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Acts Chapter Nine

                             

I. Content of the Chapter

 

The Conversion of Saul

I. Saul tried his best to make havoc of those who were of the Way (v.1-2).

II. The process of the conversion of Saul: A. He was shone around by a light from heaven and fell to the ground (v.3-4a). B. He knew Christ and the church through the word of the Lord (v.4b-5). C. he was guided by the Lord (v.6). D. There were people who bore witness to the process of his conversion (v.7). E. He obeyed the guidance of the Lord (v.8-9).

III. The Lord’s guidance to Ananias: A. The Lord commanded Ananias to put his hand on Saul (v.10-12). B. The explanation of Ananias (v.13-14). C. The Lord explained that Saul was His chosen vessel (v.15-16).

IV. Saul got help from Ananias: A. Ananias put his hand on Saul (v.17). B. Saul received his sight and then was baptized (v.18).

V. The conditions after Saul’s conversion: A. He took care of the fleshly need------receiving food (v.19a). B. He took care of the spiritual need------communicating with members (v.19b). C. He preached the gospel to others, showing the change of life (v.20-21). D. His spiritual power increased (v.22).

VI. Saul suffered tribulation for the sake of faith: A. He was confronted with the plot of the Jews (v.23-25). B. He was confronted with the doubt and fear of believers in Jerusalem (v.26-28). C. He was sent out to Tarsus to take refuge (v.29-30).

VII. The conversion of Saul brought the condition that churches through all regions received grace (v.31): A. having peace; B. being edified; C. walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit; D. being multiplied.

 

The Expansion of Peter’s Ministry

I. He healed Aeneas who was paralyzed in Lydda (v.32-35).

II. He made Dorcas rise in Joppa (v.36-43).

 

II. Verse by Verse commentary

 

Acts. 9:1 “Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest

   YLT: “And Saul, yet breathing of threatening and slaughter to the disciples of the Lord, having gone to the chief priest,”

  Literal Meaning: Then Saul, stillagainst the disciples of the Lord” “Still” refers to a continuous action. Saul’s persecution towards the church is the long, continuous and well-planed action. 

  “Breathing threats and murder” means that “if you do not give up your faith, you will be dealt with according to the Law”. Actually, Saul was not an extremely vicious man. He misunderstood that Christians were a group of men who despised the Law of Moses and blasphemed God when he was ignorant and did not believe Him. And therefore he persecuted Christians and thought that he rendered service to God.

 

Acts. 9:2 “and asked letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.

   YLT: “did ask from him letters to Damascus, unto the synagogues, that if he may find any being of the way, both men and women, he may bring them bound to Jerusalem.”

   Literal Meaning: “and asked letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus

“Letters” may be the official letters that ask for help in order to seize criminals. Actually the letters do not have the lawful force of constraint. “Damascus” is the capital town of Syria today and it is about two hundred and fifty kilometers away from Jerusalem and many Jews reside there. At that time, the power of the council was only within the borders of Palestine. Probably, men in these synagogues also honored the position of high priests in Jerusalem and therefore they received the announcement of the letters. 

  “So that if he found any who were of the Way” The Lord Jesus said that He is the way (John. 14:6) and therefore those “who were of the Way” refer to those who believe the Lord Jesus Christ, i.e. Christians.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) We believers are those “who are of the Way”, i.e. those who believe and trust the Lord and walk in Him. And therefore if we do not walk in Him, we turn away from the way of the Lord.

2) The Lord lets us see the way in order to let us walk in the way. We should never be believers who can only hear the word and cannot walk in the way.

 

Acts. 9:3 “As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven.

   YLT: “And in the going, he came nigh to Damascus, and suddenly there shone round about him a light from the heaven,”

   Literal Meaning: “and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven” Since the light shines “around” men, it should not be the light of the sun but the heavenly and spiritual light.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) The way of the world is running after the error. However, thank the Lord, we have been enlightened by the Lord and our way has been corrected before we reach the end.

2) When we read the Bible or pray, sometimes there is a light that shines in our heart (2Pet. 1:19) and gives us spiritual comprehension and guidance and this is “the reception of enlightenment”.

3) Many people only have the one-sided understanding concerning the will of God so that there are always extreme conditions. We should pray the Lord that He might shine “around” us so that we will have the comprehensive and balanced understanding.

 

Acts. 9:4 “Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?’”

   YLT: “and having fallen upon the earth, he heard a voice saying to him, `Saul, Saul, why me dost thou persecute?'”

   Literal Meaning: “why are you persecuting Me?” “Persecute” originally means to search out with enmity. The Lord here did not say that, “why are you persecuting those who believe in Me?” but “why are you persecuting Me?”. Here the Lord shows Saul that He identifies Himself with those who believe in Him and He and those who believe in Him are one. This is the oneness of the head and the body. What Saul persecuted is the church, however, the word of the Lord shows us that persecuting the church is persecuting Christ because the church is the body of Christ (1Cor. 12:27; Eph. 1:22-23).

   Spiritual Meaning: Then he fell to the ground” symbolizes that all his past religious concepts, understanding and views, including the explanation of the Old Testament and the Law were poured out to the ground and emptied.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) He whoever meets the Lord must fell to the ground. Only those who have been shocked down by the light from heaven could be considered that they begin to have a little knowledge of the Lord.

