PARAGRAPH DIVISIONS OF MODERN TRANSLATIONS
|
UBS4 |
NKJV | NRSV | TEV | NJB |
| The Conversion of Saul | The Damascus Road: Saul Converted | Conversion of Saul of Tarsus | The Conversion of Saul | The Conversion of Saul |
| 9:1-9 | 9:1-9 | 9:1-9 | 9:1-2 | 9:1-2 |
| 9:3-4 | 9:3-9 | |||
| 9:5a | ||||
| 9:5b-6 | ||||
| Ananias Baptizes Saul | 9:7-9 | |||
| 9:10-19a | 9:10-19 | 9:10-19a | 9:10a | 9:10-12 |
| 9:10b | ||||
| 9:11-12 | ||||
| 9:13-14 | 9:13-19a | |||
| 9:15-16 | ||||
| 9:17-19a | ||||
| Saul Preaches at Damascus | Saul Preaches Christ | Saul Preaches in Damascus | Saul’s Preaching at Damascus | |
| 9:19b-22 | 9:19b-22 | 9:19b-20 | 9:19b-22 | |
| 9:20-22 | 9:21 | |||
| 9:22 | ||||
| Saul Escapes From the Jews | Saul Escapes Death | Saul’s First Visit to Jerusalem | ||
| 9:23-25 | 9:23-25 | 9:23-25 | 9:23-25 | 9:23-25 |
| Saul at Jerusalem | Saul at Jerusalem | Saul in Jerusalem | Saul’s Visit to Jerusalem | |
| 9:26-30 | 9:26-30 | 9:26-30 | 9:26-30 | 9:26-30 |
| The Church Prospers | A Lull | |||
| 9:31 | 9:31 | 9:31 | 9:31 | 9:31 |
| The Healing of Aeneas | Aeneas Healed | Peter’s Journey to Lydda and Joppa | Peter Sees Lydda in Joppa | Peter Cures a Paralytic at Joppa |
| 9:32-35 | 9:32-35 | 9:32-35 | 9:32-35 | 9:32-35 |
| Dorcas Restored to Life | Dorcas Restored to Life | Peter Raises a Woman to Life at Joppa | ||
| 9:36-43 | 9:36-43 | 9:36-43 | 9:36-43 | 9:36-38 |
| 9:39-42 | ||||
| 9:43 |
READING CYCLE THREE (from “A Guide
to Good Bible Reading“)
FOLLOWING THE ORIGINAL AUTHOR’S INTENT AT THE PARAGRAPH LEVEL
This is a study
guide commentary, which means that you are responsible for your own
interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the
Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not
relinquish this to a commentator.
Read the chapter in one sitting. Identify the subjects.
Compare your subject divisions with the five modern translations. Paragraphing
is not inspired, but it is the key to following the original author’s intent,
which is the heart of interpretation. Every paragraph has one and only one main
subject.
1. First paragraph
2. Second paragraph
3. Third paragraph
4. Etc.
CONTEXTUAL INSIGHTS
A. The emphasis in Acts is beginning to shift from
1. the Apostle Peter to the Apostle Paul
2. from Palestine to the Mediterranean world
3. from Jews to Gentiles.
B. Paul’s conversion is such an important point in church history that it is
recorded three times in the book of Acts.
1. Luke’s account, 9:1-30
2. Paul’s account before the mob in Jerusalem, 22:3-16
3. Paul’s account before Agrippa II at Caesarea, 26:4-18
4. Paul also briefly mentions this same period in Gal. 1:13-17 and II Cor.
11:32-33
C. The similarities between Stephen’s message and Paul’s messages are
obvious. Paul began to minister to the same Hellenistic Jews to whom Stephen had
preached. Paul heard Stephen’s sermon of Acts 7 (cf. 7:58; 8:1; 22:20). It is
even possible that Paul was one of the leaders of the Hellenist Synagogues in
Jerusalem who debated with Stephen and lost!
D. Some possible influential factors in Paul’s conversion
1. failure of Judaism to provide internal peace and joy
2. the life and teachings of Jesus were well known and discussed in
rabbinical circles (especially Jerusalem)
3. he heard Stephen’s sermon and witnessed his death (possibly even debated
Stephen)
4. he saw the demeanor and faith of Christians under persecution
5. his personal encounter with the resurrected Lord changed everything
WORD AND PHRASE STUDY
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: 9:1-9
1Now Saul, still breathing
threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest,
2and asked for letters from him to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if
he found any belonging to the Way, both men and women, he might bring them bound
to Jerusalem. 3As he was traveling, it happened that he was
approaching Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him;
4and he fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul,
Saul, why are you persecuting Me?”
