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 the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight. There, is still (says Maundrell) a street of this name in Damascus, about half a mile in length, running from east to west through the city.
And inquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul. In the minuteness of these directions-even to the very name of the street-by the glorified Jesus to this Jewish disciple, there is something noteworthy. Compare the angel's direction to Cornelius-that Peter would be found "lodging with one Simon a tanner, whose house was by the sea side" (Acts 10:6). But are not all things which we call great or small, trivial or important, measured by another geometry in heaven from what they are on earth-by their bearing on the divine purposes and the progress of the kingdom of grace among men?
Of Tarsus - (see the note at Acts 21:39.)
For, behold, he prayeth - "breathing" no longer "threatenings and slaughter," but only struggling desires after light and life in the Persecuted One. Beautiful note of encouragement this as to the frame in which Ananias would find the persecutor!