2) “Why are you persecuting Me?” We should never think that sinning against brother is not sinning against Christ. Please remember that touching a little member of the body is indeed touching the head. When a member is hurt, the head feels it.

3) Inasmuch as one does it to one of the least of brothers, he does it to the Lord; inasmuch as one doesn’t do it to one of the least of brothers, he does not do it to the Lord (Matt. 25:40, 45).

4) Persecuting believers is “persecuting Me”. What great comfort it is to believers who are persecuted and are suffering tribulation------the Lord “identifies” with us.

5) Saul thought that he was serving the Lord “fervently” (Pill. 3:6). However, the Lord “was persecuted”. The reason is that he did not have the vision of Jesus Christ. It shows that concerning the service without the vision, the more fervent one is, the more the Lord feels that He is persecuted.

 

Acts. 9:5 “And he said, Who are You, Lord? Then the Lord said, I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’”

   YLT: “And he said, ‘Who art thou, Lord?' and the Lord said, `I am Jesus whom thou dost persecute; hard for thee at the pricks to kick;'”

   Literal Meaning: “Who are You, Lord?” The appellation “Lord” shows that he knows that the one who spoke to him is not an ordinary figure but “the Lord” with higher power.

  “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting” “Jesus” is Jesus of Nazareth who was crucified, died and was risen and taken up into heaven. When the Lord Jesus was on the earth, Saul had never persecuted Him directly. Here the Lord showed Saul that when he persecuted the disciples of Jesus, he indeed persecuted Jesus.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) In the light of the Lord, Saul knew that He is “the Lord” who is the Lord over all first and “the Savior” (v.20, 22) then. We should commit our life to the Lord and admit that He is the Lord that rules our life.

2) All those who believe in the Lord are united to the Lord, i.e. the oneness of the head and the body. Any sin that sins against the body is the sin that sins against the head.

 

Acts. 9:6 “So he, trembling and astonished, said, Lord, what do You want me to do? Then the Lord said to him, Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.’”

   YLT: “trembling also, and astonished, he said, `Lord, what dost thou wish me to do?' and the Lord [said] unto him, `Arise, and enter into the city, and it shall be told thee what it behoveth thee to do.'”

   Literal Meaning: the Lord answered Saul’s second question with the words in this verse------“LORD, what shall I do?” (Acts. 22:10). This question implies that Saul has admitted that Jesus is the Messiah (i.e. Christ) and is the Lord who rules over all his life.

  “Aries and go into the city” Please note that to Saul who persecuted the church fiercely, the Lord did not blame him except to question him that “why are you persecuting Me?” (v.4) and to warn him that “It is hard for you to kick against the goads” (Acts. 26:14). Contrarily He guided and entrusted him.

  “And you will be told what you must do” The Lord meant that I did not tell you what you must do and someone would tell you. The Lord used another man to tell him what he must do. It was a revelation of the body and the Lord showed him the principle of the body. Saul (i.e. the later Paul) was a vessel that was greatly used by the Lord, however, the Lord used another man to help him.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) To those who do wrong and walk in the wrong way, the positive teachings and guidance are better than negative punishment.

2) The Lord Jesus guides us step by step instead of once for all.

3) We Christians on one hand receive revelation and provision from the Lord directly and on the other receive the Lord’s revelation and provision through brothers and sisters in the body. And therefore we should never think that we do not need to rely on others and we could receive everything by ourselves before God.

4) Many times, the guidance of the Holy Spirit in us leads us to receive others’ guidance and help. If you do not receive others’ help, you will lose a lot.

5) Many Christians fully live in themselves and they decide many things merely according to their own feelings. Such men have not seen the body. We have to see that we are only members and are restrained and we all need the help from other members.

6) May God let us see the body right now. Only those who seek for communication, fear that they might be wrong and dare not work alone indeed see the body.

7) No matter in the dispensation of the Old and New Testament, when God wants His servants to do something great among His sons and daughters, His guidance is not only one-sided but also dual-sided or many-sided and each side could be proved by one another. The one-sided revelation could be applied to individual affairs, however, it is not applied to the matters concerning others. Many times, when we clearly know the will of God, we still need to seek the proof from other aspects. If there is not the proof from men, there should be the proof of things or matters. It is always doubtful if there is only the one-sided revelation and there isn’t the proof from other aspects.

8) Any one in the church cannot order others, relying on his guidance from God. God’s guidance in the church could always be proved among believers.

9) This verse also tells us that: if we separate from the church, we cannot know the will of the Lord. And therefore we have to live in the church if we want to understand the will of the Lord.

 

Acts. 9:7 “And the men who journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice but seeing no one.

   YLT: “And the men who are journeying with him stood speechless, hearing indeed the voice but seeing no one,”

   Literal Meaning: And the men who journeyed with him stood speechless” It means that they stood there stunned and they were scared as if the soul had left the body by the thing which happened just now.

  “Hearing a voice but seeing no one” Though they heard “the voice” of the words, they did not understand the meaning of the voice (Acts. 22:9) or see the appearance of the Lord.

 

Acts. 9:8 “Then Saul arose from the ground, and when his eyes were opened he saw no one. But they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus.

