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Warren Wiersbe · Citado em PreceptAustin
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Wiersbe - In spite of his great learning (Acts 26:24), Saul was spiritually blind (2 Cor. 3:12–18) and did not understand what the Old Testament really taught about the Messiah. Like many others of his countrymen, he stumbled over the Cross (1 Cor. 1:23) because he depended on his own righteousness and not on the righteousness of God (Rom. 9:30–10:13; Phil. 3:1–10). Many self-righteous religious people today do not see their need for a Saviour and resent it if you tell them they are sinners. (BEC) Breathing (1709)(empneo from en = into + pneo = to blow, in NT used of dangerous, stormy wind, cf Mt 7:25, Jn 6:18) means literally to blow into or upon and figuratively was used in classic Greek to mean "be alive (to breathe)" or "to inspire (inhale)." In the Septuagint it is interesting that it is used frequently of the Lord's command to Israel to "not leave anything alive that breathes" in the cities He had given them for inheritance (Dt 20:16; cf. Joshua 10:28,30,35,37,39,40 = strike every "breathing" thing). The picture of empneo is to be full of or ready to burst with threats. Philo uses empneo of breathing or snorting (especially with megas - great) to picture arrogance or rage, a good picture of Saul who was "ravaging the church, entering house after house, and dragging off men and women, he would put them in prison." (Acts 8:3+) Knowling says of Paul that "threatening and murdering were as it were the atmosphere which he breathed, and in and by which he lived!" THOUGHT - What a picture of Paul's perverted passion! And he does it for a lie! Does this not convict us who possess the Gospel truth and yet are so often indifferent and lacksidaisical about sharing our faith with lost men and women who will spend eternity in Hell unless they hear and receive the Gospel we possess? I spoke today with a believer who is visiting an unbelieving friend on death's door and asked if he had shared the Good News with him before that soul stepped off into eternity? He answered that it had "crossed his mind!" Beloved, if we find ourselves in a similar "crucis" situation, may God's Spirit grant us grace to let what crosses our mind be translated into boldness which will cross our lips to tell them of the Cross before they cross over into eternity! In Jesus' Name. Amen. Threats (547)(apeile from apeileo = to threaten or menace) means a threatening or threat, a warning that one will punish another. John Stott on Saul's threats and murder - This, then, was the man (more wild animal than human being) who in a few days’ time would be a converted and baptized Christian. But he was in no mood to consider the claims of Christ. His heart was filled with hatred and his mind was poisoned by prejudice. In his own language later, a “raging fury” obsessed him (Acts 26:11RSV). If we had met him as he left Jerusalem and (with the benefit of hindsight) had told him that before he reached Damascus he would have become a believer, he would have ridiculed the idea. Yet this was the case. He had left out of his calculations the sovereign grace of God. (Message of Acts) Murder (5408)(phonos) means is a noun describing killing, murder, slaughter, in classical Greek referring to the literal killing of someone. Depriving one of life by illegal or intentional act. Those reject the knowledge of God, He gives over to a depraved mind which includes those "filled with...murder" (Ro 1:29). Jesus described Saul's heart declaring "out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders." (Mt 15:19, Mk 7:21) Phonos describes Barabbas the murderer Pilate released instead of Jesus (Lk 23:19, 25+). In the future pouring out of God's wrath in the Tribulation, even after the horrible plagues the earth dwellers "did not repent of their murders." (Rev 9:21). In his post-conversion testimony Paul declared "I persecuted this Way (DISCIPLES OF JESUS) to the death, binding and putting both men and women into prisons." (Acts 22:4) Phonos - 9x in 9v - Mt. 15:19; Mk. 7:21; Mk. 15:7; Lk. 23:19; Lk. 23:25; Acts 9:1; Rom. 1:29; Heb. 11:37; Rev. 9:21 Phonos - 17v in the Septuagint - Exod. 5:3; Exod. 17:13; Exod. 22:2; Lev. 26:7; Num. 21:24; Deut. 13:15; Deut. 20:13; Deut. 22:8; Deut. 28:22; Job 21:22; Prov. 1:18; Prov. 28:17; Jer. 22:17; Ezek. 43:7; Ezek. 43:8; Ezek. 43:9; Hos. 4:2; Matthew Henry on Saul's character - How bad he was, how very bad, before his conversion; just before he was an inveterate enemy to Christianity, did his utmost to root it out, by persecuting all that embraced it. In other respects he was well enough, as touching the righteousness which is of the law, blameless (Php 3:6), a man of no ill morals, but a blasphemer of Christ, a persecutor of Christians, and injurious to both, 1 Ti 1:13. And so ill informed was his conscience that he thought he ought to do what he did against the name of Christ (Acts 6:9) and that he did God service in it, as was foretold, Jn. 16:2. Paul Apple writes Saul was seeking to root out disciple adding that "Our transformed lives should be evident to the world; should not be difficult to identify those who freely claim to be disciples of Jesus Christ." Disciples (3101)(mathetes from manthano = to learn which Vine says is "from a root math, indicating thought accompanied by endeavor". Gives us our English = "mathematics") describes a person who learns from another by instruction, whether formal or informal. Discipleship includes the idea of one who intentionally learns by inquiry and observation (cf inductive Bible study) and thus mathetes is more than a mere pupil. A disciple is a “follower,” someone who adheres completely to the teachings of another, making them his rule of life and conduct. NIDNTT adds that mathētēs in John is often simply a term for “Christian” (Jn. 8:31; 13:35; 15:8)…mathētēs has the general sense of “Christian”, one who believes in Jesus. TDNT adds that mathetes is regularly used in Acts for a Christian…the primary point to notice is that the relevant sections of Acts use it in the sense of those who have come to believe in Christ." Beloved, there is a teaching out there (even in evangelical circles) which says a "disciple" is like a "super Christian" or a Christian who is more dedicated, more devoted, and as such has reached a higher level of spirituality than the "average" believer. This is a lie from the pit of hell (apologies for being so blunt)! A believer in Jesus Christ is a disciple of Jesus Christ. Period! Luke makes that blatantly clear in Acts where believers in Christ are called by the term disciples more often than any other designation. Some argue that the fact that disciple is not found after Acts signifies it was a unique designation and not meant to be applied to believers after that. The truth is that even the term "believer" is used only about 7 times after Acts. Furthermore the term Christian is used only twice in Acts (Acts 11:26, Acts 26:28) and once by Peter (1 Pe 4:16) and we don't have any hesitancy in referring to a believer as a Christian! In addition, the term disciples is used over 20x compared to believers (3x - Acts 5:14, 