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Acts Chapter
Nine
I.
Content of the Chapter
The Conversion of Saul
II. The process of the conversion of Saul: A. He was
shone around by a light from heaven and fell to the ground (v.3-4a). B. He knew
Christ and the church through the word of the Lord (v.4b-5). C. he was guided
by the Lord (v.6). D. There were people who bore witness to the process of his
conversion (v.7). E. He obeyed the guidance of the Lord (v.8-9).
III. The Lord’s guidance to Ananias: A. The Lord
commanded Ananias to put his hand on Saul (v.10-12). B. The explanation of
Ananias (v.13-14). C. The Lord explained that Saul was His chosen vessel
(v.15-16).
IV. Saul got help from Ananias: A. Ananias put his hand
on Saul (v.17). B. Saul received his sight and then was baptized (v.18).
V. The conditions after Saul’s conversion: A. He took
care of the fleshly need------receiving food (v.19a). B. He took care of the
spiritual need------communicating with members (v.19b). C. He preached the
gospel to others
showing the change of life (v.20-21). D. His spiritual power
increased (v.22).
VI. Saul suffered tribulation for the sake of faith: A.
He was confronted with the plot of the Jews (v.23-25). B. He was confronted
with the doubt and fear of believers in
VII. The conversion of Saul brought the condition that
churches through all regions received grace (v.31): A. having peace; B. being
edified; C. walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy
Spirit; D. being multiplied.
The Expansion of Peter’s Ministry
I. He healed Aeneas who was paralyzed in Lydda
(v.32-35).
II. He made Dorcas rise in Joppa (v.36-43).
II.
Verse by Verse commentary
Acts. 9:1 “Then Saul
still
breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord
went to the
high priest”
YLT: “And Saul
yet
breathing of threatening and slaughter to the disciples of the Lord
having
gone to the chief priest
”
Literal
Meaning: “Then Saul
still…against the disciples of the Lord” “Still” refers to a continuous action. Saul’s
persecution towards the church is the long
continuous and well-planed
action.
“Breathing threats and murder” means that “if you do not give up your
faith
you will be dealt with according to the Law”. Actually
Saul was not an
extremely vicious man. He misunderstood that Christians were a group of men who
despised the Law of Moses and blasphemed God when he was ignorant and did not
believe Him. And therefore he persecuted Christians and thought that he
rendered service to God.
Acts. 9:2 “and asked letters from
him to the synagogues of
YLT: “did ask from him
letters to
Literal Meaning: “and asked letters
from him to the synagogues of
“Letters” may be the
official letters that ask for help in order to seize criminals. Actually the
letters do not have the lawful force of constraint. “
“So that if he found any who were of the
Way” The Lord Jesus said that He is the way (John. 14:6) and therefore those
“who were of the Way” refer to those who believe the Lord Jesus Christ
i.e.
Christians.
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) We believers are those “who are of the Way”
i.e. those who believe and trust the Lord and walk in Him. And therefore if we
do not walk in Him
we turn away from the way of the Lord.
2) The Lord lets us see the way in order to let us
walk in the way. We should never be believers who can only hear the word and
cannot walk in the way.
Acts. 9:3 “As he journeyed he came
near
YLT: “And in the going
he came nigh to
Literal Meaning: “and suddenly a
light shone around him from heaven” Since the light shines “around” men
it
should not be the light of the sun but the heavenly and spiritual light.
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) The way of the world is running after the error.
However
thank the Lord
we have been enlightened by the Lord and our way has
been corrected before we reach the end.
2) When we read the Bible or pray
sometimes there
is a light that shines in our heart (2Pet. 1:19) and gives us spiritual
comprehension and guidance and this is “the reception of enlightenment”.
3) Many people only have the one-sided
understanding concerning the will of God so that there are always extreme
conditions. We should pray the Lord that He might shine “around” us so that we
will have the comprehensive and balanced understanding.
Acts. 9:4 “Then he fell to the
ground
and heard a voice saying to him
‘Saul
Saul
why are you persecuting Me?’”
YLT: “and having fallen
upon the earth
he heard a voice saying to him
`Saul
Saul
why me dost thou
persecute?'”
Literal Meaning: “why are you
persecuting Me?” “Persecute” originally means to search out with enmity. The
Lord here did not say that
“why are you persecuting those who believe in Me?”
but “why are you persecuting Me?”. Here the Lord shows Saul that He identifies
Himself with those who believe in Him and He and those who believe in Him are
one. This is the oneness of the head and the body. What Saul persecuted is the
church
however
the word of the Lord shows us that persecuting the church is
persecuting Christ because the church is the body of Christ (1Cor. 12:27; Eph.
1:22-23).
Spiritual Meaning: “Then he fell to the ground” symbolizes that all his past religious
concepts
understanding and views
including the explanation of the Old
Testament and the Law were poured out to the ground and emptied.
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) He whoever meets the Lord must fell to the
ground. Only those who have been shocked down by the light from heaven could be
considered that they begin to have a little knowledge of the Lord.