   YLT: “and Saul arose from the earth, and his eyes having been opened, he beheld no one, and leading him by the hand they brought him to Damascus,”

   Literal Meaning: and when his eyes were opened he saw no one” The Lord took away the sight of Saul’s physical eyes. He may want him to use his inner eyes to concentrate his mind on the Lord.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) Those who think that they have the knowledge of the Law and the model of the truth are confident that they themselves are a guider to the blind (Rom. 2:17-20). But actually they themselves are blind (Matt. 15:14; 23:16) and they cannot see anything.

2) From that day, the eyes of Saul which represent the knowledge of the Law became blind, however, his inner eyes began to be shone by the light of the glorious gospel of Christ (2Cor. 4:4-6). The problem of many people is that their eyes of the outer knowledge become brighter increasingly, however, their inner spiritual eyes become more and more blurred.

 

Acts. 9:9 “And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank.

   YLT: “and he was three days without seeing, and he did neither eat nor drink.”

   Literal Meaning: and neither ate nor drank” It shows that the event that Saul encountered on the way is extremely important in his life so that he cannot eat or drink if it has been solved. Here, he looked upon God’s guidance and proof with fasting and praying (See v.11).

   Spiritual Meaning: And he was three days without sight” The Lord Jesus was risen the third day and therefore it symbolizes that Saul had the experience of death and resurrection------he cannot see what he used to see, however, he had the brand-new sight in the Lord’s resurrection life (See v.12, 17-18).

 

Acts. 9:10 “Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and to him the Lord said in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Here I am, Lord.’”

   YLT: “And there was a certain disciple in Damascus, by name Ananias, and the Lord said unto him in a vision, `Ananias;' and he said, `Behold me, Lord;'”

   Meaning of Words: “Ananias”: Jehovah’s mercy, the Lord shows loving-kindness, the Lord’s answer.

   Literal Meaning: there was a certain disciple named Ananias” “Ananias” was not the one who lied to the Holy Spirit in chapter five (Acts. 5:1-5). He was only a common brother and was only mentioned in this matter (Acts. 22:1). In addition, he was not mentioned in other places, showing that he was not famous. However, the Lord used him to help the greatest apostle.

  “And to him the Lord said in a vision” “Vision” refers to the scene that the physical eyes could see or the scene that the inner eyes could see in a trance (Acts. 11:5).

  And he said, Here I am, Lord.’” The answer shows his attitude of faith and obedience that he was waiting to be sent by the Lord at any time to do everything. Please note that Ananias was not astonished or scared when he saw the vision, showing that he was the one who always had communion with the Lord and usually received His appearance and words.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) We should never improperly belittle ourselves and think that we are useless. We should never love to show off and vainly hope to do many things for the Lord. As long as we are put in an important position by the Lord at a time throughout our life, we will have the eternal value and have not spent our life in vain.

2) The Lord gives Ananias the clear “vision” first and then asks him to help Saul. Only those who have seen the vision are able to help others to realize the vision.

 

Acts. 9:11 “So the Lord said to him, Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying.

   YLT: “and the Lord [saith] unto him, ‘Having risen, go on unto the street that is called Straight, and seek in the house of Judas, [one] by name Saul of Tarsus, for, lo, he doth pray,”

   Literal Meaning: “arise and go to the street called Straight” “The street called Straight” is the long and straight main street from the east to the west and it is in obvious contrast with many winding roads in the city. The street has three parts. The middle part is for the traffic of vehicles and horses. And both sides of the street are for the bustle of walkers and for the business dealings of peddlers sitting in their booths.

  “And inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus” Previously Saul “entered every house” to seize those who believe the Lord Jesus (Acts. 8:3; 9:2) and today he was found in a house by one who believed the Lord Jesus.

  “For behold, he is praying.” It shows that Saul had fasted (See v.9) and prayed concerning the event that he met the Lord Jesus in the past three days, tried his best to understand its meaning and called upon God to guide his way in future. Later prayer became the main tone of his life and service.

 

Acts. 9:12 “And in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him, so that he might receive his sight.’”

   YLT: “and he saw in a vision a man, by name Ananias, coming in, and putting a hand on him, that he may see again.'”

   Literal Meaning: And in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias” “Having seen” refers what Saul had seen in the vision because his sight had not been recovered at that time (See v.18). On one hand, Ananias got the Lord’s commandment that he should put his hand on Saul. On the other, Saul got the Lord’s guidance in the vision that there was a man named Ananias who would come to put his hand on him. It is the vision in the vision.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) When Saul had seen Ananias come in the vision, we could say that he had seen “the mercy of God” come (the meaning of “Ananias” in the original).

2) Prayer (See v.11) is the best way to receive the Lord’s revelation. Many spiritual visions are seen in prayers (Acts. 10:9-11, 30).

3) On one hand the Lord let Saul see that He is the heavenly and supreme Lord (v.3-5) and on the other He let him experience a little brother in the local place------Ananias. He made him deeply know the two-sided and abundant meaning of Christ------the head and the body.

 

Acts. 9:13 “Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem.

   YLT: “And Ananias answered, `Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how many evils he did to Thy saints in Jerusalem,”

   Literal Meaning: Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem” It shows that the bad reputation of Saul spread far and wide and even a common brother who was far away at Damascus heard of him. Ananias’s worry to Saul is natural and normal. He may not be afraid of being seized by him but being misunderstood that he was united to the evil one if he put his hand on him.

