The Meaning of Acts 9:3 Explained

Acts 9:3

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

YLT: And in the going, he came nigh to Damascus, and suddenly there shone round about him a light from the heaven,

Darby: 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,

ASV: 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:

KJV Reverse Interlinear

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

What does Acts 9:3 Mean?

Context Summary

Acts 9:1-9 - Winning A Persecutor
A year had passed since Acts 8:3. "The Way" had become the accepted phrase for the infant Church and its presentation of the truth, Acts 19:9; Acts 22:4. It may refer to the course of life the Christians pursued, or to their method of getting right with God-not by the deeds of the Law, but by their faith in Christ, Romans 10:5-10. Compare with this narrative Acts 26:13; Acts 22:6. Saul's companions saw the light and heard a noise, but did not see the Lord or distinguish what was said.
Mark how the Lord Jesus identifies Himself with His suffering ones. Their sufferings are His, Acts 9:5. To hurt them is to hurt Him. The pricks are the ox-goad. The more the ox resists, the deeper the wound. Even from heaven the Master speaks in parables. Evidently for a long time-perhaps from the death of Stephen-the persecutor had been fighting against conviction. When God needs captains for His army, He not unseldom takes them from the ranks of the enemy. The foremost persecutor became the foremost leader of the Church. The conversion of Saul was due to the personal interposition of the living Christ. It was the pierced hand that arrested and apprehended him. [source]

Chapter Summary: Acts 9

1  Saul, going toward Damascus, is stricken down to the earth,
8  and led blind to Damascus;
10  is called to the apostleship;
18  and is baptized by Ananias
20  He preaches Christ boldly
23  The Jews lay wait to kill him;
29  so do the Grecians, but he escapes both
31  The church having rest, Peter heals Aeneas;
36  and restores Tabitha to life

Greek Commentary for Acts 9:3

As he journeyed [εν τωι πορευεσται]
Luke‘s common idiom for a temporal clause (in the journeying), εν — en with the locative articular middle infinitive. [source]
Drew nigh [εγγιζειν]
Present active infinitive, was drawing nigh. Shone round about him (αυτον περιηστραπσεν — auton periēstrapsen). First aorist (ingressive) active indicative of περιαστραπτω — periastraptō late compound verb common in lxx and Byzantine writers, here and Acts 22:6 alone in the N.T. “A light from heaven suddenly flashed around him.” It was like a flash of lightning. Paul uses the same verb in Acts 22:5, but in Acts 26:13 he employs περιλαμπσαν — perilampsan (shining around). There are numerous variations in the historical narrative of Saul‘s conversion in 9:3-18 and Luke‘s report of Paul‘s two addresses, one on the steps of the Tower of Antonia facing the murderous mob (Acts 22:6-16), the other before Festus and Agrippa (Acts 26:12-20). A great deal of capital has been made of these variations to the discredit of Luke as a writer as if he should have made Paul‘s two speeches conform at every point with his own narrative. This objection has no weight except for those who hold that Luke composed Paul‘s speeches freely as some Greek writers used to do. But, if Luke had notes of Paul‘s speeches or help from Paul himself, he naturally preserved the form of the two addresses without trying to make them agree with each other in all details or with his own narrative in chapter 9. Luke evidently attached great importance to the story of Saul‘s conversion as the turning point not simply in the career of the man, but an epoch in the history of apostolic Christianity. In broad outline and in all essentials the three accounts agree and testify to the truthfulness of the account of the conversion of Saul. It is impossible to overestimate the worth to the student of Christianity of this event from every angle because we have in Paul‘s Epistles his own emphasis on the actual appearance of Jesus to him as the fact that changed his whole life (1 Corinthians 15:8; Galatians 1:16.). The variations that appear in the three accounts do not mar the story, when rightly understood, as we shall see. Here, for instance, Luke simply mentions “a light from heaven,” while in Acts 22:6 Paul calls it “a great (ικανον — hikanon) light” “about noon” and in Acts 26:13 “above the brightness of the sun,” as it would have to be “at midday” with the sun shining. [source]
Shone round about him [αυτον περιηστραπσεν]
First aorist (ingressive) active indicative of περιαστραπτω — periastraptō late compound verb common in lxx and Byzantine writers, here and Acts 22:6 alone in the N.T. “A light from heaven suddenly flashed around him.” It was like a flash of lightning. Paul uses the same verb in Acts 22:5, but in Acts 26:13 he employs περιλαμπσαν — perilampsan (shining around). There are numerous variations in the historical narrative of Saul‘s conversion in 9:3-18 and Luke‘s report of Paul‘s two addresses, one on the steps of the Tower of Antonia facing the murderous mob (Acts 22:6-16), the other before Festus and Agrippa (Acts 26:12-20). A great deal of capital has been made of these variations to the discredit of Luke as a writer as if he should have made Paul‘s two speeches conform at every point with his own narrative. This objection has no weight except for those who hold that Luke composed Paul‘s speeches freely as some Greek writers used to do. But, if Luke had notes of Paul‘s speeches or help from Paul himself, he naturally preserved the form of the two addresses without trying to make them agree with each other in all details or with his own narrative in chapter 9. Luke evidently attached great importance to the story of Saul‘s conversion as the turning point not simply in the career of the man, but an epoch in the history of apostolic Christianity. In broad outline and in all essentials the three accounts agree and testify to the truthfulness of the account of the conversion of Saul. It is impossible to overestimate the worth to the student of Christianity of this event from every angle because we have in Paul‘s Epistles his own emphasis on the actual appearance of Jesus to him as the fact that changed his whole life (1 Corinthians 15:8; Galatians 1:16.). The variations that appear in the three accounts do not mar the story, when rightly understood, as we shall see. Here, for instance, Luke simply mentions “a light from heaven,” while in Acts 22:6 Paul calls it “a great (ικανον — hikanon) light” “about noon” and in Acts 26:13 “above the brightness of the sun,” as it would have to be “at midday” with the sun shining. [source]
There shined round about [περιήστραψεν]
Only here and Acts 22:6. Flashed. See on Luke 11:36; Luke 24:4. [source]
A light []
Compare Acts 22:6; Acts 26:13. [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Acts 9:3

