Acts 9:11

Street. Gr. rhume, a narrow passage between rows of houses. The name was eventually applied to broader thoroughfares. Even so, the “street” would be narrow by Western standards.

Straight. A long straight street, now known by the name Sultaniyeh, still runs through the old city of Damascus from east to west, and is possibly the same along which Ananias walked to meet Saul in the house of Judas. The present street level is some 30 steps above that of Saul’s time, so it is not possible to identify the house where Saul stayed.

Judas. The record gives no information concerning this Judas, or why Saul had been led to his house. This whole account shows how detailed are both the Lord’s knowledge and His planning.

Saul, of Tarsus. This passage is noteworthy as the first mention in Scripture of the apostle’s birthplace (cf. Additional Note 2 on ch. 7). Its physical position guaranteed the importance of Tarsus. Although it stood 10 mi. inland, a safe harbor lay between the city and the sea, and small craft could reach the town. Beyond the city’s limits there towered the Taurus Mts., through which the narrow gorge known as the Cilician Gates gave access to the interior of Asia Minor. But the ancient city was noted for more than its strategic site. It was famous as a university town, and was sometimes known as the Athens of Asia Minor. Its scholars were respected for their skill in the sciences, and its philosophers included many noted Stoics, who may have had some influence on Saul’s own outlook. In the realm of trades, it is significant that tent-making, Saul’s trade (ch. 18:3), held a prominent position.

Prayeth. Rather, “is praying,” denoting continuity in prayer (cf. 1 Thess. 5:17). Here is indeed a contrast between the threatening and slaughter the persecutor breathed out as he drew near to Damascus, and the prayerfulness of humble repentance in which he now was living. Saul’s prayers would include a petition for pardon for the past, light and wisdom for the future, strength for the work to which he was now called, and intercession for those whom he had before been persecuting.