2) “Why are you persecuting Me?” We should never
think that sinning against brother is not sinning against Christ. Please
remember that touching a little member of the body is indeed touching the head.
When a member is hurt
the head feels it.
3) Inasmuch as one does it to one of the least of
brothers
he does it to the Lord; inasmuch as one doesn’t do it to one of the
least of brothers
he does not do it to the Lord (Matt. 25:40
45).
4) Persecuting believers is “persecuting Me”. What
great comfort it is to believers who are persecuted and are suffering
tribulation------the Lord “identifies” with us.
5) Saul thought that he was serving the Lord
“fervently” (Pill. 3:6). However
the Lord “was persecuted”. The reason is that
he did not have the vision of Jesus Christ. It shows that concerning the
service without the vision
the more fervent one is
the more the Lord feels
that He is persecuted.
Acts. 9:5 “And he said
‘Who are You
Lord?’
Then the Lord said
‘I am Jesus
whom you are
persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’”
YLT: “And he said
‘Who
art thou
Lord?' and the Lord said
`I am Jesus whom thou dost persecute; hard
for thee at the pricks to kick;'”
Literal Meaning: “Who are You
Lord?”
The appellation “Lord” shows that he knows that the one who spoke to him is not
an ordinary figure but “the Lord” with higher power.
“I am Jesus
whom you are persecuting” “Jesus”
is Jesus of Nazareth who was crucified
died and was risen and taken up into
heaven. When the Lord Jesus was on the earth
Saul had never persecuted Him
directly. Here the Lord showed Saul that when he persecuted the disciples of
Jesus
he indeed persecuted Jesus.
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) In the light of the Lord
Saul knew that He is
“the Lord” who is the Lord over all first and “the Savior” (v.20
22) then. We
should commit our life to the Lord and admit that He is the Lord that rules our
life.
2) All those who believe in the Lord are united to
the Lord
i.e. the oneness of the head and the body. Any sin that sins against
the body is the sin that sins against the head.
Acts. 9:6 “So he
trembling and
astonished
said
‘Lord
what do You want me
to do?’ Then the Lord said to him
‘Arise and go into the city
and you will be told what you
must do.’”
YLT: “trembling also
and
astonished
he said
`Lord
what dost thou wish me to do?' and the Lord [said]
unto him
`Arise
and enter into the city
and it shall be told thee what it
behoveth thee to do.'”
Literal Meaning: the Lord answered
Saul’s second question with the words in this verse------“LORD
what shall I
do?” (Acts. 22:10). This question implies that Saul has admitted that Jesus is
the Messiah (i.e. Christ) and is the Lord who rules over all his life.
“Aries and go into the city” Please note
that to Saul who persecuted the church fiercely
the Lord did not blame him
except to question him that “why are you persecuting Me?” (v.4) and to warn him
that “It is hard for you to kick against the goads” (Acts. 26:14). Contrarily
He guided and entrusted him.
“And you will be told what you must do” The Lord meant that I did not tell you
what you must do and someone would tell you. The Lord used another man to tell
him what he must do. It was a revelation of the body and the Lord showed him
the principle of the body. Saul (i.e. the later Paul) was a vessel that was
greatly used by the Lord
however
the Lord used another man to help him.
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) To those who do wrong and walk in the wrong way
the positive teachings and guidance are better than negative punishment.
2) The Lord Jesus guides us step by step instead of
once for all.
3) We Christians on one hand receive revelation and
provision from the Lord directly and on the other receive the Lord’s revelation
and provision through brothers and sisters in the body. And therefore we should
never think that we do not need to rely on others and we could receive
everything by ourselves before God.
4) Many times
the guidance of the Holy Spirit in
us leads us to receive others’ guidance and help. If you do not receive others’
help
you will lose a lot.
5) Many Christians fully live in themselves and
they decide many things merely according to their own feelings. Such men have
not seen the body. We have to see that we are only members and are restrained
and we all need the help from other members.
6) May God let us see the body right now. Only
those who seek for communication
fear that they might be wrong and dare not
work alone indeed see the body.
7) No matter in the dispensation of the Old and New
Testament
when God wants His servants to do something great among His sons and
daughters
His guidance is not only one-sided but also dual-sided or many-sided
and each side could be proved by one another. The one-sided revelation could be
applied to individual affairs
however
it is not applied to the matters
concerning others. Many times
when we clearly know the will of God
we still
need to seek the proof from other aspects. If there is not the proof from men
there should be the proof of things or matters. It is always doubtful if there
is only the one-sided revelation and there isn’t the proof from other aspects.
8) Any one in the church cannot order others
relying on his guidance from God. God’s guidance in the church could always be
proved among believers.
9) This verse also tells us that: if we separate
from the church
we cannot know the will of the Lord. And therefore we have to
live in the church if we want to understand the will of the Lord.
Acts. 9:7 “And the men who journeyed
with him stood speechless
hearing a voice but seeing no one.”
YLT: “And the men who are
journeying with him stood speechless
hearing indeed the voice but seeing no
one
”
Literal Meaning: “And the men who journeyed
with him stood speechless” It means that they
stood there stunned and they were scared as if the soul had left the body by
the thing which happened just now.