  In the New Testament the word “saints” does not refer to the outstanding Christians who are sanctified and have remarkable spiritual attainments but every one who truly believes the Lord (Rom. 1:7; 1Cor. 1:2; 2Cor. 1:1; Eph. 1:1 and etc).

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) Christians are different from the common ones in the world. We are “saints” who are separated to God.

2) The things that the Lord leads us to do sometimes seem to go against the conventions so that we will hesitate to move forward unavoidably. However, we Christians should not judge things according to conventions but whether we have the clear word of the Lord.

 

Acts. 9:14 “And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name.’”

   YLT: “and here he hath authority from the chief priests, to bind all those calling on Thy name.'”

   Literal Meaning: bind all who call on Your name” It shows that “calling on the name of the Lord” is a mark of the early Christians (1Cor. 1:2)------men could hear that they always give off sound to call on the name of the Lord and in length of time, it becomes a special mark that men could recognize them.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) That whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved (Joel. 2:32; Acts. 2:21; Rom. 10:13). If believers want to be saved from their living circumstances, we should always call on the name of the LORD.

2) The Lord is rich unto all that call upon him (Rom. 10:12). As long as we call on Him earnestly, we shall not lose hope.

 

Acts. 9:15 “But the Lord said to him, Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel.

   YLT: “And the Lord said unto him, `Be going on, because a choice vessel to Me is this one, to bear My name before nations and kings -- the sons also of Israel;”

   The Background: the level of education of the Lord’s first twelve apostles were not high and the three leading apostles Peter, James and John were unlearned Galilean fishers (Acts. 4:13). In order to preach the gospel to the Gentile world, men like Saul who was with the higher western education, familiar with the Hebrew religion, the Greek culture and the Roman government must be gained (Acts. 26:5, 24).

   Literal Meaning: for he is a chosen vessel of Mine” The word “vessel” refers to the container which could contain something, such as bottle and basket. It is different from tool and weapon. The Lord chose Saul as His vessel and therefore He separated him from his mother's womb, and called him by His grace now (Gal. 1:15).

  “To bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel” Saul (Paul) was appointed by the Lord to be the apostle of the Gentiles and it was proved by the three pillars of the church which was at Jerusalem James, Cephas and John at that time (Gal. 2:8-9). Kings refer to Agrippa (Acts. 26:1) and the Roman Empire Caesar (Acts. 25:11-12; 28:19).

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) The Lord searches and wants to gain all men. He is able to gain and use even those who are against His revelations.

2) The Lord could forgive our mistakes, however, He does want us to be unwilling to repent when we know our wrongness. The Lord could forgive our failure and falling down, however, He would not like that we cannot stand up and move forward.

3) When “the vessels” are in the hand of the Lord, they won’t be used by Him unless they are filled with something by the Lord first. The vessel that cannot be filled by the Lord is unable to be used by Him.

4) Believers are “the vessels of mercy which He had afore prepared unto glory” because upon us “He might make known the riches of His glory” (Rom. 9:23).

5) The Lord has chosen us as His vessels in order to let Himself be filled in us so that we could manifest His life.

 

Acts. 9:16 “For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name's sake.’”

   YLT: “for I will shew him how many things it behoveth him for My name to suffer.'”

   Literal Meaning: how many things he must suffer for My name's sake” It is the description of the whole life of Saul from then on. He had suffered more than others in order to preach the name of the Lord (2Cor. 11:23-28).

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) Christians are not alone in preaching the gospel and keeping the truth because the Lord works with them and suffers with them. And therefore they will be glorified with Him (Rom. 8:17).

2) It is unavoidable for Christians to suffer tribulations because through many tribulations, we must enter into the kingdom of God (Acts. 14:22).

3) Those who have truly seen the vision of Christ shall not only arise and “preach the Christ” (v.20) but also suffer tribulations willingly for the sake of the Lord’s name.

 

Acts. 9:17 “And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.’”

   YLT: “And Ananias went away, and did enter into the house, and having put upon him [his] hands, said, `Saul, brother, the Lord hath sent me -- Jesus who did appear to thee in the way in which thou wast coming -- that thou mayest see again, and mayest be filled with the Holy Spirit.'”

   Literal Meaning: And Ananias went his way” Great faith and courage are needed for Ananias to obey the Lord’s commandment immediately.

  “And laying his hands on him he said” “Laying one’s hand” shows union, reception, communion and sharing. Ananias, representing the body of Christ, received Saul in.

  Brother Saul” The enemy Saul that Ananias previously feared and was hostile to now became his beloved brother Saul. The persecutor now became one of the family members who were persecuted. According to the Acts of the Apostle, Ananias was the first one who called another believer “brother”.

  “The Lord Jesus, who appeared to you” It shows that Jesus is the mighty ruler who rules over all.

  “Has sent me that you may receive your sight The mind of the great apostle can not be opened by himself but by an unknown brother.

