Acts 9:3

3 On his journey, Saul approached Damascus. Suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him.

Acts 9:3 Meaning and Commentary

Acts 9:3

And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus
Some say it was a mile from Damascus: though, no mention is made of his obtaining letters from the high priest, only of his desiring them; yet there is no doubt but they were granted him; the design of the historian, under a divine direction, being to give an account of the temper and disposition of Saul; and he having got them, set out on his journey in high spirits, and proceeded on with the same wicked intentions, till he came near the city; where he designed to open and show his commission, and execute his wrathful purposes; but he is not suffered to go into the city with such a Spirit:

and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven;
which exceeded the light and brightness of the sun, for it was at midday, ( Acts 26:13 ) and so the Ethiopic version here inserts this clause, "and it was noon time"; which circumstance shows that the light was very extraordinary; and it was an emblem of that inward and spiritual light which was now quickly communicated to him, light being the first thing in the new, as in the old creation; and of that Gospel light he was hereafter to spread in the world.

Acts 9:3 In-Context

1 Meanwhile, Saul continued to oppose the Lord's followers. He said they would be put to death. He went to the high priest.

2 He asked the priest for letters to the synagogues in Damascus. He wanted to find men and women who belonged to the Way of Jesus. The letters would allow him to take them as prisoners to Jerusalem.

3 On his journey, Saul approached Damascus. Suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him.

4 He fell to the ground. He heard a voice speak to him. "Saul! Saul!" the voice said. "Why are you opposing me?"

5 "Who are you, Lord?" Saul asked. "I am Jesus," he replied. "I am the one you are opposing.