Jesus was restoring saul's eyesight

JESUS WAS RESTORINGSAUL'S EYESIGHT
EDITED BY GLENN PEASE
Acts 9:17-19 17 Then Ananias went to the house and
entered it. Placinghis hands on Saul, he said, “Brother
Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appearedto you on the
road as you were coming here—has sent me so that
you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”
18 Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s
eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was
baptized, 19 and after taking some food, he regained
his strength.
BIBLEHUB COMMENTARIES
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers
(18) There fell from his eyes as it had been scales.—Thedescriptionsuggests
the thought that the blindness was causedby an incrustation, causedby acute
inflammation, covering the pupil of the eye, or closing up the eye-lids,
analogous to the “whiteness,” thatpeeled (or scaled)off from the eyes of Tobit
(Tobit 11:13). Like phenomena are mentioned by Hippocrates, and the care
with which St. Luke records the fact in this instance, may be noted, with Acts

3:7; Acts 28:8, as one of the examples of the technicalprecision of his calling
as a physician.
Arose, and was baptised.—It is clearthat both Saul and Ananias lookedon
this as the indispensable condition for admission into the visible societyofthe
kingdom of God. No visions and revelations of the Lord, no intensity of
personalconversion, exempted him from it. Forhim, too, that was the
“washing of regeneration” (Titus 3:5), the moment of the new birth, of being
buried with Christ (Romans 6:3-4). It may be inferred almostas a matter of
certainty that it was at the hands of Ananias that he receivedbaptism. The
baptism would probably be administered in one or other of the rivers which
the history of Naaman had made famous, and so the waters of“Abana and
Pharpar, rivers of Damascus” (2Kings 5:12), were now sanctifiedno less than
those of Jordan for the “mystical washing awayof sin.”
Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary
9:10-22 A goodwork was begun in Saul, when he was brought to Christ's feet
with those words, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And never did Christ
leave any who were brought to that. Behold, the proud Pharisee, the
unmerciful oppressor, the daring blasphemer, prayeth! And thus it is even
now, and with the proud infidel, or the abandoned sinner. What happy tidings
are these to all who understand the nature and power of prayer, of such
prayer as the humbled sinner presents for the blessings of free salvation!Now
he began to pray after another manner than he had done; before, he said his
prayers, now, he prayed them. Regenerating gracesets people onpraying; you
may as well find a living man without breath, as a living Christian without
prayer. Yet even eminent disciples, like Ananias, sometimes staggeratthe
commands of the Lord. But it is the Lord's glory to surpass our scanty
expectations, and show that those are vessels ofhis mercy whom we are apt to
consideras objects of his vengeance.The teaching of the Holy Spirit takes
awaythe scalesofignorance and pride from the understanding; then the

sinner becomes a new creature, and endeavours to recommend the anointed
Saviour, the Son of God, to his former companions.
Barnes'Notes on the Bible
As it had been scales -ὡσεὶ λεπίδες hōseilepides. The word ὡσεὶ hōsei, "as it
had been," is designedto qualify the following word. It is not said that scales
literally fell from his eyes, but that an effect followedas if scales hadbeen
suddenly taken off. Evidently, the expressionis deigned to mean no more than
this. The effect was such as would take place if some dark, imperious
substance had been placed before the eyes, and had been suddenly removed.
The cure was as sudden, the restorationto sight was as immediate, as if such
an interposing substance had been suddenly removed. This is all that the
expressionfairly implies, and this is all that the nature of the case demands.
As the blindness had been causedby the natural effectof the light, probably
on the optic nerve (Acts 9:8-9, note), it is manifest that no literal removing of
scales wouldrestore the vision. We are therefore to lay aside the idea of literal
scales falling to the earth. No such thing is affirmed, and no such thing would
have met the case. The word translated"scales" is used nowhere else in the
New Testament. It means properly "the small crust or layer which composes a
part of the covering of a fish, and also any thin layer or leaf exfoliatedor
separated, as scalesofiron, bone, or a piece of bark, etc." (Webster). An effect
similar to this is describedin Tobit 11:8, 13. It is evident that there was a
miracle in the healing of Saul. The "blindness" was the natural effect of the
light. The "cure" was by miraculous power. This is evident:
(1) Because there were no means used that would naturally restore the sight.
It may be remarked here that "gutta serena" has been regardedby physicians
as one of the most incurable of diseases.Few casesare restored, and few
remedies are efficacious (See the Edinburgh Encyclopedia's "Surgery" on
Amaurosis.)
(2) Ananias was sentfor this very purpose to healhim, Acts 9:17.

(3) the immediate effectshows that this was miraculous. Had it been a slow
recovery, it might have been doubtful; but here it was instantaneous, and it
was thus put beyond a question that it was a miracle.
And was baptized - In this he followedthe example of all the early converts to
Christianity. They were baptized immediately. See Acts 2:41; Acts 8:12, Acts
8:36-39.
Jamieson-Fausset-BrownBible Commentary
18. there fell from his eyes as it were scales—"This showsthatthe blindness as
well as the cure was supernatural. Substances like scales wouldnot form
naturally in so short a time" [Webster and Wilkinson]. And the medical
precisionof Luke's language here is to be noted.
was baptized—as directed by Ananias (Ac 22:16).
Matthew Poole's Commentary
Scales,as scalesoffish: it was no ordinary blindness, nor from any ordinary
cause, and could not have been cured by common means.
Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible
And immediately there fell from his eyes, as it had been scales,.... Whichwere
little thin skins or films, like the scales offishes, which were formed from the
defluxions that fell from his brain, through the excessive lightthat shone
around him, and the surprise he was thrown into by it: these, as soonas
Ananias put his hands upon him, dropped off; which were an emblem and
representationof the scalesofignorance, of himself, of sin, of righteousness,of
the law, of the Gospel, and of Jesus as the Messiah;and of unbelief in him,
and of pride, malice, and envy, and of superstition and bigotry, and of error

and false doctrine, which, upon his being enlightened by the Spirit of God, fell
from him:
and he receivedsight forthwith; his corporealsight, which was an emblem of
that spiritual sight he had also received:the word "forthwith", or
"immediately", is not in the Vulgate Latin, Syriac, and Arabic versions, but
seems necessary;and indeed, if it was not expressed, it would be understood;
for as soonas the scalesfellfrom his eyes, he must receive his sight: the
Ethiopic version places it after the word "baptized", in the next clause:
and arose, andwas baptized; that is, after Ananias had appointed it to him, as
his duty, had pressedhim to it, and called upon him to submit to it without
delay, Acts 22:16 And this shows that baptism was performed by immersion;
for had it been done in any other way, either by pouring or sprinkling a little
water, Saul might have kept his seat, and watermight have been brought to
him, and so the ordinance might have been performed; but he arose and went,
either to a bath that might be in Judas's house, fit for such a purpose; for the
Jews had their baths to bathe their whole bodies in on certain occasions;or he
went to some certain place of water without doors, convenientfor the
administration of baptism, where it was administered by Ananias unto him.
And this also may suggestto us, that only enlightened persons are the proper
objects of this ordinance;such as have the scales ofdarkness, ignorance,and
unbelief removed from them, and have a spiritual sight and sense ofdivine
things: hence the ancients used to callbaptism by the name of "illumination",
and baptized persons "enlightened" ones.
Geneva Study Bible
And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales:and he received
sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.
EXEGETICAL(ORIGINAL LANGUAGES)
Expositor's Greek Testament

Acts 9:18. καὶ εὐθέως: as the immediate result of the laying on of hands the
recoveryof sight is given, but the baptism follows for the reception of the Holy
Ghost, cf. Acts 22:13 ff.—ἀπέπεσον … ὡσεὶ λ.: the words cannotbe takenas
merely figurative with Weiss or Zöckler, or with Blass as merely indicating
the speediness ofthe cure—some scalysubstance hadformed over the eyes,
probably as the result of the dazzling brightness which had struck upon them,
cf. Tob 3:17; Tob 11:13;Tob 2:10 (cf. Acts 6:8), λευκώματα = white films (see
H. and R., sub v., λεύκωμα). St. Chrysostom’s comment is also to be noted:
καὶ ἵνα μὴ νομίσῃ φαντασίαντις εἶναι τὴν πήρωσιν, δια τοῦτο αἱ λεπίδες.
Here, as elsewhere,we may see traces of St. Luke’s accuracyas a physician.
Both ἀποπίπτειν and λεπίς are used only by St. Luke in N.T. (λεπίς, although
found six times in LXX, does not occurin the sense before us), and both words
are found conjoinedin medical writers, the former for the falling off of scales
from the cuticle and particles from the diseasedparts of the body or bones,
etc., and λεπίς as the regular medical term for the particles or scaly
substances thrown off from the body (see instances in Hobart, p. 39, and
Felten, in loco), and cf. also Zahn, Einleitung in das N. T., ii., p. 436 (1899).—
ἂναστὰς, see above on Acts 8:26; the word may here be takenliterally
(although not necessarilyso), as of Saul rising from a sitting or reclining
position (so Weiss).—ἐβαπτίσθη:no doubt by Ananias—there was no
receptioninto the Church without this.—λαβὼν τροφὴν, see on Acts 9:9.—
ἐνίσχυσεν: here used intransitively (1Ma 7:25, 3Ma 2:32), if we adopt reading
of T.R. which is retained by Weiss. We have the verb, in the N.T. peculiar to
St. Luke, used in the transitive sense (cf. Luke 22:43-44, W. H., App., 67, and
Plummer, in loco), and in this sense its use outside the LXX is confined to
Hippocrates and St. Luke, Hobart, p. 80 (cf. 2 Samuel 22:40, Sir 1:4); but cf.
Psalms of Solomon, Acts 16:12. The reading here to which Wendt apparently
inclines is ἐνισχύθη (see criticalnotes), as this would be in accordancewith the
transitive use of the verb in Luke 22:43, and other instances.
Cambridge Bible for Schools andColleges
18. And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales]The word
rendered “scales” is usedas a technicalterm for a disease ofthe eye by

