Acts 9:3

3 And as he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly there shone round about him a light from heaven.

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 And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,

2 and asked of him letters to the synagogues at Damascus, that if he found any who were of this Way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.

3 And as he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly there shone round about him a light from heaven.

4 And he fell to the earth and heard a voice saying unto him, "Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou Me?"

5 And he said, "Who art Thou, Lord?" And the Lord said, "I am Jesus whom thou persecutest; it is hard for thee to kick against the goads."