“Hearing a voice but seeing no one” Though they heard “the voice” of the
words
they did not understand the meaning of the voice (Acts. 22:9) or see the
appearance of the Lord.
Acts. 9:8 “Then Saul arose from the
ground
and when his eyes were opened he saw no one. But they led him by the
hand and brought him into
YLT: “and Saul arose from
the earth
and his eyes having been opened
he beheld no one
and leading him
by the hand they brought him to
Literal Meaning: “and when his eyes were
opened he saw no one” The Lord took away
the sight of Saul’s physical eyes. He may want him to use his inner eyes to
concentrate his mind on the Lord.
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) Those who think that they have the knowledge of
the Law and the model of the truth are confident that they themselves are a
guider to the blind (Rom. 2:17-20). But actually they themselves are blind
(Matt. 15:14; 23:16) and they cannot see anything.
2) From that day
the eyes of Saul which represent
the knowledge of the Law became blind
however
his inner eyes began to be
shone by the light of the glorious gospel of Christ (2Cor. 4:4-6). The problem
of many people is that their eyes of the outer knowledge become brighter
increasingly
however
their inner spiritual eyes become more and more blurred.
Acts. 9:9 “And he was three days
without sight
and neither ate nor drank.”
YLT: “and he was three
days without seeing
and he did neither eat nor drink.”
Literal Meaning: “and neither ate nor drank” It shows that the event that Saul encountered
on the way is extremely important in his life so that he cannot eat or drink if
it has been solved. Here
he looked upon God’s guidance and proof with fasting
and praying (See v.11).
Spiritual Meaning: “And he was three days
without sight” The Lord Jesus was
risen the third day and therefore it symbolizes that Saul had the experience of
death and resurrection------he cannot see what he used to see
however
he had
the brand-new sight in the Lord’s resurrection life (See v.12
17-18).
Acts. 9:10 “Now there was a certain
disciple at
YLT: “And there was a
certain disciple in
Meaning of Words: “Ananias”: Jehovah’s
mercy
the Lord shows loving-kindness
the Lord’s answer.
Literal Meaning: “there was a certain
disciple named Ananias” “Ananias” was not
the one who lied to the Holy Spirit in chapter five (Acts. 5:1-5). He was only
a common brother and was only mentioned in this matter (Acts. 22:1). In
addition
he was not mentioned in other places
showing that he was not famous.
However
the Lord used him to help the greatest apostle.
“And to him the Lord said in a vision” “Vision” refers to the scene that the
physical eyes could see or the scene that the inner eyes could see in a trance
(Acts. 11:5).
“And he said
‘Here
I am
Lord.’” The answer shows
his attitude of faith and obedience that he was waiting to be sent by the Lord
at any time to do everything. Please note that Ananias was not astonished or
scared when he saw the vision
showing that he was the one who always had
communion with the Lord and usually received His appearance and words.
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) We should never improperly belittle ourselves
and think that we are useless. We should never love to show off and vainly hope
to do many things for the Lord. As long as we are put in an important position
by the Lord at a time throughout our life
we will have the eternal value and
have not spent our life in vain.
2) The Lord gives Ananias the clear “vision” first
and then asks him to help Saul. Only those who have seen the vision are able to
help others to realize the vision.
Acts. 9:11 “So the Lord said to him
‘Arise and go to the street called Straight
and inquire
at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus
for behold
he is praying.”
YLT: “and the Lord
[saith] unto him
‘Having risen
go on unto the street that is called Straight
and seek in the house of Judas
[one] by name Saul of Tarsus
for
lo
he doth
pray
”
Literal Meaning: “arise and go to the
street called Straight” “The street called Straight” is the long and straight
main street from the east to the west and it is in obvious contrast with many
winding roads in the city. The street has three parts. The middle part is for
the traffic of vehicles and horses. And both sides of the street are for the
bustle of walkers and for the business dealings of peddlers sitting in their
booths.
“And inquire at the house of Judas for
one called Saul of
“For behold
he is praying.” It shows
that Saul had fasted (See v.9) and prayed concerning the event that he met the
Lord Jesus in the past three days
tried his best to understand its meaning and
called upon God to guide his way in future. Later prayer became the main tone
of his life and service.
Acts. 9:12 “And in a vision he has
seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him
so that he
might receive his sight.’”
YLT: “and he saw in a
vision a man
by name Ananias
coming in
and putting a hand on him
that he
may see again.'”
Literal Meaning: “And in a vision he has seen
a man named Ananias” “Having seen”
refers what Saul had seen in the vision because his sight had not been
recovered at that time (See v.18). On one hand
Ananias got the Lord’s
commandment that he should put his hand on Saul. On the other
Saul got the
Lord’s guidance in the vision that there was a man named Ananias who would come
to put his hand on him. It is the vision in the vision.
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) When Saul had seen Ananias come in the vision
we could say that he had seen “the mercy of God” come (the meaning of “Ananias”
in the original).
2) Prayer (See v.11) is the best way to receive the
Lord’s revelation. Many spiritual visions are seen in prayers (Acts. 10:9-11
30).
