Matthew Henry Commentary Acts 9:1-9

"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.