Matthew Henry Commentary Acts 9
Matthew Henry Commentary
Acts 9
Matthew Henry Commentary
Acts 9
"But Saul, yet breathing threatening and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, and asked of him letters to Damascus unto the synagogues, that if he found any that were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. And as he journeyed, it came to pass that he drew nigh unto Damascus: and suddenly there shone round about him a light out of heaven: and he fell upon the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And he [said], I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: but rise, and enter into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. And the men that journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing the voice, but beholding no man. And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw nothing; and they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus. And he was three days without sight, and did neither eat nor drink." — Acts 9:1-9 (ASV)
Saul was so misinformed that he thought he should do all he could against the name of Christ, believing he was serving God by doing so; he seemed to thrive on this, as if it were his natural element. Let us not despair of renewing grace for the conversion of the greatest sinners, nor should such sinners despair of God's pardoning mercy for the greatest sin. It is a clear sign of divine favor if God, by the inward working of His grace or the outward events of His providence, stops us from pursuing or carrying out sinful purposes.
Saul saw that Just One . How near to us is the unseen world! God only needs to draw aside the veil, and objects are revealed, compared to which, whatever is most admired on earth is insignificant and contemptible. Saul submitted without reserve, desiring to know what the Lord Jesus wanted him to do. Christ's revelations of Himself to poor souls are humbling; they humble them greatly, leading them to have lowly thoughts of themselves.
For three days Saul took no food, and it pleased God to leave him for that time without relief. His sins were now clearly laid out before him; he was uncertain about his own spiritual state, and his spirit was wounded because of sin. When a sinner is brought to a true understanding of his own state and conduct, he will throw himself completely on the mercy of the Savior, asking what He wants him to do. God will direct the humbled sinner. And though He does not often bring transgressors to joy and peace in believing without sorrows and distress of conscience, under which the soul is deeply engaged with eternal matters, yet happy are those who sow in tears, for they shall reap in joy.
"Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and the Lord said unto him in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I [am here], Lord. And the Lord [said] unto him, Arise, and go to the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one named Saul, a man of Tarsus: for behold, he prayeth; and he hath seen a man named Ananias coming in, and laying his hands on him, that he might receive his sight. But Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard from many of this man, how much evil he did to thy saints at Jerusalem: and here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call upon thy name. 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: for I will show him how many things he must suffer for my name`s sake. And Ananias departed, and entered into the house; and laying his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, [even] Jesus, who appeared unto thee in the way which thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mayest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Spirit. And straightway there fell from his eyes as it were scales, and he received his sight; and he arose and was baptized; and he took food and was strengthened. And he was certain days with the disciples that were at Damascus. And straightway in the synagogues he proclaimed Jesus, that he is the Son of God. 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." — Acts 9:10-22 (ASV)
A good work was begun in Saul when he was brought to Christ's feet with those words, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And Christ never left anyone who was brought to that. Behold, the proud Pharisee, the unmerciful oppressor, the daring blasphemer, prays! And so it is even now, with the proud infidel or the abandoned sinner.
What happy news this is to all who understand the nature and power of prayer—of such prayer as the humbled sinner offers for the blessings of free salvation! Now he began to pray in a different manner than he had done previously. Before, he said his prayers; now, he prayed them. Regenerating grace leads people to pray; you might as well find a living man without breath as a living Christian without prayer.
Yet even eminent disciples, like Ananias, sometimes stagger at the Lord's commands. But it is the Lord's glory to surpass our limited expectations and show that those are vessels of his mercy whom we tend to consider as objects of his vengeance. The teaching of the Holy Spirit removes the scales of ignorance and pride from the understanding; then the sinner becomes a new creature and endeavours to recommend the anointed Saviour, the Son of God, to his former companions.
"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. And when he was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: and they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how at Damascus he had preached boldly in the name of Jesus. And he was with them going in and going out at Jerusalem, preaching boldly in the name of the Lord: and he spake and disputed against the Grecian Jews; but they were seeking to kill him. And when the brethren knew it, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus. So the church throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria had peace, being edified; and, walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, was multiplied." — Acts 9:23-31 (ASV)
When we enter into the way of God, we must expect trials; but the Lord knows how to deliver the godly, and will, with the temptation, also make a way to escape. Though Saul's conversion was and is a proof of the truth of Christianity, yet it could not, of itself, convert one soul at enmity with the truth; for nothing can produce true faith but that power which new-creates the heart. Believers are apt to be too suspicious of those against whom they have prejudices.
The world is full of deceit, and it is necessary to be cautious, but we must exercise charity (1 Corinthians 13:5). The Lord will make clear the characters of true believers; he will bring them to his people and often give them opportunities of bearing testimony to his truth before those who once witnessed their hatred for it. Christ now appeared to Saul and ordered him to go quickly out of Jerusalem, for he was to be sent to the Gentiles . Christ's witnesses cannot be slain until they have finished their testimony.
The persecutions ceased. The professors of the gospel walked uprightly and enjoyed much comfort from the Holy Ghost, in the hope and peace of the gospel, and others were won over to them. They lived on the comfort of the Holy Ghost, not only in days of trouble and affliction but also in days of rest and prosperity. Those who walk circumspectly are most likely to walk cheerfully.
"And it came to pass, as Peter went throughout all parts, he came down also to the saints that dwelt at Lydda. And there he found a certain man named Aeneas, who had kept his bed eight years; for he was palsied. And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ healeth thee: arise and make thy bed. And straightway he arose. And all that dwelt at Lydda and in Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord." — Acts 9:32-35 (ASV)
Christians are saints, or holy people; not only the eminent ones, as Saint Peter and Saint Paul, but every sincere professor of the faith of Christ.
Christ chose patients whose diseases were incurable by natural means, to show how desperate the case of fallen mankind was. When we were completely without strength, like this poor man, He sent His word to heal us.
Peter does not pretend to heal by any power of his own, but directs Eneas to look up to Christ for help.
Let no one say that because it is Christ who, by the power of His grace, works all our works in us, we therefore have no work, no duty to do. For though Jesus Christ makes you whole, you must still arise and use the power He gives you.
"Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did. And it came to pass in those days, that she fell sick, and died: and when they had washed her, they laid her in an upper chamber. And as Lydda was nigh unto Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men unto him, entreating him, Delay not to come on unto us. And Peter arose and went with them. And when he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and showing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them. But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down and prayed; and turning to the body, he said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes; and when she saw Peter, she sat up. And he gave her his hand, and raised her up; and calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive. And it became known throughout all Joppa: and many believed on the Lord. And it came to pass, that he abode many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner." — Acts 9:36-43 (ASV)
Many are full of good words, who are empty and barren in good works; but Tabitha was a great doer, no great talker. Christians who do not have property to give in charity may still be able to do acts of charity, working with their hands or walking with their feet for the good of others. Those are certainly best praised whose own works praise them, whether the words of others do so or not.
But those are truly ungrateful who have kindness shown to them and will not acknowledge it by making known the kindness that was done to them. While we live on the fullness of Christ for our whole salvation, we should desire to be full of good works, for the honour of his name, and for the benefit of his saints. Such characters as Dorcas are useful where they live, as they show the excellence of the word of truth by their lives.
How petty then the cares of the many women who seek no distinction but outward decoration, and who waste their lives in the trifling pursuits of dress and vanity! Power went along with the word, and Dorcas came to life. Thus, in the raising of dead souls to spiritual life, the first sign of life is the opening of the eyes of the mind.
Here we see that the Lord can compensate for every loss; that he overrules every event for the good of those who trust in him, and for the glory of his name.
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