Bible Commentaries
Acts 9

Verse 1

The Conversion and Call of Saul, V. 1-16

1) "And Saul yet breathing out," (ho de Saulos eit empneon) "Then Saul still continually breathing or spewing out," as a dedicated zealot from among the Pharisees, Acts 8:1; Acts 8:3. He breathed the air of hate against Christians.

2) "Threatenings and slaughter," (apeiles kai phonou) "Threatenings and murder," expressed malice with intent to slay or commit murder, expressed malice aforethought, bent on liquidating the church and followers of Jesus Christ, as warned by our Lord, John 15:20.

3) "Against the disciples of the Lord," (eis tous mathetes tou kuriou) "With reference to the disciples of the Lord," or against the lives of the disciples of the Lord, (Acts 26:10-11; Galatians 1:13) and against His church.

4) "Went unto the high priest," (proselthon to archierei) "Approaching the high priest," or went to the high priest, Acts 9:14; Galatians 1:13. It was the high priest who could deputize arrests on grounds of heresy against Judaism. Paul, a Pharisee, went to the high priest, a Sadducee, to secure warrants of open-end nature, to arrest any follower of Jesus he found in any house, Acts 9:14. There appears to have been collusion between them to detain, persecute, and murder Christians, wherever they might be found.

Verse 2

1) "And desired of him letters," (etesato par’ autou epistolas) "Requested (with earnest desire) from him letters," warrant-letters, or letters of religious law enforcement nature, Acts 22:5-6. These also served as Passports in to another country, Nehemiah 2:7-8.

2) "To Damascus to the synagogues," (eis Damaskon pros tas sunagogas) "Unto the (city of) Damascus for the purpose of his legally going to the synagogues there," to arrest them for purposes of persecution, prosecution, and killing, Galatians 1:3.

3) "That if he found any of this way," *hopos ean tinas heure tes hodou ontas) "So that when he found anyone being (witnessing) in the way," the way of the life of Jesus Christ, the witnessing of Jesus’ way, Matthew 5:15-16; John 14:6; Acts 4:12.

4) "Whether they were men or women," (andras te kai gunakias) "Whether they were responsible men or women," without regards to sex, that by persecution and death they might silence them, but, Matthew 16:18; Hebrews 13:5 forbids.

5) "He might bring them bound unto Jerusalem,”(dedemenous agage eis lerousalem) "He might shackle, bind, and handcuff (them) while bringing (leading them) back into Jerusalem," as conquered slaves in derision. It appears that this very commission or warrant, sought by Saul for Damascus arrests, presumed and affirmed in general, that an active witnessing church fellowship was in existence, functioning in Damascus.

Verse 3

1) "And as he journeyed," (en de to poreuesthai) "Now as he went," from Jerusalem toward Damascus, capital of Syria today, by way of one of three routes, perhaps the shortest leading north to Shechem, by the east of the Sea of Galilee, directly northeastward into the city.

2) "He came near Damascus:” (egeneto auton engizein te Damasko) "It occurred (as) he came near to Damascus," as he also later recounted Acts 22:6. The city was the ancient capitol of Syria, about 140 miles, a distance of five or six days journey north-east from Jerusalem.

3) "And suddenly there shined round about him," (eksaiphnes te auton perisestrapsen) "That there suddenly shone around him or encircling round about him," flashing like lightening, a divine shekainah-like presence, meaning where Jehovah dwells, 1 Chronicles 3:21; 1 Chronicles 24:11.

4) "Alight from heaven:" (phos ek tou ouranou) "Alight out of the (highest) heaven," not a mere lower light of natural phenomena from the first or second heaven, but a shekainah-like instant flash, like lightening, "above the brightest hour of the sun’s meridian height," Acts 26:13; 2 Corinthians 4:3-6; 1 John 1:5. And that light was God, in the person of His Son, Jesus Christ who then spoke to Saul, 1 Timothy 3:16.

Verse 4

1) "And he fell to the earth," (kai peson epi ten gen) "And failing upon the earth," or falling on the ground, indicating the overwhelming impression the sudden heavenly light had upon him, and upon those with him, who also fell to the ground in awe, Acts 26:14.

2) "And heard a voice saying to him, Saul, Saul," (ekousen phonen legousan auto Saoul Sauol)"He heard a voice repeating to him, Saul, Saul," in an audible Hebrew tongue or language, as he recounted the experience to Agrippa, Acts 22:17; Acts 26:14-15.

3) "Why persecutest thou me?" (ti me diokeis) "Why do you persecute me?" Can you give a logical, biblical reason, as an attorney of the law would require? To persecute the people and church of Jesus Christ, to break up her program of worship, work, and service, is to persecute Jesus Christ and His very character, Galatians 1:13; 1 Timothy 1:1-16; 2 Timothy 3:12; Zechariah 2:8; John 15:20-21; Matthew 5:11-12.

Verse 5

1) "And he said, who art thou, Lord?" (eipen de tis ei kurie) "Then he said, who are you, Lord?" That Paul was here saved and surrendered to the call of the Lord at that time is evident, (1 Corinthians 12:3) for none can call Jesus Lord, but by the Holy Spirit.

2) "And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest:” (ho de ego eimi lesous hon diokeis) "Then He (the Lord) responded, I am Jesus, the one whom you are really persecuting," the risen and living Lord who tasted death for every man and now lives to intercede, Hebrews 2:9; Hebrews 7:25; 1 John 2:1-2; Acts 2:33-36.

3) "It is hard for thee to kick against the pricks," (omitted in earlier manuscripts) "To resist the Holy Spirit’s convincing call, Acts 2:37; Acts 7:51; Acts 7:54; Acts 24:25; Acts 26:27-28; Proverbs 1:22-30; Proverbs 29:1; Hebrews 3:7-8; Hebrews 4:7.

Verse 6

1) "And he trembling and astonished said," at the voice of Jesus Christ, with distinct surrender and reverence, like Isaiah at the Altar of God, Isaiah 6:5-8. And as every child of God should present himself wholly to the Lord, Romans 12:1-2.

2) "Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?" And as the boy Samuel who said, "Here am I lord," as fully at His service or command, or "Speak Lord, for thy servant heareth," 1 Samuel 3:9-10; Every child of God should be wise to understand the call and will of God for his life, Ephesians 5:17.

3) "And the Lord said unto him," spoke to him the following words, though the three phrases above are not in the older available manuscripts, the ideas are sustained by the Scriptures.