3) On one hand the Lord let Saul see that He is the
heavenly and supreme Lord (v.3-5) and on the other He let him experience a
little brother in the local place------Ananias. He made him deeply know the
two-sided and abundant meaning of Christ------the head and the body.
Acts. 9:13 “Then Ananias answered
‘Lord
I have heard from
many about this man
how much harm he has done to Your saints in
YLT: “And Ananias
answered
`Lord
I have heard from many about this man
how many evils he did
to Thy saints in
Literal Meaning: “Lord
I have heard from
many about this man
how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem” It shows that the bad reputation of Saul
spread far and wide and even a common brother who was far away at Damascus heard of him. Ananias’s worry to Saul is
natural and normal. He may not be afraid of being seized by him but being
misunderstood that he was united to the evil one if he put his hand on him.
In the New Testament the word “saints”
does not refer to the outstanding Christians who are sanctified and have
remarkable spiritual attainments but every one who truly believes the Lord (
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) Christians are different from the common ones in
the world. We are “saints” who are separated to God.
2) The things that the Lord leads us to do
sometimes seem to go against the conventions so that we will hesitate to move
forward unavoidably. However
we Christians should not judge things according
to conventions but whether we have the clear word of the Lord.
Acts. 9:14 “And here he has authority
from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name.’”
YLT: “and here he hath
authority from the chief priests
to bind all those calling on Thy name.'”
Literal Meaning: “bind all who call on Your
name” It shows that “calling on the name of the
Lord” is a mark of the early Christians (1Cor. 1:2)------men could hear that
they always give off sound to call on the name of the Lord and in length of
time
it becomes a special mark that men could recognize them.
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) That whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall
be saved (Joel. 2:32; Acts. 2:21;
2) The Lord is rich unto all that call upon him
(Rom. 10:12). As long as we call on Him earnestly
we shall not lose hope.
Acts. 9:15 “But the Lord said to him
‘Go
for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name
before Gentiles
kings
and the children of
YLT: “And the Lord said
unto him
`Be going on
because a choice vessel to Me is this one
to bear My
name before nations and kings -- the sons also of
The
Background: the level of
education of the Lord’s first twelve apostles were not high and the three
leading apostles Peter
James and John were unlearned Galilean fishers (Acts.
4:13). In order to preach the gospel to the Gentile world
men like Saul who
was with the higher western education
familiar with the Hebrew religion
the
Greek culture and the Roman government must be gained (Acts. 26:5
24).
Literal Meaning: “for he is a chosen vessel
of Mine” The word “vessel”
refers to the container which could contain something
such as bottle and
basket. It is different from tool and weapon. The Lord chose Saul as His vessel
and therefore He separated him from his mother's womb
and called him by His
grace now (Gal. 1:15).
“To bear My name before Gentiles
kings
and the children of Israel” Saul (Paul) was
appointed by the Lord to be the apostle of the Gentiles and it was proved by
the three pillars of the church which was at Jerusalem James
Cephas and John
at that time (Gal. 2:8-9). Kings refer to Agrippa (Acts. 26:1) and the Roman
Empire Caesar (Acts. 25:11-12; 28:19).
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) The Lord searches and wants to gain all men. He
is able to gain and use even those who are against His revelations.
2) The Lord could forgive our mistakes
however
He
does want us to be unwilling to repent when we know our wrongness. The Lord
could forgive our failure and falling down
however
He would not like that we
cannot stand up and move forward.
3) When “the vessels” are in the hand of the Lord
they won’t be used by Him unless they are filled with something by the Lord
first. The vessel that cannot be filled by the Lord is unable to be used by
Him.
4) Believers are “the vessels of mercy which He had
afore prepared unto glory” because upon us “He might make known the riches of
His glory” (Rom. 9:23).
5) The Lord has chosen us as His vessels in order
to let Himself be filled in us so that we could manifest His life.
Acts. 9:16 “For I will show him how
many things he must suffer for My name's sake.’”
YLT: “for I will shew him
how many things it behoveth him for My name to suffer.'”
Literal Meaning: “how many things he must
suffer for My name's sake” It is the
description of the whole life of Saul from then on. He had suffered more than
others in order to preach the name of the Lord (2Cor. 11:23-28).
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) Christians are not alone in preaching the gospel
and keeping the truth because the Lord works with them and suffers with them.
And therefore they will be glorified with Him (Rom. 8:17).
2) It is unavoidable for Christians to suffer
tribulations because through many tribulations
we must enter into the
3) Those who have truly seen the vision of Christ
shall not only arise and “preach the Christ” (v.20) but also suffer
tribulations willingly for the sake of the Lord’s name.
Acts. 9:17 “And Ananias went his way
and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said
‘Brother Saul
the Lord Jesus
who appeared to you on the
road as you came
has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled
with the Holy Spirit.’”
YLT: “And Ananias went
away
and did enter into the house
and having put upon him [his] hands
said
`Saul
brother
the Lord hath sent me -- Jesus who did appear to thee in the
way in which thou wast coming -- that thou mayest see again
and mayest be
filled with the Holy Spirit.'”