Hippocrates, and the verb derived from it is found (Tob 11:13)used of the
cure of a disease ofsimilar character. “And the whiteness pilled away from
the corners of his eyes.” This “whiteness”is rendered in the margin (Tob
2:10) “white films,” and was clearlysomething like the “scales”whichcaused
Saul’s blindness, and a process for the cure thereof is called(Acts 3:17) “to
scale awaythe whiteness ofTobit’s eyes.” StPaul (Acts 22:11) ascribes his
blindness to the glory of the heavenly light, and it may have been some
secretion, causedby the intensity of that vision, which formed over them, and
at his cure fell away. Some have thought that his constantemployment of an
amanuensis, and the mention of the large characters in which he wrote in his
Epistle to the Galatians (Acts 6:11) “Ye see in what large letters I have written
to you,” are indications that the Apostle suffered permanently in his eyesight
from the heavenly vision.
and he received[recovered, and so in 17]sight forthwith] The oldestMSS.
omit the lastword.
and arose, andwas baptized] In the fuller account(Acts 22:16)we learn that
the exhortation to be baptized was part of the messagewith which Ananias
was charged, and so was divinely commissionedto receive Saul thus into the
Christian Church.
Bengel's Gnomen
Acts 9:18. Εὐθέως, immediately) A miracle.—ἀπέπεσον, there fell from) Saul,
after having beheld Christ, does not see by reasonof the splendour: upon
Ananias, whom He sent, coming, he recovers his sight.—ὡσεὶ λεπίδες, as it
were scales)The humour in the eyes having been dried up.—ἐβαπτίσθη, he
was baptized) by Ananias; but instructed by the Lord.
Pulpit Commentary

Verse 18. - Straightwayfor immediately, A.V.; as it were for as it had been,
A.V.; receivedhis sight for receivedsight forthwith, A.V. and T.R.;he arose
for arose, A.V. As it were scales (λεπίδες);scales, orflakes;any thin substance
which peals off; a frequent term in Greek medicalwriters. And was baptized.
It is a curious difference betweenSt. Paul and the other apostles that, if they
were baptized at all, which is doubtful, they must have been baptized by
Christ himself; whereas St. Paul receivedhis baptism at the hands of Ananias.
This is one mark of his being "born out of due time." And yet he was not
behind the very chiefestapostles. Acts 9:18
Vincent's Word Studies
There fell - scales(ἀπέπεσον - λεπίδες)
Both words occuronly here in the New Testament. In Paul's own accountof
his conversionin ch. 26 he does not mention his blindness: in ch. 22 he
mentions both the blindness and the recoveryof sight, but not the particular
circumstances whichLuke records. The mention of the scales, or
incrustations, such as are incidental to ophthalmia, is characteristicofthe
physician, and ἀποπίπτειν, to fall off, was used technically by medical writers
of the falling of scalesfrom the skin, and of particles from diseasedparts of
the body. "We may suppose that Luke had often heard Paul relate how he felt
at that moment" (Hackett).
STUDYLIGHTRESOURCES
Adam Clarke Commentary
There fell from his eyes as it had been scales - This was real:he had been so
dazzled with the brightness of the light that we may suppose the globe of the

eye, and particularly the cornea, had suffered considerable injury. The
structure of the cornea was doubtless much disturbed, and the whole of that
humor would be rendered opaque, and incapable of permitting the rays of
light to pass through the different humours to the retina, where all the images
of things transmitted through the lenses, or humours, are distinctly painted.
In the miraculous cure the membrane was restoredto its primitive state, and
the opaque matter separatedfrom the cornea, in the form of thin laminae or
scales.This being done, the light would have as free a passageas formerly,
and the result would be distinct vision.
And arose, and was baptized - That he was baptized by Ananias there is every
reasonto believe; as he appears to have been the chief Christian at Damascus.
As baptism implied, in an adult, the public professionofthat faith into which
he was baptized, this baptism of Saul proved, at once, his ownsincerity, and
the deep and thorough convictionhe had of the truth of Christianity.
Copyright Statement
These files are public domain.
BibliographicalInformation
Clarke, Adam. "Commentary on Acts 9:18". "The Adam Clarke
Commentary". https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/acc/acts-9.html.
1832.
return to 'Jump List'
Albert Barnes'Notes onthe Whole Bible
As it had been scales -ὡσεὶ λεπίδες hōseilepidesThe word ὡσεὶ hōsei“as it
had been,” is designedto qualify the following word. It is not said that scales
this. The effectwas such as would take place if some dark, imperious

have met the case. The word translated“scales” is used nowhere else in the
New Testament. It means properly “the small crust or layer which composes a
separated, as scalesofiron, bone, or a piece of bark, etc.” (Webster). An effect
similar to this is describedin Acts 9:17.
8:36-39.
Copyright Statement
Barnes, Albert. "Commentaryon Acts 9:18". "Barnes'Notes onthe Whole
Bible". https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bnb/acts-9.html. 1870.
Coffman Commentaries on the Bible

And straightwaythere fell from his eyes as it were scales, andhe receivedhis
sight; and he arose and was baptized; and he took food and was strengthened.
Scales ... This expressionmakes it mandatory to understand Saul's blindness
as the physical loss of his sight, a fact further proved by the necessityof his
companions leading him into Damascus(Acts 9:8). "To saythen that Ananias
was sent to Saul to give him his spiritual sight is an absurdity."[21]
The significance oftwo clauses here is vital. This verse does not saythat Saul
receivedhis sight and receivedthe Holy Spirit, but that he receivedhis sight
and arose and was baptized, indicating that the gift of the Holy Spirit followed
his baptism.
ENDNOTE:
[21] Ibid.
Copyright Statement
Coffman Commentaries reproduced by permission of Abilene Christian
University Press, Abilene, Texas, USA. All other rights reserved.
Coffman, James Burton. "Commentary on Acts 9:18". "Coffman
Commentaries on the Bible".
https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bcc/acts-9.html. Abilene Christian
University Press, Abilene, Texas, USA. 1983-1999.
John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible

And immediately there fell from his eyes, as it had been scales,.... Whichwere
little thin skins or films, like the scales offishes, which were formed from the
defluxions that fell from his brain, through the excessive lightthat shone
around him, and the surprise he was thrown into by it: these, as soonas
Ananias put his hands upon him, dropped off; which were an emblem and
representationof the scalesofignorance, of himself, of sin, of righteousness,of
the law, of the Gospel, and of Jesus as the Messiah;and of unbelief in him,
and of pride, malice, and envy, and of superstition and bigotry, and of error
and false doctrine, which, upon his being enlightened by the Spirit of God, fell
from him:
and he receivedsight forthwith; his corporealsight, which was an emblem of
that spiritual sight he had also received:the word "forthwith", or
"immediately", is not in the Vulgate Latin, Syriac, and Arabic versions, but
seems necessary;and indeed, if it was not expressed, it would be understood;
for as soonas the scalesfellfrom his eyes, he must receive his sight: the
Ethiopic version places it after the word "baptized", in the next clause:
and arose, andwas baptized; that is, after Ananias had appointed it to him, as
his duty, had pressedhim to it, and called upon him to submit to it without
delay, Acts 22:16 And this shows that baptism was performed by immersion;
for had it been done in any other way, either by pouring or sprinkling a little
water, Saul might have kept his seat, and watermight have been brought to
him, and so the ordinance might have been performed; but he arose and went,
either to a bath that might be in Judas's house, fit for such a purpose; for the
Jews had their baths to bathe their whole bodies in on certain occasions;or he
went to some certain place of water without doors, convenientfor the
administration of baptism, where it was administered by Ananias unto him.
And this also may suggestto us, that only enlightened persons are the proper
objects of this ordinance;such as have the scales ofdarkness, ignorance,and
unbelief removed from them, and have a spiritual sight and sense ofdivine

things: hence the ancients used to callbaptism by the name of φωτισμος,
"illumination", and baptized persons "enlightened" ones.
Copyright Statement
The New John Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible Modernisedand adapted
for the computer by Larry Pierce of Online Bible. All Rights Reserved, Larry
Pierce, Winterbourne, Ontario.
A printed copy of this work can be ordered from: The Baptist Standard
Bearer, 1 Iron Oaks Dr, Paris, AR, 72855
Gill, John. "Commentary on Acts 9:18". "The New John Gill Exposition of
the Entire Bible". https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/geb/acts-9.html.
1999.
Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
there fell from his eyes as it were scales — “This shows that the blindness as
well as the cure was supernatural. Substances like scales wouldnot form
naturally in so short a time” [Webster and Wilkinson]. And the medical
precisionof Luke‘s language here is to be noted.
was baptized — as directed by Ananias (Acts 22:16).
Copyright Statement
These files are a derivative of an electronic edition prepared from text
scannedby Woodside Bible Fellowship.
This expanded edition of the Jameison-Faussett-BrownCommentary is in the
public domain and may be freely used and distributed.

Jamieson, Robert, D.D.;Fausset,A. R.; Brown, David. "Commentary on Acts
9:18". "Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible".
https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/jfb/acts-9.html. 1871-8.
People's New Testament
He arose, and was baptized. The accountis more fully given by Paul himself
(Acts 22:13-16). Ananias said, "Receive thy sight, and in the same hour I
lookedupon him." Then, after stating why the Lord had called him, he added:
"Why tarriest thou? Arise, and be baptized, and washawaythy sins, calling
on the name of the Lord." Note (1) that "tarrying" for weeksormonths
before baptism was then unknown; (2) that there would be no necessityof
"arising," if waterwas applied in baptism, but there would be if he had to go
to a place suitable for immersion; (3) that the term {wash} (Greek, "bathe")
implies more than a sprinkling or pouring; (4) that neither Ananias nor Paul
(Acts 22:16) understood that his sins were remitted before baptism. Compare
Acts 2:38 and Acts 22:16.
Copyright Statement
These files are public domain and are a derivative of an electronic edition that
is available on the Christian ClassicsEtherealLibrary Website.
Original work done by Ernie Stefanik. First published online in 1996 atThe
RestorationMovementPages.
Johnson, BartonW. "Commentary on Acts 9:18". "People'sNew Testament".
https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/pnt/acts-9.html. 1891.
Robertson's WordPictures in the New Testament

Fell off (απεπεσαν — apepesan). Secondaoristactive indicative (note - an
ending like first aorist) of αποπιπτω — apopiptō old verb, but here alone in
the N.T.
As if it were scales (ως λεπιδες — hōs lepides). Chiefly late word (lxx) from
λεπω — lepō to peel, and only here in the N.T. See Tobit 11:13, “The white
film peeledfrom his eyes” (ελεπιστη — elepisthē). Luke does not saythat
actual“scales” fellfrom the eyes of Saul, but that it felt that way to him as his
sight returned, “as if” (ως — hōs). Medicalwriters use the word λεπις — lepis
for pieces ofthe skin that fall off (Hobart, MedicalLanguage of St. Luke, p.
39). Luke may have heard Paul tell of this vivid experience.
Was baptized (εβαπτιστη — ebaptisthē). First aoristpassive indicative.
Apparently by Ananias (Acts 22:16)as a symbol of the new life in Christ
already begun, possibly in the pool in the house of Judas as today wateris
plentiful in Damascus orin Abana or Pharpar (Furneaux), better than all the
waters of Israelaccording to Naaman(2 Kings 5:12).
Copyright Statement
The Robertson's WordPictures of the New Testament. Copyright �
Broadman Press 1932,33,Renewal1960. All rights reserved. Used by
permission of Broadman Press (Southern BaptistSunday SchoolBoard)
Robertson, A.T. "Commentary on Acts 9:18". "Robertson's WordPictures of
the New Testament". https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/rwp/acts-
9.html. BroadmanPress 1932,33. Renewal1960.
Vincent's Word Studies
There fell - scales( ἀπέπεσον - λεπίδες )