4) "Arise," (alla anastethi) "But arise (or stand up)," as one receiving orders from a general or commander, to receive instructions for a course of duty, Romans 12:1-2.

5) "And go into the city," (kai eiselthe eis ten polin) "And enter into or go on into the city (of Damascus)," where he had started to go.

6) "And it shall be told thee," (kai lalethesetai soi) "And it shall be told to you," Acts 9:17. You will be told, directed, Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 22:10-16.

7) "What thou must do," (ho ti se dei poiein) "What it is becoming (for) you to do," Acts 9:16, and continue doing hereafter. His service instructions were to be received after his coming baptism, Galatians 3:26-27; Romans 6:4-5; Ephesians 2:10.

Verse 7

1) "And the men which journeyed with him," (hoi de andres hoi sunedeuontes auto) "Then (at that moment) the responsible men traveling in colleague with him," to imprison, persecute, and slaughter those found in the way of Christ in Damascus, Acts 9:1-2; Acts 22:9; Acts 26:13-14.

2) "Stood speechless," (eistekeisan eneoi) "Stood up speechless," stunned, in awe, with wonder and fear, having fallen to the ground, Acts 26:14.

3) "Hearing a voice," (akountes men tes phones) "Certainly having heard (or hearing) the voice-sound," but unable to understand the articulation or grasp what the words were, as Saul had done. Acts 22:9 asserts they heard not the voice, in the sense of "did not grasp the words."

4) "But seeing no man," (medena de theorountes) "Yet not a person seeing," or "yet they did not see or recognize any person," as having been present or visible, other than their own band of delegated Christian hate mongers who journeyed with Paul to seize Christians in Damascus, then nearby, as Moses at the burning bush, Exodus 3:2-5.

Tho it appears Paul himself saw Jesus at this time, as suggested by the words of Ananias, Acts 9:17; Acts 22:14-18; Acts 26:14-17; 1 Corinthians 15:8; 1 Corinthians 9:1.

Verse 8

1) "And Saul arose from the earth;” (egerthe de Saulos apo tes ges) "Then Saul was raised (helped up) from the ground," by those who were traveling with him.

2) "And when his eyes were opened," (aneogmenon de ton ophthalmon autou) "Then, when his eyes were opened," were having been opened, or when he tried to see, Acts 22:11.

3) "He saw no man:" (ouden eblepen) "He saw no person," absolutely saw no one, or nothing, because of a temporary loss of his physical vision. Ananias was later to restore his sight, Acts 9:17-18; Acts 22:13.

4) "But they led him by the hand," (cheirogogountes de auton) "So they led him by the hand," or leading him by the hand, all the way; The "they" who led him were those journeying with him on this persecution mission, Acts 9:7; Acts 22:11.

5) "And brought him into Damascus," (eisegagon eis Damaskon) "Even bringing him into Damascus," or all the way into the city of Damascus, where he was to recover his sight, be instructed by Ananias, be baptized, and begin preaching, Acts 9:17-20; Acts 26:14-20. How different his entrance into Damascus was from what he planned or purposed. Man proposes, but God disposes.

Verse 9

1) "And he was three days without sight," (kai hen hemeras treais me blepon) "And he was not seeing (or in a blind condition) for a period of three days," so that he had to be led about by the hand of his companions who journeyed with him on the official persecution and prosecution mission, Acts 9:8; Acts 22:11.

2) "And neither did eat nor drink," (kai ouk ephagen oude epien) "And neither ate nor drank," for that period of three days of fasting, as he journeyed into Damascus. Ananias then came to the house of Judas, in the street called Straight, where Saul was fasting and praying in sorrow, awaiting for his sight to be restored, and to be baptized, to prepare him to begin his mission to the Gentiles, Acts 22:11-16; Acts 26:12-17.

Verse 10

1) "And there was a certain disciple," (hen de tis mathetes) "Now there was (existed or lived) a certain disciple;" This certain disciple, follower of Jesus, was apparently pastor of other disciples in Damascus, and one who had received the gift manifestation of Spiritual gifts which came on the church at Jerusalem, Acts 2:1-4.

2) "At Damascus, named Ananias;” (en Damasko onomati Ananias) "in the city of Damascus (who was named) or by the name of Ananias;" See also Acts 22:12. The name Ananias means "whom God (Jehovah) graciously gave," a devout man.

3) "And to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias," (kai eipen pros auton en horamati ho kurios hanania) "Then the Lord addressed him in a vision (saying) Ananias; Note the Lord not only calls sinners to salvation, as he did Saul, but he also calls devout disciples to special labors as he had Philip, Acts 8:26; Acts 8:29; Acts 22:12.

4) "And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord," (ho he eipen idou ego kurie) "And he (Ananias) responded, behold, I am here, Lord;" I am at your command, Master, just as Philip had done when called to go from Samaria to the desert of Gaza as Peter did when later called to go to Cornelius’ house, Acts 10:19-20; Acts 10:23-25.

Verse 11

1) "And the Lord said unto him," (he de kurios pros auton) "Then the Lord directed him," instructed him in the way he should go, as he had directed Philip. Acts 9:26; Acts 9:29.

2) "Arise, and go into the street," (anastas poreutheti epi ten hrumen) "Arise and go out upon (to) the street," the one most traveled thru the center of the city, where the masses of the people milled about. God’s men must go witness where the people are, wherever they may be found, Mark 16:15; Acts 1:8; Romans 1:14-16.

3) "Which is called Straight," (ten kaloumenen eutheian) "The one that is called or named Straight," that is known as Straight Street, leading from the eastern to the western gate of the walled city.

4) "And inquire in the house of Judas," (kai zeteson en oikia louda) "And search (make inquiry) in an house of Judas," perhaps one of the disciples that Saul had formerly planned to persecute, of whom nothing more is known.

5) "For one called Saul, of Tarsus:” (Saulon onomati Tarsea) "For a person by name of Saul, a Tarsian," a man born in the city of Tarsus, capitol of Cilicia, the Athens of Asia Minor, a university city, with a medical center with much stoicism, Acts 11:25; Acts 21:39.

6) "For, behold, he prayeth," (idou gar pros euchetai) "For behold he is praying unceasingly of his own will, accord, or desire, continuously, Luke 18:1; Luke 18:13; 1 Thessalonians 5:17.

