Acts 9

ANd Saul yet St. Luke intending a narrative of the wonderful conversion of St. Paul, lets us know what manner of person he was before his conversion, that none might despond of the grace of God, who earnestly and heartily seek it. So full of rage within, that the stream was outwardly apparent, which that inward fire had sent forth; nothing less than destruction of the Church is aimed at by its enemies; whilest Saul was one of them, he hunted after their pretious life too. breathing out threatnings and slaughter against the discipl of the Lord, went unto the c high priest, Who did usually preside in their great Council, in which they did take cognisance of such matters; the blood of Stephen did not quench their thirst, but increased it; they would spill more still.

And desired of him letters to Damascus This Council, tho it sate at Ierusalem, had a power (whether commanding or recommending) over all the Synagogues within or without Iudea. to the synagogues, that if he found any This was eminently so called, being the way of God, and the way of Life, and the only right and true way; any profession, persuasion, or manner of life, is called a way frequently in Scripture, 1 Kings 15.26. Psal. 91.11. of this way, whether they were It speaks their extraordinary rage, that would not spare the weaker Sex, who are generally spared on that account: men or women, he might bring them Which shows that he carried many with him to the further aggravation of his sin. bound Where they had power to judge of such things, and out of which it was impossible that a Prophet should perish, Luke 13.33. unto Jerusalem.

And as he journeyed he came He was near to Damascus before this wonderful vision, that being struck blind he might be the sooner led thither; as also, that the miracle might be more easily and publickly known, Damascus being the chief ity of Syria; and tho about six days journey from Ierusalem, inhabited by many Iews. near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him This was done at noon-day, the rather that the light which Paul saw, might appear to be beyond that which the Sun gives; and this light was a symbol of that inward light, wherewith his mind was now to be inlightned; as also of the purity of the Doctrine he was to Preach, and holiness of his Life which he was to lead, and most probably it was caused by the glorified body of Christ, which appeared unto him. a light from heaven.

And he Saul fell to the earth, struck with the amazing light and terrible voice of Christ; as also with the sense of the presence of God, which he knew was thus reverenced by Daniel 8.17. and 10.9. fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him The name Saul is the rather mentioned, to mind him and us of his persecuting of Christ in his members; as his name-sake had persecuted David who was a type of Christ:, Saul and 'tis ingeminated or doubled, not only to rouze and awaken Saul; but to te fie the more his love to him, and commiseration of him., Saul, why persecutest thou Christ was in Heaven, beyond Sauls rage; but Christ and his Church make but one body; thus Christ says, I was hungry and thirsty, Matth. 25.35. And in all their afflictions he is afflicted, Isaiah 63.9. but me is here emphatically spoken, as if our Saviour had minded him of his great love and mercy to him, in dying and suffering for him; and why then should he persecute him? me?

And he said Saul was in a great consternation and doubting, whether it was God, or an Angel., Who art thou Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus Tho he did not intend this persecution against Christ; yet our Saviour looks upon the good or evil done unto his members, as done unto himself. whom thou persecutest: It is hard for thee to This kicking against the pricks is a proverbial speech, taken either from Oxen, or Slaves, whom they used with goads to prick on to their work, which when they kicked against, or opposed themselves to, they did not hurt the goads or pricks, but themselves; so shall all persecutors find that their mischiefs recoil upon themselves; Christ and his members shall be made more glorious by it: This metaphor is common in Scripture, Deut. 32.15. 1 Sam. 2.29. kick against The pricks Saul had kicked against, were the Sermons and Miracles of St. Stephen and others. the pricks.