Both words occuronly here in the New Testament. In Paul's own accountof
his conversionin ch. 26 he does not mention his blindness: in ch. 22 he
mentions both the blindness and the recoveryof sight, but not the particular
circumstances whichLuke records. The mention of the scales, or
incrustations, such as are incidental to ophthalmia, is characteristicofthe
physician, and ἀποπίπτειν , to fall off, was used technicallyby medical writers
of the falling of scalesfrom the skin, and of particles from diseasedparts of
the body. “We may suppose that Luke had often heard Paul relate how he felt
at that moment” (Hackett).
Copyright Statement
The text of this work is public domain.
Vincent, Marvin R. DD. "Commentaryon Acts 9:18". "Vincent's Word
Studies in the New Testament".
https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/vnt/acts-9.html. Charles
Schribner's Sons. New York, USA. 1887.
Calvin's Commentary on the Bible
Как бы чешуя отпала отглаз его. Ослепление Павла, как было сказано
прежде, произошло не только из-за страха и оцепенения.Таким образом
он узнал о своей прежней слепотеи отбросил самоупование,которым
прежде надмевался. Он говорит, что обучалсяу ног самогоГамалиила.
Нет сомнения,что Павел гордилсясвоей образованностью,котораяна
деле была сплошной слепотой. Значит, три дня он не видел глазами для
того, чтобы начать видеть умом. Ибо тому, кто кажется себе умным,
надлежитпоглупеть, дабы достигнуть истинного разумения. Ведь
Христос – солнце праведности;видя вне Него, мы ничего не видим.
Христос же есть Тот, Кто отверзаеточи ума. То и другое было показано
Павлу, а в его лице также и нам. Дабы он, осудивза невежество все свое

прежнее остроумие, научилсяпросить нового света,коегодо этого был
лишен. Его учат, что истинный светследуетпросить только у Христа и
получать только по Его благодеянию. То же, что, истощившись
трехдневным постом, Павел не спешитпринимать пищу до принятия
крещения, говорит о его пламенном ученическом усердии. Ведь он
укрепил пищей тело лишь тогда, когдадуша его укрепилась учением.
Copyright Statement
Calvin, John. "Commentary on Acts 9:18". "Calvin's Commentary on the
Bible". https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/cal/acts-9.html. 1840-57.
John Trapp Complete Commentary
18 And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales:and he
receivedsight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.

Ver. 18. There fell from his eyes]God also at the same time tore the covering,
rent the veil that was spreadover the eyes of his understanding, Isaiah24:7.
See "The Blind Eye Opened" in a discourse on Ephesians 5:8, by my entire
friend Mr Dugard.
Copyright Statement
Text Courtesyof BibleSupport.com. Used by Permission.
Trapp, John. "Commentary on Acts 9:18". John Trapp Complete
Commentary. https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/jtc/acts-9.html. 1865-
1868.
Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible
Acts 9:18. There fell from his eyes as it had been scales:— Perhaps the
outward coats ofhis eyes might have been scorchedby the heat of that
splendid light which he had seen;and what fell from them, might have had
some resemblance to the small scales offishes. His being thus restoredto sight
was, however, a most lively emblem of the veil's being done awayfrom his
heart. Immediately Saul rose up and was baptized, and, as appears by the
event, was then also filled with the Holy Spirit; that is, as that phrase
commonly signifies, the Holy Spirit was poured down upon him immediately
from heaven, and not conveyedby the laying on of the hands of any man; and
very probably that effusion upon Saul was accompaniedwith a glory, cloven
tongues, or pointed flames, like as of fire, which was always the external
symbol when the Spirit was given in the most honourable manner, as wellas
in the highest measure;and if that symbol attended his receiving the Holy
Spirit, it was proper that his eyes should be first opened, that he himself might
see the glory, and so be convinced, both byexternal signs and internal gifts,

that he who had formerly been a persecutor, was now graciouslyacceptedas a
Christian, a prophet, and an apostle.
Copyright Statement
Coke, Thomas. "Commentaryon Acts 9:18". Thomas Coke Commentaryon
the Holy Bible. https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/tcc/acts-9.html.
1801-1803.
Greek TestamentCriticalExegeticalCommentary
18. ὡσεὶ λεπίδες] The recoveryof sight is plainly related as miraculous, the
consequence ofthe divinely appointed laying on of the hands of Ananias. And
this scalysubstance which fell from his eyes was thrown off in the process of
the instantaneous healing.
ἐβαπτίσθη]It has been well remarked(Olsh.) that great honour was here
placed upon the sacramentof baptism, inasmuch as not even Saul, who had
seenthe Lord in specialrevelationand was an electvessel, was permitted to
dispense with this, the Lord’s appointed way of admission into His Church.
Copyright Statement

Alford, Henry. "Commentary on Acts 9:18". Greek TestamentCritical
ExegeticalCommentary. https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/hac/acts-
9.html. 1863-1878.
Johann Albrecht Bengel's Gnomonof the New Testament
Acts 9:18. εὐθέως, immediately) A miracle.— ἀπέπεσον, there fell from) Saul,
after having beheld Christ, does not see by reasonof the splendour: upon
Ananias, whom He sent, coming, he recovers his sight.— ὡσεὶ λεπίδες, as it
were scales)The humour in the eyes having been dried up.— ἐβαπτίσθη, he
was baptized) by Ananias; but instructed by the Lord.
Copyright Statement
Bengel, JohannAlbrecht. "Commentary on Acts 9:18". Johann Albrecht
Bengel's Gnomonof the New Testament.
https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/jab/acts-9.html. 1897.
Matthew Poole's EnglishAnnotations on the Holy Bible
Scales,as scalesoffish: it was no ordinary blindness, nor from any ordinary
cause, and could not have been cured by common means.
Copyright Statement

Poole, Matthew, "Commentaryon Acts 9:18". Matthew Poole's English
Annotations on the Holy Bible.
https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/mpc/acts-9.html. 1685.
Whedon's Commentary on the Bible
18.There fell—Ananias had put his hand upon him, verse (12,) Saul received
the Holy Ghost, (Acts 9:17,) and what followed? The regeneratedand Spirit-
filled Saul burst awaythe bondage produced upon his external sense. Very
probably during the three days the humours had dried upon his eyeballs, and
as the abounding of his spirit quickenedthe whole man, the scale-like particles
fell from his eyes, thus forming a striking emblem of his renewedspiritual
eye-sight.
Arose, and was baptized—Apparently without leaving the room. The
interpolation by Lechler of a journey to the banks of some branch of the
Barada river is licentious mis-interpretation. There is in the text (whatever
there may be in his commentary) no intermediate event or actionbetweenthe
arose and the was baptized. The baptism in this case was precededby faith,
justification, regenerationby the Holy Spirit, and even the specialbestowment
of the Holy Ghost. It follows the regenerating affusion of the Spirit as the
physical picture of a spiritual operation—the water-outpouring imaging the
Spirit-outpouring.
Copyright Statement

Whedon, Daniel. "Commentary on Acts 9:18". "Whedon's Commentary on
the Bible". https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/whe/acts-9.html. 1874-
1909.
Schaff's Popular Commentary on the New Testament
Acts 9:18. There fell from his eyes as it had been scales.A gooddeal has been
written on the nature of the injury which Saul’s eyes had suffered. The
blinding glare of the light from heaven which surrounded the glorified Jesus
had destroyedthe sight, and now it was miraculously restored. Whether or
not some scalysubstance which had spreadover his eyes fell off at the
command of Ananias, is of little importance. We know after the Lord met
him, and appeared to him in the way near Damascus, the eyes of Saul were
sightless. We know, too, after Ananias, acting on the Lord’s command, had
laid his hands on him, the power of seeing returned to the sightless eyes.
And was baptized. Mostlikely in the house of Judas, where Saul was staying.
Damascus is abundantly supplied with water. At this day, the Barada (the
Abana of the Old Testament)runs directly through the city, supplying the
cisterns, baths, and fountains; all the better houses have a reservoirin their
court, or stand beside a natural or artificial stream.
The motives which led to the conversionof St. Paul have been often inquired
into. Jew and Gentile unbelievers have againand againsought to discoveran
earthly motive for the change which so suddenly passedover Saul the
Pharisee, whose words andworks more than any other mere man’s have
influenced the fortunes of Christianity. These inquiries date from the earliest
times. Epiphanius mentions an old story current among the Ebionites, an
hereticalsectof Judaising Christians of the secondcentury, which relates how

Saul first became a Jew that he might marry the high priest’s daughter, and
then became the antagonistof Judaism, because the high priest deceivedhim.
The charge that he was a fanatic or an impostor is a favourite one in all times
among the enemies of the faith of Jesus. It is surely impossible to entertain for
a moment the idea that he was a fanatic, when we read his letters, and his
story in these ‘Acts,’ and considerfairly his calmness, his wisdom, his
prudence, his humility. It is still more impossible to conceive that he changed
his religionfor mere selfishpurposes.
Was he moved by the ostentationof learning? He castaside in a moment all
that he had learned from Gamalieland the great Jewishdoctors, afterso
many years of patient study, and took up the teaching of the unknown Rabbi
of Nazareth and His untaught followers.
Was it love of rule which induced him to throw off his old allegiance?He
abdicatedin a moment the greatpower which he possessedas a rising and
favourite leader of a dominant party in the nation, for a precarious influence
over a flock of sheep driven to the slaughter, whose chiefShepherd had been
put to a shameful death but a little time before, and all that he could hope
from his change was to be marked out in a particular manner for the same
fate.
Was it love of wealth? Whatevermight be his worldly possessions atthe time,
he joined himself to those who were for the most part poor, and among whom
he would frequently have to minister to his ownnecessities, andto the
necessitiesofthose about him, with the labour of his own hands. Was it the
love of fame? His prophetic powermust have been greaterthan that ever
possessedby mortal man, if he could look beyond the shame and scorn which
then restedon the servants of a crucified Master, to that glory with which
Christendom now surrounds the memory of St. Paul.