5And he said, “Who are You, Lord?” And He said, “I am Jesus
whom you are persecuting, 6but get up and enter the city, and it will
be told you what you must do.” 7The men who traveled with him stood
speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one. 8Saul got up from
the ground, and though his eyes were open, he could see nothing; and leading him
by the hand, they brought him into Damascus. 9And he was three days
without sight, and neither ate nor drank.
9:1 “Saul, still breathing threats and
murder” This is literally “snorting.” In Acts 26:11, Paul says of
himself, that he was furiously enraged at them. Apparently Paul even killed some
Christians (cf. 8:1).
▣ “the
disciples of the Lord”
This term means learners. It only appears in the Gospels and Acts. This term is
rapidly replaced by the term “saints.” Notice the number of terms used in this
chapter to describe the people of God:
1. disciples, vv. 1,10,19,25,26,36,38
2. the Way, v. 2
3. saints, vv. 13,32,41
4. brothers, v. 17.
▣ “went to the high priest” This is
obviously a reference to the Sanhedrin (cf. Acts 26:10). See note on Sanhedrin
at 4:5.
9:2 “for letters from him to the synagogues
at Damascus” The Roman government had given limited authority to the
Sanhedrin to conduct and control events in the synagogues or related to Jewish
life in the Empire (cf. I Macc. 15:16-21 or Josephus, Antiq. 14.10.2).
Judaism was a recognized, legal religion of the Greco-Roman world.
Apparently these were letters of extradition for the Jewish Christians who
had fled Jerusalem in the face of the Jewish persecution (cf. 9:14,21; 22:5;
26:10).
▣ “if”
This is a third class conditional sentence meaning
potential action.
▣ “The Way” This was the early
designation for believers (cf. 19:9,23; 22:4; 24:14,22 and possibly 18:25,26).
It has an OT background, speaking of lifestyle faith (cf. Ps. 1:1; 16:11;
119:105; 139:24; Pro. 4:10-19). Jesus uses this concept in Matt. 7:14 and uses
the title for Himself in John 14:6. Christianity is a personal encounter
followed by a daily relationship.
▣ “women” The mention of women three
times amidst the groups that Paul persecuted is a way to show the intensity of
Paul’s actions (cf. 8:3; 22:4). Luke has a special concern for women!
9:3 “Damascus” This was an ancient
city and capital of the Roman Province of Syria just north/northeast of Galilee.
It was 150 miles from Jerusalem.
▣ “and suddenly” This term also has
the connotation of “unexpectedly.”
▣ “a light from heaven” Paul relates
his experience with this light differently in his three accounts of his
experience in Acts
1. “a light from heaven flashed around him” (9:3)
2. “a very bright light suddenly flashed from heaven all around me” (22:6)
3. “I saw on the way a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining all
around me” (26:13)
Paul vividly remembers this event! It is just possible that this light is
theologically/physically related to the
Shekinah glory of YHWH’s presence with Israel during the Wilderness
Wandering Period. The Hebrew concept of “glory” takes on an aspect of bright
light from this historical event (see SPECIAL
TOPIC: GLORY (DOXA) at 3:13). This light would have showed Saul the
rabbi that this was the personal presence of God.
9:4 “heard a voice” This heavenly
voice was something Judaism was familiar with. It is known as a bath kol.
This provided a means for the Jews to receive information and/or confirmation
from God (during the interbiblical period between the closing of Malachi [or
Chronicles] and the beginning of the ministry of John the Baptist). This form of
revelation was necessary because there were no inspired prophets during this
period.
▣
“Saul, Saul” In Hebrew this repeating of the name was a way to show
intensity.
▣ “why
are you persecuting Me”
This is extremely significant theologically because it shows the continuity and
intimacy between Jesus and His church (cf. Matt. 10:40; 25:40,45). Paul was
persecuting the Church, but Jesus took it personally. From Acts 26:14 we know
that Jesus spoke to Paul in Aramaic.
It is also theologically significant that Christianity is both a person
(Jesus) and a group (church). The corporate metaphors used in the NT for the
church are:
1. body
2. family
3. building
4. saints
All emphasize the corporate nature of faith (cf. I Cor. 12:7). It starts
individually, but moves to the group (conscientiousness and concern). This
individual corporality can be seen in Paul’s discussion of Adam and Christ in
Rom. 5:12-21. The One is part of the all; the One can affect the all (cf. Joshua
7).