Literal Meaning: “And Ananias went his way” Great faith and courage are needed for
Ananias to obey the Lord’s commandment immediately.
“And laying his hands on him he said” “Laying one’s hand” shows union
reception
communion and sharing. Ananias
representing the body of Christ
received Saul in.
“Brother Saul” The enemy Saul that Ananias previously feared and
was hostile to now became his beloved brother Saul. The persecutor now became
one of the family members who were persecuted. According to the Acts of the
Apostle
Ananias was the first one who called another believer “brother”.
“The Lord Jesus
who appeared to you” It shows that Jesus is the mighty ruler
who rules over all.
“Has sent me that you may receive your
sight” The mind of the great apostle can not be opened by
himself but by an unknown brother.
“And
be filled with the Holy Spirit” Here the “being
filled with” in the original refers to “the outer bathing” (pletho
See the
note in Acts. 2:4). And it is different from the “inner fullness”. The “outer
bathing” is for the power of work and the inner fullness is for the abundance
of life.
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) The Lord’s revelation not only eliminates the
fear in the heart of Ananias but also wipes away his enmity (v.13-16). And he
could stretch out his hand to his former enemy and say
“Brother Saul”.
Revelation is a wonderful way to deal with the problem in one’s heart.
2) Ananias had boldness to do His will because he
believed the word of the Lord. And therefore he left a good name for all time.
Today the Lord is searching this kind of men and He wants to use them.
Acts. 9:18 “Immediately there fell
from his eyes something like scales
and he received his sight at once; and he
arose and was baptized.”
YLT: “And immediately
there fell from his eyes as it were scales
he saw again also presently
and
having risen
was baptized
”
Literal Meaning: “and he arose and was
baptized” Obviously Ananias
baptized him. Ananias was not the apostle or the elder of the church and he was
only a common disciple (v.10). However
he was sent by the Lord to baptize Paul
the great apostle. It shows that there is not any special requirement for a
baptizer. Anyone who truly believes the Lord
learns willingly in the Lord and
is willing to be sent by the Lord is able to baptize others.
In addition
here laying
one’s hand on is before baptism (v.17). In other scriptures
baptism is
mentioned and laying hand on is not mentioned (Acts. 2:41; 8:38; 10:48) or
baptism is before laying one’s hand on (Acts. 8:12
17). How should we deal
with baptism and laying one’s hand on? We should know that men are baptized
unto Christ (
Acts. 9:19 “So when he had received
food
he was strengthened. Then Saul spent some days with the disciples at
YLT: “and having received
nourishment
was strengthened
and Saul was with the disciples in
Literal Meaning: “So when he had received
food
he was strengthened” He became very
weak after three days when he did not eat or drink. “Being strengthened”
indicates that the physical strength is recovered.
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) The will of God is that we are in health
just
as our soul prosper (3John. 2).
2) Things of one kind come together. The life that
one has received after he has been saved likes to communicate with other
believers (See v.28; 1John. 3:14).
Acts. 9:20 “Immediately he preached
the Christ in the synagogues
that He is the Son of God.”
YLT: “and immediately in
the synagogues he was preaching the Christ
that he is the Son of God.”
Literal Meaning: “Immediately he preached the
Christ in the synagogues” Here the word
“immediately” is special in the Greek. It is an emphatic verb. However
it is a
wording of time. It means that there wasn’t any dwell time from the time when
Saul received grace and was saved to the time when he preached the gospel
everywhere.
“Synagogues” were the places where the fanatical
Judaic ones stayed (Acts. 6:9). The emphasis that Saul began to preach the
gospel was in the Jewish synagogues where people rejected the gospel most
seriously. Saul was previously the famous radical who rejected Jesus in all
synagogues and now he had a complete change.
“That He is the Son of God” To the Jews who had received the strict
education of rabbi
the word blasphemed God (John. 5:18; 10:33).
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) After one has received the Lord
the first thing
that he should do is to bear witness of the Lord. As long as there is a chance
he will bear witness immediately.
2) When bearing witness of the Lord
we should not
choose the places where it is easy to bear witness. The more difficult it is to
preach the gospel in some places
the more we should preach the gospel there.
Acts. 9:21 “Then all who heard were
amazed
and said
‘Is this not he who
destroyed those who called on this name in
YLT: “And all those
hearing were amazed
and said
`Is not this he who laid waist in Jerusalem
those calling on this name
and hither to this intent had come
that he might
bring them bound to the chief priests?'”
Literal Meaning: “those who called on this
name in
Enlightenment in the Word: Whoever you are
as long as you meet the Lord
you
will have a complete change.
Acts. 9:22 “But Saul increased all
the more in strength
and confounded the Jews who dwelt in
YLT: “And Saul was still
more strengthened
and he was confounding the Jews dwelling in
Literal Meaning: “But Saul increased all the
more in strength” “Strength”
stresses on the spiritual power. The reasons why “Saul increased all the more
in strength” are: 1) he increased in strength because he was filled with the
Holy Spirit” (v.17); 2) he got the help of communion because he “spent some days with the
disciples at
“And confounded the Jews who dwelt in
“Proving that this Jesus is the Christ” “Proving” in the original means “uniting”
showing that Paul quoted various materials in order to prove that it is a truth
that Jesus is the Christ.