Matthew 24:12 Shall abound [πληθυνθῆναι]
Lit., shall be multiplied. See Acts 6:1, Acts 6:7; Acts 7:17; Acts 9:31; Hebrews 6:14. [source]
Matthew 16:18 Thou art Peter [οὺ εἶ Πέτρος]
Christ responds to Peter's emphatic thou with another, equally emphatic. Peter says, “Thou art the Christ.” Christ replies, “Thou art Peter.” Πέτρος (Peter ) is used as a proper name, but without losing its meaning as a common noun. The name was bestowed on Simon at his first interview with Jesus (John 1:42) under the form of its Aramaic equivalent, CephasIn this passage attention is called, not to the giving of the name, but to its meaning. In classical Greek the word means a piece of rock, as in Homer, of Ajax throwing a stone at Hector (“Iliadvii., 270), or of Patroclus grasping and hiding in his hand a jagged stone (“Iliadxvi., 784).On this rock ( ἐπὶ ταύτῃ τῇ πέρᾳ )The word is feminine, and means a rock, as distinguished from a stone or a fragment of rock ( πέτρος , above). Used of a ledge of rocks or a rocky peak. In Homer (“Odyssey,” ix., 243), the rock ( πέτρην ) which Polyphemus places at the door of his cavern, is a mass which two-and-twenty wagons could not remove; and the rock which he hurled at the retreating ships of Ulysses, created by its fall a wave in the sea which drove the ships back toward the land (“Odyssey,” ix., 484). The word refers neither to Christ as a rock, distinguished from Simon, a stone, nor to Peter's confession, but to Peter himself, in a sense defined by his previous confession, and as enlightened by the “Father in Heaven.” The reference of πέτρα to Christ is forced and unnatural. The obvious reference of the word is to Peter. The emphatic this naturally refers to the nearest antecedent; and besides, the metaphor is thus weakened, since Christ appears here, not as the foundation, but as the architect: “On this rock will I build.” Again, Christ is the great foundation, the “chief corner-stone,” but the New Testament writers recognize no impropriety in applying to the members of Christ's church certain terms which are applied to him. For instance, Peter himself (1 Peter 2:4), calls Christ a living stone, and, in 1 Peter 2:5, addresses the church as living stones. In Revelation 21:14, the names of the twelve apostles appear in the twelve foundation-stones of the heavenly city; and in Ephesians 2:20, it is said, “Ye are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets (i.e., laid by the apostles and prophets), Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner-stone.” Equally untenable is the explanation which refers πέτρα to Simon's confession. Both the play upon the words and the natural reading of the passage are against it, and besides, it does not conform to the fact, since the church is built, not on confessions, but on confessors - living men. “The word πέτρα ,” says Edersheim, “was used in the same sense in Rabbinic language. According to the Rabbins, when God was about to build his world, he could not rear it on the generation of Enos, nor on that of the flood, who brought destruction upon the world; but when he beheld that Abraham would arise in the future, he said' 'Behold, I have found a rock to build on it, and to found the world,' whence, also, Abraham is called a rock, as it is said' 'Look unto the rock whence ye are hewn.' The parallel between Abraham and Peter might be carried even further. If, from a misunderstanding of the Lord's promise to Peter, later Christian legend represented the apostle as sitting at the gate of heaven, Jewish legend represents Abraham as sitting at the gate of Gehenna, so as to prevent all who had the seal of circumcision from falling into its abyss” (“Life and Times of Jesus”). The reference to Simon himself is confirmed by the actual relation of Peter to the early church, to the Jewish portion of which he was a foundation-stone. See Acts, Acts 1:15; Acts 2:14, Acts 2:37; Acts 3:12; Acts 4:8; Acts 5:15, Acts 5:29; Acts 9:34, Acts 9:40; Acts 10:25, Acts 10:26; Galatians 1:15.Church ( ἐκκλησίαν ) ἐκ out, καλέω , to call or summon. This is the first occurrence of this word in the New Testament. Originally an assembly of citizens, regularly summoned. So in New Testament, Acts 19:39. The Septuagint uses the word for the congregation of Israel, either as summoned for a definite purpose (Acts 7:38); but for this there is more commonly employed συναγωγή , of which synagogue is a transcription; σύν , together, ἄγω , to bring (Acts 13:43). In Christ's words to Peter the word ἐκκλησία acquires special emphasis from the opposition implied in it to the synagogue. The Christian community in the midst of Israel would be designated as ἐκκλησία , without being confounded with the συναγωγή , the Jewish community. See Acts 5:11; Acts 8:1; Acts 12:1; Acts 14:23, Acts 14:27, etc. Nevertheless συναγωγή is applied to a Christian assembly in James 2:2, while ἐπισυναγωγή (gathering or assembling together ) is found in 2 Thessalonians 2:1; Hebrews 10:25. Both in Hebrew and in New Testament usage ἐκκλησία implies more than a collective or national unity; rather a community based on a special religious idea and established in a special way. In the New Testament the term is used also in the narrower sense of a single church, or a church confined to a particular place. So of the church in the house of Aquila and Priscilla (Romans 16:5); the church at Corinth, the churches in Judea, the church at Jerusalem, etc.Gates of hell ( πύλαι ᾅδου )Rev., Hades. Hades was originally the name of the god who presided over the realm of the dead - Pluto or Dis. Hence the phrase, house of Hades. It is derived from ἀ , not, and; ἰδεῖν , to see; and signifies, therefore, the invisible land, the realm of shadow. It is the place to which all who depart this life descend, without reference to their moral character. By this word the Septuagint translated the Hebrew Sheol, which has a similar general meaning. The classical Hades embraced both good and bad men, though divided into Elysium, the abode of the virtuous, and Tartarus, the abode of the wicked. In these particulars it corresponds substantially with Sheol; both the godly and the wicked being represented as gathered into the latter. See Genesis 42:38; Psalm 9:17; Psalm 139:8; Isaiah 14:9; Isaiah 57:2; Ezekiel 32:27; Hosea 13:14. Hades and Sheol were alike conceived as a definite place, lower than the world. The passage of both good and bad into it was regarded as a descent. The Hebrew conception is that of a place of darkness; a cheerless home of a dull, joyless, shadowy life. See Psalm 6:5; Psalm 94:17; Psalm 115:17; Psalm 88:5, Psalm 88:6, Psalm 88:10; Job 10:21; Job 3:17-19; Job 14:10, Job 14:11; Ecclesiastes 9:5. Vagueness is its characteristic. In this the Hebrew's faith appears bare in contrast with that of the Greek and Roman. The pagan poets gave the popular mind definite pictures of Tartarus and Elysium; of Styx and Acheron; of happy plains where dead heroes held high discourse, and of black abysses where offenders underwent strange and ingenious tortures. There was, indeed, this difference between the Hebrew and the Pagan conceptions; that to the Pagan, Hades was the final home of its tenants, while Sheol was a temporary condition. Hence the patriarchs are described (Hebrews 11:16) as looking for a better, heavenly country; and the martyrs as enduring in hope of “a better resurrection.” Prophecy declared that the dead should arise and sing, when Sheol itself should be destroyed and its inmates brought forth, some to everlasting life, and others to shame and contempt (Isaiah 26:19; Hosea 13:14; Daniel 12:2). Paul represents this promise as made to the fathers by God, and as the hope of his countrymen (Acts 26:7). God was the God of the dead as well as of the living; present in the dark chambers of Sheol as well as in heaven (Psalm 139:8; Psalm 16:10). This is the underlying thought of that most touching and pathetic utterance of Job (Job 14:13-15), in which he breathes the wish that God would hide him with loving care in Hades, as a place of temporary concealment, where he will wait patiently, standing like a sentinel at his post, awaiting the divine voice calling him to a new and happier life. This, too, is the thought of the familiar and much-disputed passage, Job 19:23-27. His Redeemer, vindicator, avenger, shall arise after he shall have passed through the shadowy realm of Sheol. “A judgment in Hades, in which the judge will show himself his friend, in which all