The Damascus Disciple Sent to the Sightless Saul
Acts 9:10-22
10 And
there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the
Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord. 11
And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called
Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus:
for, behold, he prayeth, 12 And hath seen in a vision a man named
Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his
sight. 13 Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this
man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: 14 And
here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy
name. 15 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen
vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the
children of Israel: 16 For I will shew him how great things he must
suffer for my name’s sake. 17 And Ananias went his way, and entered
into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even
Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that
thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. 18
And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received
sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized. 19 And when he had
received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the
disciples which were at Damascus. 20 And straightway he preached
Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God. 21 But all that
heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which
called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he
might bring them bound unto the chief priests? 22 But Saul increased
the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving
that this is very Christ.
Introduction:
Review Acts 9:1-9 - The
End of the Road (sermon preached 8 DEC
2013).
“The Damascus Road Experience”
Acts 9:1-30
Acts 22:3-21
Acts 26:2-23
Outline:
I. The Instructions of the Lord to Ananias
(9:10-12)
II. The Explanation of the Lord to Ananias
(9:13-16)
III. The Obedience to the Lord by Ananias
(9:17-18)
IV. The Inauguration of the Ministry of the
Apostle Paul (9:19-22)
Transition: Here we are entering into episodes in the life
of the early church involving the encounter of two men with the Lord and with
each other blending the supernatural along with the natural.
I. The Instructions
of the Lord to Ananias (9:10-12)
10 And
there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the
Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord. 11
And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called
Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus:
for, behold, he prayeth, 12 And hath seen in a vision a man named
Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his
sight.
1. Double Vision (9:10, 12)
2. Explicit Instructions (9:11)
1. Double
Vision (9:10, 12)
1) Ananias Heard the Lord in a
Vision (9:10)
10 And
there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the
Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord.
2) Paul Saw Ananias in a Vision
(9:12)
12 And
hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on
him, that he might receive his sight.
Compare the experiences of Peter and Cornelius in the
next chapter![1]
2. Explicit
Instructions (9:11)
1) The Address - And
the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight,
and enquire in the house of Judas
“Derb el-Mustaqim, also Souk
et-Tawil or Midhat Pasha Street”[2]
2) The Identity - one
called Saul, of Tarsus
3) The Activity - behold,
he prayeth
II. The
Explanation of the Lord to Ananias (9:13-16)
13
Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he
hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: 14 And here he hath authority
from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name. 15 But the
Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my
name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: 16
For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake.
1. The Objection of Ananias to the Lord’s
Instructions (9:13-14)
2. The Clarification of the Lord to
Ananias (9:15-16)
1. The Objection
of Ananias to the Lord’s Instructions (9:13-14)
13 Then
Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath
done to thy saints at Jerusalem: 14 And here he hath authority from
the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name.
Comparison is often made to others who objected to the
Lord’s commands:
1) Moses - Ex.
3:11, 13; 4:1, 10, 13; 6:12, 30.
2) Samuel - 1 Sam.
16:2 - And Samuel said, How can I go? if Saul hear it, he will kill me. And the
LORD said, Take an heifer with thee, and say, I am come to sacrifice to the
LORD.
3) Solomon - 1 Ki.
3:7-8 - 7 And now, O LORD my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of
David my father: and I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come
in. 8 And thy servant is in the midst
of thy people which thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered
nor counted for multitude.
4) Obadiah - I Ki.
18:12-14 - 12 And it shall come to pass, as soon as I am gone from thee, that
the Spirit of the LORD shall carry thee whither I know not; and so when I come
and tell Ahab, and he cannot find thee, he shall slay me: but I thy servant
fear the LORD from my youth. 13 Was it
not told my lord what I did when Jezebel slew the prophets of the LORD, how I
hid an hundred men of the LORD'S prophets by fifty in a cave, and fed them with
bread and water? 14 And now thou sayest, Go, tell thy lord, Behold, Elijah is
here: and he shall slay me.
5) Isaiah - Is.
6:5 - Then said I, Woe is me! for I am
undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a
people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.
(Note: In this
case the objection was not preceded by a command but followed by a question
that was responded to in the affimative by the prophet.)