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) The more one preaches the gospel
the more he
will increases in strength. The less one preaches the gospel
the less strength
he will receive.
2) On one hand Saul preached that “Jesus is the Son
of God” (See v.20) and on the other he “proved that Jesus is the Christ”. The
son of Man refers to His person and Christ refers to His work. The Lord Jesus
is the Son of God and it indicates that He has the life of God and He is God.
The Lord Jesus is Christ and it indicates that He is the Messiah who is
anointed by God with the Holy Spirit and is sent by Him to the earth to fulfill
the mission that God has entrusted Him.
Acts. 9:23 “Now after many days were
past
the Jews plotted to kill him.”
YLT: “And when many days
were fulfilled
the Jews took counsel together to kill him
”
Literal Meaning: “Now after many days were
past” It may be the days from the time when Paul
went to Arabia and stayed there alone with God and mediated and understood
God’s mysteries of the New Testament to the time when he returned to Damascus.
There were about three years (Gal. 1:17-18). Arabia was the Syrian desert
region on the east of
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) Saul did not persecute Jesus and he became the
one who was persecuted for the sake of Jesus. When you are against God
the
world is the friend of you. When you draw near to God
the world is the enemy
of you.
2) Believers would rather be the enemy of the world
than be the enemy of God because they are the friend of the world (James. 4:4).
Acts. 9:24 “But their plot became
known to Saul. And they watched the gates day and night
to kill him.”
YLT: “and their counsel
against [him] was known to Saul; they were also watching the gates both day and
night
that they may kill him
”
Literal Meaning: “And they watched the gates
day and night
to kill him” These Jews even
got the backing of Aretas the king of
Acts. 9:25 “Then the disciples took
him by night and let him down through the wall in a large basket.”
YLT: “and the disciples
having taken him
by night did let him down by the wall
letting down in a
basket.”
Literal Meaning: “Then the disciples…by night” Please note that
here “the disciples” were mentioned
showing that within two or three years
Saul had his disciples from the time when he was received unto the body of
Christ. It shows that Saul had the ability of guiding men. In the past
he took
the head to persecute Jesus’ believers and now he turned to a leader who guided
believers to preach Jesus.
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) We should not only preach the gospel to gain men
but also feed and teach those we gain by the gospel. On one hand we should lead
men to turn to the Lord and on the other we should lead men to be the
disciples.
2) Saul got the help from brothers and went out of
the city
showing that he did not go out all by himself and he went out with
the communion
help and approval of brothers. The development of many works
will have great effort if there is men’s intercession and the support in the
spirit.
Acts. 9:26 “And when Saul had come to
YLT: “And Saul
having
come to
Literal Meaning: “he tried to join the
disciples” “tried to” in the
original is indeterminate expression
showing he tried unceasingly.
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) There is a common
saying goes like that
“you may know a person's face but not his heart”. It is
no wonder that the world know men according to flesh. However
we believers
should not know men according to flesh (2Cor. 5:16) because the living Christ
is within us. And therefore in everything we should ask Christ who is in us.
2) If we judge everything according to flesh
we
will fall into the trap of Satan. And therefore we should learn to know men and
things according to the life in us.
3) The life that believers have received likes to
have communion with believers. The spiritual states of those who do not like to
have communion and fellowship with believers before God mustn’t good.
Acts. 9:27 “But Barnabas took him and
brought him to the apostles. And he declared to them how he had seen the Lord
on the road
and that He had spoken to him
and how he had preached boldly at
YLT: “and Barnabas having
taken him
brought [him] unto the apostles
and did declare to them how in the
way he saw the Lord
and that he spake to him
and how in
Literal Meaning: “brought him to the apostles” The “apostles” is the plural number
however
Paul professed that he only met Peter the apostle and James the Lord’s
brother (Gal. 1:18-19). Probably here “the apostles” refers to the apostles in
the broad sense instead of the twelve apostles. According to the definition of
the apostles in the broad sense
Barnabas was also the
apostle (Acts. 14:14)
and James the Lord’s brother had the equal position with
apostles (Gal. 2:9).
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) If we insist on doubting someone
in the result
it would make him do the suspicious thing. If we insist on trusting someone
in
the result
it would make him prove that the trust is right.
2) We should never be hostile to someone because of
his past failure. The shortcoming of men is that they always blame someone
forever because of his one mistake.
3) Christians need the encouragement from other
Christians. To the one who has just repented and believed the Lord
it is
important for him to know that others are concerned about him and receive him.
4) We should be determined to be a Barnabas in the church and receive those who have
not been received by others and lead those who have not been led by others.
Acts. 9:28 “So he was with them at
YLT: “And he was with
them
coming in and going out in
Literal Meaning: “coming in and going out” It shows that they did not have any gap
with each other and they had perfect fellowship.
