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 9:8 mean?

Explanation

The verse in question, Acts 9:8, occurs within the story of Saul's conversion on the road to Damascus.

After a blinding light from heaven suddenly surrounds him, Saul falls to the ground, and he hears the voice of Jesus asking why he is persecuting Him.

This powerful experience leaves Saul blind, and despite his eyes being open, he is unable to see.

His companions must lead him by the hand into the city of Damascus, where he was originally heading to arrest followers of Jesus.

This verse indicates a profound transformation in Saul's life, from a sighted man in control of his journey to a blind man dependent on others, both physically and spiritually.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Acts 9:8 is rooted within the early Christian era, shortly after the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Saul of Tarsus, later known as Paul the Apostle, was a zealous Pharisee who initially persecuted Christians.

The road to Damascus event is dated to around AD 33-36.

Damascus, an ancient city, was under Roman rule, and the spread of Christianity was seen as a threat to Jewish traditions and possibly to the Roman order.

Saul's journey was with the intent to arrest any followers of 'The Way', an early term for the Christian faith, and bring them back to Jerusalem for trial.

Theological Insights

From a Christian perspective, this verse illustrates divine intervention leading to conversion. Saul's physical blindness symbolizes his spiritual ignorance, and this humbling experience is viewed as necessary for his transformation into Paul, a chief apostle of Christianity.

Some theologians view this as an example of God's sovereign choice and calling. Others might emphasize the theme of mercy, suggesting that no one is beyond God's reach, not even a persecutor like Saul.

Practical Applications

Practically, this verse can encourage individuals faced with difficult transformations.

It emphasizes the importance of humility and the need to sometimes be led by others when one's vision or understanding is compromised.

It serves as a reminder that moments of vulnerability and reliance can precede significant personal growth and change.

Cross-References

Acts 9:3-7 – Saul’s encounter with Christ on the road to Damascus.
Acts 22:11 – Paul recounts his experience, stating that the brightness of the light caused his blindness.
Acts 26:13-18 – Another account of Paul's conversion, emphasizing the divine mission he was given.
2 Corinthians 4:4 – Paul writes about the god of this world blinding the minds of unbelievers.
John 9:39 – Jesus speaks of giving sight and blindness for spiritual purposes.

Language Study

In the original Greek text, one notable term is "ἀνεῳγμένοι" (aneōgmenoi), translated as "were opened".

This term refers to opening that which is closed, signifying Saul's eyes physically opening but remaining non-functional in regards to sight.

Another is “ἄγοντες” (agontes), translated "they led him," implying guidance and aid in a direction he could not choose or find himself.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The story of Saul's conversion can be compared with transformative visions in other religious traditions.

For example, in Hinduism, the god Krishna reveals his true cosmic form to Arjuna in the Bhagavad Gita, leading to a significant change in Arjuna's understanding.

Similarly, in Greek mythology, characters who encounter gods often experience a transformation, although usually with differing implications than in monotheistic faiths where the divine encounter leads to a moral or spiritual conversion.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific viewpoint, episodes of sudden blindness can be attributed to various medical conditions.

While not discounting the theological significance, some might attribute Saul's experience to a psychosomatic event where extreme stress or psychological factors induce physical symptoms, including temporary blindness.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians have contributed their understanding of Acts 9:8.

Matthew Henry’s Commentary emphasizes the mercy of God and the powerful change that conversion brings.

The JFB Commentary (Jamieson-Fausset-Brown) notes the completeness of Saul's blindness despite his open eyes as an indication of his total dependence on those around him.

William Barclay notes the importance of Ananias, who would later restore Saul's sight, stressing the role of human agents in God's work.

These perspectives offer a composite picture of the significance of this moment in Saul's life, and in Christian history.

Acts 9

Acts 9

What does Acts 9:8 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 9:8 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?