6) Jeremiah - Jer.
1:6 - Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD!
behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child.
7) Zechariah - Lk.
1:18 - And Zacharias said unto the
angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well
stricken in years.
8) Peter - Acts
10:14 - But Peter said, Not so, Lord;
for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean.
2. The Clarification
of the Lord to Ananias (9:15-16)
15 But
the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear
my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: 16
For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake.
Two reasons why Ananias should go:
1) How God is going to use Saul
(9:15)
15 But
the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear
my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:
2) What God is going to show Saul (9:16)
16 For I
will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake.
III. The
Obedience to the Lord by Ananias (9:17-18)
17
And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on
him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the
way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be
filled with the Holy Ghost. 18 And immediately there fell from his
eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was
baptized.
1. The Ministry of Ananias to Saul (9:17)
2. The Effect of this Ministry upon Saul
(9:18)
1. The Ministry
of Ananias to Saul (9:17)
17 And
Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him
said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as
thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled
with the Holy Ghost.
The other account of this aspect of the event is found in
Acts 22:12-16 -
12 And one Ananias, a devout man
according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt there, 13 Came unto me, and
stood, and said unto me, Brother Saul, receive thy sight. And the same hour I
looked up upon him. 14 And he said, The God of our fathers hath
chosen thee, that thou shouldest know his will, and see that Just One, and
shouldest hear the voice of his mouth. 15 For thou shalt be his
witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard. 16 And now
why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on
the name of the Lord.
2. The Effect
of this Ministry upon Saul (9:18)
18 And
immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received
sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.
IV. The
Inauguration of the Ministry of the Apostle Paul (9:19-22)
19
And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days
with the disciples which were at Damascus. 20 And straightway he
preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God. 21 But
all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them
which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that
he might bring them bound unto the chief priests? 22 But Saul
increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at
Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.
1. The Focus of Saul’s Testimony
(9:19-20)
2. The Response to Saul’s Testimony
(9:21)
3. The Effect of Saul’s Testimony (9:22)
From Acts 13:9 on he is referred to by his other name,
Paul, except in his testimonies referring back to his conversion in chapters 22
and 26 - “Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set
his eyes on him”.
1. The Focus
of Saul’s Testimony (9:19-20) - The Deity of the Incarnate Messiah
19 And
when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with
the disciples which were at Damascus. 20 And straightway he preached
Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.
Gal. 1:16-18 (context 1:11-24) - 11
But
I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after
man. 12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I
taught it, but by the revelation of
Jesus Christ. 13 For ye have heard of my conversation
in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the
church of God, and wasted it:
14 And
profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being
more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers. 15 But when it pleased God, who separated me from
my mother's womb, and called me by
his grace, 16 To reveal his Son in me, that I
might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and
blood:
17 Neither
went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into
Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus. 18 Then after
three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen
days. 19 But other of the apostles saw I
none, save James the Lord's brother. 20 Now the things which I write unto you, behold,
before God, I lie not.
21 Afterwards
I came into the regions of Syria and Cilicia; 22 And was
unknown by face unto the churches of Judaea which were in Christ: 23 But they had heard only, That he which
persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed. 24 And they glorified God in me.
2 Cor. 11:32-33 - 32 In
Damascus the governor under Aretas the king kept the city of the Damascenes
with a garrison, desirous to apprehend me: 33 And through a window in a basket was
I let down by the wall, and escaped his hands.
2. The Response
to Saul’s Testimony (9:21) - The Amazement of Saul’s Hearers
21 But
all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them
which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that
he might bring them bound unto the chief priests?
3. The Effect
of Saul’s Testimony (9:22) - The Irrefutable Nature of Saul’s Proof
22 But
Saul increased the more in strength,[3] and
confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.
Conclusion:
I. The
Instructions of the Lord to Ananias (9:10-12)
1. Double Vision (9:10, 12)
2. Explicit Instructions (9:11)
II. The
Explanation of the Lord to Ananias (9:13-16)
1. The Objection of
Ananias to the Lord’s Instructions (9:13-14)
2. The Clarification of
the Lord to Ananias (9:15-16)
III. The Obedience
to the Lord by Ananias (9:17-18)
1. The Ministry of
Ananias to Saul (9:17)
2. The Effect of this
Ministry upon Saul (9:18)
IV. The
Inauguration of the Ministry of the Apostle Paul (9:19-22)
1. The Focus of Saul’s
Testimony (9:19-20)
2. The Response to Saul’s
Testimony (9:21)
3. The Effect of Saul’s
Testimony (9:22)
[Sermon preached 29
DEC 2013 by Pastor John T. “Jack” Jeffery at Wayside Gospel Chapel, Greentown,
PA.]
Resources:
G. K. Beale and D. A. Carson, eds., Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old
Testament (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2007), pp. 513-606.
Darrell L. Bock, Acts, Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament, eds. Robert W.
Yarbrough and Robert H. Stein (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2007)
F. F. Bruce, The
Acts of the Apostles: The Greek Text with Introduction and Commentary, 2nd
ed. (Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1951, 1952).
I. Howard Marshall, Acts: An Introduction And
Commentary, Vol. 5 in Tyndale New
Testament Commentaries, gen. ed. Leon Morris (Downers Grove, IL:
InterVarsity Press, 1980; 2008 reprint).
David G. Peterson, The Acts of the Apostles, The Pillar New Testament Commentaries,
gen. ed. D. A. Carson (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 2009).
John B. Polhill, Acts, Vol. 26 in The New American Commentary, gen. ed.
David S. Dockery (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman, Publishers, 1992).
Eckhard J. Schnabel, Acts, Vol. 5 in the Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New
Testament, gen. ed. Clinton E. Arnold (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2012).
William H. Willimon, Acts, in Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching,
series ed. James Luther Mays, New Testament ed. Paul J. Achtemeier (Louisville,
KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2010).
Pauline biographies:
F. F. Bruce, Paul: Apostle of the Heart Set Free
(Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1977).
W. J. Conybeare and J. S. Howson, The Life, Times and
Travels of St. Paul, 2 vols. in 1, unabridged American ed. (New York: E. B.
Treat U Co., 1869); on Google Books
at http://books.google.com/books?id=Bn1CAAAAIAAJ&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false
[accessed 12 FEB 2013].
F. W. Farrar, The Life and Work of St. Paul (New
York: E. P. Dutton and Co., 1889); on Google
Books at http://books.google.com/books?id=RB2KeCSM6KsC&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false
[accessed 12 FEB 2013].
Bruce N. Fisk, “Paul:
Life and Letters”, in The Face of New Testament Studies: A Survey of Recent
Research, ed. Scot McKnight and Grant R. Osborne (Grand Rapids: Baker
Academic, 2004), pp. 283-325.
Richard B.Gaffin, Jr.,
"Acts and Paul", 46 lectures (MP3 format), WTS Resources Media Center
on Westminster Theological Seminary
at http://wts.edu/resources/media.html?paramType=audio&filterTopic=5&filterSpeaker=10&filterYear=2005 [accessed 20 MAR 2013].
Frank J. Goodwin, A Harmony of the Life of the St.
Paul According to the Acts of the Apostles and the Pauline Epistles (New
York: American Tract Society, 1895); on Google
Books at http://books.google.com/books?id=YgpEAAAAYAAJ&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false
[accessed 12 FEB 2013].
Richard N. Longenecker, The Ministry And Message Of
Paul (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1971).
Richard N. Longenecker, Paul, Apostle Of Liberty (New
York: Harper & Row, 1964).
Richard N. Longenecker, ed., The Road From Damascus :
The Impact Of Paul's Conversion On His Life, Thought, And Ministry (Grand
Rapids: Eerdmans, 1997).
J. Gresham Machen, The Origin of Paul's Religion: The
James Sprunt Lectures Delivered at Union Theological Seminary in Virginia
(Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1925).
*John Pollock, The Apostle: A Life of Paul, 3rd
ed. (Colorado Springs: David C. Cook, 1969, 2012); also published as The Man
Who Shook the World (Wheaton: Victor Books, 1972; originally The Apostle: A Life of Paul, New York:
Doubleday, 1969).