10:45, 16:1). In summary, every true believer is a disciple of Jesus. Are you a true follower of Jesus? Ralph Earle - As followers of Jesus we are to be, first of all, learners. We are to learn from Him by listening to Him, learn the truth that will set us free (John 8:32) and keep us from error. But we are also to learn from Him by looking at Him‑ learn how to live a life of beauty and blessing. (Word Meanings in the New Testament) Related Resource: What is the difference between a Christian and a disciple? Went to the high priest (cf Acts 26:10) - Perhaps Luke intends a play on words because the verb for went is proserchomai which is used in other contexts of coming before God (Heb 4:16, Heb 7:25, Heb 11:6, 1 Pe 2:4). Here Saul comes before the man who theoretically should have been representing God in truth, but of course he was not because he refused to believe in Jesus, the Great High Priest! Presumably this was Caiaphas, the same one who presided over the illegal trial of Jesus, over trials of the apostles (Acts 4:6,7, 5:17, 21, 27) and over the trial of Stephen (Acts 7:1). Spiritual Markers - In his excellent course Experiencing God, Henry Blackaby has a subtopic called "A Spiritual Inventory" writing "I have found it helpful to identify “spiritual markers” in my life. Each time I encounter God’s call or directions, I mentally build a spiritual marker at that point. A spiritual marker identifies a time of transition, decision, or direction when I clearly know that God has guided me. Over time I can look back at these spiritual markers and see how God has faithfully directed my life according to His divine purpose. When I review my spiritual markers, I can see more clearly the directions in which God has been moving my life and ministry." I can attest to Blackby's words, for I look back on my life and can see God's hand ("spiritual markers") preparing me for the ministry in which I am currently involved. All that to say, Saul had a number of pre-conversion "spiritual markers" which prepared him for the ministry Jesus assigned to him. Stanley Toussaint has a good summary of Saul's "spiritual markers" which prepared him for the work to which Jesus called him... (1) He knew the Jewish culture and language well (Acts 21:40; Phil. 3:5). (2) Because he was reared in Tarsus he was well acquainted with the Greek culture and its philosophies (Acts 17:22–31; Titus 1:12). (3) He possessed all the privileges of a Roman citizen (Acts 16:37; 22:23–29; 25:10–12). (4) He was trained and skilled in Jewish theology (Gal. 1:14). (5) Because he was capable in a secular trade he was able to support himself (Acts 18:3; 1 Cor. 9:4–18; 2 Cor. 11:7–11; 1 Thes. 2:9; 2 Thes. 3:8). (6) God gave him zeal, leadership qualities, and theological insight. (Bible Knowledge Commentary) Paul Apple - GOD’S SURPRISING CHOICE FOR KEY MINISTRY – THE CONVERSION AND COMMISSIONING OF THE APOSTLE PAUL - Think of God’s surprising choices down through the ages: Abraham – Jewish nation from a family immersed in idolatry in the land of Ur Jacob – a conniving deceiver who schemed to snatch the birthright away from his twin brother Esau Rahab – a harlot of Jericho who by faith hid the spies and ended up as the mother of Boaz being included in the genealogy of the Messiah – what privileged service Gideon’s small band of chosen warriors – who fought the enemy with trumpets and torches – showing that God chooses to display His power through weakness David – the runt of the litter; the youngest of the children of Jesse – all of whom were paraded past Samuel and rejected with the statement: “The Lord has not chosen these” (1 Sam. 16:10) but David was revealed to be the sovereign choice of God for the kingship of the nation Each of the Apostles (fishermen, tax collector) – not the educated or the rich or the famous or the movers and shakers Gotquestions on the Damascus Road Experience - The phrase “Damascus Road experience” is used to describe a conversion which is dramatic and startling. Many people receive Christ in a life-changing, instantaneous experience, although many others describe their conversion as more of a gradual understanding of the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ (ED: YOURS TRULY WAS CONVERTED IN A NON-DRAMATIC WAY OVER A PERIOD OF 4-5 MONTHS). But both types of experiences have several things in common. First, salvation is of the Lord, by His will and according to His plan and purpose (Acts 22:14). As He does one way or another to each of us, Jesus made it clear to Saul that he had gone his own way for long enough. Now he was to become an instrument in the hands of the Master to do His will as He had foreordained it. Second, the response of both Saul and all those who are redeemed by Christ is the same: “What do you want me to do?” Like Saul, we do not bargain, negotiate, question, or come halfway. The response of the redeemed is obedience. When God truly touches our hearts, our only response can be, “Lord, may your will be done and may you use me to do it.” Such was the experience of Saul on the Damascus Road. Saul’s dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus was the beginning of an incredible journey. And while not all conversions are as startling as Saul’s, each of us is commissioned by Jesus to live in obedience to Him (John 14:15), love one another in His name (1 John 2:23), “know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,” (Philippians 3:10), and tell the world of the wonderful riches in Christ. Charles Swindoll - There is no one more persistent than God when He decides to save someone. And few can appreciate God’s persistent, pursuing love more than Francis Thompson. By almost any measure of success, Thompson was a failure. He failed to become a Roman Catholic priest. He failed to become a medical doctor. He lasted only two weeks as a surgical instrument maker and two months as an encyclopedia salesman—during which time he read the entire work and sold nothing. He lasted a short time in the military before failing the physical exam, most likely due to his severe addiction to opium. Eventually, he left home to make his own way in London, hoping to become a successful writer. But, as one biographer put it, “It had been his habit to obey the command of the drug by the disposal of his books and medical instruments.” In a short time, he was destitute, wandering the streets of London in filthy rags and broken shoes, unable to keep work when fortunate enough to find it, and then reduced to selling matches to keep from starving. But within the shirtless vagabond beat a heart that God had claimed for Himself. After reading Thompson’s poetry, Wilfrid and Alice Meynell, editors of the magazine Merrie England, rescued Thompson from the streets. They gave him a place to live and brokered his first book deal, which made him an instant celebrity. He later wrote—in the words of many critics—the greatest English ode ever put in print: “The Hound of Heaven,” a mystical poem about God’s relentless pursuit of His beloved. I fled Him, down the nights and down the days; I fled Him, down the arches of the years; I fled Him, down the labyrinthine ways Of my own mind; and in the mist of tears I hid from