9:5a “Who are You, Lord” What did Paul
imply by the use of “Lord”?
1. sir, title of respect (ex. John 4:11)
2. YHWH, translated by Lord in
the OT (ex. Gen. 2:4)
If surprise is the focus, then possibly #1 applies, but if the light from
heaven denotes an action of God, then #2 is the case. If #2, then suddenly
Paul’s rabbinical theology is challenged. What a confusing and frightful time
this must have been! See
SPECIAL TOPIC: NAMES FOR DEITY at 1:6.
9:5b-6b These verses are not found in
any early Greek manuscripts. They are found in only one Latin family of
manuscripts. Erasmus, translating from the Vulgate, put them in his first
edition of the Greek New Testament in 1516. These words are found in Acts 26:14.
Their inclusion here shows a tendency of scribes to make parallels uniform and
full of all details.
9:5 “I am Jesus whom you are persecuting”
Paul is claiming to have seen the Glorified Christ (cf. Acts 22:14; I Cor. 9:1;
15:8-9). Paul will later understand this experience as an integral part of his
call to be the Apostle to the Gentiles.
The crucified carpenter from Nazareth is the glorified Messiah!
9:6 This verse is explained in detail
in vv. 10-19.
▣ “must do” See full note on dei
at 1:16.
9:7 “The men who traveled with him”
This possibly refers to
1. the Temple police accompanying Paul
2. other Jewish zealots, probably from Hellenistic synagogues
3. other theological students from Jerusalem
▣ “hearing the voice but seeing no one”
There is a seeming discrepancy between 9:7 and 22:9 in the details of this
event. There have been several theories how to deal with it:
1. It is a matter of syntax. The verb
“to hear” can take a
genitive (9:7) or an accusative (22:9). These different forms have
different implications or connotations. The NRSV, in a footnote, has “The Greek
suggests that his companions heard the sound of the voice, but not the words
spoken.”
2. Others say it is similar to John 12:29-30 about Jesus’ entry into
Jerusalem and the voice from heaven.
3. Others say that it is Paul’s voice that is being referred to, not Jesus’.
They heard Paul speaking, but they did not hear Jesus speaking.
4. Others say this is similar to the Synoptic problem. Different Gospel
writers record the same events, sermons, and actions of Jesus in differing ways,
which is different eyewitness accounts.
9:8 “though his eyes were open, he could see
nothing” Paul apparently had eye problems from this point on (cf. Gal.
4:13-15; 6:11). I, personally, believe Paul’s “thorn in the flesh” (cf. II Cor.
12:7-10; Gal. 4:13-15; 6:11) was Oriental ophthalmia, possibly caused by this
experience. There is irony here; Paul experiences a reorientation. He thought he
could see (physically and spiritually, cf. John 9), but he found out that he was
blind. After this encounter with Christ he was physically blinded for a period,
but his spiritual eyes were wide open!
9:9 “And he was three days without sight”
This is a periphrastic imperfect. Some commentators see
this as the occasion of Paul’s vision of heaven recorded in II Cor. 12:1-4.
▣ “and
neither ate nor drank”
Paul was fasting and praying (cf. v. 11). What a reorientation must have been
occurring in Paul’s mind (theology) and heart (desire)! He was beginning the
transformation from persecutor of the gospel to proclaimer of the gospel!
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: 9:10-19a
10Now there was a disciple
at Damascus named Ananias; and the Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” And
he said, “Here I am, Lord.” 11And the Lord said to him, “Get
up and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for a
man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying, 12and he has seen in a
vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him, so that he might
regain his sight.” 13But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from
many about this man, how much harm he did to Your saints at Jerusalem; 14and
here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name.”
15But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of Mine, to
bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel; 16for
I will show him how much he must suffer for My name’s sake.” 17So
Ananias departed and entered the house, and after laying his hands on him said,
“Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road by which you were
coming, has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the
Holy Spirit.” 18And immediately there fell from his eyes something
like scales, and he regained his sight, and he got up and was baptized; 19and
he took food and was strengthened.
9:10 “Ananias” This name means “YHWH
is gracious.” Apparently he was a believing Jew of good reputation, not a
refugee (cf. 22:12).
▣ “Here I am, Lord” This is a Jewish
idiom of availability (cf. Isa. 6:8). Verse 11 was obviously given verbally
because it is very specific instruction.