W. M. Ramsay, St. Paul the Traveler and the Roman
Citizen, 10th ed. (London: Hodder and Stoughton, 1907); on Christian Classics Ethereal Library
(CCEL) at http://www.ccel.org/ccel/ramsay/paul_roman.html
[accessed 13 FEB 2013].
A. T. Robertson, Epochs in the Life of Paul: A Study
of Development in Paul's Character (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1974).
Udo Schnelle, Apostle Paul: His Life and Theology,
trans. M. Eugene Boring (Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2003; trans. from Paulus: Leben und Denken, Berlin: Walter
de Gruyter GmbH & Co., n.d.).
Thomas R. Schreiner, Paul, Apostle of God's Glory in
Christ: A Pauline Theology (Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2001).
*James Stalker, The Life of St. Paul, (Edinburgh:
T. & T. Clark, 1885; rev. ed. 2010 by Kessinger Publishing from 1912 ed.);
on Google Books at http://books.google.com/books?id=vT0HAAAAQAAJ&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false
[accessed 7 FEB 2013].
*Note: the two titles marked with asterisks are
recommended for entry level students of the life of Paul.
The Three Parallel Accounts of Saul’s Conversion in
Acts
Acts 9:1-30;
22:3-21; and 26:4-23
I. The Background to the Conversion of Saul
Acts 9:1-2
|
Acts 22:3-5
|
Acts 26:4-12
|
1 And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter
against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, 2
And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found
any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound
unto Jerusalem.
|
3 I am verily a man
which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a
city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect
manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye all are
this day. 4 And I persecuted this way unto the death, binding and
delivering into prisons both men and women. 5 As also the high
priest doth bear me witness, and all the estate of the elders: from whom also
I received letters unto the brethren, and went to Damascus, to bring them
which were there bound unto Jerusalem, for to be punished.
|
4 My manner of life from my youth, which was at the first
among mine own nation at Jerusalem, know all the Jews; 5 Which
knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, that after the most
straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee. 6 And now I
stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made of God unto our fathers:
7 Unto which promise our
twelve tribes, instantly serving God
day and night, hope to come. For which hope’s sake, king Agrippa, I am
accused of the Jews. 8 Why should it be thought a thing incredible
with you, that God should raise the dead? 9 I verily thought with
myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of
Nazareth. 10 Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the
saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief
priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them. 11 And I punished
them oft in every synagogue, and compelled
them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities. 12
Whereupon as I went to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief
priests,
|
II. The Confrontation with the Lord - The
Conversion of Saul on the Damascus Road
Acts 9:3-9
|
Acts 22:6-11
|
Acts 26:13-18
|
3 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and
suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: 4 And
he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why
persecutest thou me? 5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the
Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. 6 And
he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the
Lord said unto him, Arise, and go
into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. 7 And
the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but
seeing no man. 8 And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes
were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus. 9 And
he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.
|
6 And it came to pass, that, as I made my journey,
and was come nigh unto Damascus about noon, suddenly there shone from heaven
a great light round about me. 7 And I fell unto the ground, and
heard a voice saying unto me, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? 8
And I answered, Who art thou, Lord? And he said unto me, I am Jesus of
Nazareth, whom thou persecutest. 9 And they that were with me saw
indeed the light, and were afraid; but they heard not the voice of him that
spake to me. 10 And I said, What shall I do, Lord? And the Lord
said unto me, Arise, and go into Damascus; and there it shall be told thee of
all things which are appointed for thee to do. 11 And when I could
not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of them that were
with me, I came into Damascus.
|
13 At midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from
heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them
which journeyed with me. 14 And when we were all fallen to the
earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue,
Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it
is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. 15 And I said,
Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest. 16
But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this
purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which
thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; 17
Delivering thee from the people, and
from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, 18 To open their
eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God,
that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which
are sanctified by faith that is in me.