Acts. 9:29 “And he spoke boldly in
the name of the Lord Jesus and disputed against the Hellenists
but they
attempted to kill him.”
YLT: “and speaking boldly
in the name of the Lord Jesus
he was both speaking and disputing with the
Hellenists
and they were taking in hand to kill him
”
Literal Meaning: “and disputed against the
Hellenists” Paul grew in
Acts. 9:30 “When the brethren found
out
they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him out to
YLT: “and the brethren
having known
brought him down to Cesarea
and sent him forth to
Literal
Meaning: “and sent him out to
Acts. 9:31 “Then the churches
throughout all Judea
Galilee
and
YLT: “Then
indeed
the
assemblies throughout all Judea
and Galilee
and
The
Background: during the several
years when Saul turned to the Lord
the Roman governor Pilate (A.D. 26-36) at
that time was complained by the Jews to the
Literal Meaning: “Judea
Galilee
and
“The churches throughout all…had peace” “The churches” in the original is the single number
and refers to the universal church
i.e. the assembly of all local churches.
“Peace” not only refers to the peace and smoothness of the outer circumstances
but also indicates the calm and smoothness of the inner states. Many times
though there is persecution on the outside of the church
there is still peace
of Christ in the hearts (Col. 3:15).
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) The Lord allows His church suffer tribulations
however
He will never allow Satan destroy His church.
2) The crisis of the church is not the outer
persecution but the lack of peace within the church. The intriguing against
each other among believers harms the church more than the persecution form the
enemies.
3) Whom believers and the church should fear is not
men but the Lord. We should walk in the fear of God and be afraid of sinning
against the Lord.
Acts. 9:32 “Now it came to pass
as
Peter went through all parts of the country
that he also came down to the
saints who dwelt in Lydda.”
YLT: “And it came to pass
that Peter passing throughout all [quarters]
came down also unto the saints
who were dwelling at Lydda
”
Literal Meaning: “as Peter went through all
parts of the country” “all parts of the
country” here refers to places throughout Judea
Galilee
“That he also came down to the saints
who dwelt in Lydda” “Lydda” was within
the border of
Enlightenment in the Word: the reason why the gospel could be spread widely is
that Christians are willing to go out for the sake of gospel and “go through
all parts”. We should not regard us as the “end” of the gospel but the
“stronghold”.
Acts. 9:33 “There he found a certain
man named Aeneas
who had been bedridden eight years and was paralyzed.”
YLT: “and he found there
a certain man
Aeneas by name -- for eight years laid upon a couch -- who was paralytic
”
Literal Meaning: “There he found a certain
man named Aeneas” We could only know
that he was a Grecian Jew from his name.
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) Around us and even in the church
there are many
people who “have been bedridden” and cannot move a step in the spiritual way.
2) Aeneas must be carried there by men. We
believers should also be concerned about the weak ones and carry them to the
meeting so that they could enjoy the healing of the Lord’s life.
Acts. 9:34 “And Peter said to him
‘Aeneas
Jesus the Christ heals you. Arise and make your
bed.’ Then he arose immediately.”
YLT: “and Peter said to
him
`Aeneas
heal thee doth Jesus the Christ; arise and spread for thyself;'
and immediately he rose
”
Enlightenment in the Word:
the weak ones could only be held by the “bed”
however
the power of the life
of Jesus Christ could make us “make our bed”.
Acts. 9:35 “So all who dwelt at Lydda
and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord.”
YLT: “and all those
dwelling at Lydda
and Saron saw him
and did turn to the Lord.”
Meaning of Words: “
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) The gospel could not only be heard but also be
“seen”. There should be some features on us so that when men see the features
they shall “turn to the Lord”.
2) The effect of the gospel is not from men’s
wisdom
knowledge and power but the power of the Holy Spirit when He works in
men.
Acts. 9:36 “At Joppa there was a
certain disciple named Tabitha
which is translated Dorcas. This woman was full
of good works and charitable deeds which she did.”
YLT: “And in Joppa there
was a certain female disciple
by name Tabitha
(which interpreted
is called
Dorcas
) this woman was full of good works and kind acts that she was doing;”
Meaning of Words: “Joppa”: beauty;
“Tabitha”: the gazelle (the Hebrew word); “Dorcas”: the gazelle (the Greek
word).
Literal Meaning: “At Joppa there was a
certain disciple” “Joppa” was a
seaport city where the Jews dwelled
i.e.
Acts. 9:37 “But it happened in those
days that she became sick and died. When they had washed her
they laid her in
an upper room.”
YLT: “and it came to pass
in those days she
having ailed
died
and having bathed her
they laid her in
an upper chamber
”
Literal Meaning: “When they had washed her” According to the Jewish custom
the dead
ones should be washed before they are buried.
Acts. 9:38 “And since Lydda was near
Joppa
and the disciples had heard that Peter was there
they sent two men to
him
imploring him not to delay in coming to them.”
YLT: “and Lydda being
nigh to Joppa
the disciples having heard that Peter is in that [place]
sent
two men unto him
calling on him not to delay to come through unto them.”