If, then, the conversionof this man be the actneither of a fanatic nor of an
impostor, to what was it due? He himself often answers the question: It arose
from a miraculous appearance ofChrist, It must be remembered, on this
occasion, he was accompaniedwith others. The time was ‘mid-day,’ the scene
a public and much frequented highway. No attempted explanation has ever
yet thrown the leastdoubt upon the plain unvarnished story which Paul told
so often to accountfor the change in his life, viz. that Jesus of Nazareth, the
Crucified, the RisenOne, showedHimself to Paul when on his wayto
Damascus, andspoke with him face to face, eye to eye (see Conybeare and
Howson, St. Paul, chap. iii.).
Copyright Statement
Schaff, Philip. "Commentary on Acts 9:18". "Schaff's Popular Commentary
on the New Testament". https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/scn/acts-
9.html. 1879-90.
The Expositor's Greek Testament
Acts 9:18. : as the immediate result of the laying on of hands the recoveryof
sight is given, but the baptism follows for the receptionof the Holy Ghost,
cf.Acts 22:13 ff.— ’ .: the words cannot be taken as merely figurative with
Weiss or Zöckler, or with Blass as merely indicating the speediness ofthe
cure—some scalysubstance hadformed over the eyes, probably as the result
of the dazzling brightness which had struck upon them, cf.Tobit 3:17; Tobit
11:13;Tobit 2:10 (cf.Acts 6:8), = white films (see H. and R., sub v., ). St.
Chrysostom’s comment is also to be noted: , . Here, as elsewhere, we may see
traces of St. Luke’s accuracyas a physician. Both and are used only by St.
Luke in N.T. ( , although found six times in LXX, does not occur in the sense

before us), and both words are found conjoinedin medical writers, the former
for the falling off of scales from the cuticle and particles from the diseased
parts of the body or bones, etc., and as the regular medicalterm for the
particles or scaly substances thrownoff from the body (see instances in
Hobart, p. 39, and Felten, in loco), and cf. also Zahn, Einleitung in das N. T.,
ii., p. 436 (1899).— , see above on Acts 8:26; the word may here be taken
literally (although not necessarilyso), as of Saul rising from a sitting or
reclining position (so Weiss).— : no doubt by Ananias—there was no
receptioninto the Church without this.— , see on Acts 9:9.— : here used
intransitively (1 Maccabees7:25, 3 Maccabees2:32), if we adopt reading of
T.R. which is retained by Weiss. We have the verb, in the N.T. peculiar to St.
Luke, used in the transitive sense (cf.Luke 22:43-44, W. H., App., 67, and
Plummer, in loco), and in this sense its use outside the LXX is confined to
Hippocrates and St. Luke, Hobart, p. 80 (cf.2 Samuel 22:40, Sirach 1:4); but
cf.Psalms ofSolomon, Acts 16:12. The reading here to which Wendt
apparently inclines is (see criticalnotes), as this would be in accordance with
the transitive use of the verb in Luke 22:43, and other instances.
Copyright Statement
Nicol, W. Robertson, M.A., L.L.D. "Commentary on Acts 9:18". The
Expositor's Greek Testament.
https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/egt/acts-9.html. 1897-1910.

Mark Dunagan Commentary on the Bible
Acts 9:18 "And straightwaythere fell from his eyes as it were scales, andhe
receivedhis sight; and he arose and was baptized"
"As it were scales""Luke does not saythat actual scalescame offhis eyes, but
that it felt to Paul like something was peeledoff his eyes" (Reesep. 361).
"Medicalwriters use the word (scales)for pieces ofskin that fall off"
(Robertsonp. 121). "He arose" The only mode of baptism that requires the
personalbeing baptized to move to the wateris immersion. Of course, that is
the meaning of the Greek wordrendered "baptized". In addition, this word
"arose"infers that the baptism being commanded of Saul, is baptism in
water, because one does not have to arise to be baptized in the Holy Spirit.
"Was baptized" Becauseup to this point he still had all his sins (Acts 22:16),
and baptism is for the remissionof sin (Acts 2:38). The essentialnature of
baptism is also seenin the command to stop delaying (Acts 22:16), even
though Saul had only understood that Jesus was the Son of God for three
days. This is not something that a personis to put off, for it is the line between
being lost or saved (1 Peter3:21). In view of the fact that Paul submitted to
baptism as necessaryfor salvation, (because that is the language that Ananias
used Acts 22:16), we cannever interpret any of Paul"s laterwritings as
implying baptism is not necessaryor that one is saved prior to being baptized.
Copyright Statement

Dunagan, Mark. "Commentary on Acts 9:18". "Mark Dunagan
Commentaries on the Bible".
https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/dun/acts-9.html. 1999-2014.
E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes
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.
Copyright Statement
Bullinger, Ethelbert William. "Commentary on Acts 9:18". "E.W. Bullinger's
Companion bible Notes". https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/bul/acts-
9.html. 1909-1922.

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Unabridged
And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales, [hoosei(Greek
#5616)lepides (Greek #3013)] - not actual scales, but something resembling
the falling of such from the eyes;just as on the day of Pentecostthere sat on
the disciples "cloventongues (not of fire, but) like as of fire" [ hoosei(Greek
#5616)puros (Greek #4442)](Acts 2:3). 'This shows (as Websterand
Wilkinson pertinently remark) that the blindness as wellas the cure was
supernatural. Substances like scaleswouldnot form naturally in so short a
time.' The medicalprecision of the belovedphysician's language here is
worthy of note.
And he receivedsight [forthwith]. This bracketedword [ parachreema (Greek
#3916)], thoughone of which our historian is fond, both in his Gospeland in
the Acts, is wanting in authority here. On the purely fanciful style of criticism
by which Humphry infers that this cure was never complete, see the note at
Acts 9:8. Since this restorationof sight is recorded in the same simple style in
which the complete and instantaneous cures of our Lord are recorded in the
Gospels (cf. Matthew 20:34; Mark 10:52, etc.), and those of the apostles in this
same book (cf. Acts 7:1-60; Acts 10:34;Acts 14:10. etc.), it seems almost
ludicrous to suppose, from Galatians 4:15, that the Galatians proposedto
supply the apostle's lack ofvision by a gift of their own. As to the thorn in the
flesh, it had better be left in its obscurity.
And arose, and was baptized - in compliance with the call of Ananias, not here
recorded, but reported long afterwardby himself in his address to the people
of Jerusalem(Acts 22:16), "And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be
baptized, and washawaythy sins, calling on the name of the Lord." No doubt

the baptism was performed by the bands of Ananias himself. For further
particulars of this interview, see the notes at Acts 22:12-21.
Copyright Statement
Jamieson, Robert, D.D.;Fausset,A. R.; Brown, David. "Commentary on Acts
9:18". "Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible -
Unabridged". https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/jfu/acts-9.html. 1871-
8.
The Bible Study New Testament
18. Something like fish scales. As soonas Ananias says “BrotherSaul, see
again!” this happens. He stoodup and was baptized. J.F. Bethune-Baker, in
An Introduction to the Early History of Christian Doctrine says this of how
the early church understood the role of baptism: “It was regardedas in itself
conveying the blessings and the grace whichwere bestowed. It was the
medium by which the power of the life and death of Christ was made effective
to the individual experience. “ See note on Acts 22:16.

Copyright Statement
Ice, Rhoderick D. "Commentary on Acts 9:18". "The Bible Study New
Testament". https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/ice/acts-9.html. College
Press, Joplin, MO. 1974.
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers
(18) There fell from his eyes as it had been scales.—Thedescriptionsuggests
the thought that the blindness was causedby an incrustation, causedby acute
inflammation, covering the pupil of the eye, or closing up the eye-lids,
analogous to the “whiteness,” thatpeeled (or scaled)off from the eyes of Tobit
(Tobit 11:13). Like phenomena are mentioned by Hippocrates, and the care
with which St. Luke records the fact in this instance, may be noted, with Acts
3:7; Acts 28:8, as one of the examples of the technicalprecision of his calling
as a physician.
Arose, and was baptised.—It is clearthat both Saul and Ananias lookedon
this as the indispensable condition for admission into the visible societyofthe
kingdom of God. No visions and revelations of the Lord, no intensity of
personalconversion, exempted him from it. Forhim, too, that was the
“washing of regeneration” (Titus 3:5), the moment of the new birth, of being
buried with Christ (Romans 6:3-4). It may be inferred almostas a matter of
certainty that it was at the hands of Ananias that he receivedbaptism. The
baptism would probably be administered in one or other of the rivers which
the history of Naaman had made famous, and so the waters of“Abana and
Pharpar, rivers of Damascus” (2 Kings 5:12), were now sanctifiedno less than
those of Jordan for the “mystical washing awayof sin.”

Copyright Statement
Ellicott, Charles John. "Commentary on Acts 9:18". "Ellicott's Commentary
for EnglishReaders". https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/ebc/acts-
9.html. 1905.
Treasuryof Scripture Knowledge
immediately
2 Corinthians 3:14; 4:6
and was
2:38,41;13:12,13,37,38;22:16
Reciprocal:Isaiah35:5 - the eyes; Matthew 28:19 - baptizing; Mark 16:18 -
they shall lay; Acts 9:8 - he saw; Acts 9:12 - General; Acts 26:18 - open;
Acts 28:8 - laid; Galatians 3:27 - as many
Copyright Statement
Torrey, R. A. "Commentary on Acts 9:18". "The Treasury of Scripture
Knowledge". https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/tsk/acts-9.html.

