And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God. (21) 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? (22) But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ. (23) And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him: (24) But their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him. (25) Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket. (26) And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he attempted to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple. (27) 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. (28) And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem. (29) And he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him. (30) Which when the brethren knew, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus. (31) Then had the churches rest throughout all Judea 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.
I beg the Reader to observe, (for it is highly important to be observed), how immediately Saul preached Christ, and in that preaching, proclaimed his Godhead. Well he might indeed, having been both converted and ordained by the Lord himself, without human instruments, and without human forms. And so he tells us: I certify to you, (said he), brethren, that the Gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ, Galatians 1:11-12. So, then, if Saul was never taught it by man, and yet was taught it by Jesus Christ, can any form of words more decidedly speak Saul's sentiments, that he considered Christ God? Reader! do not overlook these precious things, for they are; at all times precious, and never more so, than in the present Christ-despising generation! You see how Saul confounded the Jews which were at Damascus, in proving the Godhead of Christ. And all faithful ministers of the present hour confound the various heresies of the present day, in proving Christ the same way.
We are told that all that heard him were amazed. Yes! all the unbelieving Jews were amazed, as unbelievers now are astonished and remain silent, overawed by the demonstration of the Spirit and power, whensoever Christ is fully preached and glorified. But, true believers in Christ then, as true believers in Christ now, from the same grace in their own hearts, could not but be sensible by what sovereign power the whole is induced, and learn to glorify God in his mercy, Galatians 1:24.