(with Acts 14:19; Acts 9:1; Acts 23:12, etc.)
The Smiter Smitten.
We learn from these texts:
I. That a man's life comes back upon him.
II. That a man's Christian experience must be affected by the unchristian life he has lived. In reviewing these statements in the light of history and revelation we see (1) that the distribution of penalties is God's work and not man's; (2) that under all the apparent confusion of human life there is a principle of justice; (3) that the greatest sufferings may be borne with patience and hopefulness.
Parker, City Temple,vol. ii., p. 113.
(with Acts 20:28)
Saul and Paul.
The change in the heart and life of Paul shows:
I. The marvellous power of the grace of God.
II. The difference between sanctifying human energies and destroying them.
III. The possible greatness of the change which awaits even those who are now in Christ.
Parker, City Temple,vol. ii., p. 173.
References: Acts 8:5-8. New Outlines on the New Testament,p. 84.Acts 8:5-13. E. M. Goulburn, Acts of the Deacons,p. 234.