Calvin's Commentary on the Bible
18.There fellfrom his eyes as it had been scales.The blindness of Paul, as we
have said before did not proceedfrom fearalone or from amazedness;but by
this means was he admonished of his former blindness, that he might quite
abandon that boldness and vain confidence wherewithhe was puffed up. He
boastedthat he was taught at the feet of Gamaliel, (Acts 22:3;) and
undoubtedly he thought very wellof his greatwittiness, (596)which was
notwithstanding mere blindness. Therefore he is deprived of the sight of his
body (597)three days, that he may begin to see with his mind; for those must
become fools, whosoeverthey be, which seemto themselves wise, that they
may attain to true wisdom. For seeing that Christ is the Sun of righteousness,
in seeing without him we see not; it is he also which openeth the eyes of the
mind. Both things were showedto Paul, and to us are they showedin his
person; for he hath his eyes coveredwith scales,that, condemning all his
knowledge ofignorance, (598)he may learn that he hath need of new light,
which he hath hitherto wanted; and he is taught that he must let [seek]the
true light from none other save only from Christ, and that it is given by no
other means save only through his goodness.Furthermore, whereas being
pined with three days hunger, he maketh no haste to receive meat until he be
baptized, thereby appeareththe earnest(599)desire he had to learn, because
he refreshed not his body with meat until his soulhad receivedstrength.
PRECEPTAUSTIN RESOURCES
BRUCE HURT MD

Acts 9:17 So Ananias departed and entered the house, and after laying his
hands on him said, "BrotherSaul, the Lord Jesus, who appearedto you on the
road by which you were coming, has sent me so that you may regainyour
sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit." (NASB: Lockman)
KJV Acts 9:17 And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house;and
putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that
appearedunto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou
mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.
Ananias Acts 22:12,13
laying his hands Acts 6:6; 8:17; 13:3; 19:6; Mt 19:13;Mark 6:5; 1 Ti 4:14;
5:22; 2 Ti 1:6; Hebrews 6:2
Brother Acts 9:13,14;21:20; 22:13;Ge 45:4; Luke 15:30,32;Ro 15:7;
Philemon 1:16; 1 Peter 1:22,23
the Lord Acts 9:4,5,10,11,15;10:36;22:14;26:15; Luke 1:16,17,76;2:11; 1
Cor 15:8,47
that you Acts 9:8,9,12
and be filled Acts 2:4; 4:31; 8:17; 13:52
Acts 9 Resources -Multiple Sermons and Commentaries
TRUST AND OBEDIENCE
OF ANANIAS
"We must obey and follow God's leading, even when he leads us to difficult
people and places." - Life Application Study Bible

So - So most commonly denotes continuation and further thought
development. In this context it refers to Ananias' unflinching (after initially
"flinching") obedience to his Lord.
Jack Thompson- Think about this, the thing for which Ananias is forever
honored in Scripture is for being Saul’s friend . Ananias was not a great
expositoror greatevangelist;he was Saul’s greatfriend. The greatestofall
men of God need a good, trusted friend. Saul will never forgetthis man and
neither should we. It would be Saul who would take the Gospelto Europe,
which eventually came to America and ultimately to us. Ananias was a key
agentin caring for Saul in the infant days of his conversionand we can thank
God for Ananias’ faithfulness and willingness to do God’s will in this matter.
Spurgeonon Ananias' response afterJesus'reassurance - "It was — 1.
Prompt. He went his waywith all speed. 2. Exact: he entered into the house,
and, putting his hands on him, said, "BrotherSaul." He did as he had been
bidden. And if I deliver my Lord's messagejust as He gave it to me, then my
Lord is responsible for the successofit, and not myself. 3. Loving. "Brother
Saul." You cannot win souls by putting on a morose countenance. Do not be
afraid to callthe individual "Brother";but take care that you mean it.
Ananias did not use the term as a cant expression, but his spirit and feeling
were brotherly. 4. Wise. He did not pompously say, "I am an ordained official,
and therefore speak with authority"; but "The Lord, even Jesus, that
appeared," etc. When he alludes to Paul's former course, he only gives a hint
of it — "the Lord that appearedto thee." He does not say, "as thou camestto
persecute us," but he allowedconscience to do its own work. He gives the
items of his errand — "that thou mightest receive thy sight and be filled with
the Holy Ghost." 5. Faithful. "Arise, and be baptized, and wash awaythy
sins." The tendency with many is to say nothing upon that point.(The Good
Man Ananias - A Lessonfor Believers)
Jack Andrews adds that "Ananias obeyedthe will of God for his life. He
obeyed the voice of the Lord. He was used by God to minister to one of the

most, if not the most, effective Christians that has ever lived. When we are
obedient to the Lord Jesus it is no telling how God will use us or who God will
use us to minister to and influence for the Lord. Warren Wiersbe wrote, “God
can use even the most obscure saint. Were it not for the conversionof Saul, we
would never had heard of Ananias; and yet Ananias had an important part to
play in the ongoing work of the church. Behind many well-knownservants of
God are lesser-knownbelievers who have influenced them. Godkeeps the
books and will see to it that eachservantwill get a just reward. The important
thing is not fame but faithfulness.” Ananias was faithful to the call of God on
his life and God used him in the restorationof Saul. Ananias went his way and
entered the house that Godtold him to enter. That tells me that Ananias’ way
was God’s way! Where God wanted him he would go; what God wantedhim
doing he would do. When His way is our way we will be blessedby the Lord
and used by the Lord. Too oftenour way is our way and we refuse and reject
His way. Proverbs 16:25 says, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but
its end is the way of death.” When we go our way we need to make sure it is
His way. " (Sermon)
Ananias departed and entered the house and after laying his hands on him
said - Notice Ananias'immediate obedience after Jesus had explained his
"mission." He did not hesitate, vacillate or grumble. Formerly he had
expressedsome reservations, but no longer after he had heard the word of
Christ. There is a principle here which is amplified by Paul's words in
Romans 10:17 where he teaches that "faith comes from hearing, and hearing
by the word of Christ." Ananias' faith (trust) was strengthenedby the words
of Jesus enabling him to overcome his fear. Faith is always God's prescribed
antidote for fear. What are you fearing today? Perhaps, hearing from the
Word of Christ today might be just what you need to strengthen your faith
and then be enabled by His Spirit (who takes the Word) to overcome your
fear. As Paul wrote to Timothy "Godhas not given us a spirit of fear, but of
powerand love and self-control." (2 Ti 1:7NET)

When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word,
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His goodwill, He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.
Trust and obey, for there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.
(Play)
Notice how trusting, obedient Ananias ministered to Saul -
(1) Plays a part in Saul regaining his sight - Lays hands on him
(2) Instructs Saul - confirms it was indeed Jesus Who appeared to him on the
road
(3) Accepts Saul - as a Christian brother
(4) Baptizes Saul - after exhorting him to considerbaptism
As Larkin says "Ananias’ ministry models for us the supportive, restorative
role the church is to play in the lives of newly convertedChristians." We don't
hear about Ananias again in the NT (other than his interaction with Saul also
noted in Acts 22:12). But he is not obscure to Godand only eternity will tell us

how valuable Ananias' ministry was to Saul and the expansionof the
Kingdom of God (cf Mt 6:19-21+, Lk 8:8+, Mk 10:30). God is always looking
for men and women like Ananias, not as much for their ability as their
availability and their faithfulness to fulfill His call on their lives! Are you an
"Ananias?"
Wiersbe adds "Behind many well-knownservants of God are lesser-known
believers who have influenced them. Godkeeps the books and will see to it
that eachservant will get a just reward. The important thing is not fame but
faithfulness (1 Cor. 4:1–5)." (BEC)
APPLICATION - It is not always easyto love others, especiallywhen we are
afraid of them or doubt their motives. Nevertheless we must follow Jesus'
command (John 13:34)and Ananias's example, showing loving acceptanceto
other believers. (Life Application Study Bible)
RelatedResource:
Let Spurgeon's sermonchallenge you - The GoodAnanias - A Lessonfor
Believers(summaryformat)
Brother Saul - Ananias' address to Saul previously the persecutoras his
spiritual brother in Christ serves to demonstrate the power of the Gospel, not
only in transforming Saul's heart from murder to love, but of enabling
Ananias' reception of Saul as his broth in Christ. And this must have greatly
encouragedSaulto be so addressed. Ananias could have said you “former
murderer”, “former persecutor” or “former sinner”, but filled with grace he
calls Saul his brother!
Brother (80)(adelphos from a = denotes unity + delphus = a womb) means
literally from the same womb. Believers are all born from one Spirit and thus

have a common "birth." Adelphós generallydenotes a fellowship of life based
on identity of origin. Adelphos in this context describes a spiritual brother, a
fellow Christian, a fellow believer.
The Lord Jesus - Ananias recognizes Jesusas his Lord.
Who appearedto you on the road by which you were coming - Ananias relates
his vision of Jesus which re-enforces the truth to Saul that it was indeed Jesus
Who appearedto him on the road. Saul knows that there was no other way
Ananias could have known about the Damascus Roadencounterunless Jesus
had actually told him. Surely this fact would serve to strengthen Saul's faith.
Has sent me so that you may regainyour sight - Luke gives us more detail of
what Ananias said in what amounted to Saul's "commissioning service."Luke
quotes Paul's version of this event...
(Ananias) came to me (SAUL), and standing near said to me, ‘Brother Saul,
receive your sight (aoristimperative)!’ And at that very time I lookedup at
him (cf "scales...fell"Acts 9:17). 14 (ANANIAS "COMMISSIONS"SAUL)
“And he said, ‘The God of our fathers has appointed you to know His will and
to see the Righteous One and to hear an utterance from His mouth (A
PROPHECYTHAT SAUL WOULD HAVE MORE ENCOUNTERSWITH
JESUS). 15 ‘For you will be a witness for Him to all men (IMPLIES JEWS
AND GENTILES)of what you have seenand heard. 16 ‘Now why do you
delay? Getup and be baptized (aoristimperative), and washaway(aorist
imperative) your sins, calling on His name.’ (Acts 22:13-16)
Comment: It is interesting that in Acts 22 Saul's restorationof sight was
associatedwith Ananias' command with no mention of laying on of hands.

Here in Acts 9:17 Ananias lays his hands on Saul and speaks but Luke does
not recordthe direct command to Saul to receive his sight. Acts 22 makes no
mention of Saul's filling with the Spirit.
Jack Arnold on brother Saul - This must have been a tremendous comfort to
Paul. Because ofhis stand for Christ, Paul was cut off from his former Jewish
companions and forfeited the friendship of every Jew in the then known
world. He needed the words “BrotherSaul” to know he was loved and
acceptedby his Christian brethren. (Sermon)
Steven Cole on brother Saul - Saul was on a mission to destroy the Lord’s
people. But now, he is dependent on one of the Lord’s people to regainhis
sight. Ananias was a godly Jew who had acceptedJesus as his Messiah. After
he receives the confirmation that he needs from the Lord, he goes to Saul and
greets him, “BrotherSaul.” How wonderful those words must have sounded
to Saul! “Brother Saul!” Formerly, he was public enemy number one of the
church. But after God transformed him, he immediately became Brother
Saul. One reasonthat the Lord sentAnanias, rather than healing Saul’s sight
directly in answerto his prayers, was so that Saul would begin to see whathe
later taught clearly, that the church is the body of Christ. We are members of
one another.
And be filled with the Holy Spirit - The idea of filling is controlling, so that
which fills a person, controls that person. The Spirit filled and took controlof
Saul.
Be filled (4092)(pimplemi) can speak ofliteral filling (Mt 27:48), but in this
passageis used figuratively. Saul was filled with the Spirit which signifying
that he was wholly affected, controlledand influenced by the Holy Spirit.
Compare Lk 1:15 = of John the Baptistwhile still in mother's womb, Lk 2:4,
Acts 4:8 = of Peter, Acts 4:31 = the praying believers, Acts 13:9 = of Paul).
Filled with an emotion (Lk 4:28, Lk 6:11 = filled with rage, Lk 5:26 = filled