9:12 “he has seen in a vision a man named
Ananias” “In a vision” is not in the ancient Greek manuscripts P74,
א, and A, but it is in MSS B and C. The UBS4 put the shorter reading in
the text but gives it a “C” rating (with difficulty in deciding). This verse
shows that Ananias’ coming, actions, and message were confirming Jesus’ earlier
words to Paul (cf. v. 6)
▣ “lay
his hands on hin” See Special Topic at 6:6.
9:13 “I have heard from many”
Obviously Ananias had heard the bad reports about Paul’s vicious persecution of
believers from the Jewish refugees from Jerusalem.
▣ “Your saints” The term hagioi
is related to the Greek word “holy” (hagios). The OT background (kadosh)
relates to some thing, some person, or some place set apart by God for a special
task. The term “saints” is always plural, except one time in Phil. 4:21, but
even there it is in a plural context. To be a Christian is to be a part of a
family, a community. There are no loners in the faith.
9:14 “the chief priests” In the OT the
high priesthood was for life and was passed on to a special family of Levite’s
son (cf. Lev. 8-10). However, during the Roman period this position was
purchased from the Roman officials. Therefore, there were several High Priests
within the Sadducean family of Annas.
▣ “who call on Your name” This phrase
has important theological implications. Luke uses it several times in Acts for
1. someone addressing Jesus (cf. 7:59)
2. someone who has accepted Jesus as Savior (cf. 9:14,21)
3. an OT quote from Amos 9:12, where it refers to someone upon whom YHWH’s
name is called (i.e., believers, cf. 15:17)
4. A way for someone to publicly affirm his faith in Jesus (cf. 22:16)
This phrase is also part of Paul’s plea to Israel from Joel 2:32 in Rom.
10:9-13 (cf. II Tim. 2:22). Peter uses this same passage (Joel 2:28-32) in his
Pentecost sermon and invited those present to “call upon the name of the Lord”
from Joel 2:32.
The name stands for the person. By invoking the name sinners beseech Jesus to
act on their behalf and include them in His family. See Special Topic at 2:22.
9:15 “Go” This is a
present middle (deponent)
imperative. Jesus authoritatively sends the reluctant Ananias to Saul.
▣ “for he is a chosen instrument of Mine”
Oh, the greatness of the grace and election of God! Paul does not fit the
evangelical model of voluntary, volitional conversion. He was dramatically
drafted!
NASB, NKJV“before the Gentiles”
NRSV, NJB“to bring my name before Gentiles”
TEV“to make my name known to Gentiles”
What a startling statement for a Jew to be told (cf. Eph. 3:7)! Yet, this has
always been God’s plan (cf. Gen. 12:3; Exod. 19:5-6; Eph. 2:11-3:13, see Special
Topic at 1:8). Israel was only an instrument to reach the world, made in the
image of God (cf. Gen. 1:26-27), but fallen (cf. Gen. 3:15).
▣ “and kings” Paul spoke to
governmental leaders, small and great, and finally to Caesar!
▣ “and
the sons of Israel”
Paul’s regular missionary pattern was to preach first at the local synagogue
(cf. Rom. 1:16) in every city. This allowed the Jews and the God-fearers who
knew the OT a chance to respond first to the gospel. Then he would turn to the
pagans.
9:16 “for I will show him how much he must
suffer for My name’s sake”
Suffering is not the exception, but the norm for Christians in a fallen world
(cf. Matt. 5:10-12; John 15:18-21; 16:1-2; 17:14; Acts 14:22; Rom. 5:3-4;
8:17-18; II Cor. 4:7-12; 6:3-10; 11:24-33; Phil. 1:29; I Thess. 3:3; II Tim.
3:12; James 1:2-4; I Peter 4:12-16).
There is a theological relationship
between the sufferings of Christ and the sufferings of His followers in this
fallen realm. The book of I Peter shows this parallel.
1. Jesus’ suffering, 1:11; 2:21,23; 3:18; 4:1,13; 5:1
2. His followers’, 1:6-7; 2:19; 3:13-17; 4:1,12-19; 5:9-10
If the world rejected Him it will reject His (cf. John 7:7; 15:18-19; 17:14).
9:17 “and after laying his hands on him”
There is no scriptural basis for the concept of “apostolic authority” in
bestowing spiritual gifts. Ananias is an unknown lay believer in Damascus who
becomes
1. God’s spokesman and an agent in
2. Paul’s being the filled with the Holy Spirit (cf. v. 17)
3. Paul’s physical healing (cf. v. 18)
4. Paul’s baptism (cf. v. 18)
▣ “Brother Saul” What a great example
of obedience and love!