Him, and under running laughter. Up vistaed hopes I sped; And shot, precipitated, Adown Titanic glooms of chasmèd fears, From those strong Feet that followed, followed after. But with unhurrying chase, And unperturbèd pace, Deliberate speed, majestic instancy, They beat—and a Voice beat More instant than the Feet— “All things betray thee, who betrayest Me.” (ED: Here is the long version of Hound of Heaven) Many can appreciate Francis Thompson’s story because it mirrors their own desperate flights from the grace of God. Thanks to the Lord’s persistent, pursuing love—and despite their own efforts to reject His gracious gift of freedom—they now enjoy the kind of life none could have imagined. (Swindoll's Living Insights - NT Commentary) COMPARISON OF THREE VERSIONS OF PAUL'S CONVERSION Acts 9+ Luke's Version of Saul's Conversion Acts 22+ Paul's Defense before Jews at Temple Acts 26+ Paul Trial before King Agrippa II in Caesarea As he was traveling, it happened that he was approaching Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him; and he fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” (Acts 9:3-4) “But it happened that as I was on my way, approaching Damascus about noontime, a very bright light suddenly flashed from heaven all around me, and I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?’” (Acts 22:6-7+) While so engaged as I was journeying to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests, at midday, O King, I saw on the way a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining all around me and those who were journeying with me. And when we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew dialect, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’” (Acts 26:12-14+) And he said, “Who are You, Lord?” And He said, “I am Jesus whom you are persecuting.” (Acts 9:5) “And I answered, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And He said to me, ‘I am Jesus the Nazarene, whom you are persecuting.’” (Acts 22:8) “And I said, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And the Lord said, ‘I am Jesus whom you are persecuting.’” (Acts 26:15) “But get up and enter the city, and it will be told you what you must do.” (Acts 9:6) “And I said, ‘What shall I do, Lord?’ And the Lord said to me, ‘Get up and go on into Damascus, and there you will be told of all that has been appointed for you to do.’” (Acts 22:10) “‘But get up and stand on your feet; for this purpose I have appeared to you, to appoint you a minister and a witness not only to the things which you have seen, but also to the things in which I will appear to you; rescuing you from the Jewish people and from the Gentiles, to whom I am sending you, to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Me.’” (Acts 26:16-18) The men who traveled with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one. (Acts 9:7) “And those who were with me saw the light, to be sure, but did not understand the voice of the One who was speaking to me.” (Acts 22:9) Saul 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. (Acts 9:8) “But since I could not see because of the brightness of that light, I was led by the hand by those who were with me and came into Damascus.” (Acts 22:11) Acts 9:2 and 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. (NASB: Lockman) KJV Acts 9:2 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. and asked for letters from him Acts 9:14; 7:19; 22:5; 26:12; Esther 3:8-13; Ps 82:2-4 the synagogues Acts 6:9; 13:14,15; 28:17-21 if he found any belonging to the Way. Acts 19:9,23; 22:5; 28:22 Acts 9 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries PERSECUTION OF THE WAY And asked for letters from him to the synagogues at Damascus - It is fascinating that Saul's action illustrates the saying "the enemy of my enemy is my friend," because here we see Saul, a Pharisee, asking for letters from a Sadducee (probably Caiaphas)! Stated another way, their common hatred of Jesus made them "strange bedfellows!" Paul's own "commentary" on his obtaining permission from the Jewish hierarchy in Jerusalem is found in Acts 22:4-5 I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and putting both men and women into prisons, 5 as also the high priest and all the Council of the elders can testify. From them I also received letters to the brethren, and started off for Damascus in order to bring even those who were there to Jerusalem as prisoners to be punished. In Acts 26:12 Paul adds “While so engaged (I kept pursuing them even to foreign cities - Acts 26:11) as I was journeying to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests, A T Robertson on the need for letters - Julius Ceasar and Augustus had granted the high priest and Sanhedrin jurisdiction over Jews in foreign cities, but this central ecclesiastical authority was not always recognized in every local community outside of Judea. Paul says that he received his authority to go to Damascus from the (chief) priests (Acts 26:10) and “all the Council of the elders (presbuterion - another name for the Sanhedrin, the Jewish high court in Jerusalem)” (Acts 22:5). (Acts 9 Commentary) Toussaint on letters from the high priest - Damascus (see its location on the map) was not under the control of Judea, Galilee, or the Decapolis. What jurisdiction would the high priest have over synagogues in Damascus? This is usually answered by saying Rome recognized the right of extradition when the high priest in Jerusalem demanded it. But this can also be explained in another way. At that time Damascus may have been under the Nabatean king, Aretas IV (cf. 2 Cor. 11:32,33). In order to gain favor with the anti-Roman Jews, Aretas, who hated the Romans, would have conceded this favor to the high priest. (Bible Knowledge Commentary) Matthew
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Wiersbe - The Lord has a special work for Saul to do. The Hebrew of Hebrews would become the apostle to the Gentiles; the persecutor would become the preacher; and the legalistic Pharisee would become the great proclaimer of the grace of God.” (Bible Exposition Commentary)
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Wiersbe quips "Ananias was available to do God’s will, but he certainly was not anxious to obey! The fact that Saul was “praying” instead of “preying” should have encouraged Ananias." (Bible Exposition Commentary) Jack Thompson on he is praying - Having been a Pharisee, he was used to praying long repetitious prayers. But for the first time in his life, he is actually reverently praying and communicating with God. This is the first thing he does after meeting Jesus Christ. He does not sing, he does not speak, he does not play an instrument, he privately prays. He is no longer breathing threats against Christians, but he is praying to God as a Christian Steven
