Matthew Henry Commentary Acts 9:23-31

"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.