Verse 12

1) "And hath seen in a vision a man," (kai eiden andra en horamati) "And he has seen a man in a vision," a responsible man, or man of responsibility and accountability. Before the Bible was completed God appeared and conversed with men in dreams and visions, but today He speaks thru a) His word, b) His Spirit, and c) His church, 2 Timothy 3:16-17; John 5:39; 2 Timothy 2:15; Revelation 22:17; Hebrews 3:7; Hebrews 4:7; Ephesians 3:21; Acts 1:8.

2) "Named Ananias, coming in," (Ananian onomati eiselthonta) "By name (of) Ananias, entering in," where he is or resides at the house of Judas, much as Peter did in going to Cornelius’ house and Paul in going later to Macedonia, Acts 10:5-12; Acts 16:9-10.

3) "And putting his hand on him," (kai epithenta auto cheiras) "And placing, putting, or laying his hands on him," on blind Saul, as one who could heal thru the manifestation of the gift of the Holy Spirit, Acts 5:12-16; Hebrews 2:4.

4) "That he might receive his sight," (hopos anablepse) "So that he may look up or see again;" By faith Saul the new convert had envisioned being healed by one of God’s men empowered with the gift of restoring sight to the blind, and he was. Jesus gave this message to Ananias regarding the condition, need and expectancy of Saul as surely as He did to Peter regarding the need of Cornelius and his household, Acts 10:9-24; Acts 11:1-18.

Verse 13

1) "Then Ananias answered," (apekrithe de Ananias) "Then Ananias replied," to the Lord, who had appeared and spoken to him in a vision concerning Saul of Tarsus who was yet fasting and praying in the house of Judas, Acts 9:9-12.

2) "Lord, I have heard by many of this man," (kurie, ekousa apo pollon peri tou andros toutou) "Lord, I have heard (have received reports) from many people concerning this man," Saul of Tarsus, this Christian hater who had consented to Stephen’s death and made havoc of the Jerusalem church, Acts 7:58; Acts 8:3.

3) "How, much evil," (hosa kaka) "How many devilish (evil) things," evil deeds, hurtful things in persecuting, prosecuting, and scattering the saints at Jerusalem abroad, Acts 8:1-3; Acts 22:3-5; Galatians 1:13.

4) "He hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem:” (tois hagiois sou epoiesen en lerousalem) "To thy saints (to the church) in Jerusalem." The "saints in or at Jerusalem," in this post-New Testament era always referred to the church, the new covenant fellowship institution that Jesus established as "the pillar and the ground of the truth," 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Timothy 3:15; called "the saints," to whom "the faith" was once for all delivered, Judges 1:3; Ephesians 3:21. The term "saints" does not refer to the sum total of all believers or to the family of God. All saints are children of God, but all children of God are not saints, just as all fathers are men, but all men are not fathers, and all mothers are women but not all women are mothers.

Verse 14

1) "And here he hath authority," (kai hode echi eksousian) "And at this point (right now) he has authority," he has been deputized, has a warrant - how Ananias had found this out is not known, but he had, Galatians 1:23; Acts 9:21.

2) "From the chief priests,"(para ton archiereon) "From the chief priests," Ananias and Caiphas, Acts 4:6; head of the Jewish Sanhedrin in Jerusalem, Acts 8:3; Acts 9:1-2; Acts 22:5.

3) "To bind all that call on thy name,"(desai pantastous epikaloumenous to onoma sou) "To bind (handcuff, or take into custody) all those repeatedly calling upon thy name," those continually praying in your name, Acts 9:2; Acts 9:21. To bind meant to legally detain for imprisonment; The occasion for such charges was simply one’s calling on Jesus, or witnessing and praying in His name, similar to charges against Peter, John, and the other apostles, Acts 4:12; Acts 4:17-20; Acts 5:28-29; Acts 26:10; Colossians 3:17.

Verse 15

1) "But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way.” (eipen de pros auton ho kurios, poreou) "Then the Lord said to him (to Ananias) go thou," go to him. The Lord of the limited commission vision was specific in telling Ananias where to go, as He did Philip, (Acts 8:26; Acts 8:29)and Paul, Acts 17:9-10.

2) "For he is a chosen vessel unto me," (hoti skeous ekloges estin moi houtos tou) "Because this man (Saul) is (exists as) a chosen vessel to me," a chosen instrument to serve men, to follow, and to go forth for me, as later related by Paul before the multitude in Jerusalem, Acts 22:14.

3) "To bear my name," (bastasai to onoma mou) "To bear (uphold or support) my name; to carry as an instrument or vessel and make known my name, my authority, Acts 22:15; Acts 26:16.

4) "Before the Gentiles," (enopion ton ethnon) "in the (face presence of) or before the nations, heathen, Gentiles, or races," Acts 13:2; Acts 13:47; Acts 26:17-23; Romans 1:5; Romans 11:13; Ephesians 3:7-8. To them Paul was the apostle.

5) "And kings, and the children of Israel:” (te kai basileon huion te Israel) "As well as before kings of nations and the heirs of Israel," Acts 21:40; Acts 26:1-2; Romans 1:16; Romans 9:1-5. These he did not overlook, though he was chiefly called to go to the Gentiles, 1 Corinthians 9:22-23.

Verse 16

1) "For I will shew him," (ego gar hupodeikso auto) "For I will show or disclose to him," as our Lord showed His disciples how they should suffer, John 15:20-21.

2) "How great things he must," (hosa dei auton) "How many things it behooves or becomes him," Matthew 5:11-12; Romans 8:17. It is a blessed thought that God may be glorified as much by the patient, uncomplaining, suffering of His saints as by their courageous deeds, 2 Timothy 3:10-12; Philippians 3:8.

3) "Suffer for my name’s sake," (huper tou onomatos mou pathein) "To suffer continually (repeatedly) on behalf of my name," my authority or my work, 2 Corinthians 11:23-28; Galatians 6:17; Philippians 1:29; 2 Timothy 3:12; Until his valedictory hour, 2 Timothy 4:7-8; Revelation 2:10.

Verse 17

Paul Filled with the Holy Spirit and Baptized, V. 17-19

1) "And Ananias went his way," (apelthen de Ananias) "Then Ananias went away," on his way, the way to the house of Judas, where God had called him to go, Acts 9:11. Blessed is every person who goes "his way," when "his way" has become that way or road God has called him to travel, as Philip did, Acts 8:26; Acts 8:29; Luke 9:43.

