Acts 9:21

Act 9:21 . παρθήσας : same word used by St. Paul of himself in Gal 1:13 ; Gal 1:23 ; nowhere else in N.T., but see 4Ma 4:23 ; 4Ma 11:4 ; used often in classical Greek. Blass draws attention to the coincidence between this passage and the use of the word in Gal., and adds: “ut a Paulo hoc ipsum verbum scriptorem accepisse dicas”. Wendt (1899) dismisses the point of connection in the use of the word by the two authors Luke and Paul as accidental. He bases his objection, p. 35, upon the view that St. Paul’s Epistles and Acts are independent of each other; but this would not prevent St. Luke from receiving the narrative of the events at Damascus from the lips of Paul himself. τοὺς ἐπικ ., see above on Act 9:14 . ἐληλύθει , pluperfect: “inestindicatio voluntatis mulctæ,” Blass, cf. also Burton, N. T. Moods and Tenses , p. 44, and Blass, Gramm. , p. 197. On the jurisdiction of the Sanhedrim and their commissions to their officers see Act 4:5 , and Lewin, St. Paul , i., 52 (smaller edition). For ἵνα followed by the conjunctive after a past tense in preference to the optative cf. Act 5:26 , Act 25:26 , in Winer-Moulton, xli. b 1 a .

The Expositor's Greek Testament, edited by W. Robertson Nicoll (1897–1910) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

Verse 21. Is not this he that destroyed them] οπορθησας. The verb πορθειν has three acceptations in the Greek writers:

1. To treat one as an enemy, to spoil him of his goods.

2. To lead away captive, to imprison.

3. To slay.

Paul was properly πορθων, a destroyer, in all these senses.

1. He acted as the most determined enemy of the Christians: Being exceedingly mad against them, he persecuted them to strange cities, Ac 26:11.

2. He shut up many of the saints in prison, Ac 8:3; Ac 9:14; Ac 26:10.

3. He persecuted them unto death-gave his voice against them that they might be destroyed, and was a principal instrument in the martyrdom of Stephen. He breathed threatenings and slaughter. See Ac 7:58; Ac 8:1; Ac 9:1; Ac 26:10-11.

Therefore these three meanings of the original word are all exemplified in the conduct of Saul.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible (1810–1826) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.

21. They were all amazed. This is added, that we may know that the power of God was acknowledged. For seeing that the zeal of Paul against the gospel was openly known, they saw no other cause of such a sudden change but the hand of God. And, therefore, this is also one fruit of the miracle, that they all wonder at him being made a new man so suddenly, so that his doctrine doth the more move their minds. Whereas they say that he raged horribly with great cruelty, and that he came of late to Damascus that he might proceed in his purpose, these circumstances serve to augment the miracle. We must also note the phrase, those which call on his name, which withesseth that the godly did so profess the name of Christ, that they placed all their hope of salvation in him. According to that, these

“men put their trust in chariots, and others in horses, but we will call upon the name of the Lord,” (Psalm 20:7.)

Finally, whatsoever the Scripture commandeth concerning calling upon the name of God, it agreeth to the person of Christ.

John Calvin's Commentaries (1540-1563) — public domain. Text from the Calvin Translation Society English edition (1840s-50s) via the Christian Classics Ethereal Library (ccel.org). Calvin's coverage is partial (roughly two-thirds of the Bible); uncommented books and verses are honest gaps, never fabricated. The 19th-century editor's footnotes and remarks are omitted so the notes are faithfully Calvin's own voice.

(21) That destroyed them which called on this name.—Better, made havock of them. It is noticeable that St. Paul uses the same verb as descriptive of his own conduct in Gal_1:13, where the English version has “wasted.” On “them which called on this name,” see Note on Act_9:16.

And came hither.—More accurately, had come hither, as implying that the purpose of his coming had been abandoned.

A Bible Commentary for English Readers, edited by Charles John Ellicott (1878–1897) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

21. But all that heard him were amazed] Saul’s fame as a persecutor of Christians was well known to the Jews of Damascus, and the authorities of the synagogues may have been instructed beforehand to welcome him as a zealous agent. If so their amazement is easy to understand. It is clear from what follows in this verse that they knew of his mission and the intention thereof, though Saul did not bring them his “commission and authority.” We should gather also from the strong expression “destroyed,” used to describe Saul’s career in Jerusalem, that the slaughter of the Christians there had not been limited to the stoning of Stephen.