9:18 “there fell from his eyes something like
scales” This is a technical medical term for the flaking of skin from a
wound Luke uses to describe what happened to Paul’s eyes in this moment of
healing. The word scales is used of fish scales in the Septuagint (cf. Lev.
11:9,10,12; Deut. 14:9). The metaphorical extension can be seen in Num. 16:38,
where it is used of flattened metal plates. In this context they were probably
flakes of skin or crust which oozed from Paul’s eyes.
▣ “was baptized” Ananias apparently
also baptized Paul (cf. 8:36,38). NT baptism was an act of obedience to Jesus’
example (cf. Matt. 3:13-17; Mark 1:9-11; Luke 3:21-22) and command (cf. Matt.
28:19.) It marks a change of ownership and allegiance.
9:19a “he took food and was strengthened”
Paul had been fasting and praying since the light knocked him to the ground (cf.
v. 9). After a three day total fast (no food or water), he must have been very
weak.
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: 9:19b-22
19bNow for several days he was
with the disciples who were at Damascus,
20and immediately he began to proclaim Jesus in the
synagogues, saying, “He is the Son of God.”
21All those hearing him continued to be amazed, and were saying, “Is
this not he who in Jerusalem destroyed those who called on this name, and who
had come here for the purpose of bringing them bound before the chief priests?”
22But Saul kept increasing in strength and confounding the Jews who lived
at Damascus by proving that this Jesus is the Christ.
9:20 “he began to proclaim Jesus in
the synagogues” This is an
imperfect active indicative. It
can mean (1) the beginning of an action or (2) repeated action. What irony! He
came earlier with a letter from the High Priests in Jerusalem to the synagogues
in Damascus to persecute the followers of Jesus and now he came to the same
synagogues preaching Jesus as the Messiah (cf. v 21).
▣ “‘He is the Son of God'” This is the
only use of the title “Son of God” in the book of Acts (except for the quote of
Ps. 2:7 in Acts 13:33). Its OT background reflects its significance: (1) the
nation of Israel (cf. Hos. 11:1); (2) the King of Israel (cf. II Sam. 7:14); and
(3) the Messiah (cf. Matt. 2:15). Paul’s strict monotheism (see Special Topic at
2:39) is being redefined!
9:21 This verse is in the form of a
question which expects a “yes” answer.
▣
“destroyed” This is a rare and intense word meaning to ravage, lay waste
to, or totally destroy. It is found only here and in Gal. 1:13,23 in the NT and
in IV Macc. 4:23. Paul was a vicious persecutor!
9:22
NASB“Saul kept increasing in
strength”
NKJV“Saul increased all the more in strength”
NRSV“Saul became increasingly more powerful”
TEV“Saul’s preaching became even more powerful”
NJB“Saul’s power increased steadily”
This is an
imperfect passive indicative. It took some time for Saul’s gifts and
skills to develop. In context this refers to Paul’s preaching and debating
skills (cf. TEV).
▣ “confounding” This is an imperfect active indicative which denotes
repeated action in past time. This is a compound term from “together” (sun)
and “pour” (cheō). This word is only found in Acts.
1. 2:6, bewildered
2. 9:22, confounded
3. 19:32, confusion
4. 21:27, stir up
5. 21:31, confusion
The Jews could not explain Paul’s conversion or his powerful preaching of
Jesus as the promised OT Messiah.
▣ “proving” This word means to
conclude (cf. Acts 16:10; 19:33) and by extension, to prove. Paul’s method was
much like Stephen’s. They both used OT passages and their fulfillment in the
life of Jesus of Nazareth to prove that He was the Messiah promised in the OT.
▣ “the
Christ” This is a way of referring to the Messiah (Anointed One, Promised
Coming One, see Special Topic at 2:31). Many times in Acts the
definite article precedes the noun (ex. 2:31,36; 3:18,20). Saul was
asserting with power and conviction that Jesus of Nazareth, killed in Jerusalem,
was indeed God’s Son, the Messiah. If this was true, it changed everything for
Jews (and Gentiles)! They had misunderstood and rejected Him. They had missed
God’s gift and remained in spiritual darkness and need.
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: 9:23-25
23When
many days had elapsed, the Jews plotted together to do away with him, 24but
their plot became known to Saul. They were also watching the gates day and night
so that they might put him to death; 25but his disciples took him by
night and let him down through an opening in the wall, lowering him in a
large basket.