the tangled skein of his life will be unravelled by wise and kindly hands, and the insoluble problem of his strange and self-contradicting experience will at last be solved - this is what Job still looks for on that happy day when he shall see God for himself, and find his Goel (vindicator) in that Almighty Deliverer” (Cox, “Commentary on the Book of Job”). In the New Testament, Hades is the realm of the dead. It cannot be successfully maintained that it is, in particular, the place for sinners (so Cremer, “Biblico-Theological Lexicon”). The words about Capernaum (Matthew 11:23), which it is surprising to find Cremer citing in support of this position, are merely a rhetorical expression of a fall from the height of earthly glory to the deepest degradation, and have no more bearing upon the moral character of Hades than the words of Zophar (Job 11:7, Job 11:8) about the perfection of the Almighty. “It is high as heaven - deeper than Sheol. ” Hades is indeed coupled with Death (Revelation 1:18; Revelation 6:8; Revelation 20:13, Revelation 20:14), but the association is natural, and indeed inevitable, apart from all moral distinctions. Death would naturally be followed by Hades in any case. In Revelation 20:13, Revelation 20:14, the general judgment is predicted, and not only Death and Hades, but the sea give tip their dead, and only those who are not written in the book of life are cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:15). The rich man was in Hades (Luke 16:23), and in torments, but Lazarus was also in Hades, “in Abraham's bosom.” The details of this story “evidently represent the views current at the time among the Jews. According to them, the Garden of Eden and the Tree of Life were the abode of the blessed. We read that the righteous in Eden see the wicked in Gehenna and rejoice; and similarly, that the wicked in Gehenna see the righteous sitting beatified in Eden, and their souls are troubled (Edersheim, “Life and Times of Jesus”). Christ also was in Hades (Acts 2:27, Acts 2:31). Moreover, the word γέεννα , hell (see on Matthew 5:22), is specially used to denote the place of future punishment. Hades, then, in the New Testament, is a broad and general conception, with an idea of locality bound up with it. It is the condition following death, which is blessed or the contrary, according to the moral character of the dead, and is therefore divided into different realms, represented by Paradise or Abraham's bosom, and Gehenna. The expression Gates of Hades is an orientalism for the court, throne, power, and dignity of the infernal kingdom. Hades is contemplated as a mighty city, with formidable, frowning portals. Some expositors introduce also the idea of the councils of the Satanic powers, with reference to the Eastern custom of holding such deliberations in the gates of cities. Compare the expression Sublime Porte, applied to the Ottoman court. The idea of a building is maintained in both members of the comparison. The kingdom or city of Hades confronts and assaults the church which Christ will build upon the rock. See Job 38:17; Psalm 9:13; Psalm 107:18; Isaiah 38:10. [source]
Luke 5:2 Were washing []
From the sand and pebbles accumulated during the night's work. Luke uses four different words for washing or cleansing: πλύνω , here, see also Revelation 7:14; ἀπομάσσω , of wiping the dust from the feet, only at Luke 10:11; ἐκμάσσω , of the woman wiping Christ's feet with her hair, Luke 7:38, Luke 7:44; ἀπολούω , of washing away sins, Acts 22:16; λούω , of washing the prisoners' stripes and the body of Dorcas, Acts 16:33; Acts 9:37. The reading ἀποπλύνω is rejected by the best texts, so that ἀπομάσσω is the only one peculiar to Luke. All the words were common in medical language. [source]
Luke 5:18 Taken with a palsy [παραλελυμένος]
Rev., more neatly, palsied. Whenever Luke mentions this disease, he uses the verb and not the adjective παραλυτικός paralytic (as Matthew 4:24; Matthew 8:6; Mark 2:3-10; compare Acts 8:7; Acts 9:33); his usage in this respect being in strict accord with that of medical writers. [source]
Luke 5:19 Couch [κλινιδίῳ]
Luke uses four words for the beds o£ the sick: κλίνη , as Luke 5:18, the general word for a bed or couch; κράββατος , (Acts 5:15; Acts 9:33), a rude pallet (see on Mark 2:4); κλινίδιον , a small couch or litter, as here, a couch so light that a woman could lift and carry it away. Thus, in the “Lysistrata” of Aristophanes, 916, Myrrine says: “Come now, let me carry our couch” ( κλινίδιον )The fourth term, κλινάριον (Acts 5:15), cannot be accurately distinguished from the last. The last two are peculiar to Luke. [source]
Luke 5:2 Were washing [επλυνον]
Imperfect active, though some MSS. have aorist επλυναν — eplunan Vincent comments on Luke‘s use of five verbs for washing: this one for cleaning, απομασσω — apomassō for wiping the dust from one‘s feet (Luke 10:11), εκμασσω — ekmassō of the sinful woman wiping Christ‘s feet with her hair (Luke 7:38, Luke 7:44), απολουω — apolouō of washing away sins (symbolically, of course) as in Acts 22:16, and λουω — louō of washing the body of Dorcas (Acts 9:37) and the stripes of the prisoners (Acts 16:33). On “nets” see note on Matthew 4:18 and note on Mark 1:16. [source]
John 5:8 Bed [κράββατον]
Used by both Mark and Luke. See on Mark 2:4, and compare Acts 5:15; Acts 9:33. [source]
John 13:10 He that is washed - wash his feet [ὁ λελουμένος - νίψασθαι]
The A.V. obliterates the distinction between λούω , to bathe, to apply water to the whole body, and νίπτω , to wash a part of the body. Thus, when Dorcas died (Acts 9:37) they bathed her body ( λούσαντες ). The proverb in 2 Peter 2:22, is about the sow that has been bathed all over ( λουσαμένη ). On the other hand, he who fasts must wash ( νὶψαι ) his face (Matthew 6:17). Both verbs are always used of living beings in the New Testament. The word for washing things, as nets, garments, etc., is πλύνω . See Luke 5:2. All three verbs occur in Leviticus 15:11(Sept.). [source]
John 13:10 He that is bathed [ο λελουμενος]
Perfect passive articular participle of λουω — louō to bathe the whole body (Acts 9:37). Save to wash his feet Aleph and some old Latin MSS. have only νιπσασται — nipsasthai but the other words are genuine and are really involved by the use of νιπσασται — nipsasthai (first aorist middle infinitive of νιπτω — niptō to wash parts of the body) instead of λουσασται — lousasthai to bathe the whole body (just used before). The guest was supposed to bathe Because of the bath. For καταρος — katharos meaning external cleanliness see Matthew 23:26; Matthew 27:59; but in John 15:3 it is used for spiritual purity as here in “ye are clean” Every whit All of the body because of the bath. For this same predicate use of ολος — holos see John 9:34. But not all Strongly put exception Plain hint of the treachery of Judas who is reclining at the table after having made the bargain with the Sanhedrin (Mark 14:11). A year ago Jesus knew that Judas was a devil and said to the apostles: “One of you is a devil” (John 6:64, John 6:70). But it did not hurt them then nor did they suspect each other then or now. It is far-fetched to make Jesus here refer to the cleansing power of his blood or to baptism as some do. [source]
John 5:8 Arise, take up thy bed, and walk [Εγειρε αρον τον κραβαττον σου και περιπατει]
Present active imperative of αρον — egeirō a sort of exclamation, like our “Get up.” The first active imperative (αιρω — āron of περιπατεω — airō) means to pick up the pallet, and then “go on walking” (present active imperative of κραβαττον — peripateō). For krabatton (pallet) see Mark 2:2-12; Mark 6:55; Acts 5:15; Acts 9:33. [source]
Acts 16:33 Washed their stripes [ἔλουσεν ἀπὸ τῶν πληγῶν]
Properly, “washed them from ( ἀπό ) their stripes.” The verb λούειν , expresses the bathing of the entire body (Hebrews 10:23; Acts 9:37; 2 Peter 2:22); while νίπτειν commonly means the washing of a part of the body (Matthew 6:17; Mark 7:3; John 13:5). The jailer bathed them; cleansing them from the blood with which they were besprinkled from the stripes. [source]
Acts 15:31 Consolation []
See on Acts 9:31. [source]
Acts 13:15 Exhortation []
See on Acts 9:31. [source]
Acts 1:13 An upper room [τὸ ὑπερῷον]
With the article, denoting some well-known place of resort. It was the name given to the room directly under the flat roof. Such rooms were often set apart as halls for meetings. In such an apartment Paul delivered his farewell address at Troas (Acts 20:8), and the body of Dorcas was laid (Acts 9:37). Used by Luke only. [source]