“And be filled with the Holy Spirit” Here the “being filled with” in the original refers to “the outer bathing” (pletho, See the note in Acts. 2:4). And it is different from the “inner fullness”. The “outer bathing” is for the power of work and the inner fullness is for the abundance of life.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) The Lord’s revelation not only eliminates the fear in the heart of Ananias but also wipes away his enmity (v.13-16). And he could stretch out his hand to his former enemy and say, “Brother Saul”. Revelation is a wonderful way to deal with the problem in one’s heart.

2) Ananias had boldness to do His will because he believed the word of the Lord. And therefore he left a good name for all time. Today the Lord is searching this kind of men and He wants to use them.

 

Acts. 9:18 “Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized.

   YLT: “And immediately there fell from his eyes as it were scales, he saw again also presently, and having risen, was baptized,”

   Literal Meaning: and he arose and was baptized” Obviously Ananias baptized him. Ananias was not the apostle or the elder of the church and he was only a common disciple (v.10). However, he was sent by the Lord to baptize Paul the great apostle. It shows that there is not any special requirement for a baptizer. Anyone who truly believes the Lord, learns willingly in the Lord and is willing to be sent by the Lord is able to baptize others.

    In addition, here laying one’s hand on is before baptism (v.17). In other scriptures, baptism is mentioned and laying hand on is not mentioned (Acts. 2:41; 8:38; 10:48) or baptism is before laying one’s hand on (Acts. 8:12, 17). How should we deal with baptism and laying one’s hand on? We should know that men are baptized unto Christ (Rom. 6:3) and laying one’s hand on is to make men partake in the body of Christ. Under normal conditions, laying one’s hand on and baptism should be done at the same time. Basically, the moment one is baptized, he should be put hand on so that he could see the body and be united to the brothers and sisters.

 

Acts. 9:19 “So when he had received food, he was strengthened. Then Saul spent some days with the disciples at Damascus.

   YLT: “and having received nourishment, was strengthened, and Saul was with the disciples in Damascus certain days,”

   Literal Meaning: So when he had received food, he was strengthened” He became very weak after three days when he did not eat or drink. “Being strengthened” indicates that the physical strength is recovered.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) The will of God is that we are in health, just as our soul prosper (3John. 2).

2) Things of one kind come together. The life that one has received after he has been saved likes to communicate with other believers (See v.28; 1John. 3:14).

 

Acts. 9:20 “Immediately he preached the Christ in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God.

   YLT: “and immediately in the synagogues he was preaching the Christ, that he is the Son of God.”

   Literal Meaning: Immediately he preached the Christ in the synagogues” Here the word “immediately” is special in the Greek. It is an emphatic verb. However, it is a wording of time. It means that there wasn’t any dwell time from the time when Saul received grace and was saved to the time when he preached the gospel everywhere.

“Synagogues” were the places where the fanatical Judaic ones stayed (Acts. 6:9). The emphasis that Saul began to preach the gospel was in the Jewish synagogues where people rejected the gospel most seriously. Saul was previously the famous radical who rejected Jesus in all synagogues and now he had a complete change.

  “That He is the Son of God” To the Jews who had received the strict education of rabbi, the word blasphemed God (John. 5:18; 10:33).

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) After one has received the Lord, the first thing that he should do is to bear witness of the Lord. As long as there is a chance, he will bear witness immediately.

2) When bearing witness of the Lord, we should not choose the places where it is easy to bear witness. The more difficult it is to preach the gospel in some places, the more we should preach the gospel there.

 

Acts. 9:21 “Then all who heard were amazed, and said, Is this not he who destroyed those who called on this name in Jerusalem, and has come here for that purpose, so that he might bring them bound to the chief priests?’”

   YLT: “And all those hearing were amazed, and said, `Is not this he who laid waist in Jerusalem those calling on this name, and hither to this intent had come, that he might bring them bound to the chief priests?'”

   Literal Meaning: those who called on this name in Jerusalem” The Jews who rejected the church tried their best to mention the name of Jesus and therefore they used “those who called on this name” to call Christians.

   Enlightenment in the Word: Whoever you are, as long as you meet the Lord, you will have a complete change.

 

Acts. 9:22 “But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who dwelt in Damascus, proving that this Jesus is the Christ.

  YLT: “And Saul was still more strengthened, and he was confounding the Jews dwelling in Damascus, proving that this is the Christ.”

   Literal Meaning: But Saul increased all the more in strength” “Strength” stresses on the spiritual power. The reasons why “Saul increased all the more in strength” are: 1) he increased in strength because he was filled with the Holy Spirit” (v.17); 2) he got the help of communion because he “spent some days with the disciples at Damascus” (v.19).

  “And confounded the Jews who dwelt in Damascus” The word “confound” is a very attractive wording in the original. It means “commingling with”. In other words, the Jews who dwelt in Damascus were conquered by the word of Saul and felt confused and depressed about their previous conviction.

  “Proving that this Jesus is the Christ” “Proving” in the original means “uniting”, showing that Paul quoted various materials in order to prove that it is a truth that Jesus is the Christ.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) The more one preaches the gospel, the more he will increases in strength. The less one preaches the gospel, the less strength he will receive.

2) On one hand Saul preached that “Jesus is the Son of God” (See v.20) and on the other he “proved that Jesus is the Christ”. The son of Man refers to His person and Christ refers to His work. The Lord Jesus is the Son of God and it indicates that He has the life of God and He is God. The Lord Jesus is Christ and it indicates that He is the Messiah who is anointed by God with the Holy Spirit and is sent by Him to the earth to fulfill the mission that God has entrusted Him.