with fear, Acts 3:10 = wonderand amazement, Acts 5:17 = jealousy, Acts
13:45 = Jews filled with jealousy, compare Acts 19:29 = city filled with
confusion).
Note that Ananias is not an apostle and yet he in a sense "commissions"Saul
(actually Jesus commissionedhim of course)and this is associated(in a way
Luke does not specificallydescribe)with filling with the Spirit. Previously
Saul had been filled with his old nature, which "empowered" his persecution
of the Church. Now Saul had become a new creature in Christ (2 Cor 5:17+)
and had accessto a new power, the powerof the Holy Spirit. Saul needed to
be filled with, controlled by, empoweredby the Spirit of Jesus so that he
might be enabled supernaturally to do the work of Jesus. This is the continual
need of every believer who seeks to bear the Name of Jesus to a lost and
antagonistic world.
Kistemakerobserves that "The verbal portrait Luke paints is vivid yet
lacking in detail. In descriptive language he reveals that Paul receivedhis
eyesight, but the words concerning the filling with the Spirit are sketchy. Luke
gives no sequence of events, so we are unable to ascertainwhen the coming of
the Holy Spirit occurred." (Ibid)
Ray Stedman - There were no tongues, no sign, no manifestation;there was
simply a quiet infilling of the Holy Spirit, just as occurs todaywith anyone
who believes in Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit came to live in him, to dwell
within him to fill his life and equip him to manifest the love, the suffering love,
of Jesus Christ.
MacArthur adds "It is significantthat unlike the Jews (Acts 2:1-4), the
Samaritans (Acts 8:14-17), and soonthe Gentiles (Acts 10:44-46), Saulhad
receivedthe Spirit and his commissioning to service with no apostles present.

Saul was a Jew, so there was no need to repeatthe initial coming of the Spirit
that occurredat Pentecost. Also, he was an apostle in his own right and did
not derive his authority from the other apostles (Gal. 1:1; cf. 1 Cor. 9:1; 2
Cor. 11:5; 12:11;Gal. 1:15-17), nor was he subject to their authority. Like
them, he was chosenpersonallyby the Lord Jesus Christ and receivedthe
Spirit for his commissioning and power directly from Him. (MacArthur New
TestamentCommentary – Acts)
As Jack Arnold says "to be effective in service for Christ and to endure the
sufferings for Christ, Paul had to be filled with the Spirit. The Holy Spirit
would be his power to live the Christian life. Paul was savedbut he needed
the filling or control of the Spirit for powerto be effective for Christ."
(Sermon)
Steven Cole on filled with the Holy Spirit - Every Christian receives the
indwelling Holy Spirit at the moment of conversion. He gives us the powerto
overcome sin and His life in us produces the characterqualities that are called
the fruit of the Spirit (Ga 5:22-23). If you are seeking to live the Christian life
in your own strength, you will be defeatedand frustrated. But if you live daily
in submission and dependence on the Holy Spirit, you will experience
consistentvictory over sin and the joy of salvationwelling up within you.
Brian Harbour describes the Personand work of the Spirit for us.
• The Holy Spirit is a sealwho marks us off as belonging to God (Eph. 1:13).
• The Holy Spirit is a sage who teachesus the things of God (John 16:13).
• The Holy Spirit is a sustainerwho provides strength we will need to make it
through eachday (Rom. 8:11).
• The Holy Spirit is a supplier of spiritual gifts which we canuse in carrying
out the ministries of the church (1 Cor. 12:7).

• The Holy Spirit is a supplicatorwho steps in when we do not know how to
pray as we should (Rom. 8:26).
• The Holy Spirit is a substitute for Christ, one just like Him, who will carry
out in our lives the ministry Christ provided while He was on this earth (John
14:16).
• The Holy Spirit is a sample of the spiritual blessings that will be ours
through all eternity (Eph. 1:14).
Illustration - A Sunday Schoolteacher, a Mr. Edward Kimball, in 1858, leda
Bostonshoe clerk to give his life to Christ. The clerk, DwightL. Moody,
became an evangelist. In England in 1879, he awakenedevangelistic zealin
the heart of Fredrick B. Meyer, pastor of a small church. F. B. Meyer,
preaching to an American college campus, brought to Christ a student named
J. Wilbur Chapman. Chapman, engagedin YMCA work, employed a former
baseballplayer, Billy Sunday, to do evangelistic work. Billy Sunday held a
revival in Charlotte, N.C. A group of localmen were so enthusiastic afterward
that they planned another evangelistic campaign, bringing MordecaiHamm
to town to preach. During Hamm's revival, a young man named Billy
Graham heard the gospeland yielded his life to Christ. Think of the impact
that this one Sunday Schoolteacherhas had.
Illustration - In a little mission church in New Zealand, a line of worshipers
knelt at the altar rail to receive the Lord’s Supper. Suddenly, from among
them, a young native arose and returned to his pew. Some minutes later, he
returned to his place at the rail. Afterwards, one of his friends askedwhat
happened. The young man explained, “WhenI went forward and knelt, I
found myself side by side with a man whom some years ago had slain my
father and whom I had vowed to kill. I couldn’t partake of the Lord’s Supper
with him, so I returned to my pew. As I sat there, I thought about Jesus’
statementat the first Lord’s Supper: “By this all men will know that you are

My disciples, if you have love for one another.” I remembered the Lord Jesus
hanging from the cross and remember He said, “Father, forgive them; for
they do not know what they are doing.” That’s when I returned to the altar
rail.” At times we are going to have to minister to those who are hard to
minister to. Ananias identified with Saul as a Christian (Andrews)
OswaldChambers - The glory that excels
The Lord … hath sent me that thou mightest receive thy sight. Acts 9:17.
When Paul receivedhis sight he receivedspiritually an insight into the Person
of Jesus Christ, and the whole of his subsequent life and preaching was
nothing but Jesus Christ—“Idetermined not to know anything among you,
save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.” No attractionwas ever allowedto hold
the mind and soulof Paul save the face of Jesus Christ.
We have to learn to maintain an unimpaired state of characterup to the last
notch revealedin the vision of Jesus Christ.
The abiding characteristic ofa spiritual man is the interpretation of the Lord
Jesus Christ to himself, and the interpretation to others of the purposes of
God. The one concentratedpassionof the life is Jesus Christ. Whenever you
meet this note in a man, you feel he is a man after God’s own heart.
Neverallow anything to deflect you from insight into Jesus Christ. It is the
test of whether you are spiritual or not. To be unspiritual means that other
things have a growing fascinationfor you.
‘Since mine eyes have lookedon Jesus,
I’ve lostsight of all beside,
So enchanted my spirit’s vision,

Gazing on the Crucified.’
Acts 9:18 And immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales,and
he regained his sight, and he gotup and was baptized; (NASB: Lockman)
KJV Acts 9:18 And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales:
and he receivedsight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.
immediately 2 Cor 3:14; 4:6
and was Acts 2:38,41;13:12,13,37,38;Acts 22:16
THE SCALES FELL
FROM SAUL'S EYES
And (kai) connects the falling scales withthe laying on of hands.
Spurgeonon the results of Ananias' obedience - They were — 1. Immediate;
for Paul receivedhis sight, was comfortedand baptized at once. 2. Extensive;
for this Paul became a preacherof the gospelto every land. Go ye, then,
whereverGod sends you. Everybody is not a Paul, but yet you may find a Paul
among your converts. The pearl fisher plunges into the sea;he does not know
whether or no he shall bring up a pearl that will decorate anemperor's
diadem, but he searches the deeps in that hope. No matter though the
fisherman himself may be coarseand rugged, yet he may light upon a
priceless pearl. And you, whoeveryou may be, plunge into your work with
whole-hearteddevotion (cf Mt 4:19), and you shall yet discoversome hidden

jewelwhich shall adorn Immanuel's diadem. (The GoodMan Ananias - A
Lessonfor Believers)
Immediately (2112)(eutheosfrom euthus = straight, immediate) is an adverb
which generally means at once, right away, forthwith, straightaway, without
an interval of time or a point of time subsequent to a previous point of time
(time when Ananias laid his hands on Saul).
All of Luke's uses of eutheos in Acts - Acts 9:18; Acts 9:20; Acts 9:34; Acts
12:10;Acts 16:10; Acts 17:10;Acts 17:14; Acts 21:30;Acts 22:29
There fell from his eyes something like scales, andhe regainedhis sight -
Presumably this occurredas Ananias laid his hands on Saul. The something
like scalesthat fell was a reflection of the healing power of God, not the laying
on of hands. Warren Wiersbe adds "By the power of God, his eyes were
opened and he could see!" We don't know exactly what was on Saul's eyes,
but the implication is that there was something physical which impaired his
vision, and at this very moment the physical impediment fell off enabling him
to see again.
This Bible verse gives us the common secularsaying "to have scales fallfrom
(one's) eyes" whichin the secularworld means "To suddenly be able to see a
situation clearly and accurately." That's nota bad "spiritual" definition,
because forthe first time in his life, Paul had 20/20 spiritual vision to see Jesus
for Who He really is, the Messiahand Saviorof the world.
Scales (3013)(lepis fromlepo = to peel, strip off the rind or husk) literally
referred to fish scales (Lxx - Lev 11:9, 10, Dt 14:9) or a thin layer that covers
something. We derive our English word lepidopterous, having wings (ptera)