Acts 13:15 If ye have any word of exhortation for the people [ει τις εστιν εν υμιν λογος παρακλησεως προς τον λαον]
Literally, if there is among you any word of exhortation for the people. It is a condition of the first class and assumed to be true, a polite invitation. On “exhortation” (παρακλησις — paraklēsis) See note on Acts 9:31. It may be a technical phrase used in the synagogue (Hebrews 13:22; 1 Timothy 4:13). [source]
Acts 13:52 And the disciples [οι τε]
The Gentile Christians in Antioch in Pisidia. Persecution had precisely the opposite effect to the intention of the Jews for they “were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit” Imperfect passive, they kept on being filled. It had been so before (Acts 4:31; Acts 8:4; Acts 9:31; Acts 12:24). The blood of the martyrs is still the seed of the church. [source]
Acts 15:41  []
Went through ( διηρχετο — diērcheto ). Imperfect middle. So Paul went forth on his second mission tour with heart-aches and high hopes mingled together. Syria and Cilicia ( την Συριαν και την Κιλικιαν — tēn Surian kai tēn Kilikian ). He took the opposite course from the first tour, leaving Cyprus to Barnabas and Mark. Probably Paul had established these churches while in Tarsus after leaving Jerusalem ( Acts 9:30 ; Galatians 1:21 ). Paul would go “by the Gulf of Issus through the Syrian Gates, a narrow road between steep rocks and the sea, and then inland, probably past Tarsus and over Matthew. Taurus by the Cilician gates” (Page). This second tour will occupy Luke‘s story in Acts through Acts 18:22 . [source]
Acts 19:31 Not to adventure himself []
” It was a hazard, a rash adventure “to give himself” (second aorist active infinitive of διδωμι — didōmi). Just this sense of “adventure” with the idiom occurs only here in the N.T., though in Polybius V., 14, 9. But the phrase itself Paul uses of Jesus who gave himself for our sins (Galatians 1:4; 1 Timothy 2:6; Titus 2:14). It is not the first time that friends had rescued Paul from peril (Acts 9:25, Acts 9:30; Acts 17:10, Acts 17:14). The theatre was no place for Paul. It meant certain death. [source]
Acts 2:5 Were dwelling [ησαν κατοικουντες]
Periphrastic imperfect active indicative. Usually κατοικεω — katoikeō means residence in a place (Acts 4:16; Acts 7:24; Acts 9:22, Acts 9:32) as in Acts 2:14 (Luke 13:4). Perhaps some had come to Jerusalem to live while others were here only temporarily, for the same word occurs in Acts 2:9 of those who dwell in Mesopotamia, etc. [source]
Acts 17:14 Sent forth [εχαπεστειλαν]
Double compound Same form in Acts 9:30. As far as to the sea (heōs epi tēn thalassan). It is not clear whether Paul went all the way to Athens by land or took ship at Dium or Pydna, some sixteen miles away, and sailed to Athens. Some even think that Paul gave the Jews the slip and went all the way by land when they expected him to go by sea. At any rate we know that Paul was grieved to cut short his work in Macedonia, probably not over six months in all, which had been so fruitful in Philippi, Thessalonica, and Beroea. Silas and Timothy (note his presence) remained behind in Beroea and they would keep the work going. Paul no doubt hoped to return soon. Silas and Timothy in Beroea would also serve to screen his flight for the Jews wanted his blood, not theirs. The work in Macedonia spread widely (1 Thessalonians 1:7.). [source]
Acts 19:31 Being his friends [οντες αυτωι πιλοι]
Evidently the Asiarchs had a high opinion of Paul and were unwilling for him to expose his life to a wild mob during the festival of Artemis. They were at least tolerant toward Paul and his preaching. “It was an Asiarch who at Smyrna resisted the cry of the populace to throw Polycarp to the lions” (Furneaux). Besought him (παρεκαλουν αυτον — parekaloun auton). Imperfect active, showing that the messengers sent had to insist over Paul‘s protest. “Not to adventure himself” It was a hazard, a rash adventure “to give himself” (second aorist active infinitive of διδωμι — didōmi). Just this sense of “adventure” with the idiom occurs only here in the N.T., though in Polybius V., 14, 9. But the phrase itself Paul uses of Jesus who gave himself for our sins (Galatians 1:4; 1 Timothy 2:6; Titus 2:14). It is not the first time that friends had rescued Paul from peril (Acts 9:25, Acts 9:30; Acts 17:10, Acts 17:14). The theatre was no place for Paul. It meant certain death. [source]
Acts 2:32 This Jesus [τουτον τον Ιησουν]
Many of the name “Jesus,” but he means the one already called “the Nazarene” (Acts 2:22) and foretold as the Messiah in Psalm 16:1-11 and raised from the dead by God in proof that he is the Messiah (Acts 2:24, Acts 2:32), “this Jesus whom ye crucified” (Acts 2:36). Other terms used of him in the Acts are the Messiah, Acts 2:31, the one whom God “anointed” (Acts 10:38), as in John 1:41, Jesus Christ (Acts 9:34). In Acts 2:36 God made this Jesus Messiah, in Acts 3:20 the Messiah Jesus, in Acts 17:3 Jesus is the Messiah, in Acts 18:5 the Messiah is Jesus, in Acts 24:24 Christ Jesus. [source]
Acts 2:41 They then [οι μεν ουν]
A common phrase in Acts either without antithesis as in Acts 1:6; Acts 5:41; Acts 8:4, Acts 8:25; Acts 9:31; Acts 11:19; Acts 16:5; or with it as here, Acts 8:25; Acts 13:4; Acts 14:3; Acts 17:17; Acts 23:31; Acts 25:4. Ουν — Oun connects with what precedes as the result of Peter‘s sermon while μεν — men points forward to what is to follow. [source]
Acts 21:8 Unto Caesarea [εις Καισαριαν]
Apparently by land as the voyage Caesarea is the political capital of Judea under the Romans where the procurators lived and a city of importance, built by Herod the Great and named in honour of Augustus. It had a magnificent harbour built Most of the inhabitants were Greeks. This is the third time that we have seen Paul in Caesarea, on his journey from Jerusalem to Tarsus (Acts 9:30), on his return from Antioch at the close of the second mission tour (Acts 18:22) and now. The best MSS. omit οι περι Παυλου — hoi peri Paulou (we that were of Paul‘s company) a phrase like that in Acts 13:13. Into the house of Philip the evangelist (εις τον οικον Πιλιππου του ευαγγελιστου — eis ton oikon Philippou tou euaggelistou). Second in the list of the seven (Acts 6:5) after Stephen and that fact mentioned here. By this title he is distinguished from “Philip the apostle,” one of the twelve. His evangelistic work followed the death of Stephen (Acts 8) in Samaria, Philistia, with his home in Caesarea. The word “evangelizing” (ευηγγελιζετο — euēggelizeto) was used of him in Acts 8:40. The earliest of the three N.T. examples of the word “evangelist” (Acts 21:8; Ephesians 4:11; 2 Timothy 4:5). Apparently a word used to describe one who told the gospel story as Philip did and may have been used of him first of all as John was termed “the baptizer” (ο βαπτιζων — ho baptizn Mark 1:4), then “the Baptist” (ο βαπτιστης — ho baptistēs Matthew 3:1). It is found on an inscription in one of the Greek islands of uncertain date and was used in ecclesiastical writers of later times on the Four Gospels as we do. As used here the meaning is a travelling missionary who “gospelized” communities. This is probably Paul‘s idea in 2 Timothy 4:5. In Ephesians 4:11 the word seems to describe a special class of ministers just as we have them today. Men have different gifts and Philip had this of evangelizing as Paul was doing who is the chief evangelist. The ideal minister today combines the gifts of evangelist, herald, teacher, shepherd. “We abode with him” Constative aorist active indicative. Παρ αυτωι — Par autōi (by his side) is a neat idiom for “at his house.” What a joyful time Paul had in conversation with Philip. He could learn from him much of value about the early days of the gospel in Jerusalem. And Luke could, and probably did, take notes from Philip and his daughters about the beginnings of Christian history. It is generally supposed that the “we” sections of Acts represent a travel document by Luke (notes made by him as he journeyed from Troas to Rome). Those who deny the Lukan authorship of the whole book usually admit this. So we may suppose that Luke is already gathering data for future use. If so, these were precious days for him. [source]
Acts 22:6 About noon [περι μεσημβριαν]
