monitored threats agains...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(30) **They brought him down to Cæsarea.**—The fact that the brethren at Jerusalem took these measures for the Apostle’s safety may be noted as a proof of their friendship. At Cæsarea he would probably, as afterwards in Acts 21:8, find Philip, and the friend and the accuser of the proto-martyr met face to face as brethren. In returning to his home at Tarsus, from which he had been absent at the le...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
23-27. In Ac 7:23, 30, 36, the life of Moses is represented as embracing three periods, of forty years each; the Jewish writers say the same; and though this is not expressly stated in the Old Testament, his age at death, one hundred twenty years (De 34:7), agrees with it.
**it came into his heart to visit his brethren--**his heart yearning with love to them as God's chosen people, and heaving w...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 23-31**
When we enter into the way of God, we must look for trials; but the Lord knows how to deliver the godly, and will, with the temptation, also make a way to escape. Though Saul's conversion was and is a proof of the truth of Christianity, yet it could not, of itself, convert one soul at enmity with the truth; for nothing can produce true faith, but that power which new-creates t...
Read full commentary →Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.</strong> This summary statement describes the church's spiritual health during persecution's respite, identifying marks of genuine Christian community—peace, growth, godly fear, and Spirit comfort.<br><br>Had...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(31) **Then had the churches rest.**—The better MSS. have “the Church” in the singular. The tranquility described may have been due, partly to the absence of any leading men among the opponents of the new society; partly, perhaps, to public excitement being diverted to the insane attempt of Caligula to set up his statue in the Temple at Jerusalem—an attempt from which he was only dissuaded by the ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**28-29. Wilt thou kill me, as thou didst the Egyptian yesterday?--**Moses had thought the deed unseen (Ex 2:12), but it now appeared he was mistaken.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 23-31**
When we enter into the way of God, we must look for trials; but the Lord knows how to deliver the godly, and will, with the temptation, also make a way to escape. Though Saul's conversion was and is a proof of the truth of Christianity, yet it could not, of itself, convert one soul at enmity with the truth; for nothing can produce true faith, but that power which new-creates t...
Read full commentary →Peter Heals Aeneas and Raises Dorcas
And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all quarters, he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all quarters, he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda.</strong> Peter's itinerant ministry demonstrates apostolic oversight of emerging churches and God's strategic positioning of leaders for kingdom purposes.<br><br>Passed throughout all quarters indicates systematic visitation, not random wandering. Apostles exercised pastoral ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(32) **As Peter passed throughout all quarters.**—The plan of the writer, arranging his materials, leads him from this point of Acts 12:18 to dwell entirely on the personal work of Peter. So far this section of the book may be described as the Acts of Peter. On the other hand, it is obvious that he only gives those acts as part of his general plan, not caring to follow the Apostle’s course, as in ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**28-29. Wilt thou kill me, as thou didst the Egyptian yesterday?--**Moses had thought the deed unseen (Ex 2:12), but it now appeared he was mistaken.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 32-35**
Christians are saints, or holy people; not only the eminent ones, as Saint Peter and Saint Paul, but every sincere professor of the faith of Christ. Christ chose patients whose diseases were incurable in the course of nature, to show how desperate was the case of fallen mankind. When we were wholly without strength, as this poor man, he sent his word to heal us. Peter does not...
Read full commentary →And there he found a certain man named Aeneas, which had kept his bed eight years, and was sick of the palsy.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And there he found a certain man named Aeneas, which had kept his bed eight years, and was sick of the palsy.</strong> Aeneas's condition—eight years bedridden with palsy—establishes the miracle's credibility while demonstrating Christ's compassion for chronic suffering.<br><br>The specific details (certain man named Aeneas, eight years, palsy) authenticate the account. This wasn't vague r...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**30-34. an angel of the Lord--**rather, "the Angel of the Covenant," who immediately calls Himself Jehovah (Compare Ac 7:38).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 32-35**
Christians are saints, or holy people; not only the eminent ones, as Saint Peter and Saint Paul, but every sincere professor of the faith of Christ. Christ chose patients whose diseases were incurable in the course of nature, to show how desperate was the case of fallen mankind. When we were wholly without strength, as this poor man, he sent his word to heal us. Peter does not...
Read full commentary →And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately.</strong> Peter's command demonstrates apostolic authority while carefully attributing healing power to Christ, producing immediate, complete restoration.<br><br>Jesus Christ maketh thee whole identifies healing's source—not Peter's power but Christ's authority. Apostolic mira...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(34) **Jesus Christ maketh thee whole.**—Better, *Jesus the Christ.* We note the same anxiety to disclaim any personal power or holiness as the cause that wrought the supernatural healing as in Acts 3:12; Acts 4:9-10. In the assonance of the Greek words (*Iësus iātai se*) we may, perhaps, trace a desire to impress the thought that the very name of Jesus testified that He was the great Healer. Such...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**30-34. an angel of the Lord--**rather, "the Angel of the Covenant," who immediately calls Himself Jehovah (Compare Ac 7:38).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 32-35**
Christians are saints, or holy people; not only the eminent ones, as Saint Peter and Saint Paul, but every sincere professor of the faith of Christ. Christ chose patients whose diseases were incurable in the course of nature, to show how desperate was the case of fallen mankind. When we were wholly without strength, as this poor man, he sent his word to heal us. Peter does not...