like butterfly wings, coveredwith scales. Liddell-Scottsays "an egg-shell, Ar.;
the cup of a filbert, Anth. 2. collectively, the scales offish, Hdt." This is the
only NT use of lepis and here it is actually a simile so it not referring to a scale
like one might see on a fish or insectwing, but it somehow resembles it.
"Medicalwriters use the word λεπις [lepis] for pieces of the skin that fall off
(Hobart, MedicalLanguage ofSt. Luke, p. 39)." (Robertson)
Lepis in Septuagint - Lev. 11:9; Lev. 11:10; Lev. 11:12; Num. 16:38; Deut.
14:9; Deut. 14:10;
TDNT - lepis has two meanings:a. “shell” (e.g., of a nut) and b. “scale”(e.g.,
of fish, snakes,or, figuratively, metal plates). The only NT use is in the story
of Paul's conversion, whenAnanias lays hands on the blinded Saul and
“something like scalesfell from his eyes” (Acts 9:18). The term comes from
the medicalworld of the day which speaks ofdescaling the eyes, i.e., removing
a growth of skin that causes blindness (ED: FROM MY BACKGROUND AS
A DERMATOPATHOLOGIST THIS IS NOT AN ACTUAL SCALE OF
SKIN ORIGINATING FROM THE CONJUNCTIVATHAT COVERS THE
EYE. IT COULD ONLY REFER TO OVERGROWTHOF SKIN OVER
THE EYE BUT NOT ORIGINATING FROM THE EYE BULB ITSELF.).
The author needs no specialmedical knowledge to use the term, and the
passagemust not be thought to support the view that Paul suffered from an
eye affliction (cf. Gal. 4:15). The metaphor suggests that, as the Lord has
overcome Paul's enmity, so he has given him the witness that he is to go to the
Gentiles “to open their eyes” and turn them from darkness to light (Acts
26:18). [G. BORNKAMM, IV, 232-33]
Fell from (634)(apopipto from apo = awayfrom + pipto = to fall) means to fall
off. In the Septuagint uses it canrefer to things that fall (gleanings)(Lev 19:9,
Lev 23:22). This verb was not used as a medical term related to the scales on
the eyes so Luke is not giving us a "medical description". As a pathologistwho

dealt with esoteric diseasesfrequently, I am not aware of any medical
condition that produces scalesonthe eyes which later fall off. Scars yes, but
not scales.
Vincent on there fell—scales -Both words occuronly here in the New
Testament. In Paul’s own accountof his conversionin Acts 26:12-18. he does
not mention his blindness: in Acts 22. he mentions both the blindness and the
recoveryof sight, but not the particular circumstances whichLuke records.
The mention of the scales, or incrustations, such as are incidental to
ophthalmia, is characteristic ofthe physician, and ἀποπίπτειν, to fall off, was
used technically by medical writers of the falling of scales from the skin, and
of particles from diseasedparts of the body. “We may suppose that Luke had
often heard Paul relate how he felt at that moment” (Hackett).
Stedman on scalesfalling from his eyes - Immediately it changedhis vision.
Scales fellfrom his eyes. I think this is both literal and symbolic. All those
long, built-up prejudices of a Pharisee againstGentiles;all the bigotry, the
pride and the prejudice that twisted and distorted his view of the Gentile
world; all of it disappearedin one moment. This man saw the whole world,
Jews and Gentiles alike, as men and womenbearing the image of God and
needing to be redeemed. He never again lookedatthem any longer as Jew and
Gentile. He no longer saw those divisions. As he tells us himself, he learned to
judge no man according to the flesh but to see in him only a potential subject
for the kingdom of God. (Acts 9:1-19 BelovedEnemy)
And he got up and was baptized (baptizo) - Luke omits the exhortation from
Ananias in Paul's secondversionof his conversionstory. Ananias askedSaul
"Now why do you delay? Get up and be baptized (aorist imperative = Don't
delay! Do this now!), and wash awayyour sins, calling on His name.’ (Acts
22:16)As in severalprevious conversions recordedin Acts, waterbaptism
followedconversion(Acts 8:12, 38+).

Phillips - Baptism publicly proclaimed him a member of the new and noble
family of twice-bornchildren of the living God.
Was baptized (907)(baptizo from bapto = cover wholly with a fluid; stain or
dip as with dye) has a literal and a figurative meaning in the NT. The literal
meaning is to submerge, to dip or immerse as in water. Saul receivedthe
outward sign that symbolized the inward change. In other words, Saul
publicly identified himself with the Lord Jesus and visually (in the actof
baptism) testified that he had died to self, had been buried with Christ, and
had been raisedto walk in the newness of life. (Ro. 6:3-6+) In short, baptism is
a symbol of a believer's permanent union with and identification with Christ
in the New Covenant.
Utley adds that baptism "marks a change of ownership and allegiance."
Robertsonsays Saul was baptized "Apparently by Ananias (Acts 22:16) as a
symbol of the new life in Christ already begun, possibly in the pool in the
house of Judas as today wateris plentiful in Damascus orin Abana or
Pharpar (Furneaux), better than all the waters of Israelaccording to Naaman
(2 Kings 5:12).
James MontgomeryBoice helps understand this figurative meaning of baptizo
writing that "The clearestexample that shows the meaning of baptizo is a text
from the Greek poetand physician Nicander, who lived about 200 B.C. It is a
recipe for making pickles and is helpful because it uses both words. Nicander
says that in order to make a pickle, the vegetable should first be 'dipped'
(bapto) into boiling water and then 'baptised' (baptizo) in the vinegar
solution. Both verbs concernthe immersing of vegetables in a solution. But the
first is temporary. The second, the act of baptizing the vegetable, produces a

permanent change. When used in the New Testament, this word more often
refers to our union and identification with Christ...There must be a union with
Him, a realchange, like the vegetable to the pickle!" (Bolding added)
John G. Butler on Saul's baptism - Baptism in those days really made you a
marked person. Baptism showedeveryone whose side you were on. It let
everyone know where you stoodregarding Jesus Christ... By being baptized,
(Saul) cut the cords of approval by Jewishleaders, severedties of friendship,
and in generalburned the bridges behind him. Few have paid such a great
price for being baptized. But no price is too greatto show that you stand with
Jesus Christ.
Wiersbe comments on Acts 22:16 - The King James Versionof Acts 22:16
conveys the impression that it was necessaryfor Saul to be baptized in order
to be saved, but that was not the case. Saulwashedawayhis sins by “calling
on the Lord” (Acts 2:21; Rom. 10:13). Kenneth Wuesttranslates Acts 22:16,
“Having arisen, be baptized and wash awayyour sins, having previously
calledupon His name.” In the Greek, it is not a present participle (“calling”),
but an aoristparticiple (“having called”). His calling on the Lord precededhis
baptism. (BEC)
Paul had no hesitancy in following the exhortation of Ananias and was
baptized (immediately). Damascus had 2 rivers running through town (see
picture), the Abana and the Pharpar, either of which would have been good
places for Saul's baptism. Once againwe see the irony as Saul is baptized into
the very church (1 Cor 12:13) he hated and hunted!
Arnold writes that Saul "wantedto outwardly identify himself with Christ
even though he had already been inwardly identified by faith. One of the
marks of a new Christian is that he wants to take his public stand for Christ

in water baptism. We do not know how Paul was baptized, but we do know
that his baptism had nothing to do with his salvation. He was savedthree
days before so his baptism had absolutely nothing to do with his salvation. It
was probably Ananias who baptized Paul. Ananias was not an elder or a
deaconbut he baptized Paul. Ananias was never ordained but he baptized.
Some of the greatsaints of the church were never ordained - John Calvin,
John Bunyan, H. A. Ironside and D. L. Moody to name a few. According to
the New Testament, it is not necessaryfor an ordained man to administer
baptism or the Lord's Table. Any layman can waterbaptize a believer in
Christ." (Sermon)
Ray Stedman gives an interesting description of these events in Saul's life
comparing them with the development of film in photography - Surely that is
what we have in this remarkable account. It has always seemedto me that
here is a striking parallel to the process ofphotography. God, in a sense, took
a picture of Jesus Christ at this moment, and printed it upon the soul of this
young man, Saul of Tarsus. From that moment on, anyone who lookedat Paul
the Apostle never saw Paul; he saw Jesus Christ. The fundamental principle
of photography is to take light-sensitive salts, spreadthem on a film, and keep
them in total darkness until the precise moment when what you want
recordedis exposedto it. That is what happened to Saul of Tarsus. He was a
young man, very sensitive to the things of God, and yet kept in darkness until
the moment when the light was exposed. In that blinding light he saw an
image, the image of Jesus Christ. It was printed indelibly upon his soul. After
an exposure to light film is always keptin darkness to develop. It is put down
into dark and bitter waters for awhile, and that is also what we find here. The
newestapostle was led by the hand into the city of Damascus where for three
days and nights he neither ate nor drank, while the image to which he was
exposedwas developedand embedded unforgettably in his heart. Saul of
Tarsus was crucified, and Jesus Christ was seenin his life from then on (cf
Gal 2:20+).

After First Sight
Read:Galatians 1:11-18
There fell from his eyes something like scales, andhe receivedhis sight at
once. —Acts 9:18
In 1991, two operations restoredShirl Jennings’sight after 40 years of
blindness. His family and friends reactedwith absolute euphoria, but the next
day Shirl’s fiance recordedin her diary that he was “trying to adjust to being
sighted . . . . Not able to trust vision yet. . . . Like [a] baby just learning to see,
everything new, exciting, scary, unsure of what seeing means.”
Although Shirl knew people and objects through his other senses, he could not
recognize them by sight. People expectedhim to be fully adjusted
immediately, but he was trying to figure out what everything was.
Isn’t it much the same for us when we receive God’s gift of salvation?
After Paul was blinded on the road to Damascus, the restorationof his
physical sight became a powerful metaphor for the new spiritual sight he
receivedfrom the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 9:3-17). We don’t know much
about Paul’s 3 years in Arabia following his conversion(Galatians 1:15-18),
exceptthat it must have been a period of profound relearning about life and
God.

It takes time to grow in our relationship with Christ, and to see with the new
spiritual eyes He has given us. So let’s be patient with eachother, and
especiallywith every new Christian we meet along our journey of joyful
discovery. —DCM
More about Jesus letme learn,
More of His holy will discern;
Spirit of God, my teacherbe,
Showing the things of Christ to me. —Hewitt
Conversionis a step of faith; maturity is a journey of faith.
By David C. McCasland(Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand
Rapids, MI. — Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved)
Acts 9:19 and he took food and was strengthened. Now for severaldays he
was with the disciples who were at Damascus, (NASB:Lockman)
KJV Acts 9:19 And when he had receivedmeat, he was strengthened. Then
was Saul certaindays with the disciples which were at Damascus.
he took food and was strengthenedActs 27:33-36;1 Sa 30:12;Eccl9:7
Now for severaldays Acts 26:20; 1 Sa 10:10-12;Gal 1:17
SAUL CONFRONTEDBY CHRIST