 

Acts. 9:23 “Now after many days were past, the Jews plotted to kill him.

   YLT: “And when many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel together to kill him,”

   Literal Meaning: Now after many days were past” It may be the days from the time when Paul went to Arabia and stayed there alone with God and mediated and understood God’s mysteries of the New Testament to the time when he returned to Damascus. There were about three years (Gal. 1:17-18). Arabia was the Syrian desert region on the east of Damascus.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) Saul did not persecute Jesus and he became the one who was persecuted for the sake of Jesus. When you are against God, the world is the friend of you. When you draw near to God, the world is the enemy of you.

2) Believers would rather be the enemy of the world than be the enemy of God because they are the friend of the world (James. 4:4).

 

Acts. 9:24 “But their plot became known to Saul. And they watched the gates day and night, to kill him.

   YLT: “and their counsel against [him] was known to Saul; they were also watching the gates both day and night, that they may kill him,”

   Literal Meaning: And they watched the gates day and night, to kill him” These Jews even got the backing of Aretas the king of Arabia (2Cor. 11:32-33).

 

Acts. 9:25 “Then the disciples took him by night and let him down through the wall in a large basket.

   YLT: “and the disciples having taken him, by night did let him down by the wall, letting down in a basket.”

   Literal Meaning: Then the disciplesby night” Please note that here “the disciples” were mentioned, showing that within two or three years, Saul had his disciples from the time when he was received unto the body of Christ. It shows that Saul had the ability of guiding men. In the past, he took the head to persecute Jesus’ believers and now he turned to a leader who guided believers to preach Jesus.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) We should not only preach the gospel to gain men but also feed and teach those we gain by the gospel. On one hand we should lead men to turn to the Lord and on the other we should lead men to be the disciples.

2) Saul got the help from brothers and went out of the city, showing that he did not go out all by himself and he went out with the communion, help and approval of brothers. The development of many works will have great effort if there is men’s intercession and the support in the spirit.

 

Acts. 9:26 “And when Saul had come to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, and did not believe that he was a disciple.

   YLT: “And Saul, having come to Jerusalem, did try to join himself to the disciples, and they were all afraid of him, not believing that he is a disciple,”

   Literal Meaning: he tried to join the disciples” “tried to” in the original is indeterminate expression, showing he tried unceasingly.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) There is a common saying goes like that, “you may know a person's face but not his heart”. It is no wonder that the world know men according to flesh. However, we believers should not know men according to flesh (2Cor. 5:16) because the living Christ is within us. And therefore in everything we should ask Christ who is in us.

2) If we judge everything according to flesh, we will fall into the trap of Satan. And therefore we should learn to know men and things according to the life in us.

3) The life that believers have received likes to have communion with believers. The spiritual states of those who do not like to have communion and fellowship with believers before God mustn’t good.

 

Acts. 9:27 “But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. And he declared to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.

   YLT: “and Barnabas having taken him, brought [him] unto the apostles, and did declare to them how in the way he saw the Lord, and that he spake to him, and how in Damascus he was speaking boldly in the name of Jesus.”

   Literal Meaning: brought him to the apostles” The “apostles” is the plural number, however, Paul professed that he only met Peter the apostle and James the Lord’s brother (Gal. 1:18-19). Probably here “the apostles” refers to the apostles in the broad sense instead of the twelve apostles. According to the definition of the apostles in the broad sense, Barnabas was also the apostle (Acts. 14:14), and James the Lord’s brother had the equal position with apostles (Gal. 2:9).

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) If we insist on doubting someone, in the result it would make him do the suspicious thing. If we insist on trusting someone, in the result, it would make him prove that the trust is right.

2) We should never be hostile to someone because of his past failure. The shortcoming of men is that they always blame someone forever because of his one mistake.

3) Christians need the encouragement from other Christians. To the one who has just repented and believed the Lord, it is important for him to know that others are concerned about him and receive him.

4) We should be determined to be a Barnabas in the church and receive those who have not been received by others and lead those who have not been led by others.

 

Acts. 9:28 “So he was with them at Jerusalem, coming in and going out.

   YLT: “And he was with them, coming in and going out in Jerusalem,”

   Literal Meaning: coming in and going out” It shows that they did not have any gap with each other and they had perfect fellowship.

 

Acts. 9:29 “And he spoke boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus and disputed against the Hellenists, but they attempted to kill him.

   YLT: “and speaking boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, he was both speaking and disputing with the Hellenists, and they were taking in hand to kill him,”

   Literal Meaning: and disputed against the Hellenists” Paul grew in Tarsus in Cilicia and therefore he was good at using Greek.

 

Acts. 9:30 “When the brethren found out, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him out to Tarsus.

   YLT: “and the brethren having known, brought him down to Cesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus.”

Literal Meaning: and sent him out to Tarsus” is sending him to his hometown (Acts. 22:3).

 

Acts. 9:31 “Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied.

   YLT: “Then, indeed, the assemblies throughout all Judea, and Galilee, and Samaria, had peace, being built up, and, going on in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied.”