Mid First aorist active infinitive of περιαστραπτω — periastraptō to flash around, in lxx and late Greek, in the N.T. only here and Acts 9:3 which see. Note repetition of περι — peri A great light Luke‘s favourite word ικανον — hikanon (considerable). Accusative of general reference with the infinitive. [source]
Acts 22:6 Shone round about me [περιαστραπσαι περι εμε]
First aorist active infinitive of περιαστραπτω — periastraptō to flash around, in lxx and late Greek, in the N.T. only here and Acts 9:3 which see. Note repetition of περι — peri [source]
Acts 26:13 Above the brightness of the sun [υπερ την λαμπροτητα του ηλιου]
Here alone not in Acts 9; 22, though implied in Acts 9:3; Acts 22:6, “indicating the supernatural character of the light” (Knowling). Luke makes no effort to harmonize the exact phrases here with those in the other accounts and Paul here (Acts 26:16) blends together what Jesus said to him directly and the message of Jesus through Ananias (Acts 9:15). The word λαμπροτης — lamprotēs old word, is here alone in the N.T. Shining round about me (περιλαμπσαν με — perilampsan me). First aorist active participle of περιλαμπω — perilampō common Koiné{[28928]}š verb, in N.T. only here and Luke 2:9. [source]
Acts 22:6 As I made my journey [μοι πορευομενωι]
To me (dative after εγενετο — egeneto happened to me) journeying (participle agreeing with μοι — moi). See this same idiom in Acts 22:17. Luke uses εγενετο δε — egeneto de seventeen times in the gospel and twenty-one in the Acts. Unto Damascus (τηι Δαμασκωι — tēi Damaskōi). Dative after εγγιζοντι — eggizonti (drawing nigh to). About noon Mid First aorist active infinitive of περιαστραπτω — periastraptō to flash around, in lxx and late Greek, in the N.T. only here and Acts 9:3 which see. Note repetition of περι — peri A great light Luke‘s favourite word ικανον — hikanon (considerable). Accusative of general reference with the infinitive. [source]
Acts 4:36 Barnabas [αρναβας]
His name was Joseph (correct text, and not Jesus) and he is mentioned as one illustration of those in Acts 4:34 who selling brought the money. The apostles gave him the nickname Barnabas by which later he was known because of this noble deed. This fact argues that all did not actually sell, but were ready to do so if needed. Possibly Joseph had a larger estate than some others also. The meaning of the nickname is given by Luke as “son of consolation or exhortation” Doubtless his gifts as a preacher lay along this same line. Rackham thinks that the apostles gave him this name when he was recognized as a prophet. In Acts 11:23 the very word παρεκαλει — parekalei (exhorted) is used of Barnabas up at Antioch. He is the type of preacher described by Paul in 1 Corinthians 14:3. Encouragement is the chief idea in παρακλησις — paraklēsis though exhortation, comfort, consolation are used to render it (Acts 9:31; Acts 13:15; Acts 15:31). See also Acts 16:9; Acts 20:12. It is not necessary to think that the apostles coined the name Barnabas for Joseph which originally may have come from αρνεβους — Barnebous (Deissmann, Bible Studies, pp. 308-10), son of Nebo, or even the Hebrew Bar Nebi (son of a prophet). But, whatever the origin, the popular use is given by Luke. He was even called apostle along with Paul (Acts 14:14) in the broad sense of that word. [source]
Acts 7:53 Ye who [οιτινες]
The very ones who, quippe qui, often in Acts when the persons are enlarged upon (Acts 8:15; Acts 9:35; Acts 10:41, Acts 10:47). [source]
Acts 8:4 Went about [διηλτον]
Constative second aorist active of διερχομαι — dierchomai to go through (from place to place, δια — dia). Old and common verb, frequent for missionary journeys in the Acts (Acts 5:40; Acts 8:40; Acts 9:32; Acts 11:19; Acts 13:6). Preaching the word (ευαγγελιζομενοι τον λογον — euaggelizomenoi ton logon). Evangelizing or gospelizing the word (the truth about Christ). In Acts 11:19 Luke explains more fully the extent of the labours of these new preachers of the gospel. They were emergency preachers, not ordained clergymen, but men stirred to activity by the zeal of Saul against them. The blood of the martyrs (Stephen) was already becoming the seed of the church. “The violent dispersion of these earnest disciples resulted in a rapid diffusion of the gospel” (Alvah Hovey). [source]
Acts 9:13 To thy saints [τοις αγιοις]
Dative of disadvantage. “Used here for the first time as a name for the Christians” (Knowling), but it came to be the common and normal (Hackett) term for followers of Christ (Acts 9:32, Acts 9:41; Acts 26:10; 1 Corinthians 1:2, etc.). This common word is from το αγος — to hagos religious awe or reverence and is applied to God‘s name (Luke 1:49), God‘s temple (Matthew 24:15), God‘s people as set apart for God (Luke 1:70; Luke 2:23; Romans 1:7, etc.). Ananias in his ignorance saw in Saul only the man with an evil reputation while Jesus saw in Saul the man transformed by grace to be a messenger of mercy. [source]
Acts 9:33 Aenias [Ainean)]
Old Greek name and so probably a Hellenistic Jew. He was apparently a disciple already (the saint, Acts 9:32). Luke the physician notes that he had been bed ridden for eight years. See note on Acts 5:15 for “bed” (krabattou) and Acts 8:7; Luke 5:18 for “paralyzed” (paralelumenos perfect passive participle of paraluō with ēn periphrastic past perfect passive). [source]
Acts 9:37 In an upper chamber [en huperōiōi)]
See note on Acts 1:13. Also in Acts 9:39. In that house. This service was rendered by the women, though Luke has lousantes (masculine plural aorist active participle of louō), a general way of saying “they washed.” The interment was not hurried as in Jerusalem (Ananias and Sapphira) and the upper room is where the body was usually placed. [source]
Acts 9:41 Presented [parestēsen)]
First aorist active indicative, transitive of paristēmi (cf. intransitive second aorist in Acts 9:39 above). It was a joyful time for Peter, the widows, all the saints, and for Dorcas. [source]
Romans 1:7 Called to be saints [κλητοῖς ἁγίοις]
Or, saints by way of call. See on called to be an apostle, Romans 1:1. It is asserted that they are what they are called. The term ἅγιοι saintsis applied to Christians in three senses in theNew Testament. 1, As members of a visible and local community (Acts 9:32, Acts 9:41; Acts 26:10); 2, as members of a spiritual community (1 Corinthians 1:2; Colossians 3:12); 3, as individually holy (Ephesians 1:18; Colossians 1:12; Revelation 13:10). [source]
Romans 5:1 Let us have peace with God [ειρηνην εχωμεν προς τον τεον]
This is the correct text beyond a doubt, the present active subjunctive, not εχομεν — echomen (present active indicative) of the Textus Receptus which even the American Standard Bible accepts. It is curious how perverse many real scholars have been on this word and phrase here. Godet, for instance. Vincent says that “it is difficult if not impossible to explain it.” One has only to observe the force of the tense to see Paul‘s meaning clearly. The mode is the volitive subjunctive and the present tense expresses linear action and so does not mean “make peace” as the ingressive aorist subjunctive ειρηνην σχωμεν — eirēnēn schōmen would mean. A good example of σχωμεν — schōmen occurs in Matthew 21:38 (σχωμεν την κληρονομιαν αυτου — schōmen tēn klēronomian autou) where it means: “Let us get hold of his inheritance.” Here ειρηνην εχωμεν — eirēnēn echōmen can only mean: “Let us enjoy peace with God” or “Let us retain peace with God.” We have in Acts 9:31 ειχεν ειρηνην — eichen eirēnēn (imperfect and so linear), the church “enjoyed peace,” not “made peace.” The preceding justification (δικαιωτεντες — dikaiōthentes) “made peace with God.” Observe προς — pros (face to face) with τον τεον — ton theon and δια — dia (intermediate agent) with του κυριου — tou kuriou f0). [source]
1 Corinthians 4:13 Intreat [παρακαλοῦμεν]
See on consolation, Luke 6:24, and see on comfort, Acts 9:31. The sense is, we strive to appease by entreaty. [source]
1 Corinthians 12:10 The interpretation of tongues [ερμηνεια γλωσσων]
Old word, here only and 1 Corinthians 14:26 in N.T., from ερμηνευω — hermēneuō from ερμης — Hermēs (the god of speech). Cf. on διερμηνευω — diermēneuō in Luke 24:27; Acts 9:36. In case there was no one present who understood the particular tongue it required a special gift of the Spirit to some one to interpret it if any one was to receive benefit from it. [source]
1 Corinthians 3:9 Building [οἰκοδομή]