2) "And entered into the house;” (kai eiselthen eis ten oikian) "And went directly into the house of Judas, where Saul waited and prayed, Acts 9:11.

3) "And putting his hand on him said," (kai epitheis ep’ auton tas cheiras eipen) "And laying his hands upon him (upon Saul) said," as those apostles and newly empowered disciples had done in healing, Acts 12:12-16.

4) "Brother Saul, the Lord," (Saoul adelphe ho kurios) "Saul, brother, the Master," the Lord, brother in Christ, new creature in Christ, 2 Corinthians 5:17.

5) "Even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me," (apestalken me lesous ho ophtheis soi en to hodo he erchou) "Even Jesus who appeared to you on the road as you came (to this city) has commissioned me," John 20:21.

6) "That thou mightest receive thy sight," (hopos anableppes) "So that you may see again," in spite of his total blindness for some three days, Acts 9:9. Jesus, the great light-giver and light restorer had sent Ananias to Paul, John 8:12.

7) "And be filled with the Holy Ghost," (kai plesthes pneumatos hagiou) "And so that you may be filled or controlled (of or by the power of) the Holy Spirit, abundantly," Ephesians 5:18; Acts 13:52; Acts 22:11-12.

Verse 18

1) "And immediately there fell," (kai eutheos apepesan) "And immediately (at once or suddenly) there fell away," was removed. Our Lord’s miracles performed by Himself and His disciples, were genuine, real, John 3:1-2; Mark 2:5; Mark 2:10-12.

2) "From his eyes as it had been scales:”(autou apoton ophthalmon hos lepides) "From his eyes scale-like matter," or there fell away the temporary affliction that came over his eyes to blind him, as an haze or cloud, the blindness vanished as darkness is driven away by the presence of the sun.

3) "And he received sight forthwith," (aneblepsen te) "Then (at that moment) he saw again," his sight returned, was restored, by Ananias as surely as so many had been healed by the gifts of the Holy Spirit manifestations that came to the Apostles and the church on Pentecost, Acts 2:4; Acts 5:14-16.

4) "And arose, and was baptized," (kai anastas ebaptisthe) "And he arose and was immersed or baptized;" Whether in the house of Judas or a nearby place of sufficient water to immerse is not clear, but that Paul was baptized at that time is certified, Acts 22:16.

Verse 19

1) "And when he had received meat, he was strengthened," (kai labon trophen eniochusen) "And he took food and was strengthened," concluding three days of earnest prayer which was accompanied by fasting, Acts 9:9; Acts 9:11. He was now strengthened in body and sight, as he had been in mind and heart, after seeing and meeting Jesus on the Damascus road, John 4:31-34.

2) "Then was Saul certain days," (egeneto de hemeras tinas) "Then he (Saul) came to be (stay) some days (for a period of time)," as a witness among those whom he a week before had vowed to persecute and prosecute; yes, those in Christ are "new creatures," 2 Corinthians 5:17; 1 Corinthians 9:21-23; Romans 1:14-16; Acts 1:8.

3) "With the disciples which were at Damascus," (mete ton Damasko matheton) "With the disciples (the church) which was located in Damascus," or existing then in Damascus. Let it be observed that wherever the disciples of the Lord went, after Pentecost, after the empowering of the church, and especially after the persecution and scattering of the church at Jerusalem, they (the church members, disciples) went everywhere, or wherever they went, they went obediently preaching the gospel, Matthew 28:18-20; John 20:21; Acts 1:8; Acts 8:4.

Based on our Lord’s promise and covenant to be (to exist) wherever two or three of this "you all" company were “gathered together," in affinity of a fellowship, to carryon worship and service for Christ, it is believed new churches sprang up in Asia Minor and Europe, often before the Apostles arrived, Matthew 18:19-20.

Verse 20

Saul Preached in Damascus, Forthwith V. 20-25

1) "And straightaway," (kai eutheos) "And suddenly, immediately, straightway, or forthwith," meaning at once, without delay. He did immediately, obediently what the Lord called him to do, giving himself "wholly," completely to the ministry, John 2:5; 1 Timothy 4:15.

2) "He preached Christ in the synagogues," (en tais sunagogais ekerussen ton lesoun) "He proclaimed (or heralded) the story of Jesus in the synagogues of Damascus," that He was the Savior, his Savior, the Son of God, Acts 9:22; 1 Timothy 3:16; Galatians 4:5; Acts 26:19-20.

3) "That He is the Son of God,” (hoti houtos estin ho huios tou theou) "That this one (this Jesus is) or exists as the Son of God." He preached of the resurrected, living, ascended Son of God, Acts 17:3; Acts 17:18; Acts 17:30-31. This was the very thing for which he had consented to the death of Stephen, a few days earlier. Yes, he preached that God "sent forth His Son," Galatians 4:4-5, and the redeemer of men, 2 Corinthians 5:17-21. This was Paul’s

a) Synagogue message – Acts 9:20-22.

b) Philippian jail message – Acts 16:30-31.

c) Mars Hill message – Acts 17:1-34.

d) Roman message – Romans 1:14-16.

e) King Agrippa message – Acts 26:1-32.

f) Benediction message to Timothy – 2 Timothy 4:1-16.

It should be our witness, our message today, Luke 19:10; John 20:21; Acts 1:8; Acts 4:12; Romans 10:8-13.

Verse 21

1) "But all that heard him were amazed, and said," (eksistanto de pantes hoi akountes kai elegon) "Then all those who heard him preaching were amazed and stood up and inquired," or rhetorically affirmed, as they were confused, uncertain what would come of those disciples he had come to persecute, to whom he had joined himself, Galatians 1:13; Galatians 1:23.

2) "Is not this he that destroyed," (ouk houtos estin ho prothesas) "Is not this the one who destroyed," or "this is the one who destroyed, did harm, wrought havoc, or persecuted, is it not?" Acts 8:1-3; Acts 22:4.

3) "Them which called on this name in Jerusalem," (eis lerousalem tous epikaloumenous to onoma touto) "Those who called on this name (the name of Jesus) in Jerusalem;" The Jews of the synagogue seemed especially shocked as those were to whom Peter preached on Pentecost, Acts 2:36; Acts 2:27; Acts 4:12.

4) "And came hither for that intent," (kai hode eis touto eleluthei) "And he came for this (same) purpose," didn’t he? Acts 22:4. A tree is known by its fruits, and the disciples at Damascus saw good fruit in Saul’s life at once, Matthew 7:15-19.