And he trembling and astonished, said, Saul being thorowly humbled, and brought to resign himself wholly to God, makes this question, giving up himself as a white paper, for Christ to write what he would upon: He had thought he had done God good service, (as 'tis said many persecutors should think so too, Iohn 16.2.) but he is now powerfully brought off from his obstinacy in that persuasion. Lord, What wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go Damascus, which was near at hand; whether Christ revealed his Gospel now unto him, or in the three days in which he remained blind in Damascus, ver. 9. is not so certain; but it is certain that he was, taught immediately by Christ himself, as he testifies, Gal. 1.12. and in that without any farther instruction he was baptized, ver. 17, 18. yet many things might be left for Ananias to confirm him in; and God by this sending of him to Ananias, would honour his own Ordinance, and recommend the Ministry and use of means, which are the power of God unto Salvation, Rom 1.16. and thus, tho God could have instructed Cornelius by the Angel which appeared unto him, Chap. 10.3. yet he is commanded to send for Peter, and to hear from him what he ought to do, Chap. 10.6. into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

And the men which journeyed with him In Chap. 26.14. these men are said to be fallen to the earth as well as Saul, which they might at first be, and now rose up; or rather by standing still, here, is only meant, they being sorely amazed, they remained in the place in which they were, without going forward: Thus the Angel forbid Lot and his family, to stay or stand in the plain, Gen. 19.17. meaning that they should hasten forward., stood speechless The greater difficulty, is to reconcile these words with Chap. 22.9. where it is expresly said, that these men did not hear the voice; but it is there added of him that spake unto Saul, so that they might hear the voice of Saul, as 'tis said in this place, and wonder whom he spake unto, or what he spake about, they not hearing the voice of him that spake unto him, as in that Chap. 22.9. it is said; and it seems very likely that they should not hear the voice of Christ, for we read not that any of them were converted; and being left in their infidelity, they were in some respects the more undeniable witnesses of a great part of that Miracle: but if it be understood of the voice of Christ in both places, then they might hear it, as 'tis said here, inarticulately, or the noise which that voice made; but not hear it articulately, or so as to understand it, as in a parallel case, Iohn 12.29. The people are said to hear the voice that spake unto Christ from Heaven, yet they heard so confusedly, as that they thought it had only been thunder: To be sure, they that are converted, and they who are not converted by the word of God, may hear the word; but after a very different manner: they that are converted by it, only hearing it inwardly, spiritually, effectually., hearing a voice, but These Fellow-travellers with St. Paul, are said to see no man; but the expression here imports their doing their utmost for to see him that spake: thus God made a difference, Daniel 10.7. in the vision we read of there. seeing no man.

And Saul arose from the earth; and when When he opened his eyes as at other times, when he did rise to see, the glorious light had so dazled him, that he could see nothing; thus Saul was, and all men are before their conversion: He had the shape of a man, and of one learned in the Law, when notwithstanding he is blind, and sees or knows nothing as he ought to know. his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus.

And he was Some have thought that in these three days Paul had that rapture into the third Heavens, which-he speaks of, 2 Cor. 12.2. but that seems rather to have been afterwards; God would howsoever by this humble and try him, and excite his dependance wholly upon him, and that he might value his restored sight the more. three days without sight, and neither That by fasting he might be more intent in Prayer; for fasting does prepare for Prayer, and therefore fasting and Prayer is so often put together, Matth. 17.21. Chap. 13.3. In those places they could fast longer without prejudice to their health, than amongst us, as and I might add, were more willing to fast for any Spiritual advantage, than we be. did eat nor drink.

¶ And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named He was of good repute for zeal and holiness, as appears, Chap 22.12. but whether he was one of the seventy Disciples which our Saviour sent out; Luke 10.1. as some will have, is not certain. Ananias, and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said Thereby showing his willingness to be sent in Gods message, and to do as God should bid him, as Samuel to Eli, 1 Sam. 3.4., Behold, I am here, Lord.

And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street, which is called straight, and enquire in the God telleth our wandrings, and knoweth our abode, and mindeth his, especially in their sorrows, which was Sauls case. house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus: for behold He spent those three days spoken of, ver. 9. in acts of great humiliation, in which he would also not taste any food; this is revealed to Ananias, that he might not fear to go unto him; a great change, is Saul also amongst them that pray? A greater wonder than that the other Saul formerly was amongst the Prophets., he prayeth,

If this verse be the words of St. Luke, continuing the History, then they must be included in a parenthesis, the sense being entire without them; but they seem to be the words of the Lord continued to Ananias, telling him, how he had provided for his welcome to Saul, contrary to his expectation. And has seen in a vision a man named Ananias, coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight

Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by His design and commission could not be noised abroad. many of this man, how much evil he has done to thy The Disciples of Christ are called Saints, because 1. They are dedicated unto the Lord in their baptism. 2. They are called unto holiness. 3. They did then live holily, and exemplarily. 4. And so must all that hope for any benefit by their being Disciples of Christ, &c. saints at Jerusalem:

Here Ananias shows the strength of his excuse; for flesh and blood cried in him as in Moses, Exod. 4.13. send by him whom thou wilt send. And here he has authority from the chief priests, to bind all that call on thy name.

