Acts 9:1 - Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible

ACTS CHAPTER 9 Acts 9:1-9 Saul, going towards Damascus, is encompassed with a light from heaven, falleth to the earth, is called by Christ, and led blind to Damascus. Acts 9:10-22 Ananias is sent to him, by whom he is restored to sight, and baptized: he straightway preacheth Christ boldly. Acts 9:23-25 The Jews of Damascus seek to kill him. Acts 9:26-30 He goeth to Jerusalem, and is brought to the apostles by Barnabas: preaching boldly against the Grecians, he is again in danger of his life, and is sent to Tarsus. Acts 9:31 The church hath rest, and is multiplied, Acts 9:32-35 Peter cureth Eueas of the palsy at Lydda, Acts 9:36-43 and raiseth Tabitha to life at Joppa. 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. Breathing out threatenings and slaughter; 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; whilst Saul was one of them he hunted after their precious life too. The high priest; who did usually preside in their great council, in which they took cognizance of such matters; The blood of Stephen did not quench their thirst, but increased it; they would spill more still.