5) "Unto the chief priests?" (epi tous archiereis) "Before the high priests?" from whom he had received arrest warrants or authority for arrest and detainment of disciples of the Lord, Acts 22:5; Acts 16:10-12.

Verse 22

1) "But Saul increased the more in strength” (de Saulos mallon enedunamuto) "Then Saul was empowered to more," given more dynamic spiritual discernment, strength, faith, knowledge, and unction of the Spirit, 1 Corinthians 2:4; 1 Corinthians 2:7; 1 Corinthians 2:13.

2) "And confounded the Jews," (kai sunechungen loudaious) "And he confounded (flabbergasted), continues to confound the Jews," struck the Jews with unanswerable awe and uncertainty, refuting their objections against Jesus Christ, even silencing them, Galatians 1:11-12.

3) "Which dwelt in Damascus," (tous oikountas en Damasko) "Those who were in residence (residing) in (the) Damascus area," the capitol of Syria.

4) "Proving that this is very Christ," (sumbibazon hoti houtos estin ho Christos) "Giving out incontestable evidence that this one (Jesus) is (or exists as) the Christ," the living, anointed Savior, Acts 17:3-4; Acts 18:28; Acts 28:25-31. Paul simply showed the harmony between the prophecies, promises, and predictions of the Old Testament regarding the Messiah who was to come, then the actual physical evidences that Jesus had specifically and definitively fulfilled them as the Savior, Galatians 4:4-5; 1 Timothy 3:16.

Verse 23

1) "And after that many days were fulfilled," (hos de eplerounto hemerai hikanai) "And when a considerable number of days had been fulfilled (had passed)," in which Saul had proclaimed Jesus Christ effectively in the synagogues of Damascus, and during which time it is believed he went into Arabia to meditate, reevaluate the Old Testament and its message of the coming Messiah, Galatians 1:15-17.

2) "The Jews took counsel to kill him:”(sunebouleusanto hoi loudaioi anelein auton) "The Jews in colleague of collusion agreed to kill him," counseled to slay him, again and again, Acts 23:12-14; Acts 25:1-3; 2 Corinthians 11:23-24. This is why he could later affirm that all who lived godly in Christ Jesus should suffer persecution, 2 Timothy 3:12; John 15:20-21.

When the Jews could not answer Paul’s ready-reasoning testimony they resorted to try to kill him, 1 Peter 3:15.

Verse 24

1) "But their laying await was known of Saul," (egnosthe de to Saulo he epiboule auton) "But their plot by collusion was made known or disclosed to Saul." Perhaps by some of the disciples, members of the very church he had once plotted to destroy, 2 Corinthians 11:32.

2) "And they watched the gates," (pareterounto de kai

tas pulas) "Then they also carefully watched the city gates," or guarded the city gates carefully with guards. Providence watched over Paul while his enemies watched for him, Psalms 34:7; Hebrews 13:5.

3) "Day and night to kill him," (hemeras te kai nuktos hopos auton anelosin) "Both day and night so that they might destroy him (kill him)," on the sly, without public fanfare; the gate-watch was by a garrison, by appointment of the governor or mayor of the city of Damascus, 2 Corinthians 11:32.

Verse 25

1) "Then the disciples took him by night," (labontes de hoi mathetai autou nuktos) "Then his disciples (his followers, as he followed Christ) took him at night," after, dark, in the evening or night time, so that the garrison would not detect them, Joshua 2:15.

2) "And let him down by the wall in a basket," (dia tou teichous kathekan auton chalasantes an spuridi) "Letting him down through the wall, lowering him in a wicker basket," perhaps a garbage basket, at the garbage dump. After the city gates were shut at sundown, the city traditionally carried and let down or dumped through a window in the upper wall to be hauled from the outside of the city the following day. This seems to have been the method used for Saul’s escape from death at the hands of the Damascus Jews, 2 Corinthians 11:33.

Others speculate that it was thru a window in the external wall of an home overhanging the city wall, which appears to have been an hazard not likely permitted to exist. Similar methods of nighttime escapes were practiced from ancient times, Joshua 2:15; 1 Samuel 19:12.

Verse 26

Saul Rejected in Church Fellowship at First in Jerusalem, V. 26-29

1) "And when Saul was come to Jerusalem," (paraenomenos de eis lerousalem) "Then when he had arrived (come into) Jerusalem," from where he was commissioned by the chief priests, after having been away for more than three years in Damascus and far off Arabia, Acts 22:17-18.

2) "He assayed to join himself to the disciples:”(epeirazen kollasthai tois mathetais) "He tried to be joined to the disciples, (to the church)," the very church he had once made havoc of, scattered, except the apostles, Acts 8:1-4, That the church congregation has a right to receive or reject members or officials is evident, Acts 1:20-26; Acts 10:47; Romans 14:1.

3) "But they were all afraid of him," (kai pantes epobounto auton) "And they all feared him," all the church members were suspicious of him, wary of him, skeptical of him whom they once knew in person or by reputation, Acts 7:58; Acts 8:1-3.

4) "And believed not that he was a disciple," (me peiteuontes hoti estin mathetes) "Believing not (not at all trusting) that he is (or existed as) or was a disciple," a baptized believer of Jesus, evidently pot having received the report of his conversion experience and his preaching the gospel, Acts 9:5-22. They had not as yet heard his testimony or seen his changed life or known someone else who had, Galatians 1:23-24.

Verse 27

1) "But Barnabas took him," (Barnabas de epilobo menos auton)"Then Barnabas took hold of him, "took him into his care, into his home, Acts 4:36; Acts 13:2. He was an Holy Spirit filled member of the church at Jerusalem.

2) "And brought him to the Apostles," (egagen pros tous apostolous) "And led him (went with him) to the Apostles," to Peter and James only, Galatians 1:19. Barnabas had learned of Paul’s conversion, call and obedience and vouched for his honesty, Proverbs 17:17; Ruth 1:16.

3) "And declared unto them," (kai diegesato autois) "And related or narrated, gave in step by step order to them," to the two apostles, the appointed leaders of the church, Peter and James, Galatians 1:18-20.

4) "How he had seen the Lord in the way," (pos en to hodo eidon ton kurion) "How he had seen (come to behold) the Lord in the way, the journey to Damascus," Acts 9:5-6; Acts 9:17; Acts 22:13; Acts 22:15; Acts 26:16.