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Wiersbe wrote, “God can use even the most obscure saint. Were it not for the conversion of Saul, we would never had heard of Ananias; and yet Ananias had an important part to play in the ongoing work of the church. Behind many well-known servants of God are lesser-known believers who have influenced them. God keeps the books and will see to it that each servant will get a just reward. The important thing is not fame but faithfulness.” Ananias was faithful to the call of God on his life and God used him in the restoration of Saul. Ananias went his way and entered the house that God told him to enter. That tells me that Ananias’ way was God’s way! Where God wanted him he would go; what God wanted him doing he would do. When His way is our way we will be blessed by the Lord and used by the Lord. Too often our way is our way and we refuse and reject His way. Proverbs 16:25 says, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” When we go our way we need to make sure it is His way. " (Sermon) Ananias departed and entered the house and after laying his hands on him said - Notice Ananias' immediate obedience after Jesus had explained his "mission." He did not hesitate, vacillate or grumble. Formerly he had expressed some reservations, but no longer after he had heard the word of Christ. There is a principle here which is amplified by Paul's words in Romans 10:17 where he teaches that "faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ." Ananias' faith (trust) was strengthened by the words of Jesus enabling him to overcome his fear. Faith is always God's prescribed antidote for fear. What are you fearing today? Perhaps, hearing from the Word of Christ today might be just what you need to strengthen your faith and then be enabled by His Spirit (who takes the Word) to overcome your fear. As Paul wrote to Timothy "God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and self-control." (2 Ti 1:7NET) When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word, What a glory He sheds on our way! While we do His good will, He abides with us still, And with all who will trust and obey. Trust and obey, for there’s no other way To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey. (Play) Notice how trusting, obedient Ananias ministered to Saul - (1) Plays a part in Saul regaining his sight - Lays hands on him (2) Instructs Saul - confirms it was indeed Jesus Who appeared to him on the road (3) Accepts Saul - as a Christian brother (4) Baptizes Saul - after exhorting him to consider baptism As Larkin says "Ananias’ ministry models for us the supportive, restorative role the church is to play in the lives of newly converted Christians." We don't hear about Ananias again in the NT (other than his interaction with Saul also noted in Acts 22:12). But he is not obscure to God and only eternity will tell us how valuable Ananias' ministry was to Saul and the expansion of the Kingdom of God (cf Mt 6:19-21+, Lk 8:8+, Mk 10:30). God is always looking for men and women like Ananias, not as much for their ability as their availability and their faithfulness to fulfill His call on their lives! Are you an "Ananias?" (Paul's Conversion and Early Ministry Acts 9:1-31) Wiersbe adds "Behind many well-known servants of God are lesser-known believers who have influenced them. God keeps the books and will see to it that each servant will get a just reward. The important thing is not fame but faithfulness (1 Cor. 4:1–5)." (Bible Exposition Commentary) APPLICATION - It is not always easy to love others, especially when we are afraid of them or doubt their motives. Nevertheless we must follow Jesus' command (John 13:34) and Ananias's example, showing loving acceptance to other believers. (Life Application Study Bible) Related Resource: Let Spurgeon's sermon challenge you - The Good Ananias - A Lesson for Believers(summary format) Brother Saul - Ananias' address to Saul previously the persecutor as his spiritual brother in Christ serves to demonstrate the power of the Gospel, not only in transforming Saul's heart from murder to love, but of enabling Ananias' reception of Saul as his broth in Christ. And this must have greatly encouraged Saul to be so addressed. Ananias could have said you “former murderer”, “former persecutor” or “former sinner”, but filled with grace he calls Saul his brother! Brother (80)(adelphos from a = denotes unity + delphus = a womb) means literally from the same womb. Believers are all born from one Spirit and thus have a common "birth." Adelphós generally denotes a fellowship of life based on identity of origin. Adelphos in this context describes a spiritual brother, a fellow Christian, a fellow believer. The Lord Jesus - Ananias recognizes Jesus as his Lord. Who appeared to you on the road by which you were coming - Ananias relates his vision of Jesus which re-enforces the truth to Saul that it was indeed Jesus Who appeared to him on the road. Saul knows that there was no other way Ananias could have known about the Damascus Road encounter unless Jesus had actually told him. Surely this fact would serve to strengthen Saul's faith. Has sent me so that you may regain your sight - Luke gives us more detail of what Ananias said in what amounted to Saul's "commissioning service." Luke quotes Paul's version of this event... (Ananias) came to me (SAUL), and standing near said to me, ‘Brother Saul, receive your sight (aorist imperative)!’ And at that very time I looked up at him (cf "scales...fell" Acts 9:17). 14 (ANANIAS "COMMISSIONS" SAUL) “And he said, ‘The God of our fathers has appointed you to know His will and to see the Righteous One and to hear an utterance from His mouth (A PROPHECY THAT SAUL WOULD HAVE MORE ENCOUNTERS WITH JESUS). 15 ‘For you will be a witness for Him to all men (IMPLIES JEWS AND GENTILES) of what you have seen and heard. 16 ‘Now why do you delay? Get up and be baptized (aorist imperative), and wash away (aorist imperative) your sins, calling on His name.’ (Acts 22:13-16) Comment: It is interesting that in Acts 22 Saul's restoration of sight was associated with Ananias' command with no mention of laying on of hands. Here in Acts 9:17 Ananias lays his hands on Saul and speaks but Luke does not record the direct command to Saul to receive his sight. Acts 22 makes no mention of Saul's filling with the Spirit. Jack Arnold on brother Saul - This must have been a tremendous comfort to Paul. Because of his stand for Christ, Paul was cut off from his former Jewish companions and forfeited the friendship of every Jew in the then known world. He needed the words “Brother Saul” to know he was loved and accepted by his Christian brethren. (Sermon) Steven Cole on brother Saul - Saul was on a mission to destroy the Lord’s people. But now, he is dependent on one of the Lord’s people to regain his sight. Ananias was a godly Jew who had accepted Jesus as his Messiah. After he receives the confirmation that he needs from the Lord, he goes to Saul and greets him, “Brother Saul.” How wonderful those words must have sounded to Saul! “Brother Saul!” Formerly, he was public enemy number one of the church. But after God transformed him, he immediately became Brother Saul. One reason that the Lord sent Ananias, rather than healing Saul’s sight directly in answer to his prayers, was so that Saul would begin to see what he later taught clearly, that the church is the body of Christ. We are members of one another. (An Unlikely Conversion Acts 9:1-19) And be filled with the Holy Spirit - The idea of filling is controlling, so that which fills