The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges (gen. ed. J. J. S. Perowne; Cambridge University Press, 1878–1918) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

But all that heard him were amazed,.... Not the disciples that believed in Christ, but the unbelievers, as appears from their words:

and said, is not this he that destroyed them that called on this name in Jerusalem? they do not express the name of Christ, out of malice and ill will; which shows who they were that said these words, and were astonished to hear Saul preaching in this name, and proving him to be the Son of God, and the true Messiah; when it was but a little while ago he consented to the death of Stephen, made havoc of the church, wasted and destroyed it as much as was in his power, and persecuted unto death such as called upon the name of Christ, or were called by his name, he could find in Jerusalem: nor did this satisfy him, for it follows,

and came hither, that is, to Damascus,

for that intent, that he might bring them bound to the chief priests: whom he should find professing or invocating the name of Christ, or bearing it; now to see and hear him preach this same name, was surprising to them.

John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible (1746–1763) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.

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?

Ver. 21. Is not this he?] It is, and it is not: it is not Ille ego qui quondam, but ego non sum ego. He is another man than he was, and this the whole Church shall soon hear of: like as a bell cannot be turned from one side to another, but it will make a sound, and report its own motion.

John Trapp, A Commentary or Exposition upon All the Books of the Old and New Testament (1647–1656) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

Were amazed - Amazed at his sudden and remarkable change.

That destroyed - That opposed; laid waste; persecuted. Compare Gal 1:13.

For that intent - With that design, that he might destroy the church at Damascus.

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible (1834–1885) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.

This great change is a most unaccountable thing, and might truly cause amazement; but ex quovis ligno fit Mercurius, cum digitus Dei sit statuarius. Nothing is too hard for that God in whose hand Saul’s heart was.

Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible (1683–1685) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.

21. Amazed—Sudden conversions are a great stumbling-block to unbelievers and rationalists. But in this case, when the persecutor suddenly turned preacher, the amazement was fairly at its height. It is well when the firmness of the young convert is greater even than the caviller’s amazement.

Daniel D. Whedon (gen. ed.), Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1874–1909) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

And for but, A.V.; that in Jerusalem made havoc of for that destroyed them (which called on this Name) in Jerusalem, A.V.; and he had come hither for this intent for and came hither for that intent, A.V., differently stopped; before for unto, A.V. The chief priests. The plural seems to mark how the high priesthood at this period was passed from one to another. Caiaphas, Annas, Jonathan, and Theophilus would all be included under the term.

Amazement"s opportunity.

The amazement of the disciples of Jesus, and- of others also who heard Saul preaching at Damascus, may be pronounced natural enough under any circumstances and in any view of it. Yet distinct and emphatic mention of it asks for a somewhat more careful observation and scrutiny of its nature and peculiar features. Notice

I THE CAUSE OF THIS AMAZEMENT.

1. That Saul, a bitter opponent heretofore of Christ and his truth, now preaches Christ, the whole Christ, and nothing but Christ. He preaches "the whole Christ" in this sense, that, as we are told, he uplifts the central and so to speak crucial fact about Christ, "that he is the Son of God." This once granted with the heart," all else follows. He has not yielded upon some side aspects of the matter, and for some politic reasons joined a remarkable movement. But he has yielded the stronghold of his own unbelief, and has acknowledged the impregnable character of the stronghold that he had been striving to batter down, to under- mine, to "utterly" destroy.

2. That Saul, a notorious opponent of Christ, comes now to preach in the places where his change of front would also become most notorious confessed, and where it in turn would be the mark and butt of keen opposition. He preached Christ "in the synagogues.

3. That, with the most unreserved and apparently even unconscious self-forgetfulness, Saul mingles in this work side by side with men, for the apprehension of whom, and for the conveying of whom "bound to Jerusalem," he had in his pocket official authorizations.

4. That Saul does this "straightway," without finding delay a possible thing, without waiting for anything of the nature of diplomatic introduction. There is something or ether fresh in his heart, and it comes with all promptness and naturalness and force, full of its freshness, into his life.

II THE SUBJECTS OF THIS AMAZEMENT.

1. They were in part disciples. It is impossible to say that all those who were amazed were of the number of either disciples or non-disciples. It is said "all" that "heard him" were amazed. These must have consisted of both disciples and non-disciples. The one had not left off entirely to frequent the synagogue, and the others would, as a matter of course, be found in some sort of number there. So far as they were strictly disciples, their amazement marks no doubt, on the one hand, grateful and adoring impression; but, on the other, it is not altogether free from the imputation of betraying that the glories of the Spirit"s power in conversion, and the force of the truth and call of Jesus, were at present only dawning upon their minds. We still speak of remarkable conversions, chiefly because they are so rare. We have had enough instances of them to satisfy us as to what the force of conversion is on every kind of sinner, in every kind of nature, and in every "nation." We are ever to magnify Christ and the Spirit, and gratefully to acknowledge their triumphs in conversion, but the expression of amazement may sometimes derogate from their honor. Perhaps the conversion of Saul was not only the most remarkable conversion that had yet taken place, but was the only one that, all things together, had stood out uniquely enough to compel attention individually.