Paul's metaphors are drawn from the works and customs of men rather than from the works of nature. “In his epistles,” says Archdeacon Farrar, “we only breathe the air of cities and synagogues.” The abundance of architectural metaphors is not strange in view of the magnificent temples and public buildings which he was continually seeing at Antioch, Athens, Corinth, and Ephesus. His frequent use of to build and building in a moral and spiritual sense is noteworthy. In this sense the two words οἰκοδομέω and οἰκοδομή occur twenty-six times in the New Testament, and in all but two cases in Paul's writings. Peter uses build in a similar sense; 1 Peter 2:5. See edify, edification, build, Acts 9:31; Romans 15:20; 1 Corinthians 8:1; 1 Corinthians 8:10, where emboldened is literally built up, and is used ironically. Also Romans 14:19; Romans 15:2; 1 Corinthians 14:3; Ephesians 2:21, etc. It is worth noting that in the Epistle to the Hebrews, while the same metaphor occurs, different words are used. Thus in Hebrews 3:3, Hebrews 3:4, built, builded, represent κατασκευάζω toprepare. In Hebrews 11:10, τεχνίτης artificerand δημιουργὸς , lit., a workman for the public: A.V., builder and maker. This fact has a bearing on the authorship of the epistle. In earlier English, edify was used for build in the literal sense. Thus Piers Ploughman: “I shal overturne this temple and a-down throwe it, and in thre daies after edifie it newe.” See on Acts 20:32. In the double metaphor of the field and the building, the former furnishes the mould of Paul's thought in 1 Corinthians 3:6-9, and the latter in 1 Corinthians 3:10-17. Edwards remarks that the field describes the raw material on which God works, the house the result of the work. [source]
1 Corinthians 14:5 Except he interpret [εκτος ει μη διερμηνευηι]
Pleonastic combination of εκτος — ektos (preposition except) and ει μη — ei mē (if not, unless) as in 1 Corinthians 15:2; 1 Timothy 5:19. For use of ει — ei with subjunctive rather than εαν — ean see note on Philemon 3:12 (common enough in the Koiné, Robertson, Grammar, pp. 1017f., condition of third class). On the verb see 1 Corinthians 12:30; Luke 24:27; Acts 9:36. [source]
1 Corinthians 12:10 Prophecy [προπητεια]
Late word from προπητης — prophētēs and προπημι — prophēmi to speak forth. Common in papyri. This gift Paul will praise most (chapter 1 Corinthians 14). Not always prediction, but a speaking forth of God‘s message under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Discernings of spirits (διακρισεις πνευματων — diakriseis pneumatōn). Διακρισις — Diakrisis is old word from διακρινω — diakrinō (see note on 1 Corinthians 11:29) and in N.T. only here; Romans 14:1; Hebrews 5:14. A most needed gift to tell whether the gifts were really of the Holy Spirit and supernatural (cf. so-called “gifts” today) or merely strange though natural or even diabolical (1 Timothy 4:1; 1 John 4:1.). Divers kinds of tongues No word for “divers” in the Greek. There has arisen a great deal of confusion concerning the gift of tongues as found in Corinth. They prided themselves chiefly on this gift which had become a source of confusion and disorder. There were varieties (kinds, γενη — genē) in this gift, but the gift was essentially an ecstatic utterance of highly wrought emotion that edified the speaker (1 Corinthians 14:4) and was intelligible to God (1 Corinthians 14:2, 1 Corinthians 14:28). It was not always true that the speaker in tongues could make clear what he had said to those who did not know the tongue (1 Corinthians 14:13): It was not mere gibberish or jargon like the modern “tongues,” but in a real language that could be understood by one familiar with that tongue as was seen on the great Day of Pentecost when people who spoke different languages were present. In Corinth, where no such variety of people existed, it required an interpreter to explain the tongue to those who knew it not. Hence Paul placed this gift lowest of all. It created wonder, but did little real good. This is the error of the Irvingites and others who have tried to reproduce this early gift of the Holy Spirit which was clearly for a special emergency and which was not designed to help spread the gospel among men. See notes on Acts 2:13-21; notes on Acts Acts 10:44-46; and note on Acts 19:6. The interpretation of tongues (ερμηνεια γλωσσων — hermēneia glōssōn). Old word, here only and 1 Corinthians 14:26 in N.T., from ερμηνευω — hermēneuō from ερμης — Hermēs (the god of speech). Cf. on διερμηνευω — diermēneuō in Luke 24:27; Acts 9:36. In case there was no one present who understood the particular tongue it required a special gift of the Spirit to some one to interpret it if any one was to receive benefit from it. [source]
1 Corinthians 12:10 Divers kinds of tongues [γενη γλωσσων]
No word for “divers” in the Greek. There has arisen a great deal of confusion concerning the gift of tongues as found in Corinth. They prided themselves chiefly on this gift which had become a source of confusion and disorder. There were varieties (kinds, γενη — genē) in this gift, but the gift was essentially an ecstatic utterance of highly wrought emotion that edified the speaker (1 Corinthians 14:4) and was intelligible to God (1 Corinthians 14:2, 1 Corinthians 14:28). It was not always true that the speaker in tongues could make clear what he had said to those who did not know the tongue (1 Corinthians 14:13): It was not mere gibberish or jargon like the modern “tongues,” but in a real language that could be understood by one familiar with that tongue as was seen on the great Day of Pentecost when people who spoke different languages were present. In Corinth, where no such variety of people existed, it required an interpreter to explain the tongue to those who knew it not. Hence Paul placed this gift lowest of all. It created wonder, but did little real good. This is the error of the Irvingites and others who have tried to reproduce this early gift of the Holy Spirit which was clearly for a special emergency and which was not designed to help spread the gospel among men. See notes on Acts 2:13-21; notes on Acts Acts 10:44-46; and note on Acts 19:6. The interpretation of tongues (ερμηνεια γλωσσων — hermēneia glōssōn). Old word, here only and 1 Corinthians 14:26 in N.T., from ερμηνευω — hermēneuō from ερμης — Hermēs (the god of speech). Cf. on διερμηνευω — diermēneuō in Luke 24:27; Acts 9:36. In case there was no one present who understood the particular tongue it required a special gift of the Spirit to some one to interpret it if any one was to receive benefit from it. [source]
2 Corinthians 12:1 Visions [οπτασιας]
Late word from οπταζω — optazō See Luke 1:22; note on Acts 26:19. Revelations of the Lord (apokalupseis Kuriou). Unveilings (from apokaluptō as in Revelation 1:1). See note on 2 Thessalonians 1:7; 1 Corinthians 1:7; 1 Corinthians 14:26. Paul had both repeated visions of Christ (Acts 9:3; Acts 16:9; Acts 18:9; Acts 22:17; Acts 27:23.) and revelations. He claimed to speak by direct revelation (1 Corinthians 11:23; 1 Corinthians 15:3; Galatians 1:12; Ephesians 3:3, etc.). [source]
2 Corinthians 12:1 Revelations of the Lord [apokalupseis Kuriou)]
Unveilings (from apokaluptō as in Revelation 1:1). See note on 2 Thessalonians 1:7; 1 Corinthians 1:7; 1 Corinthians 14:26. Paul had both repeated visions of Christ (Acts 9:3; Acts 16:9; Acts 18:9; Acts 22:17; Acts 27:23.) and revelations. He claimed to speak by direct revelation (1 Corinthians 11:23; 1 Corinthians 15:3; Galatians 1:12; Ephesians 3:3, etc.). [source]
2 Corinthians 12:2 Fourteen years ago [προ ετων δεκατεσσαρων]
Idiomatic way of putting it, the preposition προ — pro (before) before the date (Robertson, Grammar, p. 621f.) as in John 12:1. The date was probably while Paul was at Tarsus (Acts 9:30; Acts 11:25). We have no details of that period. Caught up (αρπαγεντα — harpagenta). Second aorist passive participle of αρπαζω — harpazō to seize (see note on Matthew 11:12). Even to the third heaven It is unlikely that Paul alludes to the idea of seven heavens held by some Jews (Test. of the Twelve Pat., Levi ii. iii.). He seems to mean the highest heaven where God is (Plummer). [source]
Galatians 1:15 From my mother's womb [ἐκ κοιλίας μητρός μου]
Before I was born. Others, from the time of my birth. A few passages in lxx. go to sustain the former view: Isaiah 64:2,24; 66:1,5. That view is also favored by those instances in which a child's destiny is clearly fixed by God before birth, as Samson, Judges href="/desk/?q=jud+16:17&sr=1">Judges 16:17; comp. Judges 13:5, Judges 13:7; John the Baptist, Luke 1:15. See also Matthew 19:12. The usage of ἐκ as marking a temporal starting point is familiar. See John 6:66; John 9:1; Acts 9:33; Acts 24:10. [source]
