Albert Barnes Commentary Acts 8:3

"But Saul laid waste the church, entering into every house, and dragging men and women committed them to prison." — Acts 8:3 (ASV)

As for Saul. But Saul. He had no concern in the pious attentions shown to Stephen, but engaged with zeal in the work of persecution.

He made havoc. elumaineto. This word is commonly applied to wild beasts, such as lions and wolves, and denotes the devastations they commit. Saul raged against the church like a wild beast—a strong expression, denoting the zeal and fury with which he engaged in persecution.

Entering into every house. This was to search for those suspected of being Christians.

Haling. This means dragging or compelling them.

Committed them to prison. The Sanhedrin did not have the power to put them to death (John 18:31), but they did have power to imprison; and they resolved, it seems, to exercise this power to the utmost. Paul frequently refers to his zeal in persecuting the church (Acts 26:10–11; Galatians 1:13).

It may be remarked here that there never was a persecution commenced with more promising prospects for the persecutors. Saul, the principal agent, was young, zealous, learned, and clothed with power. He showed afterwards that he had talents suited for any station, and a zeal that did not tire from any exertion and was not daunted by any obstacle. With these abilities, he embarked on his work.

Christians were few and feeble. They were scattered and unarmed. They were unprotected by any civil power and were therefore exposed to the full blaze and rage of persecution. That the church was not destroyed was due to the protection of God—a protection that not only secured its existence but also extended its influence and power far and wide across the earth through this very persecution.

"Haling" means "dragging forth."