Read full commentary →And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord.</strong> The widespread witness to Aeneas's healing produced mass conversions, demonstrating how miracles serve evangelistic purposes when accompanied by faithful proclamation.<br><br>All that dwelt suggests comprehensive geographic impact. Lydda and Sharon (coastal plain region) witnessed undeniable miracle—man bedridd...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(35) **All that dwelt at Lydda and Saron.**—The latter name indicates a district rather than a town. The presence of the article with it, and its absence from Lydda, indicates that men spoke of “*the* Saron”—*the* plain—*the* woodlands (so it is rendered by the LXX.: 1Chronicles 5:16; 1Chronicles 27:29; Song of Solomon 2:1; Isaiah 35:2)—as we speak of “*the* weald.” It lay between the central moun...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**30-34. an angel of the Lord--**rather, "the Angel of the Covenant," who immediately calls Himself Jehovah (Compare Ac 7:38).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 32-35**
Christians are saints, or holy people; not only the eminent ones, as Saint Peter and Saint Paul, but every sincere professor of the faith of Christ. Christ chose patients whose diseases were incurable in the course of nature, to show how desperate was the case of fallen mankind. When we were wholly without strength, as this poor man, he sent his word to heal us. Peter does not...
Read full commentary →Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did. Dorcas: or, Doe, or, Roe
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.</strong> Tabitha's introduction establishes her character through practical godliness, demonstrating that genuine faith produces tangible love for others.<br><br>Certain disciple indicates Tabitha's Christian identity. The dual na...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(36) **There was at Joppa. . . .**—The Hebrew form of the name, *Japho* (pronounced *Yapho*)*, *appears in Joshua 19:46, but the English version more commonly gives the better-known Joppa, as in 2Chronicles 2:16; Ezra 3:7; Jonah 1:3). It was famous in Greek legends as the spot where Andromeda had been bound when she was delivered by Perseus (Strabo, xvi., p. 759; Jos. *Wars, i.* 6, § 2). The town ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**30-34. an angel of the Lord--**rather, "the Angel of the Covenant," who immediately calls Himself Jehovah (Compare Ac 7:38).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 36-43**
Many are full of good words, who are empty and barren in good works; but Tabitha was a great doer, no great talker. Christians who have not property to give in charity, may yet be able to do acts of charity, working with their hands, or walking with their feet, for the good of others. Those are certainly best praised whose own works praise them, whether the words of others do ...
Read full commentary →And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed , they laid her in an upper chamber.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber.</strong> Tabitha's death despite her godliness reminds that earthly life's uncertainty affects believers and unbelievers alike; divine favor doesn't guarantee physical immunity.<br><br>She was sick, and died states facts simply without explanation. Good works didn't...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(37) **They laid her in an upper chamber.**—This implies some little delay in the usual rapidity of Eastern funerals. As Lydda was only nine miles from Joppa, the report of Æneas’s recovery might well have travelled from the one city to the other, and led to the hope that the power which St. Peter had thus put forth might extend even to the farther work of raising from the dead.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**30-34. an angel of the Lord--**rather, "the Angel of the Covenant," who immediately calls Himself Jehovah (Compare Ac 7:38).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 36-43**
Many are full of good words, who are empty and barren in good works; but Tabitha was a great doer, no great talker. Christians who have not property to give in charity, may yet be able to do acts of charity, working with their hands, or walking with their feet, for the good of others. Those are certainly best praised whose own works praise them, whether the words of others do ...
Read full commentary →And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there , they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them. delay: or, be grieved
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them.</strong> The urgent summons demonstrates the church's faith in apostolic authority and expectation of divine intervention through Spirit-filled leadership.<br><br>Forasmuch as establishes geographical reasoning—Lydda's...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(38) **Desiring him that he would not delay.**—The better MSS. give the message somewhat more dramatically, “*Delay not,*” and “*Be not reluctant* to come.” It was, of course, necessary that he should come at once, as interment would have come, as a matter of course, on the following day.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**35-41. This Moses whom they refused, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a judge, &c.--**Here, again, "the stone which the builders refused is made the head of the corner" (Psa 118:22).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 36-43**
Many are full of good words, who are empty and barren in good works; but Tabitha was a great doer, no great talker. Christians who have not property to give in charity, may yet be able to do acts of charity, working with their hands, or walking with their feet, for the good of others. Those are certainly best praised whose own works praise them, whether the words of others do ...