   The Background: during the several years when Saul turned to the Lord, the Roman governor Pilate (A.D. 26-36) at that time was complained by the Jews to the Roman Empire because of his evil political achievements and he was removed from office. And the governors Marcellus (A.D. 36-37) and Marullus (A.D. 37-41) who succeeded Pilate in the post loosened the pressure upon Christianity. At the same time, Herod Antipas the tetrarch (B.C.4-A.D. 39) forbid the Jews to cause trouble to the church. In addition, the high priest Theophilus (A.D. 37-41) was very gentle and was not as sinister as his father and elder brothers. Now, on one hand, Saul stopped persecuting the church zealously and on the other, the emphasis of persecution was turned to Saul from the church (See v.23-24, 29). And therefore the church then had a break to catch her breath and had a calm and tranquil period. However, the time did not last long (See Acts. 12:1).

   Literal Meaning: Judea, Galilee, and Samaria” are three main districts in Palestine, including many cities and villages.

  “The churches throughout all…had peace” “The churches” in the original is the single number and refers to the universal church, i.e. the assembly of all local churches. “Peace” not only refers to the peace and smoothness of the outer circumstances but also indicates the calm and smoothness of the inner states. Many times, though there is persecution on the outside of the church, there is still peace of Christ in the hearts (Col. 3:15).

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) The Lord allows His church suffer tribulations, however, He will never allow Satan destroy His church.

2) The crisis of the church is not the outer persecution but the lack of peace within the church. The intriguing against each other among believers harms the church more than the persecution form the enemies.

3) Whom believers and the church should fear is not men but the Lord. We should walk in the fear of God and be afraid of sinning against the Lord.

 

Acts. 9:32 “Now it came to pass, as Peter went through all parts of the country, that he also came down to the saints who dwelt in Lydda.

   YLT: “And it came to pass that Peter passing throughout all [quarters], came down also unto the saints who were dwelling at Lydda,”

   Literal Meaning: as Peter went through all parts of the country” “all parts of the country” here refers to places throughout Judea, Galilee, Samaria and etc.

  “That he also came down to the saints who dwelt in Lydda” “Lydda” was within the border of Judea and it was called “Lod” in the Old Testament (1Cor. 8:12; Ezra. 2:33). It was a small town on the road from the north of Jerusalem to the seaport Joppa and it was about forty kilometers away from Jerusalem.

   Enlightenment in the Word: the reason why the gospel could be spread widely is that Christians are willing to go out for the sake of gospel and “go through all parts”. We should not regard us as the “end” of the gospel but the “stronghold”.

 

Acts. 9:33 “There he found a certain man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden eight years and was paralyzed.

   YLT: “and he found there a certain man, Aeneas by name -- for eight years laid upon a couch -- who was paralytic,”

   Literal Meaning: There he found a certain man named Aeneas” We could only know that he was a Grecian Jew from his name.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) Around us and even in the church, there are many people who “have been bedridden” and cannot move a step in the spiritual way.

2) Aeneas must be carried there by men. We believers should also be concerned about the weak ones and carry them to the meeting so that they could enjoy the healing of the Lord’s life.

 

Acts. 9:34 “And Peter said to him, Aeneas, Jesus the Christ heals you. Arise and make your bed.Then he arose immediately.

   YLT: “and Peter said to him, `Aeneas, heal thee doth Jesus the Christ; arise and spread for thyself;' and immediately he rose,”

   Enlightenment in the Word: the weak ones could only be held by the “bed”, however, the power of the life of Jesus Christ could make us “make our bed”.

 

Acts. 9:35 “So all who dwelt at Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord.

   YLT: “and all those dwelling at Lydda, and Saron saw him, and did turn to the Lord.”

   Meaning of Words: Sharon”: the level place along the seacoast.

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) The gospel could not only be heard but also be “seen”. There should be some features on us so that when men see the features, they shall “turn to the Lord”.

2) The effect of the gospel is not from men’s wisdom, knowledge and power but the power of the Holy Spirit when He works in men.

 

Acts. 9:36 “At Joppa there was a certain disciple named Tabitha, which is translated Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and charitable deeds which she did.

   YLT: “And in Joppa there was a certain female disciple, by name Tabitha, (which interpreted, is called Dorcas,) this woman was full of good works and kind acts that she was doing;”

   Meaning of Words: “Joppa”: beauty; “Tabitha”: the gazelle (the Hebrew word); “Dorcas”: the gazelle (the Greek word).

   Literal Meaning: At Joppa there was a certain disciple” “Joppa” was a seaport city where the Jews dwelled, i.e. Jaffa today. It was about a dozen kilometers away from Lydda. “A disciple” (mathetria) is the feminine gender of mathetes.

 

Acts. 9:37 “But it happened in those days that she became sick and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room.

   YLT: “and it came to pass in those days she, having ailed, died, and having bathed her, they laid her in an upper chamber,”

   Literal Meaning: When they had washed her” According to the Jewish custom, the dead ones should be washed before they are buried.

 

Acts. 9:38 “And since Lydda was near Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent two men to him, imploring him not to delay in coming to them.

   YLT: “and Lydda being nigh to Joppa, the disciples having heard that Peter is in that [place], sent two men unto him, calling on him not to delay to come through unto them.”

