Acts 9

And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,

And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.

And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:

And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?

And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.

And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man.

And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus.

And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.

And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord.

And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth,

And hath 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 many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem:

And here he hath 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 a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:

For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.

And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath 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 scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.

And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.

And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.

But all that heard him were amazed, and said; 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 the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.

And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him:

But their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him.

Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket.

And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not 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 he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.

And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem.

And he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him.

Which when the brethren knew, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus.

Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.

And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all quarters, he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda.

And there he found a certain man named Aeneas, which had kept his bed eight years, and was sick of the palsy.

And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately.

And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord.

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 was sick, and died: whom when they had 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 unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them.

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 weeping, and shewing 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 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 lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive.

And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord.

And it came to pass, that he tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner.

What does Acts 9:18 mean?

Explanation

This verse describes a key moment in the conversion of Saul (who would become Paul) on the road to Damascus.

The phrase "fell from his eyes as it had been scales" is a metaphorical description of the sudden return of his physical sight, as Saul had been struck blind following a vision of Jesus Christ on the road in an earlier part of the narrative (Acts 9:3-9).

The fact that this event is immediately followed by Saul getting up and being baptized signifies not only a physical restoration of sight but also represents a spiritual awakening and transformation.

Saul's baptism is a public declaration of his newfound faith in Jesus Christ and marks the beginning of his mission as one of the most influential apostles in Christianity.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Acts 9:18 occurred in the first century AD, during a period when the Christian faith was still in its nascent stages.

Saul of Tarsus, a Pharisee and a zealous persecutor of the early Church, was on his way to Damascus to arrest Christians when he experienced a miraculous encounter with the risen Christ.

Saul was blinded for three days until Ananias, a disciple in Damascus, was instructed by the Lord in a vision to go to Saul, lay hands on him, and restore his sight.

This verse takes place in Damascus, a city that has historically been a crossroads for trade and a site of numerous cultural exchanges.

Theological Insights

From a Christian theological perspective, this verse illustrates the concept of grace, as Saul's conversion and healing were unmerited favors from God.

It also showcases the power of divine intervention and the significance of baptism as a sacrament of faith and entry into the Christian community.

Paul's conversion is often interpreted as a prototype of the transformative power of Christ, holding out hope for the redemption of even the most ardent opponents of the Gospel.

Practical Applications

This verse can be applied in daily life as an encouragement that anyone, regardless of past actions, can be redeemed and transformed.

It serves as a reminder that physical and spiritual “blindness” can be lifted, leading to a new understanding and a fresh start.

The act of baptism signifies one's commitment to a life of faith, suggesting the importance of public declarations of one's beliefs and the communal aspect of religious experience.

Cross-References

Acts 22:13 - "And he came unto me, and stood, and said unto me, Brother Saul, receive thy sight.

And the same hour I looked up upon him."

Acts 26:18 - "To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me."
2 Corinthians 4:4 - "In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them."
Ephesians 1:18 - "The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,"

Language Study

The original Greek term translated as "scales" is "lepis," which can refer to the thin layer, such as the scales of a fish.

This is the only occurrence of this word in the New Testament.

Its use here symbolizes something covering Saul's eyes that was removed, signifying the restoration of his sight.

The immediacy of the action is highlighted by the word "euthyos," often translated as "forthwith" or "immediately," emphasizing the suddenness of Saul's healing.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Saul's conversion bears some resemblance to other religious narratives in which an individual undergoes a dramatic transformation of belief or identity, such as the story of the Buddha's enlightenment under the Bodhi tree.

The idea of physical blindness representing spiritual ignorance is also found in other religious traditions and mythologies.

Scientific Perspectives

From a modern scientific perspective, Saul's temporary blindness could be considered a form of conversion disorder or a psychological response to an intensely traumatic or revelatory experience.

The concept of scales falling from his eyes is metaphorical, as there is no medical condition accurately described by scales physically falling from one's eyes to restore sight.

Commentaries

Many biblical scholars and theologians have pondered over this passage.

F.F.

Bruce notes that the physical act of something like scales falling from Saul's eyes symbolizes the spiritual enlightenment that he experienced.

John Stott points out that this was more than merely a physical healing but represented a radical reorientation of Saul's life and beliefs.

Matthew Henry's commentary elaborates on the theme of grace in Saul’s conversion and how it serves as an example of the mercy God extends to sinners.

These interpretations homogenously view Saul's experience as a pivotal moment, not only in his own life but in the broader context of Christian history.

Acts 9

Acts 9

What does Acts 9:18 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Acts 9:18 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?