5) "And that he had spoken to Him," (kai hoti elalesen auto) "And that he had conversed with Him," as related by Paul repeatedly in recounting his conversion experience, Acts 22:5-12; Acts 26:9-28.

6) "And how he had preached boldly," (kai pos eparresiasato) "And how he had spoken boldly," with boldness in the synagogues, Acts 9:20-21.

7) "At Damascus in the name of Jesus," (en Damako en to onomati lesou) "In the name of Jesus in the Damascus area," or at Damascus, Acts 9:22; Acts 17:3; Acts 18:28.

Verse 28

1) "And he was with them," (kai hen men’ auton) "And he (Saul) was with them," with the Apostles Peter and John and the disciples at Jerusalem. They, as a church, received him, Romans 14:1. The reception was by the congregation of disciples, not by the pastor or a committee, see?

2) "Coming in and going out at Jerusalem," (eisporeuomenos kai ekporeuomenos eis lerousalem) "Entering and going out of Jerusalem," that is when they went in to worship and when they went out into the city to witness and to serve, letting their light shine, their influence be used to honor God, Matthew 5:15-16; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 9:22-23.

Verse 29

1) "And he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus," (parresiazomenos en to onomati you kuriou) "Speaking boldly, repeatedly in the name (by the authority of) or commission of the Lord," as Peter, John, and the other apostles and disciples had done there some three years earlier, Acts 2:23; Acts 2:36; Acts 3:13-15; Acts 3:19; Acts 4:10-13; Acts 4:19-20; Acts 4:29; Acts 5:29; Hebrews 4:16.

2) "And disputed against the Grecians:” (elalei te kai sunezetei pros tous Hellenistas) "He both spoke to and conferred with the Grecians," the Hellenistic Jews there in Jerusalem, Acts 9:23. There were foreign Jews or Jews speaking Greek. Paul himself was one.

3) "But they went about to slay him," (hoi de epecheiroun anelein auton) "Then they (the Grecians, perhaps Hellenist Jews) attempted to kill him," Acts 9:23; Acts 6:1; Acts 11:19-20; 2 Corinthians 11:26.

Verse 30

Saul Returned to Tarsus for Seven Years V. 30, 31; 11:35, 36

1) "Which when the brethren knew," (epignontes de hoti adelphoi) "Then when the brethren (of the church) knew," knew of the attempt of the Grecians (Hellenist Jews) to kill Saul or Paul, as the Damascus brethren had learned of an attempt on his life up there, Acts 9:23, Acts 23:12; Acts 25:3.

2) "They brought him down to Caesarea," (kategagon auton eit Kaisareian) "They led him down (escorted or accompanied him) into the city of Caesarea by the seaside," some seventy miles northwest of Jerusalem, where Cornelius was saved, and where Paul appeared later before Festus, Felix, and Agrippa, Acts 10:1-47; Acts 23:33; Acts 24:27; Acts 25:6-11; Acts 25:21; Acts 25:24; Acts 26:1-32.

3) "And sent him forth to Tarsus," (kai eksapesteilan auton eis Tarson) "And sent him out on a mission (or commissioned him) into Tarsus," his native city, the place where he was born. Acts 9:11; Acts 21:39; Acts 22:3.

Verse 31

1) "Then had the churches rest," (he men oun ekklesia eichen eirenen) "The church had Peace," the New Testament covenant fellowship, with congregations in Judea, Galilee, and Samaria by this time. The term “church" is used in the sense of the worship and service institution that Jesus built or established, Matthew 16:18; 1 Timothy 3:15.

2) "Throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria," (kath’ holes tes loudaias kai Galilaias kai Samareias) "Throughout all the areas of the territories of Judaea, Samaria, and Galilee where local congregations of the church had come to be established - in Jerusalem, Samaria, Joppa, Lydda, Caesarea, etc.

3) "And were edified," (kai oikodomoumene) "And they were built up," enlarged or strengthened, Ephesians 4:12; Ephesians 4:16. The church, as an institution or organization is also called "the house of God" and "the body of Christ," but always has its existence as or in local congregations of baptized believers in worship and work, 1 Timothy 3:15; Ephesians 4:16.

4) "And walking in the fear of the Lord," (poreuomene to phobo tou kuriou) "Going forth, going on witnessing in the fear of the Lord," reverence or respect for the Lord, Psalms 34:9; Ecclesiastes 12:13-14; Hebrews 12:28.

5) "And in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied," (kai te paraklesei tou hagiou pneumatos eplethumeto) "And in the comfort of the Holy Spirit (the church) was multiplied, increased in numbers and strength, Acts 9:42; Acts 2:47; Acts 16:5.

Verse 32

Peter Healed Aeneas in Lydda, V. 32-35

1) "And it came to pass," (egeneto de) "Then it came to be," it occurred that,

2) "As Peter passed throughout all quarters," (Petron dierchomenon dia panton) "That as Peter was passing through all quarters or parts," of Judaea, Samaria, and Galilee, visiting the various congregations, local assemblies, or churches, Acts 9:31; Acts 8:14; Acts 8:25; Acts 8:40.

3) "He came down also to the saints," (katelthein kai pros tous hagious) "He also came to the saints," members of the church or holy ones of the church. The term "the saints" referred not to unbaptized or unfellowshipping believers in New Testament times, but to baptized church fellowshipping believers in various localities as church bodies covenanted to carry on a program of worship and service of Christ, Judges 1:3; Ephesians 4:12-16; Never to the sum total of all believers.

4) "Which dwelt at Lydda," (tous katoikountas Ludda) "To those who resided in Lydda," who held a program of worship and service regularly in Lydda, Acts 9:35; Acts 9:38. All saints are believers, but all believers are not saints; just as all fathers are men, but all men are not fathers; all sheep are animals, but all animals are not sheep; see? One becomes a child of God by faith in Jesus Christ, Galatians 3:26, but not a saint or church member, by faith in Christ alone, Ephesians 2:8-10. The term "saint," while derived from the (Gk. hagios) "holy" does not imply that when one is born again, receives an holy nature, or he by that alone becomes a saint, a member of the church, or the body of Christ, in any sense.

Verse 33

1) "And there he found," (heuren de ekei) "Then he (Peter) found there," among the people of Lydda, Acts 9:35-36.

2) "A certain man named Aeneas," (anthropon tina onomati Ainean) "A certain man known by (the) name as Aeneas," of whom nothing further is known.