 

Acts. 9:39 “Then Peter arose and went with them. When he had come, they brought him to the upper room. And all the widows stood by him weeping, showing the tunics and garments which Dorcas had made while she was with them.

   YLT: “And Peter having risen, went with them, whom having come, they brought into the upper chamber, and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing coats and garments, as many as Dorcas was making while she was with them.”

   Enlightenment in the Word:

1) “The tunics and garments” represent the work of Darcas when she was alive. When we are alive, we should work more in the Lord so that we may leave something worthy of being seen by men around us.

2) The life is more than raiment (Matt. 6:25). If our work could help men make progress in life, our works will follow with us (Rev. 14:13).

 

Acts. 9:40 “But Peter put them all out, and knelt down and prayed. And turning to the body he said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up.

   YLT: “And Peter having put them all forth without, having bowed the knees, did pray, and having turned unto the body said, ‘Tabitha, arise;' and she opened her eyes, and having seen Peter, she sat up,”

  Enlightenment in the Word: before we “turn” and speak to men, we should “kneel down and pray” first. Prayer is the key to the power of our words.

 

Acts. 9:41 “Then he gave her his hand and lifted her up; and when he had called the saints and widows, he presented her alive.

   YLT: “and having given her [his] hand, he lifted her up, and having called the saints and the widows, he presented her alive,”

   Literal Meaning: when he had called the saints and widows” “the saints” refer to those who are separated to God.

   Enlightenment in the Word: We Christians are different from the world (“the saints”). However, the reason why we are different from them is not that we are chosen to enjoy more honors in this life but that we are chosen to do greater service.

 

Acts. 9:42 “And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed on the Lord.

   YLT: “and it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed on the Lord;”

 

Acts. 9:43 “So it was that he stayed many days in Joppa with Simon, a tanner.

   YLT: “and it came to pass, that he remained many days in Joppa, with a certain one, Simon a tanner.”

   Literal Meaning: he stayedwith Simon, a tanner” “A tanner” is workman who makes leathers. They were always unclean (Num. 19:11-13) because they always dealt with the dead bodies of animals. Peter decided to stay in this house, showing that he was willing to get out of the old ceremonies of the Jewish and had made preparations for preaching the gospel to the Gentiles.

 

III. Outlines of the Spiritual Lessons

 

The Marks that True Believers should Have

I. Receive the enlightenment of the Lord’s gospel (v.3).

II. Meet the Lord and hear His voice and therefore know the Lord (v.4-5).

III. Receive the new mission from the Lord (v.6).

IV. Lose interest in the world (v.7-9).

V. Establish the relation of communion with the Lord through prayer (v.11).

VI. Be unto the body of the Lord through laying hand on and baptism (v.17-18).

VII. Have the spiritual communion with members in the body (v.19).

VIII. Preach the gospel and bear witness (v.20).

IX. Make progress in grace and increase all the more in strength (v.22).

X. Be persecuted for the sake of the Lord (v.23-25).

 

The Lord that Paul Knew on the Way to Damascus

I. Christ was taken up into heaven and surpasses all------“from heaven” (v.3).

II. Christ who overcomes and conquers all------He makes the one who resists Him “fall to the ground” (v.4a).

III. The humble Jesus who suffers------though He is on the throne, He is still “persecuted” (v.4b).

IV. The abundant Christ who fills all in all------the mysterious and great “I” (v.4c).

V. Christ, the Lord, who rules over all------have to call Him “Lord” (v.5).

 

The Features of the Revelation that Paul Received When He Repented

I. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting” (v.5)------the head and the body are one.

II. “You will be told what you must do” (v.6)------members are indispensable.

 

The Help that Paul received when He Newly Believed the Lord 

I. The kind reception of Ananias (v.17).

II. Staying with and having communion with the disciples at Damascus (v.20).

III. The care of the fruits of the gospel (the disciples) (v.25).

IV. Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles (v.27).

V. He was with the disciples at Jerusalem, coming in and going out (v.28).

VI. The announcement and escort of brothers (v.30).

 

The Conditions that the Church Is Multiplied (v.31)

I. The church must have peace------keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

II. The church must be edified------make progress in the Lord grace and knowledge and be edified in the holy truth.

III. The church should walk in the fear of the Lord------trust and obey the Lord.

IV. The church must have the comfort of the Holy Spirit------fear to make the Holy Spirit worry.

 

The Manifestation of the Salvation

I. To the one who seeks the word------communicate and lead him (v.32).

II. To the ill one------heal him (v.33-35).

III. To the sad ones------care for and comfort them (v.36-39).

IV. To the dead one------make her rise (v.40-42).

V. To preachers------make preparations (v.43).

 

The Steps that Peter Made Tabitha Arise

I. Peter put them all out (v.40a)------put the natural men out (Mark. 5:40).

II. And he knelt down and prayed (v.40b)------pray to the Lord humbly.

III. And turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, arise.” (v.40c)------declare with faith.

IV. He gave her his hand and lifted her up (v.41a)------show real care to men (Acts. 3:7).

V. When he had called the saints and widows, he presented her alive (v.41b)------make her recover her church life.

 

── Caleb HuangChristian Digest Bible Commentary Series

   Translated by Sharon Ren