Galatians 1:13 I persecuted [εδιωκον]
Imperfect active, “I used to persecute” (see Acts 7-9 for the facts). Made havock of it (επορτουν αυτην — eporthoun autēn). Customary action again, imperfect of old verb πορτεω — portheō to lay waste, to sack. In N.T. only here, Galatians 1:23, and Acts 9:31 (used by Christians in Damascus of Saul after his conversion of his former conduct, the very word of Paul here). Paul heard them use it of him and it stuck in his mind. [source]
Galatians 1:13 Made havock of it [επορτουν αυτην]
Customary action again, imperfect of old verb πορτεω — portheō to lay waste, to sack. In N.T. only here, Galatians 1:23, and Acts 9:31 (used by Christians in Damascus of Saul after his conversion of his former conduct, the very word of Paul here). Paul heard them use it of him and it stuck in his mind. [source]
Galatians 1:21 Into the region of Syria and Cilicia [εις τα κλιματα της Σψριας και της Κιλικιας]
This statement agrees with the record in Acts 9:30. On κλιματα — klimata see note on 2 Corinthians 11:10. Paul was not idle, but at work in Tarsus and the surrounding country. [source]
Galatians 1:22 By face [τωι προσωπωι]
Associative instrumental case. Of Judea (της Ιουδαιας — tēs Ioudaias). As distinct from Jerusalem, for he had once scattered the church there and had revisited them before coming to Tarsus (Acts 9:26-30). In Acts 9:31 the singular of εκκλησια — ekklēsia is used, but in a geographic sense for Judea, Samaria, and Galilee. [source]
Galatians 1:22 Of Judea [της Ιουδαιας]
As distinct from Jerusalem, for he had once scattered the church there and had revisited them before coming to Tarsus (Acts 9:26-30). In Acts 9:31 the singular of εκκλησια — ekklēsia is used, but in a geographic sense for Judea, Samaria, and Galilee. [source]
Galatians 1:13 In the Jews‘ religion [εν τωι Ιουδαισμωι]
“In Judaism.” The word in N.T. only here and next verse, already in 2 Maccabees 2:21; 8:1; 14:38; 4 Maccabees 4:26. In these passages it means the Jewish religion as opposed to the Hellenism that the Syrian Kings were imposing upon the Jews. So later Justin Martyr (386 D) will use Χριστιανισμος — Christianismos for Christianity. Both words are made from verbs in ιζω — ̇izō Beyond measure (κατ υπερβολην — kath' huperbolēn). “According to excess” (throwing beyond, υπερβολη — huperbolē). I persecuted Imperfect active, “I used to persecute” (see Acts 7-9 for the facts). Made havock of it (επορτουν αυτην — eporthoun autēn). Customary action again, imperfect of old verb πορτεω — portheō to lay waste, to sack. In N.T. only here, Galatians 1:23, and Acts 9:31 (used by Christians in Damascus of Saul after his conversion of his former conduct, the very word of Paul here). Paul heard them use it of him and it stuck in his mind. [source]
1 Thessalonians 1:3 In our Lord, etc. [τοῦ κυρίου]
Lit. of our Lord. For a similar use of the genitive, see John 5:42; 1 John 2:5, 1 John 2:15; Acts 9:31; Romans 1:5; Romans 3:18, Romans 3:22, Romans 3:26, etc. Connect with hope only. [source]
1 Timothy 5:10 For good works [ἐν ἔργοις καλοῖς]
Lit. in good works; in the matter of. Comp. 1 Timothy 6:18; Titus 2:7; Titus 3:8, Titus 3:14. In the Gospels, ἔργον workappears with καλὸς and never with ἀγαθὸς . In Paul, always with ἀγαθὸς and never with καλὸς KingsIn the Pastorals, with both. The phrase includes good deeds of all kinds, and not merely special works of beneficence. Comp. Acts 9:36. [source]
1 Timothy 4:13 Exhortation [τῇ παρακλήσει]
Often in Paul. See on consolation, Luke 6:24, see on comfort, Acts 9:31, and see on comforter, John 14:16. [source]
1 Timothy 5:3 Widows [χήρας]
Paul alludes to widows in 1 Corinthians 7:8only, where he advises them against remarrying. They are mentioned as a class in Acts 6:1, in connection with the appointment of the seven. Also Acts 9:39, Acts 9:41. In the Pastorals they receive special notice, indicating their advance from the position of mere beneficiaries to a quasi-official position in the church. from the very first, the church recognised its obligation to care for their support. A widow, in the East, was peculiarly desolate and helpless. In return for their maintenance certain duties were required of them, such as the care of orphans, sick and prisoners, and they were enrolled in an order, which, however, did not include all of their number who received alms of the church. In Polycarp's Epistle to the Philippians, they are styled “the altar of God.” To such an order the references in the Pastorals point. The Fathers, from the end of the second century to the fourth, recognised a class known as πρεσβύτιδες agedwomen (Titus 2:3), who had oversight of the female church-members and a separate seat in the congregation. The council of Laodicaea abolished this institution, or so modified it that widows no longer held an official relation to the church. [source]
2 Timothy 4:2 Exhort [παρακάλεσον]
See on consolation, Luke 6:24; see on comfort, Acts 9:31. Tischendorf changes the order of the three imperatives, reading ἔλεγξον, παρακάλεσον, ἐπιτίμησον . In that case there is a climax: first convict of error, then, exhort to forsake error, finally threaten with the penalty of persistence in error. [source]
Titus 2:5 Good [ἀγαθάς]
Not attributive of workers at home, but independent. Rend. kindly. The mistress of the house is to add to her thrift, energy, and strict discipline, benign, gracious, heartily kind demeanor. Comp. Matthew 20:15; 1 Peter 2:18; Acts 9:36. See on Acts 11:24; see on Romans 5:7. [source]
James 5:19 From the truth [απο της αλητειας]
For truth see James 1:18; James 3:14; John 8:32; 1 John 1:6; 1 John 3:18. It was easy then, and is now, to be led astray from Christ, who is the Truth.And one convert him (και επιστρεπσηι τις αυτον — kai epistrepsēi tis auton). Continuation of the third-class condition with the first aorist active subjunctive of επιστρεπω — epistrephō old verb, to turn (transitive here as in Luke 1:16., but intransitive often as Acts 9:35). [source]
James 5:19 And one convert him [και επιστρεπσηι τις αυτον]
Continuation of the third-class condition with the first aorist active subjunctive of επιστρεπω — epistrephō old verb, to turn (transitive here as in Luke 1:16., but intransitive often as Acts 9:35). [source]
1 John 2:9 His brother [τὸν ἀδελφόν]
His fellow-Christian. The singular, brother, is characteristic of this Epistle. See 1 John 2:10, 1 John 2:11; 1 John 3:10, 1 John 3:15, 1 John 3:17; 1 John 4:20, 1 John 4:21; 1 John 5:16. Christians are called in the New Testament, Christians (Acts 11:26; Acts 26:28; 1 Peter 4:16), mainly by those outside of the Christian circle. Disciples, applied to all followers of Christ (John 2:11; John 6:61) and strictly to the twelve (John 13:5sqq.). In Acts 19:1, to those who had received only John's baptism. Not found in John's Epistles nor in Revelation. Brethren. The first title given to the body of believers after the Ascension (Acts 1:15, where the true reading is ἀδελφῶν brethrenfor μαθητῶν disciples). See Acts 9:30; Acts 10:23; Acts 11:29; 1 Thessalonians 4:10; 1 Thessalonians 5:26; 1 John 3:14; 3 John 1:5, 3 John 1:10; John 21:23. Peter has ἡ ἀδελφότης thebrotherhood (1 Peter 2:17; 1 Peter 5:9). The believers. Under three forms: The believers ( οἱ πιστοί ; Acts 10:45; 1 Timothy 4:12); they that believe ( οἱ πιστεύοντες ; 1 Peter 2:7; 1 Thessalonians 1:7; Ephesians 1:19); they that believed ( οἱ πιστεύσαντες ; Acts 2:44; Acts 4:32; Hebrews 4:3). The saints ( οἱ ἅγιοι ); characteristic of Paul and Revelation. Four times in the Acts (Acts 9:13, Acts 9:32, Acts 9:41; Acts 26:10), and once in Jude (Judges 1:3). Also Hebrews 6:10; Hebrews 13:24. In Paul, 1 Corinthians 6:1; 1 Corinthians 14:33; Ephesians 1:1, Ephesians 1:15, etc. In Revelation 5:8; Revelation 8:3, Revelation 8:4; Revelation 11:18, etc.|Until now ( ἕως ἄρτι )|Though the light has been increasing, and though he may claim that he has been in the light from the first. The phrase occurs in John 2:10; John 5:17; John 16:24; and is used by Paul, 1 Corinthians 4:13; 1 Corinthians 8:7; 1 Corinthians 15:6.| [source]
Revelation 1:17 I fell []
Compare Exodus 23:20; Ezekiel 1:28; Daniel 8:17sqq.; Daniel 10:7sqq.; Luke 5:8; Revelation 19:10. The condition of the seer, in the Spirit, does not supersede existence in the body. Compare Acts 9:3-5. [source]