COMFORTEDBY THE CHURCH
William Larkin has an interesting comment - Reports of “foxhole religion”
and deathbed conversions leave us uneasy. And having just read about Saul’s
conversion, we might be wondering about him. How do we know his and
others’ experiences are genuine? (IVP NT Commentary - Acts)
And he took food and was strengthened - Saul had already developedthe right
priorities, taking care of spiritual matters before seeking to meet his physical
need. In Acts 9:17-18 Saul was spiritually strengthened (filled with the Holy
Spirit, baptized) and here he is physically strengthened.
Jack Andrews comments on Saul's 3 days without food - In those three days
without sight he was not thinking about his belly, but about his behavior. He
was not thinking about eating food, but about exercising faith. He was not
caught up with consuming a meal, but about connecting with the Master.
There is a proper time and place to eat. Paul understood that he need to take
care of his body. He had been savedby the grace ofGod, restoredby God,
been baptized into the fellowshipof the church, and now was having food with
the saints that he had traveled there to persecute. (ExpositorySermons)
Strengthened (1765)(enischuo fromen = in + ischuo = to strengthen) used
only here and Lk 22:43 ("an angel from heavenappeared to Him,
strengthening Him" in His agonyin the Garden) and means to be strong in
anything, to be invigorated, become strong. Its basic meaning is “to grow
strong, to regain one’s strength” as when Jacob, who was sick, strengthened
himself to meet Josephand his two sons who came to visit him (Genesis 48:2).
This verb is used in the Lxx when Samsonbeseeches Yahwehto "strengthen
(him) just this time" that he might avenge the Philistines for blinding him

(Jdg 16:28). In 2 Sa 22:40 David acknowledgesthat Yahweh "has girded (him)
with strength for battle."
Now for severaldays he was with the disciples (mathetes) who were at
Damascus -Were they all togetherin Judas' house? Luke simply does not tell
us. Physicalfood was followedby spiritual fellowship. The former
strengthenedhim physically, while the latter strengthened him spiritually.
This is a simple but amazing statement. These were the very disciples Saul
had soughtto imprison, and yet now they willingly embrace their former
enemy as their friend and brother in Christ! Those Saulsought to bind
became brothers in Christ! Not only that, but it is likely that these more
mature disciples were discipling Saul who would one day become the great
apostle Paul! The radicalchange in Saul after his conversionis once againa
sure testimony to the transforming powerof the Gospelof Jesus Christ. O
blessedGospel!
Robertsonon severaldays - An indefinite period, probably not long, the early
period in Damascus before Saulleft for Arabia (Gal. 1:13–24+).
John MacArthur comments that "One sure mark of a transformed life is the
desire to be with fellow Christians...Thatdoes not mean, or course, that
Christians are to have no contactwith unbelievers. But a professing Christian
who prefers the company of the people of the world is probably still one of
them.”
The apostle John puts it this way "We know that we have passedout of death
into life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love abides in death."
(1 John 3:14+).

John Phillips quips "What a tremendous experience it must have been for this
former predator of the wolf tribe of Benjamin to sit down with the sheep!And
what an experience for them!"
Jack Arnold - Paul learnedhis need for Christian fellowship right here, for
Christ would minister to him through fellow believers. Paul got into a group
of Christians and spent time with them. Being in close associationwith other
Christians is one of the most important things a new Christian cando,
spending time with them, fellowshipping with them, being taught by them and
learning from them. A primary need of a new Christian is small group
fellowship. (Sermon)
ILLUSTRATION - Two skeptics, GilbertWestand George Lyttleton,
attended England’s Oxford University in the eighteenth century. George
Lyttleton became a Lawyer in the eighteenthcentury and a staunch skeptic
and unbeliever. Both Westand Lyttleton planned to disprove Christianity.
Westwanted to refute the resurrectionof Christ. Lyttleton attempted to
discredit Paul’s conversion. Theirstudies convinced them that the Bible was
the Word of God and they were both savedby grace. Westwent on to write a
book Observations on the history and evidence of the resurrectionof Jesus
Christ (1747)defending the resurrectionas a fact. Lyttleton produced a case
for Christianity by showing the reality of Paul’s conversion. In his book on the
resurrection, West(who actually became a Christian apologist!) included this
quotation in his preface, “Blame not before thou hastexamined the truth.”
Lyttleton wrote "the conversionand apostleshipof St. Paul alone…was itselfa
demonstration sufficient to prove Christianity to be a divine revelation.”
Christians cannotforce people to believe in Jesus. But believers must
challenge those they meet to honestly considerthe evidence for the claims of
Christ. (See longer versionbelow)

R A Torrey's "Two Lawyers Convinced." IN the greattriumph of Deism in
England, two of the most brilliant men in the denial of the supernatural were
the eminent legalauthorities, Gilbert Westand Lord Lyttleton. The two men
were put forward to crush the defenders of the supernatural in the Bible.
They had a conference togetherandone of them saidto the other that it would
be difficult to maintain their position unless they disposed of two of the alleged
bulwarks of Christianity, namely the allegedresurrectionof Jesus from the
dead, and the allegedconversionof Saul of Tarsus. Lyttleton undertook to
write a book to show that Saul of Tarsus was neverconverted, as is recorded
in the Acts of the Apostles, but that his allegedconversionwas a myth, if
Gilbert Westwould write another book to show that the allegedresurrection
of Christ from the dead was a myth. Westsaid to Lyttleton, “I shall have to
depend upon you for my facts, for I am somewhatrusty on the Bible.” To
which Lyttleton replied that he was counting upon West, for he too was
somewhatrusty on the Bible. One of them said to the other, “If we are to be
honest in the matter, we ought at leastto study the evidence,” and this they
undertook to do. They had numerous conferences togetherwhile they were
preparing their works. In one of these conferencesWestsaidto Lyttleton that
there had been something on his mind for some time that he thought he ought
to speak to him about, that as he had been studying the evidence, he was
beginning to feelthat there was something in it. Lyttleton replied that he was
glad to hear him say so, for he himself had been somewhatshakenas he had
studied the evidence of the conversionof Saul of Tarsus. Finally, when the
books were finished, the two men met. Westsaid to Lyttleton, “Have you
written your book?” He replied that he had, but he said, “West, as I have been
studying the evidence and weighing it according to the recognizedlaws of
legalevidence, I have become satisfiedthat Saul of Tarsus was convertedas is
statedin the Acts of the Apostles, and that Christianity is true and I have
written my book on that side.” The book can be found to-day in any first-class
library. “Have you written your book?” saidLyttleton. “Yes, but as I have
studied the evidence for the resurrectionof Jesus Christ from the dead and
have weighedit according to the acknowledgedlaws ofevidence, I have
become satisfiedthat Jesus reallyrose from the dead as recordedin the
gospels, andhave written my book on that side.” This book canalso be found
in our libraries to-day.

Let any man of legalmind, any man that is accustomedto and competent to
weighevidence—yes, anyman with fair reasoning powers, and above all with
perfect candour, sit down to the study of the evidence for the resurrectionof
Jesus Christ from the dead, and he will become satisfiedthat beyond a
peradventure that Jesus really rose from the dead as is recordedin the four
gospels.
ALBERT BARNES
Verse 17
Putting his hands on him - This was not “ordination,” but was the usual mode
of imparting or communicating blessings. See the notes on Matthew 19:13;
Matthew 9:18.
Brother Saul - An expressionrecognizing him as a fellow-Christian.
Be filled with the Holy Ghost - See the notes on Acts 2:4.
Verse 18
As it had been scales -ὡσεὶ λεπίδες hōseilepidesThe word ὡσεὶ hōsei“as it
had been,” is designedto qualify the following word. It is not said that scales
this. The effectwas such as would take place if some dark, imperious

have met the case. The word translated“scales” is used nowhere else in the
New Testament. It means properly “the small crust or layer which composes a
separated, as scalesofiron, bone, or a piece of bark, etc.” (Webster). An effect
similar to this is describedin Acts 9:17.
8:36-39.
Verse 19
Had receivedmeat - Food. The word “meat” has undergone a change since
our translation was made. It then meant, as the original does, food of all
kinds.
With the disciples - With Christians, compare Acts 2:42.

Order? certaindays with the disciples? - Certain days: How long is not
known. It was long enough, however, to preachthe gospel, Acts 9:22; Acts
26:20. It might have been for some months, as he did not go to Jerusalem
under three years from that time. He remained some time at Damascus, and
then went to Arabia, and returned againto Damascus, andthen went to
Jerusalem, Galatians 1:17. This visit to Arabia Luke has omitted, but there is
no contradiction. He does not affirm that he did not go to Arabia.
We have now passedthrough the accountof one of the most remarkable
conversions to Christianity that has ever occurredthat of the apostle Paul. His
conversionhas always been justly consideredas a strong proof of the
Christian religion. Because:
(1) This change could not have occurredby any lack of fair prospects of
honor. He was distinguished already as a Jew. He had had the best
opportunities for education that the nation afforded. He had every prospectof
rising to distinction and office.
(2) it could not have been produced by any prospectof wealth or fame by
becoming a Christian. Christians were poor; and to be a Christian then was to
be exposedto contempt, to persecution, and to death. Saul had no reasonto
suppose that he would escapethe common lot of Christians.
(3) he was as firmly opposedto Christianity before his conversionas possible.
He had already distinguished himself for his hostility. Infidels often say that
Christians are prejudiced in favor of their religion. But here was a man, at
first a bitter infidel, and a deadly foe to Christianity. All the prejudices of his
education, all his prospects, all his former views and feelings, were opposedto
the gospelofChrist. He became, however, one of its most firm advocates and
friends, and it is for infidels to accountfor this change. There must have been

some cause, some motive for it; and is there anything more rational than the
supposition that Saul was convincedin a most striking and wonderful manner
of the truth of Christianity?
(4) his subsequent life showedthat the change was sincere and real. He
encountereddanger and persecutionto evince his attachment to Christ; he
went from land to land, and exposedhimself to every peril and every form of
obloquy and scorn, always rejoicing that he was a Christian, and was
permitted to suffer as a Christian, and has thus given the highestproofs of his
sincerity. If such sufferings and such a life were not evidences of sincerity,
then it would be impossible to fix on any circumstances ofa man‘s life that
would furnish proof that he was not a deceiver.
(5) if Paul was sincere;if his conversionwas genuine, the Christian religion is
true. Nothing else but a religion from heaven could produce this change.
There is here, therefore, the independent testimony of a man who was once a
persecutor;convertedin a wonderful manner; his whole life, views, and
feelings revolutionized, and all his subsequent careerevincing the sincerity of
his feelings and the reality of the change. He is just such a witness as infidels
ought to be satisfiedwith; a man once an enemy; a man whose testimony
cannot be impeached; a man who had no interestedmotives, and who was
willing to stand forth anywhere, and avow his change of feeling and purpose.
We adduce him as such a witness;and infidels are bound to dispose of his
testimony, or to embrace the religion which he embraced.
(6) the example of Saul does not stand alone. Hundreds and thousands of
enemies;persecutors, and slanderers have been changed, and every such one
becomes a living witness of the powerand truth of the Christian religion. The
scofferbecomes reverent;the profane man learns to speak the praise of God;
the sullen, bitter foe of Christ becomes his friend, and lives and dies under the

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