Read full commentary →Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them.</strong> The widows' grief and testimony to Tabitha's ministry establish the miracle's authentication while demonstrating genuine Christian community and practical love.<br><br...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(39) **All the widows stood by him weeping.**—We have apparently the same organisation of charity as that which prevailed in the Church at Jerusalem. The “widows” of the Church were the object of a special provision. (See Note on Acts 6:1.) The “coats,” were the close-fitting tunics worn next the body, the “garments” the looser outer cloaks that were worn over them. (See Note on Matthew 5:40.) The...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**35-41. This Moses whom they refused, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a judge, &c.--**Here, again, "the stone which the builders refused is made the head of the corner" (Psa 118:22).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 36-43**
Many are full of good words, who are empty and barren in good works; but Tabitha was a great doer, no great talker. Christians who have not property to give in charity, may yet be able to do acts of charity, working with their hands, or walking with their feet, for the good of others. Those are certainly best praised whose own works praise them, whether the words of others do ...
Read full commentary →But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down , and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up.</strong> Peter's methodical approach—removing crowd, kneeling in prayer, speaking to corpse—demonstrates dependence on divine power while exercising apostolic authority, resulting in dramatic resurrection.<br><br>Put them...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(40) **Peter put them all forth.**—We may, perhaps, trace in Peter’s action his recollection of what our Lord had done in the case of the daughter of Jairus (see Notes on Matthew 9:23-24), at which he had been present. The work was one not to be accomplished by the mere utterance of a name, nor as by his “own power or holiness” (Acts 3:12), but by the power of the prayer of faith, and this called ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**35-41. This Moses whom they refused, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a judge, &c.--**Here, again, "the stone which the builders refused is made the head of the corner" (Psa 118:22).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 36-43**
Many are full of good words, who are empty and barren in good works; but Tabitha was a great doer, no great talker. Christians who have not property to give in charity, may yet be able to do acts of charity, working with their hands, or walking with their feet, for the good of others. Those are certainly best praised whose own works praise them, whether the words of others do ...
Read full commentary →And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive.</strong> Peter's gentle assistance and public presentation of restored Tabitha demonstrate pastoral care combined with strategic witnessing, maximizing the miracle's evangelistic and edifying impact.<br><br>Gave her his hand shows tender care—helping newly-risen Tabitha regain co...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(41) **And when he had called the saints.**—See Note on Acts 9:13.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**35-41. This Moses whom they refused, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a judge, &c.--**Here, again, "the stone which the builders refused is made the head of the corner" (Psa 118:22).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 36-43**
Many are full of good words, who are empty and barren in good works; but Tabitha was a great doer, no great talker. Christians who have not property to give in charity, may yet be able to do acts of charity, working with their hands, or walking with their feet, for the good of others. Those are certainly best praised whose own works praise them, whether the words of others do ...
Read full commentary →And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord.</strong> This verse records the evangelistic fruit of Tabitha's (Dorcas) resurrection. "It was known" (<em>gnōston de egeneto</em>, γνωστὸν δὲ ἐγένετο) indicates widespread public awareness—miracles weren't performed in secret but served as public testimony to God's power and Christ's lordship. "Throughout all Joppa" emp...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(42) **Many believed in the Lord.**—Here the word is obviously used definitely for the Lord Jesus as the specific object of their faith.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**35-41. This Moses whom they refused, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a judge, &c.--**Here, again, "the stone which the builders refused is made the head of the corner" (Psa 118:22).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 36-43**
Many are full of good words, who are empty and barren in good works; but Tabitha was a great doer, no great talker. Christians who have not property to give in charity, may yet be able to do acts of charity, working with their hands, or walking with their feet, for the good of others. Those are certainly best praised whose own works praise them, whether the words of others do ...
Read full commentary →And it came to pass, that he tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And it came to pass, that he tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner.</strong> Peter's extended stay with Simon the tanner demonstrates progressive movement beyond Jewish purity laws, preparing Peter for the radical Gentile inclusion revelation approaching at Cornelius's house.<br><br>Tarried many days indicates extended ministry period, not brief visit. Peter didn't immediately...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(43) **Many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner.**—Either as bringing with it, through contact with the carcases and hides of dead beasts, the risks of ceremonial defilement, or being generally a repulsive and noisome business, the occupation was one from which the stricter Jews generally shrunk. The Rabbis held that if a tanner about to marry concealed his occupation from his intended wife, the...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**35-41. This Moses whom they refused, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a judge, &c.--**Here, again, "the stone which the builders refused is made the head of the corner" (Psa 118:22).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 36-43**
Many are full of good words, who are empty and barren in good works; but Tabitha was a great doer, no great talker. Christians who have not property to give in charity, may yet be able to do acts of charity, working with their hands, or walking with their feet, for the good of others. Those are certainly best praised whose own works praise them, whether the words of others do ...
Read full commentary →