Charles Spurgeon Commentary Acts 9:21-25

"And all that heard him were amazed, and said, Is not this he that in Jerusalem made havoc of them that called on this name? and he had come hither for this intent, that he might bring them bound before the chief priests. But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews that dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is the Christ. And when many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel together to kill him: but their plot became known to Saul. And they watched the gates also day and night that they might kill him: but his disciples took him by night, and let him down through the wall, lowering him in a basket." — Acts 9:21-25 (ASV)

But all who heard him were amazed, and said: Is not this he who destroyed those who called on this name in Jerusalem, and came here for that intent, that he might bring them bound to the chief priests? But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ. And after many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him: But their laying await was known to Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him. Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket.

I never heard of a more precious basketful of material than that.

Sometimes, the greatest of men may owe their safety to the very poorest of instruments; and I think it is the duty of a Christian to avoid trouble if he can, just as our Lord commanded his disciples, when they were persecuted in one city, to flee to another. Paul was carrying out that command of his Master. It was not cowardice; it was the very soul of courage, that he might go elsewhere to proclaim the gospel that he had received in Damascus.