3) "Which had kept to his bed eight years," (eks eton okto katakeimenon epi krabatou) "Who had kept to his bed (stayed in bed) for a period of eight years," as a known bedfast afflicted man, who became a monument of God’s saving and healing power, Acts 9:34-35.

4) "And was sick of the palsy," (hos en paralelumonos) "Who was having been paralyzed,"for this period of eight years in Lydda; It was a paralytic disease that often afflicted people of Judaea and nearby areas. Matthew 4:24; Matthew 9:2; Mark 2:5-12; Luke 5:18; Luke 5:24.

Verse 34

1) "And Peter said unto him," (kai eipen auto ho Petros) "And Peter addressed (him)," saying personally, directly.

2) "Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole;”(Aiena

iatai se lesous Christos) "Aeneas, Jesus Christ cures you," Now and for good, indicating that such was done immediately or forthwith, not just gradually. What Peter did miraculously was here ascribed to Jesus thru the gift of the Holy Spirit, Acts 1:8; Colossians 3:17.

3) "Arise, and make thy bed," (anastethi kai strosen se auto) "Stand up and gird thyself," dress yourself or put your robe on, make your bed for yourself. Something he had not done for eight years for himself, Acts 9:33.

4) "And he arose immediately," (kai eutheous anete) "And he arose or stood up immediately," forthwith, much as the palsied man that Jesus healed and the paralytic that Peter and John healed, Mark 2:5-12; Acts 3:1-11; Acts 4:22.

Verse 35

1) "And all that dwelt in Lydda and Saron saw him," (kai eidan auton pantes hoi katoikountes) "And all those who resided in (Ludda kai ton Sarona) Lydda and Saron saw him," the one who was cured or healed from his eight years of bed-confining palsy or paralysis, of a population of more than two thousand; They saw him as he witnessed of Jesus and his saving and healing power, Luke 8:26-40.

2) "And turned to the Lord," (aitines epestrepsan ton kurion) "And who turned to the Lord," who were influenced thereby turned to the Lord, as many did when Jesus saved the fallen woman of Samaria, after her witness for him, and as many did in Jerusalem, after Peter and John healed the paralytic at the Gate Beautiful, John 4:39-42; Acts 4:4; Acts 5:14. To turn to the Lord means to change course and direction of life by repentance toward God and faith in Jesus Christ, Acts 11:18; Acts 11:21; Acts 20:21; 2 Corinthians 7:10; Isaiah 55:6-7; Ezekiel 33:11; 2 Peter 3:9.

This healed, saved, former palsied man not only witnessed in the city of Lydda but also in the Maritine Plain of Sharon between the Mt Carmel range and Joppa, for about 30 miles. He witnessed and let his light shine for Jesus as every redeemed believer should, Matthew 5:15-16; John 20:21; Acts 1:8; Romans 1:14-16.

This miracle healing led to the conversion of many of the Jewish people in Lydda, 1 Corinthians 14:21-22; Hebrews 2:4.

Verse 36

Peter Raised Tabitha from the Dead, V. 36-43

1) "Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple," (en loppa de tis hen mathetria) "Now there was in the city Joppa a certain disciple," a follower of Jesus, perhaps a member of the church of the six brethren who later went with Peter to Cornelius’ house in Caesarea, Acts 10:23; Acts 10:45; Acts 11:5; Acts 11:12.

2) "Named Tabitha," (onomati Tabitha) "Who was named Tabitha," also Acts 9:40, meaning "gazelle" in Aramaic.

3) "Which by interpretation is called Dorcas:" (he diermenouomene legetai Dorkas) "Which name by translation is called Dorcas," a Greek word meaning gazelle."

4) "This woman was full of good works," (aute hen eleres ergon agathon) "This woman was full of good works that were real by nature," full of spiritual works of service for others, from her heart, Ephesians 2:10; 1 Timothy 2:10; Titus 3:8.

5) "And alms deeds which she did," (kai eleemosunon hon epoiei) "And alms which she did," charities she made to the poor, the needy, expressions of care, Hebrews 13:1-3; 1 Peter 4:9.

The human touch of care and compassion for the poor and needy should be a fruit of every Christian’s life, 2 Corinthians 1:3-4. The good Samaritan spirit should be emulated by every child of God, Luke 10:33-37.

Verse 37

1) "And it came to pass in those days," (egeneto de en tais hemerais ekeinais) "Then it occurred in those days," the days when she was yet active in doing good deeds and giving much alms, as a "doer of the word," James 1:22.

2) "That she was sick, and died:" (esthenesasan auten apothanein) "That being ill she came to die," or she became sick and died, Hebrews 9:27; Ecclesiastes 9:5. "For as in Adam all die," 1 Corinthians 15:22. Death is a common denominator of all, a transit to further existence in heaven or hell, Luke 16:19; Luke 16:31; 2 Corinthians 5:8.

3) "Whom when they had washed," (lousantes de) "Then having washed her," after h eath, a common Jewish custom of washing, cleaning the body from outward defilement before burial, an expression of care and affection for the deceased, often accompanied by using pleasant smelling spices in wrapping the body for burial as well, John 19:38-40.

4) "They laid her in an upper chamber," (ethekan en huperoo) "They placed or laid her (out) in an upper room," away from the milling, meandering masses that might come to be among the curious in such an hour. She was placed there for delay to await the arrival of Peter, Acts 9:39. In Jerusalem by Jewish law bodies of the dead were not permitted to be left over night, lest the holy city be defiled, but outside the city they were kept often for three days of mourning before being buried, Acts 5:6; Acts 5:10.

Verse 38

1) "And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa," (engus de ouses Luddas te loppa) "Now Lydda was located very near to Joppa," about ten or twelve miles to the southeast.

2) "And the disciples had heard that Peter was there," (hoi mathetai akousantes hoti Petros estin en aute) "And when the disciples (of Joppa) had heard that Peter was in it," was in Lydda, where he had recently healed Aeneas of palsy, Acts 9:34-35.

3) "They sent unto him two men," (apesteilan duo andras pros auton) "They commissioned two responsible men to him," calling him to come to their company for this hour of grief and loss, for consolation perhaps, rather than a miracle, Proverbs 17:17.

4) "Desiring him that he would not delay to come to them," (parakalountes me okneses dielthein heos hemon) "Earnestly appealing to him not to delay or hesitate to come to them," to their aid, their help, to their consolation, 2 Corinthians 1:3-4; 2 Corinthians 5:1.