9:23 “When many days had elapsed” We
must take into account Paul’s personal account found in Gal. 1:15-24, where he
spent a long period of time in Arabia. In this context Arabia refers to the
Nabataean kingdom (ruled by Aretas IV, who reigned from 9
b.c. to
a.d. 40) just southeast of
Damascus. The three-year period probably reflects somewhere close to eighteen
months. Jews counted part of a day as the whole day (cf. Matt. 26:61; 27:40,63);
this reckoning was also used of years.
▣ “the Jews plotted together to do away with
him” The Jews apparently stirred up the civil authorities (cf. II Cor.
11:32-33). This must have been humiliating for Paul because he mentions this
very event in his discussion of weakness in II Corinthians 11.
9:25 “through an opening in the wall”
This must refer to a window in a private house whose back wall was part of the
wall surrounding the city (cf. II Cor. 11:33; Josh 2:15; I Sam. 19:12).
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: 9:26-30
26When he came to Jerusalem,
he was trying to associate with the disciples; but they were all afraid of him,
not believing that he was a disciple. 27But Barnabas took hold of him
and brought him to the apostles and described to them how he had seen the Lord
on the road, and that He had talked to him, and how at Damascus he had spoken
out boldly in the name of Jesus. 28And he was with them, moving about
freely in Jerusalem, speaking out boldly in the name of the Lord. 29And
he was talking and arguing with the Hellenistic Jews; but they were
attempting to put him to death. 30But when the brethren learned of
it, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him away to Tarsus.
9:26 “he came to Jerusalem” This was
apparently eighteen to thirty-six months later (cf. Gal. 1:15-24). This verse
shows the level of skepticism in which the Jerusalem believers held their former
persecutor. Apparently Acts records several of Paul’s visits to Jerusalem after
his dramatic conversion.
1. 9:26, first visit
2. 11:30, relief visit
3. 12:25, after mission
4. 15:2, Jerusalem Council
5. 18:22, brief visit with the church
6. 21:17, visit with James and the elders and resulting Nazarite vow and
arrest
9:27 “Barnabas” The popular meaning,
though not etymological, was “son of encouragement.” This was the great saint
mentioned back in 4:36 who later became Paul’s first missionary companion. See
full note and Special Topic at 4:36.
▣ “brought him to the apostles” The
only other account is Galatians 1:18.
▣ “and described to them” Barnabas
knew and shared Saul’s testimony. This opened the door to his acceptance (cf. v.
28).
9:28
NASB“moving about freely”
NKJV“coming in and going out”
NRSV“went in and out”
TEV“went all over”
NJB“to go around”
This is an OT idiom of everyday life
or activity (cf. Num. 27:17; I Kgs. 3:7).
9:29 “he was talking and arguing with the
Hellenistic Jews” This refers to the same group (synagogues of
Greek-speaking Jews in Jerusalem) who killed Stephen; now they are planning to
kill Saul, who was also a Jew from the diaspora. They must have thought Stephen
had returned!
9:30 “when the brethren learned of it“
From 22:17-21 we learn that Jesus appeared to Paul at this time to tell him to
flee Jerusalem. Jesus appeared to Paul several times during his ministry to
encourage and guide him (cf. 18:9-11; 22:17-21; and an angel of the Lord in
27:23).
▣
“Caesarea” This refers to the Roman seaport on the Mediterranean coast of
Palestine. This was the official headquarters of the Roman government in
Palestine.
▣ “Tarsus” Paul is going to drop out
of sight now for several years in his home town. Tarsus was a free city. It was
also the third largest center of learning in the ancient world, behind
Alexandria and Athens. The universities in Tarsus emphasized philosophy,
rhetoric, and law. Paul was obviously trained both in Greek rhetoric and
philosophy as well as rabbinical Judaism.
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: 9:31
31So the church throughout all
Judea and Galilee and Samaria enjoyed peace, being built up; and going on in the
fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it continued to
increase.
9:31 This is a summary verse which
concludes the account of Paul’s conversion and introduces the travels of Peter.
Luke uses these summary verses often in Acts. See Introduction IV Purpose and
Structure, A.
▣ “the
church” See note and Special Topic at 5:11 and notice how the singular
“church” refers to many individual congregations. The term “church” can denote a
local church (ex. Col. 1:18,24; 4:15,16), all churches of an area (ex. Eph.
1:22; 3:10,21; 5:23,24,25,27,29,32), and all churches universally (ex. Matt.
16:18).
▣ Notice the items Luke chooses to
mention.
1. peace in all churches
2. growing and increasing
3. comfort from the Spirit
What a change from the persecution of 8:1! There were still problems, but God
had met every need!