But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is The whole World is Gods Fabrick, and the Church especially is his house; not only in the whole World, but in the visible Church there are all sorts of utensils, some for higher, others for meaner uses; Saul was to be a vessel unto honour, Rom 9 21. into which the treasures of Gods word was to be put, 2 Cor. 4.7. tho he was but an earthen vessel: Paul was indeed chosen by God to Preach the Gospel, Gal. 1.15. To suffer for Christs names sake, 1 Thes. 3.3. a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name This mystery of the calling of the Gentiles began now to spread abroad, and to be made more known, which was hid in those promises, Isaiah 49.6. Ier. 1.10. before the Gentiles, and kings, and n the children of Israel.

For I will show him how great things he must He shall suffer as great things as he ever did cause, or inflict; the hatred of his own Countrey-men the Iews, and the fury of the Gentiles; see the catalogue of them, 2 Cor. 11.23. And were there ever so many sufferings heaped upon one man? and yet tho all these were foretold unto him, and certainly foreknown by him; yet he would Preach the Gospel for all that; m ch was forgiven him, and he loved much. suffer for my names sake.

And Ananias went his way, and entred The house of Iudas with whom Saul lodged, as ver. 11. into the house, and Concerning this, see Chap. 6.6. besides, on what may be said of this imposition of hands elsewhere: The curing of St. Pauls blindness, was one reason of putting his hands on him here, for so it was ordinarily done towards the sick or infirm; they laid their hands upon them to heal them, as it was promised that they should do, Mark 16.18. putting his hands on him, said Saul was become Ananias his Brother, as professing the same faith, and heir of the same promise with him., Brother Saul, the Lord even Ananias mentions what had hapned to Paul in the way, that Paul might be assured that he was sent from God, for none else could have told him what had happened. Jesus that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest has sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the holy Ghost.

And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been As scales of Fish: It was no ordinary blindness, nor from any ordinary cause, and could not have been cured by common means. scales; and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.

And when he had received meat St. Paul could not but be much weakned with his journey, fear, grief, fasting, and constant praying; and now he takes a prudent care of his health, that he might be further enabled for the service of God, to what place soever he should be appointed., he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days Saul is no sooner changed, but he changeth his company and acquaintance; he re orts to none of the Rabbies of the Iews, but to the Disciples of Christ; he would love any, learn of any, that had Christ for their Master. with the disciples which were at Damascus.

And straightway he preached Christ in the The Apostles spake unto the Iews first, either that they might convert them, or at least take away all excuse from them. synagogues, that he is Which doubtless he spake largely unto, tho it be not here expressed; but he had an abundance in his heart, having tasted the power of the grace of God in Christ, and out of his heart is mouth spake. the Son of God.

But all that heard him were amazed, and said This great change is a most unaccountable thing, and might truly cause amazement; but ex quovis ligno fit Mercurius, cum digitu Dei sit statuarius, Nothing is too hard for that God in whose hand Saul's heart was., Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests?

But Saul increased True grace thrives by exercise and opposition: The word here used, many take to be a Metaphor from builders, who in erecting their Fabricks, fit one piece or part to another, and then bring them, and joyn them together; thus St. Paul did, in bringing forth, or quoting the promises in the Old Testament, and showing their exactly being fulfilled in the New Testament, or in the Gospel of our Saviour Jesus Christ; and he spake with such an evidence and demonstration of the Spirit, that he did as 'twere constrain men to be of his opinion: the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus Which was the sum of the Gospel., proving that this is very Christ.

