John Calvin Commentary Acts 22:6

"And it came to pass, that, as I made my journey, and drew nigh unto Damascus, about noon, suddenly there shone from heaven a great light round about me." — Acts 22:6 (ASV)

And it happened. Because this history was explained in greater detail in the ninth chapter, I will only briefly touch on those things that were spoken there. But what is unique to this present passage is that Paul recounts his circumstances, so that by them he might prove that he was converted by God.

And this is the third part of the sermon; otherwise, this change might have been thought to have proceeded from inconstancy or rashness, or else it would not have been free from some infamy. For nothing is more intolerable than to deviate from the course of godliness which people have once entered, and also not to do what they are commanded to do.

Therefore, lest anyone might suspect Paul’s conversion, he proves by many miracles which he brings to light, that God was its author. In the night season, lightnings often appear, which come from the hot exhalations of the earth; but this was more strange, that about noon a sudden light not only appeared, but also encompassed him like lightning, so that through fear of it he fell from his horse and lay prostrate on the ground.

Another miracle was that he heard a voice from heaven; another, that his companions did not hear it as he did. Also, other things followed: after he was sent to Damascus, the event corresponded to the oracle, because Ananias came to meet him. Furthermore, his sight was restored to him in a moment.

I fell to the earth. As Paul was puffed up with Pharisaical pride, it was fitting that he should be afflicted and thrown down, so that he might hear Christ’s voice. He would not have despised God openly, nor dared he refuse the heavenly oracle; yet his mind would never have been formed for the obedience of faith if he had continued in his former state. Therefore, he was thrown down by violence, so that he might learn to humble himself willingly.

Furthermore, in Christ’s words there is only a brief rebuke, which serves to appease the rage of Paul, who was so cruelly intent. Nevertheless, we derive from this an excellent consolation, in that Christ, identifying Himself with all the godly, complains that whatever injury was done to them was done to Him.

And just as nothing sweeter can be imagined to soothe the bitterness of persecution than when we hear that the Son of God suffers not only with us, but also in us, so also, the bloodthirsty enemies of the gospel, who, now besotted with pride, mock the miserable Church, will perceive whom they have wounded.