a person, controls that person (Think of wine which is Paul's analogy in Eph 5:18+). The Spirit filled and took control of Saul. THOUGHT - Dear new creation in Christ (like Paul was), are you daily allowing the Spirit to control your thoughts, words, actions? If not you are living life in your natural power, not His supernatural power! How's that working out for you? Fill yourself with the Word in the morning, as the Spirit uses the Word to energize you. See the intimate association of Filled with His Spirit and Richly Indwelt with His Word. See discussion of the Need for the Holy Spirit to obey NT commands. See The Holy Spirit-Walking Like Jesus Walked!. Be filled (4092)(pimplemi) can speak of literal filling (Mt 27:48), but in this passage is used figuratively. Saul was filled with the Spirit which signifying that he was wholly affected, controlled and influenced by the Holy Spirit. Compare Lk 1:15 = of John the Baptist while still in mother's womb, Lk 2:4, Acts 4:8 = of Peter, Acts 4:31 = the praying believers, Acts 13:9 = of Paul). Filled with an emotion (Lk 4:28, Lk 6:11 = filled with rage, Lk 5:26 = filled with fear, Acts 3:10 = wonder and amazement, Acts 5:17 = jealousy, Acts 13:45 = Jews filled with jealousy, compare Acts 19:29 = city filled with confusion). Note that Ananias is not an apostle and yet he in a sense "commissions" Saul (actually Jesus commissioned him of course) and this is associated (in a way Luke does not specifically describe) with filling with the Spirit. Previously Saul had been filled with his old nature, which "empowered" his persecution of the Church. Now Saul had become a new creature in Christ (2 Cor 5:17+) and had access to a new power, the power of the Holy Spirit. Saul needed to be filled with, controlled by, empowered by the Spirit of Jesus so that he might be enabled supernaturally to do the work of Jesus. This is the continual need of every believer who seeks to bear the Name of Jesus to a lost and antagonistic world. Kistemaker observes that "The verbal portrait Luke paints is vivid yet lacking in detail. In descriptive language he reveals that Paul received his eyesight, but the words concerning the filling with the Spirit are sketchy. Luke gives no sequence of events, so we are unable to ascertain when the coming of the Holy Spirit occurred." (Ibid) Ray
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Wiersbe adds "By the power of God, his eyes were opened and he could see!" We don't know exactly what was on Saul's eyes, but the implication is that there was something physical which impaired his vision, and at this very moment the physical impediment fell off enabling him to see again. This Bible verse gives us the common secular saying "to have scales fall from (one's) eyes" which in the secular world means "To suddenly be able to see a situation clearly and accurately." That's not a bad "spiritual" definition, because for the first time in his life, Paul had 20/20 spiritual vision to see Jesus for Who He really is, the Messiah and Savior of the world. Scales (3013)(lepis from lepo = to peel, strip off the rind or husk) literally referred to fish scales (Lxx - Lev 11:9, 10, Dt 14:9) or a thin layer that covers something. We derive our English word lepidopterous, having wings (ptera) like butterfly wings, covered with scales. Liddell-Scott says "an egg-shell, Ar.; the cup of a filbert, Anth. 2. collectively, the scales of fish, Hdt." This is the only NT use of lepis and here it is actually a simile so it not referring to a scale like one might see on a fish or insect wing, but it somehow resembles it. "Medical writers use the word λεπις [lepis] for pieces of the skin that fall off (Hobart, Medical Language of St. Luke, p. 39)." (Robertson) Lepis in Septuagint - Lev. 11:9; Lev. 11:10; Lev. 11:12; Num. 16:38; Deut. 14:9; Deut. 14:10; TDNT - lepis has two meanings: a. “shell” (e.g., of a nut) and b. “scale” (e.g., of fish, snakes, or, figuratively, metal plates). The only NT use is in the story of Paul's conversion, when Ananias lays hands on the blinded Saul and “something like scales fell from his eyes” (Acts 9:18). The term comes from the medical world of the day which speaks of descaling the eyes, i.e., removing a growth of skin that causes blindness (ED: FROM MY BACKGROUND AS A DERMATOPATHOLOGIST THIS IS NOT AN ACTUAL SCALE OF SKIN ORIGINATING FROM THE CONJUNCTIVA THAT COVERS THE EYE. IT COULD ONLY REFER TO OVERGROWTH OF SKIN OVER THE EYE BUT NOT ORIGINATING FROM THE EYE BULB ITSELF.). The author needs no special medical knowledge to use the term, and the passage must not be thought to support the view that Paul suffered from an eye affliction (cf. Gal. 4:15). The metaphor suggests that, as the Lord has overcome Paul's enmity, so he has given him the witness that he is to go to the Gentiles “to open their eyes” and turn them from darkness to light (Acts 26:18). [G. BORNKAMM, IV, 232-33] Fell from (634)(apopipto from apo = away from + pipto = to fall) means to fall off. In the Septuagint uses it can refer to things that fall (gleanings) (Lev 19:9, Lev 23:22). This verb was not used as a medical term related to the scales on the eyes so Luke is not giving us a "medical description". As a pathologist who dealt with esoteric diseases frequently, I am not aware of any medical condition that produces scales on the eyes which later fall off. Scars yes, but not scales. Vincent on there fell—scales - Both words occur only here in the New Testament. In Paul’s own account of his conversion in Acts 26:12-18. he does not mention his blindness: in Acts 22. he mentions both the blindness and the recovery of sight, but not the particular circumstances which Luke records. The mention of the scales, or incrustations, such as are incidental to ophthalmia, is characteristic of the physician, and ἀποπίπτειν, to fall off, was used technically by medical writers of the falling of scales from the skin, and of particles from diseased parts of the body. “We may suppose that Luke had often heard Paul relate how he felt at that moment” (Hackett). Stedman on scales falling from his eyes - Immediately it changed his vision. Scales fell from his eyes. I think this is both literal and symbolic. All those long, built-up prejudices of a Pharisee against Gentiles; all the bigotry, the pride and the prejudice that twisted and distorted his view of the Gentile world; all of it disappeared in one moment. This man saw the whole world, Jews and Gentiles alike, as men and women bearing the image of God and needing to be redeemed. He never again looked at them any longer as Jew and Gentile. He no longer saw those divisions. As he tells us himself, he learned to judge no man according to the flesh but to see in him only a potential subject for the kingdom of God. (Acts 9:1-19 Beloved Enemy) And he got up and was baptized (baptizo) - Luke omits the exhortation from Ananias in Paul's second version of his conversion story. Ananias asked Saul "Now why do you delay? Get up and be baptized (aorist imperative = Don't delay! Do this now!), and wash away your sins, calling on His name.’ (Acts 22:16) As in several previous conversions recorded in Acts, water baptism followed conversion (Acts 8:12, 38+).