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
This is a study
guide commentary, which means that you are responsible for your own
interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the
Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not
relinquish this to a commentator.
These discussion questions are provided to help you
think through the major issues of this section of the book. They are meant to be
thought-provoking, not definitive.
1. Why was Paul so vehement in his persecution of the church?
2. Why are there three accounts of Paul’s conversion in the book of Acts?
3. What is the significance of Paul being commissioned, laid-hands on, and
baptized by Ananias?
4. What is the significance of Paul’s use of Jesus as “The Son of God”?
5. Why does Luke not record Paul’s three year excursion to Arabia?
CONTEXTUAL INSIGHTS TO 9:32-10:48
A. Although the book of Acts begins the transition from Peter to Paul,
chapters 9:32-12:25 show the itinerant ministry of Peter.
B. This section deals with Peter at Lydda, 9:32-35; Joppa, 9:36-43, 10:9-23;
Caesarea, 10:1-8, 23-48; and at Jerusalem, 11:1-18; 12:1-17.
C. This section is extremely important because it deals with the continuing
struggle over the Gentile mission and Peter’s part (as head of the Apostolic
group) in that struggle. Luke deems the Cornelius account so important as to
repeat it three times in this section.
WORD
AND PHRASE STUDY
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: 9:32-35
32Now as Peter was traveling
through all those regions, he came down also to the saints who lived at
Lydda. 33There he found a man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden
eight years, for he was paralyzed. 34Peter said to him, “Aeneas,
Jesus Christ heals you; get up and make your bed.” Immediately he got up.
35And all who lived at Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they turned to the
Lord.
9:32 “Peter was traveling” Apparently
the Apostles were preaching throughout Palestine and in neighboring countries.
▣ “the saints” This term is used in
the book of Acts to describe the church. See
SPECIAL TOPIC: SAINTS at 9:13. The term “disciples” is gradually replaced by
the term “saints.” The term is related to the OT word “holy” and means, “set
apart” for God’s service. It is never used in the
singular except one time in Phil. 4:21, which is a corporate context.
This shows that to be a saint means to be “in community.” See Special Topic at
9:13. All believers are called “saints” in the NT! It is our position in Christ
that is being emphasized.
SPECIAL TOPIC: NEW TESTAMENT HOLINESS/SANCTIFICATION
▣ “Lydda” The town of Lydda was
located on the trade route from Babylon to Egypt. In the OT it was known as
“Lod” (cf. I Chr. 8:12). It was about eleven miles inland from the Mediterranean
Sea. This is the same area visited by Philip in chapter 8:40.
9:33 “a man named Aeneas” His Greek
name means “praise.” Whether he is a believer or unbeliever is uncertain, but
apparently Peter is revisiting the established churches started by Philip.
▣ “who had been bedridden eight years, for he
was paralyzed” This translation is the most common interpretation of this
Greek phrase (NASB, NKJV, NRSV, TEV, NJB). However, the Greek phrase can mean
“since eight years old” (cf. Newman and Nida, A Translator’s Handbook on The
Acts of the Apostles, p. 199).
9:34 “Jesus Christ heals you” There is
no article here, which implies that these two
terms had become a common designation. This is a literary form known as an
aoristic present, which means “this instant the Messiah is healing you.”
▣ “get up and make your bed” These are
two aorist active imperatives showing intensity
and urgency!
▣ “Immediately he got up” This shows
the man’s faith in response to Peter’s message about Jesus.
9:35 “all who lived at Lydda” This is
a good example of a hyperbolic use of the term “all” in the Bible (cf. Gen.
41:37; Deut. 2:25; Luke 2:1; Rom. 11:26).
▣ “Sharon” This refers to the northern
coastal plain in Palestine. It is about thirty miles in length running from
Joppa to Caesarea.
▣ “and they turned to the Lord” The
word “turn to” may reflect the OT word for repentance (shub). It implies
turning from sin and self (repentance) and turning to (faith) the Lord (cf.
11:21).
This little summary statement is included several times in this section,
showing the great movement of the Spirit of God through Peter and later through
Paul. This miraculous event opened the door for the proclamation of the gospel.