What do the individual words in Acts 9:3 mean?

In now - proceeding it came to pass [as] he draws near - to Damascus suddenly also him flashed around a light from - heaven
Ἐν δὲ τῷ πορεύεσθαι ἐγένετο αὐτὸν ἐγγίζειν τῇ Δαμασκῷ ἐξαίφνης τε αὐτὸν περιήστραψεν φῶς ἐκ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ

δὲ  now 
Parse: Conjunction
Root: δέ  
Sense: but, moreover, and, etc.
τῷ  - 
Parse: Article, Dative Neuter Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
πορεύεσθαι  proceeding 
Parse: Verb, Present Infinitive Middle or Passive
Root: πορεύομαι  
Sense: to lead over, carry over, transfer.
ἐγένετο  it  came  to  pass 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Middle, 3rd Person Singular
Root: γίνομαι  
Sense: to become, i.
αὐτὸν  [as]  he 
Parse: Personal / Possessive Pronoun, Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Root: αὐτός  
Sense: himself, herself, themselves, itself.
ἐγγίζειν  draws  near 
Parse: Verb, Present Infinitive Active
Root: ἐγγίζω  
Sense: to bring near, to join one thing to another.
τῇ  - 
Parse: Article, Dative Feminine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
Δαμασκῷ  to  Damascus 
Parse: Noun, Dative Feminine Singular
Root: Δαμασκός  
Sense: one of the most ancient and most important cities of Syria lying in almost lovely and fertile plain at the eastern base of the Antilibanus.
ἐξαίφνης  suddenly 
Parse: Adverb
Root: ἐξαίφνης 
Sense: of a sudden, suddenly, unexpectedly.
τε  also 
Parse: Conjunction
Root: τέ  
Sense: not only … but also.
περιήστραψεν  flashed  around 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Active, 3rd Person Singular
Root: περιαστράπτω  
Sense: to flash around, shine about.
φῶς  a  light 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Neuter Singular
Root: φῶς  
Sense: light.
τοῦ  - 
Parse: Article, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
οὐρανοῦ  heaven 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root: οὐρανός  
Sense: the vaulted expanse of the sky with all things visible in it.