Acts 9:1 22

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Commentary

1.1

Acts 9:1-22

Acts 9:1 went to the high priest – The author of Luke/Acts continues to state that the leaders of the Jews are actively persecuting the followers of Jesus. In this example, it is Paul who takes the initiative. Acts 9:2 asked him for letters – It does not seem to be historically accurate that the High Priest had the power of extradition.1 However, Josephus reports that Herod was given extradition powers.2 synagogues at Damascus – The narrator has told us nothing on how Christianity spread to this region. belonged to the Way – This appears to be the name of the Christians. The metaphor seems to be from a certain type of living (Psalm 1:1; 1:6; 2:13; 118:29; Romans 3:17; 1 Corinthians 12:31; Jude 1:11).3 Acts 9:3 suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him – This way of writing indicates a heavenly theophanies. This is the only use of flashed (περιαστράπτω) in the New Testament and it connects this story to 4 Maccabees 4:10. Acts 9:4 Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? – This question reminds one of the voice in the burning bush and on Mt. Sinai. Acts 9:5 Who are you, Lord? – Although Saul does not know that Jesus is Lord, he does recognize that he is talking to the L ORD.4 Acts 9:6 Acts 9:7 they heard the voice but saw no one – The other accounts differ (Acts 22:9; 26:13; 22:7). Acts 9:8 1

Luke Timothy Johnson; Daniel J. Harrington, S.J., editor, The Acts of the Apostles, Volume 5, Sacra Pagina Series, (Collegeville, MN: The Liturgical Press, 1992), p. 162. 2 Ibid. 3 Ibid. 4 Ibid., p. 163.

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Acts 9:9 For three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank. – It is difficult to understand the reason for the fast.5 It could be preparing for a new life, a baptism, or waiting for a revelation.6 Acts 9:10 Here I am, Lord. – This indicates Ananias’ willingness to answer the L ORD’s call. His lack of surprise might indicate that communication with God had happened on more than one occasion. Acts 9:11 go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas – This detail hints of historical fact and good story telling; unfortunately we cannot tell the difference.7 Acts 9:12 he has seen in a vision – We learn of Paul’s vision in Ananias’ vision. Acts 9:13 Lord, I have heard from many about this man – Inside of Ananias’ vision, he speaks back and voices his valid concern. to your saints in Jerusalem – This is the first time that the saints/holy ones have been used for the church. Acts 9:14 here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who invoke your name. – See Acts 9:2. Acts 9:15 my name before Gentiles and kings and before the people of Israel The word translated as Gentiles (ἔθνος) could be instead nations. This when taken with the next verse shows how God makes His Word known through all sorts of events. Acts 9:16 I myself will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name. Ananias and the audience hear a foreshadowing of what is to come for Saul. Acts 9:17 He laid his hands on Saul – This could be seen as an act of healing along with giving of the Holy Spirit.8 Brother Saul – This phrase indicates that Saul is now a member of the community.9 5

Ibid., p. 164. Ibid. 7 Ibid. 8 Ibid., p. 165. 9 Ibid. 6

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Acts 9:18 something like scales – This is a metaphorical description.10 was baptized – This is yet another indication that Saul has entered into the community. Acts 9:19 Acts 9:20 immediately he began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues – This is Saul’s mode of operation. Start in the Synagogues and then when rejected go elsewhere.11 Should we do the same thing? Start in the church and then when rejected go somewhere else. Acts 9:21 havoc in Jerusalem – The verb translated as havoc (πορθέω) means to pillage and plunder.12 Acts 9:22

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Psalm 67

Psalm 67:1 May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us – A version of this line is used in Christian blessings. Psalm 67:2 Psalm 67:3 Let the peoples praise you – Variations of this refrain are heard throughout the psalm. Psalm 67:4 Psalm 67:5 Psalm 67:6 Psalm 67:7 10

Ibid. Ibid., p. 170. 12 Ibid., p. 171. 11

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1.3

Galatians 1:11-24

The undisputed letters of Paul: Romans, 1 and 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Philippians, 1 Thessalonians, and Philemon.13 Galatians 1:11 Galatians 1:12 for I did not receive it from a human source, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ. – Paul is trying to recount his conversion. Galatians 1:13 I was violently – The verb translated as violently is πορθέω, which means to pillage and plunder. Galatians 1:14 I advanced in Judaism beyond many among my people of the same age – It seems that Paul still likes to brag about what he has done. Galatians 1:15 Galatians 1:16 reveal his Son to me – Paul states that his revelation was from God. I did not confer with any human – This could be one of the issues behind the strife between Paul and the other disciples. Galatians 1:17 Galatians 1:18 Cephas and stayed with him for fifteen days; – Paul apparently did visit for Peter for a while. Galatians 1:19 but I did not see any other apostle except James the Lord’s brother – Instead of seeking out the others or because they didn’t want to see him, Paul only saw James. Note that this differs from the account of the meeting in Jerusalem found in Acts. Galatians 1:20 Galatians 1:21 Galatians 1:22 13

Charles B. Cousar; Idem, editor, The Letters of Paul, (Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press, 1996), Interpreting Biblical Texts, p. 18.

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Galatians 1:23 Galatians 1:24

1.4

Luke 21:10-19

Luke 21:10 Luke 21:11 Luke 21:12 they will arrest you and persecute you; they will hand you over to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors because of my name. – This line sounds like what was happening in the Luke’s community because we hear about this in Acts. Luke 21:13 an opportunity to testify – The response to persecution is not to run and hide but instead to tell others about Jesus. Luke 21:14 Luke 21:15 I will give you words – This promise is gives hope from the strongest to the weakest because God will be their defender. The Greek states that Jesus will be your mouth. Stephen in Acts is a good example of how this prophecy is fulfilled. Luke 21:16 You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, by relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death. – Once again this appears to be something that has happened in the community. Luke 21:17 Luke 21:18 But not a hair of your head will perish. – This is a redefinition of survival. Instead of having life in the land, God will keep you safe in the next. Luke 21:19 By your endurance you will gain your souls. – The sense here is not that one gains an immortal soul rather that the force that brings you life will be given to you.

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References Cousar, Charles B.; Idem, editor, The Letters of Paul, (Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press, 1996), Interpreting Biblical Texts. Johnson, Luke Timothy; Harrington, S.J., Daniel J., editor, The Acts of the Apostles, Volume 5, Sacra Pagina Series, (Collegeville, MN: The Liturgical Press, 1992).

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