SPECIAL TOPIC: REPENTANCE IN THE OLD TESTAMENT
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: 9:36-43
36Now in Joppa there was a
disciple named Tabitha (which translated
in Greek is called Dorcas); this woman was abounding with deeds of
kindness and charity which she continually did. 37And it happened at
that time that she fell sick and died; and when they had washed her body, they
laid it in an upper room. 38Since Lydda was near Joppa, the
disciples, having heard that Peter was there, sent two men to him, imploring
him, “Do not delay in coming to us.” 39So Peter arose and went with
them. When he arrived, they brought him into the upper room; and all the widows
stood beside him, weeping and showing all the tunics and garments that Dorcas
used to make while she was with them. 40But Peter sent them all out
and knelt down and prayed, and turning to the body, he said, “Tabitha, arise.”
And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter, she sat up. 41And he
gave her his hand and raised her up; and calling the saints and widows, he
presented her alive. 42It became known all over Joppa, and many
believed in the Lord. 43And Peter stayed many days in Joppa with a
tanner named Simon.
9:36 “Joppa” Today this town is known
as Jaffa (Yafo). It was the ancient seaport for Jerusalem. Today it is
part of the modern city of Tel Aviv-Yafo.
▣ “disciple” The term “disciple” is
used quite often in this section of Acts. It literally means “learner,” but is
used in the sense of believer.
▣ “Tabitha. . .Dorcas” This lady’s
Aramaic name was Tabitha; her Greek name was Dorcas. Most Jews who
had social or commercial contact with non-Jews had two names, an Aramaic one and
a Greek one. Both of these names mean “gazelle,” a symbol of grace and beauty
(cf. Song of Songs 2:9, 17; 4:5; 7:3).
▣ “with deeds of kindness and charity”
This refers to Jewish alms-giving. This was a Jewish concept of weekly donations
that developed in the Synagogue for the care of the needy Jewish people in the
community. It was considered spiritually important by the Jews of Jesus’ day.
The church followed this pattern (cf. Acts 6). See Special Topic at 3:2.
▣ “which she continually did” This is
an imperfect active indicative. This speaks of
habitual action in past time.
9:37 “they had washed her body, they laid it
in an upper room” The washing of the body was typical of the Jewish
preparation for burial. In Jerusalem a body had to be buried the same day one
died, but outside of Jerusalem, burial could be delayed for three days. See
Special Topic at 5:6.
9:38 “sent two men to him” These
believers had heard of great miracles done by God through Peter and they
believed that he could do something for this great Jewish Christian lady.
9:39 “and all the widows stood beside him”
Apparently they were wearing the clothes that Dorcas had made for them of two
different kinds: (1) the inner undergarments and (2) the outward cloaks.
9:40 “But Peter sent them all out”
This is literally “threw them out.” This is exactly what Jesus did in Mark 5:40.
In fact, there are great similarities between the miracles performed in this
section and the miracles performed in Jesus’ lifetime. Jesus’ ministry is the
only model the Apostles had.
The question is, “Why did Peter want all of them to leave the room?” Jesus
did this because He did not want to be known as a healer only and the gospel was
not yet complete. But why did Peter do this? It seems that these miracles opened
the door of faith, so it would seem he would want as many as possible to view
it.
▣ “knelt down” The usual position for
Jewish prayer was standing with the arms and eyes raised to heaven. However, in
the Book of Acts, it is recorded several times that the disciples knelt down to
pray. This apparently was for emphasis (cf. 7:60; 20:36; 21:5), as it was with
Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane (cf. Luke 22:41).
▣ “‘Tabitha, arise'” Apparently he was
speaking Aramaic. Jesus and the Jews in Palestine of the first century all spoke
Aramaic, not Hebrew. This is true even as far back as Ezra-Nehemiah (cf. Neh.
8:4-8).
9:41 “saints” See Special Topic:
Saints at 9:13.
9:42 “and many believed in the Lord”
This is another summary statement that shows the great results of Peter’s
miracles and preaching ministry. See Special Topics at 2:40 and 3:16.
9:43 “Peter stayed many days in Joppa with a
tanner named Simon”
Peter’s Jewish legalism must have been breaking down already for him to stay
with a ceremonially unclean tanner (had to deal with dead animal skins) such as
Simon.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
This is a study
guide commentary, which means that you are responsible for your own
interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the
Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not
relinquish this to a commentator.
These discussion questions are provided to help you
think through the major issues of this section of the book. They are meant to be
thought-provoking, not definitive.
1. Why is the conversion of Paul recorded three times in Acts?
2. Why are the three accounts of Paul’s conversion slightly different?
3. How much choice did Paul have in his conversion? Is his experience to be
seen as normative?
4. Why did the Hellenistic Jews try to kill Paul?
5. If Peter and Paul used miracles to open the door for the gospel, why does
God not use that method more today?
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Bible Lessons International