|
III. The Ministry of Ananias - The Healing and
Baptism of Saul
Acts 9:10-18
|
Acts 22:12-16
|
Acts 26
|
10 And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named
Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold,
I am here, Lord. 11 And
the Lord said unto him, Arise, and
go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of
Judas for one called Saul, of
Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, 12 And hath seen in a vision a
man named Ananias coming in, and putting
his hand on him, that he might receive his sight. 13 Then
Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he
hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: 14 And here he hath
authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name. 15
But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to
bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: 16
For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake. 17
And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands
on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord,
even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent
me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. 18
And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he
received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.
|
12 And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law,
having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt there, 13 Came unto me, and stood, and said unto me,
Brother Saul, receive thy sight. And the same hour I looked up upon him. 14
And he said, The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest
know his will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of his
mouth. 15 For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou
hast seen and heard. 16 And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be
baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.
|
IV. The Aftermath of the Conversion of Saul - The
Inauguration of his Ministry
Acts 9:19-30
|
Acts 22:17-21
|
Acts 26:19-23
|
19 And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then
was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus. 20
And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of
God. 21 But all that heard
him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which
called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he
might bring them bound unto the chief priests? 22 But Saul
increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at
Damascus, proving that this is very Christ. 23 And after that many
days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him: 24 But
their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and
night to kill him. 25 Then the disciples took him by night, and
let him down by the wall in a
basket. 26 And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join
himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not
that he was a disciple. 27 But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared
unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him,
and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus. 28
And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem. 29 And
he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the
Grecians: but they went about to slay him. 30 Which when the brethren knew, they brought him down to Caesarea,
and sent him forth to Tarsus.
|
17 And it came to pass, that, when I was come again to
Jerusalem, even while I prayed in the temple, I was in a trance; 18
And saw him saying unto me, Make haste, and get thee quickly out of
Jerusalem: for they will not receive thy testimony concerning me. 19
And I said, Lord, they know that I imprisoned and beat in every synagogue
them that believed on thee: 20 And when the blood of thy martyr
Stephen was shed, I also was standing by, and consenting unto his death, and
kept the raiment of them that slew him. 21 And he said unto me,
Depart: for I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles.
|
19 Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient
unto the heavenly vision: 20 But shewed first unto them of
Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they
should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance. 21
For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple, and went about to kill me. 22 Having therefore
obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and
great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did
say should come: 23 That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead,
and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles.
|
[1] Acts 10:1-6, 10-17.
[2] Eckhard J. Schnabel, Acts, Vol. 5 in the Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New
Testament, gen. ed. Clinton E. Arnold (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2012), pg.
446.
[3] “…most interpreters and many translators follow a
manuscript of the fifth century that adds after “grew stronger” the phrase “in
the word,” thus relating Saul’s increasing strength to his preaching. The expression could refer to both Saul’s
physical recovery and to his increasing confidence and ability of proclaiming
Jesus as Messiah.” Schnabel, op. cit., pg. 453.
The extant documentation
for this reading consists of the following:
1) two Greek lettered uncials - C (5th c., omission of
preposition) and E (6th c.);
2) a Greek numbered miniscule - 467 (15th c.);
3) three copies of the Old Latin version - h (5th c.), l (7th c.), and p (12th
c.); and,
4) the Codez Glazier, a version in the Middle
Egyptian (Mesokemic) dialect of Coptic (5th c., with a slight variation).
Sources: Eberhard Nestle, Erwin Nestle, Barbara Aland,
Kurt Aland, Johannes Karavidopoulos, Carlo M. Martini, and Bruce M. Metzger, Novum
Testamentum Graece, 27th ed. (Stuttgart: Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, 1898,
1993), pg. 347; Bruce M. Metzger, A Textual Commentary on the Greek New
Testament: A Companion Volume to the United Bible Societies' Greek New
Testament (third edition), corrected ed. (Stuttgart, Germany: United Bible
Societies, 1971), pg. 365; and F. F. Bruce, The Acts of the Apostles: The
Greek Text with Introduction and Commentary, 2nd ed. (Grand Rapids: Wm. B.
Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1951, 1952), pg. 204.
