ESV Global Study Bible :: Footnotes for Acts 9

Acts 9:1–31 In chs. 6–12 Luke deals primarily with the witness of the Jerusalem church among the dispersed Greek-speaking Jews (the “Hellenists”) and with the apostle Peter. The conversion of Saul (later called Paul) fits into this time frame. As a Greek-speaking Diaspora Jew, Paul was himself a Hellenist, and he eventually became the prime leader in their outreach to the Gentiles. Luke does not record the date of Paul’s conversion, but a reasonable estimate is c. a.d. 33–34.

Acts 9:1–2 The account of Saul resumes from 8:3. Saul’s papers from the high priest may have been official legal documents or letters of introduction to the synagogues at Damascus. belonging to the Way. A description of Christians, referring either to the way of salvation (16:17; compare Jesus’ teachings in Matt. 7:14; John 14:6) or the true way of life in relation to God (see Acts 18:25–26; compare Ps. 1:6; 27:11) or to both together. The expression also occurs at Acts 19:9; 23; 22:4; 24:14; 22.

Acts 9:3 Damascus was 135 miles (217 km) northeast of Jerusalem, a six-day journey by foot. Damascus was an oasis on the border of the Arabian desert and on the main route from Mesopotamia to Egypt.

Acts 9:4 Jesus’ reference to Saul’s persecuting me shows his close identity with his followers: to persecute Christians was to persecute Christ.

Acts 9:5 “Who are you, Lord?” Though Paul was physically blinded by the bright light (see vv. 3, 8–9), he indicates elsewhere that he actually saw the risen Christ on this occasion (see v. 27; 1 Cor. 9:1).

Acts 9:7 Saul’s companions heard the voice but saw no one. In his later testimony to the Jews, Paul spoke of them seeing the light but not understanding the voice (22:9). They had no vision of Jesus nor did they hear his message to Saul, but they could testify to a brilliant light and a sound.

Acts 9:10 The Lord is Jesus and not the Father (see v. 17). Ananias’s response, Here I am, is like that of OT people such as Abraham (Gen. 22:1, 11), Jacob (Gen. 46:2), Moses (Ex. 3:11), Samuel (1 Sam. 3:4–8), and Isaiah (Isa. 6:8).

Acts 9:11 The street called Straight is one of the world’s oldest continually occupied streets, still existing today. Tarsus. See note on v. 30.

Acts 9:15 Later in Acts, Saul (later called Paul) preaches to Gentiles, to kings (Agrippa II, ch. 26), and to the children of Israel.

Acts 9:18 something like scales fell from his eyes. This physical event was a symbol that Saul’s spiritual blindness had been overcome. He could now see and understand the truth (see 2 Cor. 3:14 for a related image). was baptized. Through baptism, Saul made an immediate public declaration of his faith in Jesus as the Messiah.

Acts 9:19b–20 Saul likely received instruction in the Christian “way” from the disciples at Damascus. In Galatians, Paul notes that during this time he “went away into Arabia, and returned again to Damascus” (see Gal. 1:17). Here, as throughout his ministry, Paul began his witness in the synagogues (see note on Acts 13:5).

Acts 9:23 the Jews. Luke often uses the phrase “the Jews” to refer to Jewish people who opposed the gospel (see esv footnote on v. 23; see also 12:3; 13:45; 14:4; 17:5; 19:33; etc.). plotted to kill him. Specifically “the governor under King Aretas” helped in the attempt to kill him (see 2 Cor. 11:32–33).

Acts 9:27 Barnabas . . . brought him to the apostles (in Jerusalem). According to Gal. 1:18–19, this visit took place three years (see note on Acts 11:27–30) after his conversion (which could make this c. a.d. 37). Paul met with Peter for 15 days. He had no discussions with the other apostles, except for meeting James, the brother of Jesus.

Acts 9:29 The Hellenists here are not the same as the Jewish believers called “Hellenists” in 6:1. These people were Jews, but not Christians.

Acts 9:30 On Caesarea, see note on 8:40. Paul’s hometown of Tarsus was a strategically important city in southeast Asia Minor on the road from Syria into central Asia Minor. Paul calls it “no obscure city” (21:39). To Tarsus corresponds to Gal. 1:21, where Paul says he went to “Cilicia,” the province in which Tarsus was located. Paul was based in Tarsus and ministered in Syria-Cilicia for the next eight years (c. a.d. 37–45). Some of the events described in 2 Cor. 11:23–27 perhaps occurred during this time, and probably also his intense vision of heaven (2 Cor. 12:2–4).

Acts 9:31 the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria. There may have been hundreds of churches in the small cities and towns throughout this large region, but all of them together can be called a “church.” peace. See also Gal. 1:22–24. fear of the Lord. See note on Acts 5:5.

Acts 9:32 Saints refers to Christians. Lydda (OT Lod) is 23 miles (37 km) northwest of Jerusalem on the road to Joppa. Lydda served as a regional administrative town for Judea, and was on an important trade route.

Acts 9:34 Jesus Christ heals you. See note on 3:6. Make your bed probably refers to folding the mat on which he was lying.

Acts 9:35 Sharon referred to the whole coastal plain north of Lydda.

Acts 9:36 Joppa (modern Jaffa/Yafa, south of Tel Aviv) was a port city on the coast, 11 miles (18 km) northwest of Lydda.

Acts 9:40 Tabitha, arise. Peter had no supernatural power of his own, but the Lord had showed him what he was going to do in response to Peter’s prayer. See note on 3:6.

Acts 9:41 The Greek verb for raised her up is the same word used throughout the NT for Jesus’ resurrection.

Acts 9:43 As a tanner, Simon worked with animal hides.