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Wiersbe writes that "Paul wanted to minister to the Jews in Jerusalem, but God commanded him to depart from the city (SEE SCRIPTURE BELOW). God’s kingdom program at Jerusalem was now at a close, and Paul had a ministry to fulfill among the Gentiles." (Borrow Wiersbe's Expository Outlines on the New Testament) “It happened when I returned to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple, that I fell into a trance, 18 and I saw Him saying to me, ‘Make haste (aorist imperative - Do not delay! Do this now! This is urgent!), and get out of Jerusalem quickly, because they will not accept your testimony about Me.’ 19 “And I said, ‘Lord, they themselves understand that in one synagogue after another I used to imprison and beat those who believed in You. 20 ‘And when the blood of Your witness Stephen was being shed, I also was standing by approving, and watching out for the coats of those who were slaying him.’ 21 “And He said to me, ‘Go! (present imperative - keep on going!) For I will send you far away to the Gentiles.’” (Acts 22:17-21) Jack Arnold comments - Paul had to learn that all that is important in life is God's program for him. He could add nothing to make God's plan for his life successful. He had to learn that all he needed was Christ. All he needed was the Sovereign Christ working in him and through him. Paul had to learn that lesson before he could be a valuable servant to Christ. (Paul, The New Creature) John Phillips amplifies Wiersbe's comments writing that "Increasingly now Judaism was turning against Christ, the Holy Spirit, the church, and Christianity. Within a few decades judgment would fall. The Temple, now the rallying point of opposition to the gospel, would be burned to the ground, and the Jews would be scattered again, left to wander deeper and deeper into the maze of an ever-growing Talmud." (See Exploring Acts: An Expository Commentary) Acts 9:30 But when the brethren learned of it, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him away to Tarsus. (NASB: Lockman) KJV 9:30 Which when the brethren knew, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus. when Acts 9:24,25; 17:10,15; Mt 10:23 Tarsus Acts 9:11; 11:25 Acts 9 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries See Map of Events Associated with Saul's conversion and ministry SAUL ESCAPES TO TARSUS But when the brethren learned of it - The fellow believers in Jerusalem (cf Ananias addressing Saul as "brother Saul" Acts 9:17+). Brethren (adelphos) are literally those born of the same womb, and figuratively speaking all believers have been born of One Spirit (cf 1 Cor 12:13, Jn 3:3-6), children of God in God's family (Jn 1:12-13+, 1 Jn 3:1+). Barton - In these short sentences, we can see two characteristics of Saul, even as a new believer in Christ: he was bold, and he stirred up controversy. These would characterize Saul’s ministry for the rest of his life.Here we must insert the added details provided by Acts 22:17–21. God reminded Saul of his calling to go to the Gentiles. (Borrow Life Application Commentary page 506) Learned (1921)(epiginosko) means to know, to realize, to recognize. Speaks of full knowledge. They brought him down to Caesarea - When one leaves Jerusalem it is always phrased as down (and conversely going is phrased "go up to" Jerusalem), because of its elevated location (2474 feet above sea level). Caesarea (Caesarea Maritima) was a city on the coast of Palestine, south of Mount Carmel and was also known as “Caesarea by the sea." (See pix of many ruins that remain) It was predominantly inhabited by Gentiles and was a center of Roman administration and the location of many of Herod the Great’s building projects.Read Josephus' description in Josephus Antiquities 15.9.6. The proper noun Caesarea occurs 17x in the NT, and 2 uses refer Caesarea Philippi (Mt. 16:13; Mk. 8:27) (Map) (See picture of this area today) and the remainder (all the uses in Acts) refer to Caesarea by the Sea. Mt. 16:13; Mk. 8:27; Acts 8:40; Acts 9:30; Acts 10:1; Acts 10:24; Acts 11:11; Acts 12:19; Acts 18:22; Acts 21:8; Acts 21:16; Acts 23:23; Acts 23:33; Acts 25:1; Acts 25:4; Acts 25:6; Acts 25:13 And sent him away to Tarsus (see map of Paul's early ministry) - How was Saul sent? Although Luke does not tell us specifically, it was almost surely by ship since Caesarea Maritima was a major seaport at that time and Tarsus was also near the coast about 360 miles from Jerusalem. While the estimates vary somewhat, most commentators feel that Saul remains in Tarsus ("no insignificant city" - Acts 21:39) for the next 10 years (some say as few as 5-7 years). As Swindoll says "He would spend the next decade learning, growing, and becoming ever more ready for leadership in the church. God had marked this brilliant Pharisee for ministry among the Gentiles, but the church was not yet ready for him. While God prepared Saul of Tarsus to become Paul the apostle, He also prepared the Jewish church in Jerusalem to welcome Gentiles as brothers and sisters." (Ibid) Jack Arnold - Paul was probably in Tarsus for ten years and for that ten years nothing is heard about Paul. These ten years of Paul's life are passed by in silence. During this time he was not a leader in the church. Think about this for a moment. The first fourteen years of Paul's life as a Christian were not too significant in the eyes of men, but God was using these years to train and teach this man about grace and honing him as a sharp razor to be His instrument. Paul's main ministry came after these fourteen years of obscurity when he was about forty-five years old. Fourteen years later God led Barnabas to go to Tarsus and get Paul to help him in the ministry at Antioch. And even then he went there as Barnabas' assistant and not as the chief “honcho.” When Paul came to Antioch, he came a broken, humiliated, humble man, who no longer boasted of himself or trusted in himself but trusted only in Christ. He had learned the lesson that God is not so interested in our ability as much as our availability. He learned the lesson, “Without Me you can do nothing.” (Paul, The New Creature) Sent away (1821)(exapostello from ek = out, forth + apostello = to send away) means to send away or send forth. BDAG - (1) to send someone off to a locality or on a mission, (Acts 17:14, 7:12, 11:22, Gal 4:4, 6) (2) to send off as an act of dismissal, send away (Lk 1:53, 20:10-11) (3) to send something off in an official sense, send, dispatch (Lk 24:49, Acts 13:26) Exapostello - 13x in 13v - send...away(1), sending forth(1), sent(3), sent...away(3), sent away(1), sent forth(3), sent...off(1). Lk. 1:53; Lk. 20:10; Lk. 20:11; Lk. 24:49; Acts 7:12; Acts 9:30; Acts 11:22; Acts 12:11; Acts 13:26; Acts 17:14; Acts 22:21; Gal. 4:4; Gal. 4:6 Exapostello in the Septuagint has over 200 uses and here are just a few - Gen. 3:23; Gen. 8:10; Gen. 8:12; Gen. 19:29; Gen. 25:6; Gen. 26:29; Gen. 26:31; Gen. 31:27; Gen. 31:42; Gen. 32:13; Gen. 45:1; Gen. 45:24; Ps. 18:14; Ps. 18:16; Ps. 20:2; Ps. 43:3; Ps. 57:3; Ps. 78:45; Ps. 78:49; Ps. 81:12; Ps. 104:10; Ps. 104:30; Ps. 105:26; Ps. 105:28; Ps. 106:15; Ps. 110:2; Ps. 135:9; Ps. 144:6; Ps. 144:7 Larkin concludes this section noting that "The persecution and divine preservation are further evidences of the genuineness of Saul’s call. Through his experience we also learn that avoidance of known trouble is not necessarily a sign of cowardice (Krodel 1986:181). If undergoing a known danger, especially a life-threatening one, will prevent a Christian missionary from fulfilling the known plan of God, then he or she should avoid it by every legitimate means possible." (Paul's Conversion and Early Ministry Acts 9:1-31) John
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Wiersbe comments on Acts 22:16 - The King James Version of Acts 22:16 conveys the impression that it was necessary for Saul to be baptized in order to be saved, but that was not the case. Saul washed away his sins by “calling on the Lord” (Acts 2:21; Rom. 10:13). Kenneth Wuest translates Acts 22:16, “Having arisen, be baptized and wash away your sins, having previously called upon His name.” In the Greek, it is not a present participle (“calling”), but an aorist participle (“having called”). His calling on the Lord preceded his baptism. (Bible Exposition Commentary) Paul had no hesitancy in following the exhortation of Ananias and was baptized (immediately). Damascus had 2 rivers running through town (see picture), the Abana and the Pharpar, either of which would have been good places for Saul's baptism. Once again we see the irony as Saul is baptized into the very church (1 Cor 12:13) he hated and hunted! Arnold writes that Saul "wanted to outwardly identify himself with Christ even though he had already been inwardly identified by faith. One of the marks of a new Christian is that he wants to take his public stand for Christ in water baptism. We do not know how Paul was baptized, but we do know that his baptism had nothing to do with his salvation. He was saved three days before so his baptism had absolutely nothing to do with his salvation. It was probably Ananias who baptized Paul. Ananias was not an elder or a deacon but he baptized Paul. Ananias was never ordained but he baptized. Some of the great saints of the church were never ordained - John Calvin, John Bunyan, H. A. Ironside and D. L. Moody to name a few. According to the New Testament, it is not necessary for an ordained man to administer baptism or the Lord's Table. Any layman can water baptize a believer in Christ." (Sermon) Ray Stedman gives an interesting description of these events in Saul's life comparing them with the development of film in photography - Surely that is what we have in this remarkable account. It has always seemed to me that here is a striking parallel to the process of photography. God, in a sense, took a picture of Jesus Christ at this moment, and printed it upon the soul of this young man, Saul of Tarsus. From that moment on, anyone who looked at Paul the Apostle never saw Paul; he saw Jesus Christ. The fundamental principle of photography is to take light-sensitive salts, spread them on a film, and keep them in total darkness until the precise moment when what you want recorded is exposed to it. That is what happened to Saul of Tarsus. He was a young man, very sensitive to the things of God, and yet kept in darkness until the moment when the light was exposed. In that blinding light he saw an image, the image of Jesus Christ. It was printed indelibly upon his soul. After an exposure to light film is always kept in darkness to develop. It is put down into dark and bitter waters for awhile, and that is also what we find here. The newest apostle was led by the hand into the city of Damascus where for three days and nights he neither ate nor drank, while the image to which he was exposed was developed and embedded unforgettably in his heart. Saul of Tarsus was crucified, and Jesus Christ was seen in his life from then on (cf Gal 2:20+). (Acts 9:1-19 Beloved Enemy) After First Sight Read: Galatians 1:11-18 There fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once. —Acts 9:18 In 1991, two operations restored Shirl Jennings’ sight after 40 years of blindness. His family and friends reacted with absolute euphoria, but the next day Shirl’s fiance recorded in her diary that he was “trying to adjust to being sighted . . . . Not able to trust vision yet. . . . Like [a] baby just learning to see, everything new, exciting, scary, unsure of what seeing means.” Although Shirl knew people and objects through his other senses, he could not recognize them by sight. People expected him to be fully adjusted immediately, but he was trying to figure out what everything was. Isn’t it much the same for us when we receive God’s gift of salvation? After Paul was blinded on the road to Damascus, the restoration of his physical sight became a powerful metaphor for the new spiritual sight he received from the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 9:3-17). We don’t know much about Paul’s 3 years in Arabia following his conversion (Galatians 1:15-18), except that it must have been a period of profound relearning about life and God. It takes time to grow in our relationship with Christ, and to see with the new spiritual eyes He has given us. So let’s be patient with each other, and especially with every new Christian we meet along our journey of joyful discovery. —DCM More about Jesus let me learn, More of His holy will discern; Spirit of God, my teacher be, Showing the things of Christ to me. —Hewitt Conversion is a step of faith; maturity is a journey of faith. Acts 9:19 and he took food and was strengthened. Now for several days he was with the disciples who were at Damascus, (NASB: Lockman) KJV Acts 9:19 And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus. he took food and was strengthened Acts 27:33-36; 1 Sa 30:12; Eccl 9:7 Now for several days Acts 26:20; 1 Sa 10:10-12; Gal 1:17 Acts 9 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries SAUL CONFRONTED BY CHRIST COMFORTED BY THE CHURCH William Larkin has an interesting comment - Reports of “foxhole religion” and deathbed conversions leave us uneasy. And having just read about Saul’s conversion, we might be wondering about him. How do we know his and others’ experiences are genuine? (Paul's Conversion and Early Ministry Acts 9:1-31) And he took food and was strengthened - Saul had already developed the right priorities, taking care of spiritual matters before seeking to meet his physical need. In Acts 9:17-18 Saul was spiritually strengthened (filled with the Holy Spirit, baptized) and here he is physically strengthened. Jack Andrews comments on Saul's 3 days without food - In those three days without sight he was not thinking about his belly, but about his behavior. He was not thinking about eating food, but about exercising faith. He was not caught up with consuming a meal, but about connecting with the Master. There is a proper time and place to eat. Paul understood that he need to take care of his body. He had been saved by the grace of God, restored by God, been baptized into the fellowship of the church, and now was having food with the saints that he had traveled there to persecute. (Expository Sermons) Strengthened (1765)(enischuo from en = in + ischuo = to strengthen) used only here and Lk 22:43 ("an angel from heaven appeared to Him, strengthening Him" in His agony in the Garden) and means to be strong in anything, to be invigorated, become strong. Its basic meaning is “to grow strong, to regain one’s strength” as when Jacob, who was sick, strengthened himself to meet Joseph and his two sons who came to visit him (Genesis 48:2). This verb is used in the Lxx when Samson beseeches Yahweh to "strengthen (him) just this time" that he might avenge the Philistines for blinding him (Jdg 16:28). In 2 Sa 22:40 David acknowledges that Yahweh "has girded (him) with strength for battle." Now for several days he was with the disciples (mathetes) who were at Damascus - Were they all together in Judas' house? Luke simply does not tell us. Physical food was followed by spiritual fellowship. The former strengthened him physically, while the latter strengthened him spiritually. This is a simple but amazing statement. These were the very disciples Saul had sought to imprison, and yet now they willingly embrace their former enemy as their friend and brother in Christ! Those Saul sought to bind became brothers in Christ! Not only that, but it is likely that these more mature disciples were discipling Saul who would one day become the great apostle Paul! The radical change in Saul after his conversion is once again a sure testimony to the transforming power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. O blessed Gospel! Robertson on several days - An indefinite period, probably not long, the early period in Damascus before Saul left for Arabia (Gal. 1:13–24+). (Acts 9 Commentary) John
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Wiersbe comments that "Jesus took the girl by the hand before He spoke to her (Mk 5:41), for He was not afraid of becoming ceremonially defiled (ORTHODOX JEWS BELIEVED TOUCHING A DEAD BODY WOULD RESULT IN CEREMONIAL DEFILEMENT); and Peter took Dorcas by the hand after she had come to life. In both instances, it was the power of God that raised the person from the dead, for the dead person certainly could not exercise faith. (Bible Exposition Commentary) Jack Andrews - When God’s at work in a person’s life even dead people can hear. God can speak to dead people. When he speaks to the dead they do not stay dead. God used His servant to do a great miracle in Joppa. You and I as believers were once dead in our trespasses and sins (Eph 2:1+), but when God's Spirit spoke to our dead spirit, we came alive. As Paul says "God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved)." (Eph 2:4-5+) When God speaks to the spiritually dead they are able to hear the word of God and be saved and open up their spiritual eyes and see. Jack Arnold - The Apostle Peter, as one who had the Apostolic sign gift of miracles, raised Dorcas from the dead. She was restored from the dead. This is a beautiful picture of how Christ takes a sinner who is in a hopeless spiritual condition of death and brings him alive. At the command of Christ, the sinner comes to spiritual life. God quickens and the sinner believes in Christ and is gloriously saved. Every time a person is saved a marvelous miracle takes place which is a greater miracle than raising the dead. (The Miracle Worker) And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter, she sat up - Enabled by the Holy Spirit Dorcas obeyed Peter's command. Luke does not record any words spoken by Dorcas which is interesting. Perhaps God wants us to wait to heaven to hear her description of the event. Heaven will be an exciting place for sure! Matthew Henry pointed out that the first sign of life in the raising of dead souls to spiritual life is the opening of the eyes of the mind which is exactly what Jesus told Paul when He gave him his assignment to go to the Gentiles "to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Me.’ (Acts 26:18+, cf 2 Cor 4:3-6+). She opened (455)(anoigo from ana = again + oigo = to open) means to open, to open up, to open again, to give access to. Anoigo refers as here to literal opening of the eyes (Acts 9:8, 40) meaning to cause to see, restore sight (Mt. 9:30; 20:33; John 9:10, 14, 17, 21, 26, 30, 32; 10:21; 11:37; Sept.: In the Millennium = Isa. 35:5+). Figuratively it means to open the eyes or the understanding of the mind, to cause to perceive and understand, as in Acts 26:18. She sat up (339)(anakathizo from ana = up + kathizo = to sit) is used only twice in the NT and both uses are intransitive, and both refer to the action of someone who was raised from the dead (Luke 7:15 = "The dead man sat up and began to speak"; Acts 9:40; no uses in the Septuagint). This verb was often used by secular medical writings. VGNT has a use in an ancient letter "she seems … to be in a more tolerable state in that she has sat up, but nevertheless she is still in a somewhat sickly state of body." Dorcas sat up in her own power. We read a similar miracle performed by Jesus when Jairus' daughter died, an event witnessed by Peter, John and James... Luke 8:41 And there came a man named Jairus, and he was an official of the synagogue; and he fell at Jesus’ feet, and began to implore Him to come to his house; 42 for he had an only daughter, about twelve years old, and she was dying. But as He went, the crowds were pressing against Him....49 While He was still speaking, someone came from the house of the synagogue official, saying, “Your daughter has died; do not trouble the Teacher anymore.” 50 But when Jesus heard this, He answered him, “Do not be afraid any longer; only believe, and she will be made well.” 51 When He came to the house, He did not allow anyone to enter with Him, except Peter and John and James, and the girl’s father and mother. 52 Now they were all weeping and lamenting for her; but He said, “Stop weeping, for she has not died, but is asleep.” 53 And they began laughing at Him, knowing that she had died. 54 He, however, took her by the hand and called, saying, “Child, arise!” 55 And her spirit returned, and she got up immediately; and He gave orders for something to be given her to eat. 56 Her parents were amazed; but He instructed them to tell no one what had happened. (Lk 8:41-43, 49-55+, cf Mk 5:35-43, Mt 9:23-25) Acts 9:41 And he gave her his hand and raised her up; and calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive. KJV 9:41 And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive. he gave Acts 3:7; Mark 1:31 calling the saints and widows Acts 6:1; Job 29:13; Ps 146:9; Luke 7:12 he presented her alive20:12; Ge 45:26; 1 Ki 17:23; Luke 7:15 Acts 9 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries A REUNION AFTER REVIVAL And he gave her his hand and raised her up - He could have let her arise on her own, but he reached out to assist her. On the other hand he did not touch her while she was dead, but only once she was alive. Was he fearful of becoming "unclean?" If so, it is surprising he would spend many days with a tanner who was considered unclean by most Jews (Acts 9:43). Raised her up (450) see anistemi. Same verb used to command Aeneas to Arise (Acts 9:34) and Tabitha to Arise (Acts 9:40). As Andrews says "When we minister to others we need to be there for them and do what we can to get them back on their feet. Peter didn’t just talk about ministry, but he was involved in ministry. You and I need to make sure that we are getting our hands involved in lifting others up. There are needs all around us and we must not be oblivious to them. Let us get involved in Jesus name." David
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Wiersbe comments that "During the "many days" that he tarried in Joppa, Peter took the opportunity to ground these new believers in the truth of the Word, for faith built on miracles alone is not substantial. It was a good thing Peter tarried in Joppa, because God met with him there in a thrilling new way. God's servants need not always be "on the go." They should take time to be alone with God, to reflect and meditate and pray, especially after experiencing great blessings. Yes, there were plenty of sick people Peter might have visited and healed, but God had other plans. He deliberately detained His servant in Joppa to prepare him for his third use of "the keys."...God was moving Peter a step at a time from Jewish legalism into the freedom of His wonderful grace. (Ibid) With a tanner named Simon - "The use of para is usual for staying with one (by his side)." (Robertson) This is the amazing statement. According to the laws of that time, a tanner had to live at least 75 feet (25 meters) outside a village because of his constant ritual uncleanness. For a Jewish man to accept the hospitality of a tanner is unthinkable, for fear of being made "unclean." The fact that Peter was willing to stay with Simon and not just overnight but for many days suggests that the Spirit was beginning to work on his heart about the significance of clean and unclean to his Christian walk. Peter was about to have a supernatural show on what God considered clean and unclean!