Act 9:3-18 | Family

Acts 9:3-18

Wicked men in persecuting Christians are persecuting Christ. But he can reveal himself to them in such a manner as to fill them with deep consternation, and lead them without reserve to give up themselves and all their interests to his guidance and disposal. Ac 22:6,7; 26:12-20. The Lord; the Lord Jesus Christ. Ver Ac 9:17,27; 1Co 9:1; 15:8.

Hard; painful and useless.

Pricks; sharp irons or points at the end of a staff or goad with which they drove cattle. It was a proverbial expression, to denote that a person's efforts against others would only injure himself. In persecuting Christians, men injure not only others, but also themselves; and the further they proceed, the more they find that the way of transgressors is hard. Stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man; by comparing the present account with chap Ac 22:9, we learn that Saul's companions heard a voice and saw a light; but that they neither understood what was said to Saul, nor saw the person of Jesus. He saw no man; being blinded by the glory of that light. Chap Ac 22:11. Three days; this meant till the third day, or one whole day and a part of two others. Mt 12:40; Mt 16:21. Tarsus; the capital of Cilicia, a province of Asia Minor.

He prayeth; this indicated the change he had experienced. When men offer from the heart supplications to God, he is ready to visit them in mercy; and to those who understand his character and ways, it is always encouraging to learn concerning any one, that he prays. A vision; designed to prepare Saul for his interview with Ananias. Call on thy name; the name of the Lord Jesus. Christians in the days of the apostles were distinguished by this. 1Co 1:2; 2Ti 2:22. A chosen vessel--to bear my name; I have selected him to make me and my salvation known to Jews and Gentiles. Ga 1:15-17. He must suffer; 2Co 11:23-28. That appeared unto thee in the way; that Saul saw the person of the Lord Jesus is implied in what is said of his companions, that they saw no man; and is affirmed by Ananias here and in chap. Ac 22:14. Paul, moreover, mentions it as a necessary qualification of an apostle. 1Co 9:1.