¶ And after that God would not presently expose him to conflicts, but inure him to suffer by degrees; as also it pleased God to spare him so long nigh unto, that place where he had wrought so great a miracle for him; the sense of which might the ore be upon himself and others also, for he continued here three years, as may be seen, Gal. 1.17, 18. excepting only a journey into Arabia. many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him:

But The Iews, who stirred up Aretas the King of Damascus against Paul, 2 Cor. 11.32, 33. now began those things foretold, ver. 16. to be fulfilled. thei laying wait was known of Saul: And they watched the gates day and night to kill him.

Then the disciples took him by night, and As Rahab did the spies, Iosh. 2.15. and Michal did David, 1 Sam. 19.12. let him down by the wall in a basket.

And when Saul was come to Jerusalem he assayed to To be admitted to intimate fellowship and communion with the Disciples. joyn himself to the disciples: but they were Paul was sufficiently known by name and face at Ierusalem, and many had felt his rage. all afraid of him, and But how could the Disciples be ignorant of his conversion so long, if it was three years after? as it seems by Gal. 1.17. To answer which, may be considered, 1. The great distance betwixt Ierusalem and Damascus, (six days journey) 2. The little correspondence betwixt the Kings of those places, Herod and Aretas. 3. The persecution which was at Ierusalem, might hinder the Converts of Damascus from going thither. 4. Paul might have spent a great part of the three years in his journey amongst the Arabians, of which before. believed not that he was a disciple.

But Of Barnabas mention is made. Chap. 4.36. who is thought to have been Pauls Fellow-Disciple under Gamaliel. Barnabas took him, and brought him These Apostles, to whom Barnabas brought Paul, were Peter and Iames, as Gal. 1.18. who being the Apostles of the circumcision, or having Iudas under their charge, were abiding at Ierusalem, whilest the other Apostles probably were absent, being founding of Churches elsewhere. to the apostles, and declared unto them how Some take these things to have been related by Paul, others by Barnabas, who testified these things concerning Paul. he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.

And he was with them Living amongst them, and freely conversing with them; that is, with Peter, and Iames, and the rest of the believers, who had now no suspition of him. coming in, and going out at Jerusalem.

And he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed Hellenists, of which Chap. 6.1. such as were born in foreign parts, but of Iewish parents; these Paul chose rather to dispute with, because these had raised the persecution against Stephen, and Paul had furthered them in it; and he was very desirous to unweave that web, and give them an Antidote unto whom he had formerly given Poison; being especially concerned for their Souls, whom he had helped to destroy. against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him.

Which when the brethren knew, they brought him down to q Cesarea, and sent him forth to There were two Towns of this name, one a Coast-Town spoken of Chap. 8.40. the other was called Cesarea-Philippi, nigh Mount Lebanon. St. Pauls birth-place, where amongst his Relations and Acquaintance, they might hope he would be safe. Tarsus.

When Paul was sent away, against whom they had the greater spite, as having been as zealous a persecutor as any amongst them. Then had the churches rest throughout all Judea, and Galilee, and Samaria, and were The Church is frequently compared to a building, and every believer to the Temple of God, 1 Cor. 3.16. and 6.19. which God dwells in; from whence this Metaphor is taken. edified, and Walking is a progressive motion, and so is building, an adding to a Structure till it come to perfection; which signifies, that these believers increased daily in the knowledge of God, in true Piety and Charity, &c. walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the The word also signifies the exhortation of the holy Ghost, such exhortations as were given from God by the Apostles; to be sure, the comforts of the Spirit, are not our obedience to the commandments of God; and to be given here as the reason why the Churches were edified, and did thus increase; because believers walked in the fear of the Lord; and nothing perswades more effectually to the embracing of Religion, than the holy living of such as make profession of it. comfort of the holy Ghost, were multiplied.

¶ And it came to pass as Peter passed Where the Disciples that were dispersed had planted Churches. thorowout all quarters, he came down also to the See ver. 13. saints which dwelt at Lydda. A little Town about the west bank of I dan, not far from the Mediterr nean Sea.

