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Acts 9:11-17

King James Version (KJV)

“In our prayers we talk to God, in our Bible study God talks to us, and we had better let God do most of the talking.”
— D.L. Moody

Scripture focus

11. And the Lord [said] unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for [one] called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, 12. And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting [his] hand on him, that he might receive his sight. 13. Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: 14. And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name. 15. But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: 16. For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake. 17. And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, [even] Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.

Acts 9:11-17 — KJV

Commentary

Commentary on Acts 9:11

Theological / Devotional

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.

By SdaBc