Verse 39

1) "Then Peter arose and went with them," (anastas de Petros sunelthen autois) "Then Peter arose and went hand-in-hand with them, or in a spirit of colleague with them, from Lydda to Joppa, a distance of some ten or twelve miles to the northwest of Lydda.

2) "When he was come," (hon paragenomenon) "Whom having arrived," or when he was there, had come to the home in Lydda.

3) "They brought him into the upper chamber:” (anegagon eis to huperoon) "They led him (by direction) into the upper room," where the dead body of Tabitha had been washed and laid awaiting his coming before burial, Acts 9:37.

4) "And all the widow’s stood by him," (kai parestesan auto pasai ha cherai) "And all the widows stood by his side," in the upper room, where the corpse of Dorcas lay; Note the contrast with the widows of Acts 6:1.

5) "Weeping, and shewing," (kiaiousai kai epideik numenai) "Weeping aloud and continually holding up or showing to one another," reminding one another, that she had shown her faith by her works of charity to them, James 2:18.

6) "The coats and garments which Dorcas made," chitonas kai himatia osa epoie) "Tunics and garments which she (Dorcas) had made," perhaps for them as widows in or among her charities and alms deeds, Acts 9:36.

7) "While she was with them," (met’ auton ousa he Dorcas) "While Dorcas was (yet) with them," before she died, before her labors and good deeds ended on earth; It appears that she labored right up to the hour of death, John 9:4; Ephesians 2:10; Matthew 7:20.

Verse 40

1) "But Peter put them all forth," (de ekbalon ekso pantas ho Petros) "Then Peter put them all outside the upper room," where they had been talking and weeping, that his prayer might not be interrupted, Matthew 9:25; as Elisha did, 2 Kings 4:32-33.

2) "And kneeled down and prayed;”(kai theis ta gonata proseuksato) "And kneeled down and prayed," Matthew 6:6; Luke 8:50-55; 2 Kings 4:32-37.

3) "And turning him to the body said," (kai epistrepsas pros to onoma eipen) "And turning toward the body (of Dorcas) he said," spoke to her with Divine sanction as Elijah had done, 1 Kings 17:17-24.

4) "Tabitha, arise," (Tabitha anastethi) "Tabitha, stand up," Acts 9:36; She couldn’t hear; She couldn’t move; She couldn’t obey, but she did, even as Lazarus heard and obeyed the voice of Jesus, John 11:43-44.

5) "And she opened her eyes:” (he de henoiksen tous ophthalmous autes) "And then she opened her eyes," from the blindness of death and what had occurred to her, Ecclesiastes 9:5-6.

6) "And when she saw Peter she sat up," (kai idousaton Petron anekahesen) "And seeing Peter (right before her) she sat up," as one awakened out of sleep, calmly, without violent emotions, for she had been "at rest" with the Lord, 2 Corinthians 5:8-9.

Verse 41

1) "And he gave her his hand," (dous de aute cheiron) "Then he gave a hand (extended a hand) to her," as Peter did to the lame man at the gate Beautiful, Acts 3:7.

2) "And lifter her up," (anestesen autes) "He raised her up," upon her feet, as Jesus did the ruler’s dead daughter, as He did when He healed Peter’s wife’s mother, Mark 1:30-31; Mark 5:31-42.

3) "And when he had called the saints and widows," (phonesas de tous hagious kai tas cheras) "Then he called the saints (the church) at Joppa and the widows," whom he had put forth from the upper room, Acts 9:40.

4) "Presented her alive," (parestesen autes zosan) "And presented her (to them) alive," from the dead. To confirm their witness, or testimony, till the Bible was completed, He gave the gift of miracles to His apostles, to do miraculous deeds greater in number than Jesus had done, even to the raising of the dead, Acts 1:8; Hebrews 2:4; John 1:50; John 14:12.

Verse 42

1) "And it was known," (gnoston de egeneto) "Then it became known," was made known or reported, the resurrection news went out that Dorcas was alive again! already even as Lazarus once was, John 11:44.

2) "Throughout all Joppa;” (kath’ holes ten loppes) "Throughout all the area of Joppa," what had happened to Dorcas, the dear woman, doer of much alms and good deeds, who had been washed, laid out as dead for at least two days in the upper room in Joppa, while Peter was sent for, and coming, Acts 9:36-39.

3) "And many believed in the Lord," (kai episteusan polloi epi ton kurion) "And many believed on or trusted in the Lord," as a result of this demonstrable, miraculous event and the testimony of the widows, the disciples who had sent for Peter, and the miraculous resurrection of this highly reputable woman of Joppa, as many did when Jesus raised Lazarus, John 11:45.

Verse 43

1) "And it came to pass," (egeneto de) "Then it came to pass," happened or occurred, following this event.

2) "That he tarried many days in Joppa," (hemeras hikanas meinai en loppa) "That he remained several days in Joppa," as the Lord had even greater things for him to do, a few miles up the Mediterranean coast, in Caesarea, Acts 10:1-48. For there he was to bring the gospel to an entire Gentile household, Acts 10:33.

3) "With one Simon a tanner," (para tini Simoni Bursei) "With (in the company of), as the guest of Simon a tanner," who was a tanner by trade, by the seaside - there are still tanners by trade in the same seaside area today, Acts 10:6; Acts 10:32.

A "great and effectual door" was there opened to him, as to Paul in Ephesus of Asia Minor years later, 1 Corinthians 16:8-9. God opens doors of opportunity for witnessing and service to His children. They should be diligent to enter them, and faithful witnesses to serve, as our Lord did, Luke 19:10; John 20:21; Acts 1:8; Romans 1:14-16; 1 Corinthians 9:22-23, as well as Peter, Paul and other apostles and early church disciples or saints.

JOPPA

Peter "came down" from the mountains of Samaria "to the saints which dwelt at Lydda; and all they that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw hem and turned to the Lord;" and "forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa," he arose and went thitherto comfort the disciples mourning for the loss of Dorcas; and there "he tarried many days" with the tanner Simon, whole "house was by the seaside." On the flat roof of that house - - - overlooking the waves of the western sea, as they dash against the emerging rocks of the shallow and narrow harbor - - - the vision appeared which opened to the nations far beyond the horizon of that sea "the gates of the kingdom of heaven," and which called the Apostle to make the memorable journey along the sandy ridge of the coast, to find on the morrow the first Gentile convert in the Roman garrison at Caesarea.

- Stanley