Acts. 9:39 “Then Peter arose and went
with them. When he had come
they brought him to the upper room. And all the
widows stood by him weeping
showing the tunics and garments which Dorcas had made
while she was with them.”
YLT: “And Peter having
risen
went with them
whom having come
they brought into the upper chamber
and all the widows stood by him weeping
and shewing coats and garments
as
many as Dorcas was making while she was with them.”
Enlightenment in the Word:
1) “The tunics and garments” represent the work of
Darcas when she was alive. When we are alive
we should work more in the Lord
so that we may leave something worthy of being seen by men around us.
2) The life is more than raiment (Matt. 6:25). If
our work could help men make progress in life
our works will follow with us
(Rev. 14:13).
Acts. 9:40 “But Peter put 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.”
YLT: “And Peter having
put them all forth without
having bowed the knees
did pray
and having turned
unto the body said
‘Tabitha
arise;' and she opened her eyes
and having seen
Peter
she sat up
”
Enlightenment
in the Word: before
we “turn” and speak to men
we should “kneel down and pray” first. Prayer is
the key to the power of our words.
Acts. 9:41 “Then he gave her his hand
and lifted her up; and when he had called the saints and widows
he presented
her alive.”
YLT: “and having given
her [his] hand
he lifted her up
and having called the saints and the widows
he presented her alive
”
Literal Meaning: “when he had called the
saints and widows” “the saints” refer
to those who are separated to God.
Enlightenment in the Word: We Christians are different from the world (“the
saints”). However
the reason why we are different from them is not that we are
chosen to enjoy more honors in this life but that we are chosen to do greater
service.
Acts. 9:42 “And it became known
throughout all Joppa
and many believed on the Lord.”
YLT: “and it became known
throughout all Joppa
and many believed on the Lord;”
Acts. 9:43 “So it was that he stayed
many days in Joppa with Simon
a tanner.”
YLT: “and it came to pass
that he remained many days in Joppa
with a certain one
Simon a tanner.”
Literal Meaning: “he stayed…with Simon
a tanner” “A tanner” is workman who makes leathers. They
were always unclean (Num. 19:11-13) because they always dealt with the dead bodies
of animals. Peter decided to stay in this house
showing that he was willing to
get out of the old ceremonies of the Jewish and had made preparations for
preaching the gospel to the Gentiles.
III.
Outlines of the Spiritual Lessons
The Marks that True Believers should Have
I. Receive the
enlightenment of the Lord’s gospel (v.3).
II. Meet the Lord
and hear His voice and therefore know the Lord (v.4-5).
III. Receive the new
mission from the Lord (v.6).
IV. Lose interest in
the world (v.7-9).
V. Establish the
relation of communion with the Lord through prayer (v.11).
VI. Be unto the body
of the Lord through laying hand on and baptism (v.17-18).
VII. Have the
spiritual communion with members in the body (v.19).
VIII. Preach the
gospel and bear witness (v.20).
IX. Make progress in
grace and increase all the more in strength (v.22).
X. Be persecuted for
the sake of the Lord (v.23-25).
The Lord that Paul Knew on the Way to
II. Christ who
overcomes and conquers all------He makes the one who resists Him “fall to the
ground” (v.4a).
III. The humble
Jesus who suffers------though He is on the throne
He is still “persecuted”
(v.4b).
IV. The abundant
Christ who fills all in all------the mysterious and great “I” (v.4c).
V. Christ
the Lord
who rules over all------have to call Him “Lord” (v.5).
The Features of the Revelation that Paul
Received When He Repented
II. “You will be
told what you must do” (v.6)------members are indispensable.
The Help that Paul received when He Newly
Believed the Lord
I. The kind
reception of Ananias (v.17).
II. Staying with and
having communion with the disciples at
III. The care of the
fruits of the gospel (the disciples) (v.25).
IV. Barnabas took
him and brought him to the apostles (v.27).
V. He was with the
disciples at
VI. The announcement
and escort of brothers (v.30).
The Conditions that the Church Is Multiplied
(v.31)
I. The church must
have peace------keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
II. The church must
be edified------make progress in the Lord grace and knowledge and be edified in
the holy truth.
III. The church
should walk in the fear of the Lord------trust and obey the Lord.
IV. The church must
have the comfort of the Holy Spirit------fear to make the Holy Spirit worry.
The Manifestation of the Salvation
I. To the one who seeks
the word------communicate and lead him (v.32).
II. To the ill
one------heal him (v.33-35).
III. To the sad
ones------care for and comfort them (v.36-39).
IV. To the dead
one------make her rise (v.40-42).
V. To
preachers------make preparations (v.43).
The Steps that Peter Made Tabitha Arise
II. And he knelt
down and prayed (v.40b)------pray to the Lord humbly.
III. And turning to
the body he said
“Tabitha
arise.” (v.40c)------declare with faith.
IV. He gave her his
hand and lifted her up (v.41a)------show real care to men (Acts. 3:7).
V. When he had
called the saints and widows
he presented her alive (v.41b)------make her
recover her church life.
──
Caleb Huang《Christian Digest Bible
Commentary Series》
Translated by Sharon Ren