And there he found a certain man named 'Tis supposed this Eneas was a Iew, tho now living at Lydda; and that St. Luke here names him by the name the Grecians called him by; he being amongst his own Countrey-men called Hille. Eneas, which had kept his bed To show the difficulty of the cure, and greatness of the Miracle. eight years, and was sick of the palsie.

And Peter said unto him, Eneas These words are not a prayer, (tho they were not spoken without Peters lifting up his heart to Christ in prayer) but a promise to this sick man of health and recovery, declaring from whom he hould receive it, that he might know whom to acknowledge, and thank for it., Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and Our Saviour bids the sick of the palsie to arise, and take up his bed, Mark 2.9. and so he commands the impotent man, Iohn 5 8. Here St. Peter bids this Paralytick to make his bed; which seems more strange, being he was commanded to arise, so that now he should have no need of having his bed made, but 'tis easily answered, that being it was only intended to show how fully that he was cured: the making of his bed, did as mch prove both to himself and others, that he was recovered, as any thing else could do. make thy bed. And he arose immediately.

And all that dwelt at Verse 32. Lydda, and Saron is the name of a City, 1 Chron. 5.16. but here it is rather the name of a Countrey, (which the masculine article usually shows) lying between Mount Thabor, and the Lake of Tiberias, a very-fruitful plain, 1 Chron. 27.29. Cant. 2. To the owning of his truth. Error (if in fundamentals) keeps us from God. Saron, saw him, and turned to the Lord.

¶ Now there was at A post-town, see Chap. 10.5. These circumstances of places and persons, are set down to evidence the certainty of the History. Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, according to the Syriack dialect then in use amongst the Iews, and Dorcas as he was called among the Greeks; it being common for the same person to have two names, one Hebrew and the other Greek, as Thomas who was called Didymus, and Cephas who was called Peter. Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was She was rich in good works, which are the best riches, last longest, and go farthest. full of good works, and alms deeds which she did.

And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had They washed the dead, and anointed them, to fit them for their burying, and especially to show their hope of the Resurrection; which some think St. Paul alludes unto, 1 Cor. 15.29. washed, they laid her in an upper chamber.

And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent They sent for Peter, that he might come to comfort those that were concerned in the great loss of so good a woman, and it may be not without some hopes of her recovery by a Miracle from St. Peter; which is the likelier, because they so much hasten his coming to them. unto him two men, desiring him that he would not She being already dead, and they preparing for her burial. delay to come to them.

It was strange that Peter should be sent for, or that he should go on such an account, viz. to raise one that was dead; but God, who had ordered this Miracle for the manifestation of his truth and glory, so wrought in their hearts, that they did this out of faith; tho if others should think to imitate it, it would be but presumption. Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him Here needed no mourning women to be hired; the death of this good woman was a common loss: these coats were made by Dorcas in her life time, to cloath the poor and naked with all. weeping, and showing the coats and garments which Dorcas made while she was with them.

But Peter Peter put them out, that he might pray the more earnestly, without distraction, or interruption; thus Elisha shut the door to him, 2 Kings 4.33 when he prayed for the Shunamites Son. put them all forth, and This his kneeling is mentioned, to recommend reverence in our praying unto God. kneeled down Peter by his betaking himself unto Prayer, would show, that he could do nothing by his own power, but it must co e from above; and he had every mercy, as much preca iously, and by prayer, as any other. and prayed, and turning him to the body, said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up.

And he gave her his hand, and lift her up; and when he had called Such who had sent for him, and now were gathered together, to see what effects his prayers might have. the saints and widows, presented And in perfect health, as all were that were miraculously cured; for the Lords works are perfect. Deut. 32.4. her alive.

And it was known throughout all Joppa; and This cure was wrought, and all the other Miracles were done, to be a means to make the Gospel to be believed, which he published, and was an undeniable proof, that this Doctrine was from Heaven; for none could do such things, unless God were with him, or rather unless God did them by him; So that this Miracle wrought by St. Peter, did more good to the Souls of many, than to the body of this relieved woman. many believed in the Lord.

And it came to pass, that he tarried The Miracle had only prepared them to receive his Doctrine, which Peter tarried some time with them, to instruct them in: The Miracle had prepared the ground, and now he takes this season to sow the seed of the word into it. many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner.