1.
And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,
And = But, or Now.
breathing out. Greek. empneo. Only here.
threatenings. Greek. apeile. See Acts 4:17 .
slaughter = murder. Greek. phonos. Occurs ten times. Always translates, murder, except here and Hebrews 11:37 .
against. Greek. eis. App-104 .
unto = to.
2.
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.
desired. Greek. aiteo. App-134 .
Damascus. Probably the oldest city in the world. First mentioned in Genesis 14:15 . Founded before Baal-bee and Palmyra, has outlived them both. In David's time a garrison town (2 Samuel 8:6 ). Rebelled against Solomon (1 Kings 11:24 ). Many interesting events connected with it See 2Ki 8:7-15 ; 2 Kings 14:28 ; 2 Kings 16:9 , 2Ki 16:10 ; 2 Chronicles 24:23 .Isaiah 7:8 , &c.
of this way = being of the way. Note the term "the way" to describe the faith of the believers. See Acts 18:25 , Acts 18:26 ; Acts 19:9 , Acts 19:23 ; Acts 22:4 ; Acts 24:14 , Acts 24:22 , and compare John 14:6 .
whether they were = both.
men. Greek. aner. App-123 .
women. Compare Acts 8:3 .
unto. Greek. eis. App-104 .
3.
And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:
as he journeyed. Literally in (Greek. en. App-104 .) the journeying.
he came near = it came to pass that he drew nigh.
suddenly. Greek. exaiphnes. Occurs here, Acts 22:6 , Mark 13:36 . Luke 2:13 ; Luke 9:39 .
shined round about = flashed around. Greek. periastrapto Only here and Acts 22:6 . Compound of peri , around, and astrapto, to lighten. (See Luke 17:24 ; Luke 24:4 . Compare Matthew 28:3 .)
light. Greek. phos . App-130 .
from. Greek. apo. App-104 . but texts read ek.
heaven , singular. See Matthew 6:9 , Matthew 6:10 .
4.
And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
fell . . . and = falling.
earth. Greek. ge . App-129 .
voice. Greek. phone. Same as "sound", Acts 2:6 .
Saul, Saul. Up to Acts 13:9 , the Greek form Saulos is used in the narrative, but here, 17; Acts 13:21 ; Acts 22:7 , Acts 22:13 ; Acts 26:14 , the Hebrew Saoul is found. Figure of speech Epizeuxis. App-6 . See Genesis 22:11 .
5.
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.
the Lord. The texts read "He".
Jesus. App-98 .
it is hard, &c. The texts omit "it is hard", &c. to "unto him", in the middle of Acts 9:6 . The words were probably supplied from the personal narrative in Acts 26:14 .
6.
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.
Arise. Greek. anistemi. App-178 .
into. Greek. eis. App-104 .
told. Greek. laleo. App-121 .
7.
And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man.
journeyed with. Greek. sunodeuo. Only here.
speechless. Greek. enneos or eneos. Only here in N.T., but found in Septuagint Proverbs 17:28 (holdeth his peace) and Isaiah 56:10 (dumb).
hearing. The companions of Saul heard the sound of the voice, but did not distinguish the words spoken. Compare Acts 22:9 . This is expressed by the word "voice" ( phone ) being in the genitive case here, and in the accusative case in Acts 9:4 . Compare John 12:28-30 .
seeing. Greek. theoreo. App-133 .:11.
no man = no one. Greek. medeis.
8.
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.
arose = was raised up. Greek. egeiro. App-178 .
saw. Greek. blepo. App-133 .
no man = no one. Greek. oudeis. The texts read "nothing".
led . . . and = leading him by the hand. Greek. cheiragogeo. Only here and Acts 22:11 . Compare Acts 13:11 .
9.
And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.
without slight = not (Greek. me) seeing (Greek. blepo. App-133 .)
neither = not. Greek. ou. App-105 .
10.
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.
certain. Greek. tis . App-123 .
named = by name.
vision. See note on Acts 7:31 .
Behold. Greek. idou. App-133 . Figure of speech Asterismos . App-6 .
11.
And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth,
street = lane. Greek. rhume. Here, Acts 12:10 . Matthew 6:2 .Luke 14:21 .
Straight. It ran direct from the W. gate to the E. gate. In oriental cities such would be the bazaar.
enquire = seek. Greek. zeteo.
one, &c. = a Tarsean, Saul by name. Tarsus was the capital of Cilicia. Saul was doubtless one of those who disputed with Stephen (Acts 6:9 ).
prayeth. Greek. proseuchomai. App-134 .
12.
And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.
hath seen = saw. Greek. eidon. App-133 .
receive his sight . Greek. anablepo. App-133 .
13.
Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem:
by = from. Greek. apo. App-104 .
Of = concerning. Greek. peri. App-104 .
how much evil = how many evil things. Greek. kakos. App-128 .
saints = holy, or separated, ones. Greek. hagios. Compare Psalms 116:15 .
14.
And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name.
authority. Greek. exousia. App-172 .
call, &c. See note on Acts 2:21 .
15.
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:
a chosen vessel = a vessel of choice, or election (Greek. ekloge) . Occurs here, Romans 9:11 ; Romans 11:5 , Romans 11:7 , Rom 11:28 ; 1 Thessalonians 1:4 . 2 Peter 1:10 .
unto = for.
Before = in the presence of.
Gentiles = nations. Greek. ethnos.
children = sons. Greek. huios. App-108 . Note the order.
16.
For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.
shew = forewarn. Greek. hupodeiknumi. Occurs elsewhere Acts 20:35 .Matthew 3:7 . Luke 3:7 ; Luke 6:47 ; Luke 12:5 .
suffer. See 2 Corinthians 11:23-28 .
for My name's sake = on behalf of (Greek. huper.) My name. See Acts 22:14-18
17.
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.
Brother. Thus recognizing him as a fellow-disciple.
Saul. Greek. Saoul, as in Acts 9:4 .
appeared unto = was seen by. Greek. optomai. App-106 .
as = by which.
sent. Greek. apostello. App-174 .
the Holy Ghost. Greek. pneuma hagion. App-101 .
18.
And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.
immediately = straightway. Greek. eutheos,
fell = fell away. Greek. apopipto. Only here.
scales. Greek. lepis. Only here in NT. In Septuagint, Leviticus 11:9 , Leviticus 11:10 . &C.
forthwith. Greek. parachrema. Compare Acts 3:7 ; Acts 5:10 . The texts omit.
baptized. App-115 .
19.
And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.
meat = nourishment. Greek. trophe.
20.
And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.
straightway. Greek. eutheos, as in Acts 9:18 .
preached. Greek. kerusso. App-121 .
Christ. The texts read "Jesus".
He = This One.
the Son of God. . App-98 .
21.
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?
were amazed. Greek. existemi. Compare Acts 2:7 ; Acts 8:9 , Acts 8:13 .
destroyed = devastated. Greek. portheo. Same word as in Galatians 1:1 , Galatians 1:13 , Galatians 1:23 . Not the same as in Acts 8:3 .
for that intent = for (Greek. eis.) this.
that = in order that. Greek. hina.
22.
But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.
increased . . . in strength = was strengthened. Greek. endunamoo. Occurs elsewhere, Romans 4:20 . Ephesians 6:10 . Philippians 1:4 , Philippians 1:13 . 1Ti 1:12 . 2 Timothy 2:1 ; 2 Timothy 4:17 . Hebrews 11:34 . Compare App-172 .
confounded. See note on Acts 2:6 .
dwelt. See note on Acts 2:5 .
proving. Greek. sumbibazo. Literally bring together, compare. Here, Acts 16:10 1 Corinthians 2:16 . Ephesians 4:16 . Co Acts 1:2 , Acts 1:2 , Acts 1:19 .
very Christ = the Christ, i.e. the Messiah. App-98 . Instead of searching the Scriptures to see if these things were so, the Damascenes were occupied with the change in Saul's attitude. Hence we read nothing of believers. Contrast Acts 17:11 , Acts 17:12 . No epistle addressed to them nor any record of a church there.
23.
And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him:
after that = when.
many days = the three years of Galatians 1:1 , Galatians 1:18 . Compare 1 Kings 2:38 , 1 Kings 2:39 , where many days also implies three years.
took counsel = plotted. Greek. sumbouleuo. Occurs elsewhere, Matthew 26:4 .John 11:53 ; John 18:14 .Revelation 3:18 .
kill. See note on "slain", Acts 2:23 .
24.
But their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him.
laying await = plot. Greek. epiboule. Occurs elsewhere Acts 20:3 , Acts 20:19 ; Acts 23:30 .
known. Greek. ginosko. App-132 .
of = to.
to = that they might. In 2 Corinthians 11:32 , Paul says "the governor under Aretas kept the city with a garrison". This Aretas was Herod's father-in-law, upon whom he made war because Herod had abandoned his daughter for his brother Philip's wife, Herodias. Perhaps to do the Jews a pleasure, like Felix, Aretas endeavored to seize Paul.
25.
Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket.
let him down = sent him down. Greek. kathiemi. Occurs elsewhere, Acts 10:11 ; Acts 11:5 .Luke 5:19 .
by = through. Greek. dia. App-104 .Acts 9:1 .
in = lowering him in. See note on Luke 5:4 .
basket . Greek. spuris. See note on Matthew 15:37 .
26.
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.
assayed = tried. Greek. peirao.
join . See note on Acts 5:13 .
and believed not = not believing, i.e. hesitating to believe. App-150 .
27.
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.
Barnabas. See note on Acts 4:36 .
took = laid hold of. Greek. epilambanomai. Occurs twelve times in Luke and Acts. Mostly of helping or arresting.
apostles . App-189 .
declared = related. Greek. diegeomai. See note on Acts 8:33 .
spoken . Greek. laleo. App-121 .
preached boldly = spoke without reserve. Greek. parrhiesiazomai. Occurs elsewhere, Acts 9:29 ; Acts 13:46 ; Acts 14:3 ; Acts 18:26 ; Acts 19:8 ; Acts 26:26 . Ephesians 6:20 . 1 Thessalonians 2:2 .
28.
And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem.
coming in and going out. See note on Acts 1:21 .
29.
And he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him.
30.
Which when the brethren knew, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus.
Which . . . knew = But the brethren having got to know it. Greek. epiginosko. App-132 .
brought . . . down. Greek. katago.
Caesarea . See Acts 8:40 .
sent . Greek. exapostello. App-174 . See Acts 11:25 .
31.
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.
Then, &c. = The church indeed therefore.
churches . App-186 .
rest = peace. Greek. eirene.
throughout . Greek. kata. App-104 .
and were edified = being edified. Greek. oikodomec. Compare Acts 4:11 ; Acts 7:47 , Acts 7:49 .
walking = going. Figure of speech Hendiadys. App-6 . Read, "being edified and walking in the fear of the Lord were replenished with".
comfort . Greek. paraklesis. See note on Acts 4:36 .
the Holy Ghost. App-101 .
were = was. The texts put this verse in the singular. "The church . . . was".
multiplied . See note on Acts 6:1 .
32.
And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all quarters, he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda.
throughout = through. Greek. dia. App-104 .Acts 9:1 .
also to the saints = to the saints also.
Lydda . Ludd, in the plain of Sharon, about a day's journey w. of Jerusalem. See 1 Chronicles 8:12 .
33.
And there he found a certain man named Aeneas, which had kept his bed eight years, and was sick of the palsy.
34.
And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately.
maketh thee whole = healeth thee. Greek. iaomai. See note on Luke 6:17 .
make thy bed . Literally spread for thyself.
35.
And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord.
turned . See Acts 11:21 ; Acts 14:15 ; Acts 15:19 ; Acts 26:18 , Acts 26:20 .
36.
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.
disciple . Greek. mathetria, the feminine form of mathetes. Only here.
Tabitha . Aramaic. App-94 .:42. The Hebrew for roe or gazelle is Zebee. The feminine is found in 2 Kings 12:1 , there spelled Zibiah.
by interpretation = being interpreted. Greek. diermeneuo. Here, Luk 24:27 . 1 Corinthians 12:30 ; 1 Corinthians 14:5 , 1Co 14:13 , 1 Corinthians 14:27 .
Dorcas . Greek. for antelope, or gazelle.
almsdeeds = alms. Greek. eleemosune, as in Acts 3:2 ,
37.
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.
was sick = fell sick. Greek. astheneo. Frequent in the Gospels. In Acts, here, Acts 19:12 ; Acts 20:35 .
washed = bathed. Greek. louo. App-136 .
upper chamber = upper room. See note on Acts 1:13 .
38.
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.
forasmuch as Lydda was nigh. Literally Lydda being near.
there = in (Greek. en. App-104 .) it.
desiring = entreating. Greek. parakaleo. App-134 .
delay . Greek. okneo. Only here.
to = as far as. Greek. heos.
39.
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.
coats . Greek. chiton. = tunic or under-garment.
40.
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.
41.
And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive.
lifted her up . Literally caused her to rise up. Greek. anistemi, as above, Acts 9:40 .
when he had = having.
42.
And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord.
it was = it came to be.
known . Greek. gnostos. See note on Acts 1:19 .
believed in. App-150 .
43.
And it came to pass, that he tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner.
tarried = abode. Greek. meno. See note on p. 1511.
one = a certain. Greek. tis. App-123 .
tanner . Greek. burseus. Only here and Acts 10:6 , Acts 10:32 . Perhaps no one else would receive him.