Acts 9:3 - Forerunner Commentary

Acts 9:3

The Damascus Road: Saul Converted

1 Then ^aSaul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest

2 and asked ^aletters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.

3 ^aAs he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven.

4 Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, ^awhy are you persecuting Me?”

5 And he said, “Who are You, Lord?” Then the Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.¹ It is hard for you to kick against the goads.”

6 So he, trembling and astonished, said, “Lord, what do You want me to do?” Then the Lord said to him, “Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”

7 And ^athe men who journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice but seeing no one.

8 Then Saul arose from the ground, and when his eyes were opened he saw no one. But they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus.

9 And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank.

Ananias Baptizes Saul

10 Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus ^anamed Ananias; and to him the Lord said in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.”

11 So the Lord said to him, “Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul ^aof Tarsus, for behold, he is praying.

12 And in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him, so that he might receive his sight.”

13 Then Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, ^ahow much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem.

14 And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all ^awho call on Your name.”

15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for ^ahe is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before ^bGentiles, ^ckings, and the ^dchildren of Israel.

16 For ^aI will show him how many things he must suffer for My ^bname’s sake.”

17 ^aAnd Ananias went his way and entered the house; and ^blaying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord¹ Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and ^cbe filled with the Holy Spirit.”

18 Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized.

19 So when he had received food, he was strengthened. ^aThen Saul spent some days with the disciples at Damascus.

Saul Preaches Christ

20 Immediately he preached¹ the Christ in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God.

Verse Comparison: Acts 9:3

<< Acts 9:2

Acts 9:4 >>

American Standard Version
And as he journeyed, it came to pass that he drew nigh unto Damascus: and suddenly there shone round about him a light out of heaven:

Amplified® Bible
Now as he traveled on, he came near to Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him,

Contemporary English Version
When Saul had almost reached Damascus, a bright light from heaven suddenly flashed around him.

Darby English Version
But as he was journeying, it came to pass that he drew near to Damascus; and suddenly there shone round about him a light out of heaven,

Good News Bible
As Saul was coming near the city of Damascus, suddenly a light from the sky flashed around him.

International Standard Version
As he traveled along and was approaching Damascus, a light from heaven suddenly flashed around him.

King James Version
And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:

New American Standard Bible
As he was traveling, it happened that he was approaching Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him;

New International Version
As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him.

New King James Version
As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven.

N.A.S.B. in E-Prime
As he travelled, it happened that he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him;

Young's Literal Translation
And in the going, he came nigh to Damascus, and suddenly there shone round about him a light from the heaven,

New English Translation
As he was going along, approaching¹ Damascus, suddenly a light from heaven flashed² around him.

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Acts 9:4 >>