2. They were in part unconvinced Jews, who, dead in formality, still frequented the synagogues in Damascus. The lingering and somewhat feeble faith and knowledge of the disciples finds something to counterbalance it, perhaps to some little degree, in the quickly aroused criticism and spirit of observation on the part of others less enlightened than they. The indirect influences of Christ and of his truth are many and effective. His enemies, and the force and the violence and the cruelty of their opposition, he often makes tributary to the advancement of his cause. Many who had hitherto willingly spread opposition, and opposition only, now become the means of spreading tidings of how the chief of the opposition had thrown up the contest and joined heart and hand to help. And they spread this ominous fact in the most contagious manner. It is by the manner of wondering, excited question, and question that wraps up in a sentence or two the salient and really telling aspects of the whole matter. The astonishment of the godly is often deep down in their own souls or sacred in the converse of one another; the astonishment of the ungodly is sure to be loud on their lip. But when this latter largely reinforces the former, both advantages are secured, and the march of victory advances to the step of both friends and foes. It was so now, and throughout the whole people far and wide notoriety was as the consequence given to the conversion of Saul a notoriety which had its share in bringing on the "Churches" rest" spoken of in ver. 31.

III THE RESULTS OF THE AMAZEMENT.

1. A very wide hearing was gained irresistibly, not for the truths of Christianity alone, but for its triumphs as well. One triumph is itself a sermon better than a thousand merely spoken sermons. And now this triumph-sermon, this sermon of sermons, is proclaimed and repeated by thousands of lips.

2. Even when first impressions had died away, substantial increase of faith and hope was left in the character of all "disciples." They had without doubt known already striking instances of changed opinion and feeling and life among those to whom Christ had been preached, and for whom his mighty works had been done. But this was not what is generally meant by a remarkable conversion. The grand feature here was not the reform from an unholy life, but the reform from an uncompromising antagonist into a devoted and very powerful champion. This would be a comparatively new and a most refreshing testimony to disciples of the nature and the force of the new treasure they had in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

3. Slumbering enmity and indifference to Christ in those who were not disciples were brought into the shape in which they would be best dealt with malignant enmity and active resistance. Now "the sinners" and "those who were at ease" wake themselves. Here is found a foeman worthy indeed of their steel," if they had weapon of the make. But they had not. They, therefore, conspire and "watch day and night," to learn how vain the attempt to take those whom Christ holds so safe in his hand and love. The fruit of confessed amazement and undoubted amazement at the mighty deeds of Christ must ever be either hearty obedience to him, or an understanding more blinded and life aggravated to perverseness itself. B.

The Pulpit Commentary (1880–1919), ed. H.D.M. Spence-Jones & Joseph S. Exell — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

See notes on verse 19

J. W. McGarvey (with Philip Y. Pendleton), Commentaries on the New Testament (The Fourfold Gospel, 1914; Acts; and the epistles) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.

21. All that heard him were amazed. They had heard of his former zeal against the church and of his being sent to Damascus, but as yet had not learned of his conversion.

B. W. Johnson's The People's New Testament with Notes (1889–1891) — public domain. Electronic text from the Christian Classics Ethereal Library (CCEL) ThML edition.

21. ἐξίσταντο δὲ πάντες, but all were amazed. Saul’s fame as a persecutor of Christians was apparently well known to the Jews of Damascus, and the authorities of the synagogues may have been instructed beforehand to welcome him as a zealous agent. If so their amazement is easy to understand. It is clear from what follows in this verse that they knew of his mission and the intention thereof, though Saul did not bring them his ‘commission and authority.’ We should gather also from the strong expression ὁ πορθήσας ‘he that destroyed,’ used to describe Saul’s career in Jerusalem, that the slaughter of the Christians there had not been limited to the stoning of Stephen.

ἐληλύθει, ἵνα … ἀγάγῃ, came hither that he might bring. The subjunctive after the past tense seems however to indicate that in the mind of the speaker the intention is still thought to be persistent. ‘He came that he may (as he is resolved to do) bring,’ &c.

Cambridge Greek Testament for Schools and Colleges (Cambridge University Press, 1896; 21 vols, various authors incl. Carr, Maclear, Plummer, Farrar, Lumby, Moule, M. R. James, Simcox) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

21. πορθήσας] ‘Militari verbo usus est,’ Erasm. So Æsch. Choeph. 680, οΐ ʼγώ, κατʼ ἄκρας ἐνθάδʼ ὡς πορθούμεθα. See also Sept. c. Theb. 176 (194 Dind.).

ἐληλύθει] had come here, implying the abandonment of the purpose.

Henry Alford, The Greek Testament (1849–1861) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

Destroyed [πορθησας] . Rather, laid waste, made havoc of, as Rev. Compare ch. 8 3. Paul uses the same word in Gal 1:13.

Marvin R. Vincent, Word Studies in the New Testament (1887–1900) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.