The Pulpit Commentary — Acts — Volume 1 — Section 305

nature of the evidence and the deep spiritual work of those few days prepared such a mind as Paul's for grappling with the mysteries of faith. The eyes were shut that they might be opened the more clearly to spiritual realities. It was especially neoessary that Saul should begin his new life feeling that Jesus wsa able to do all things, that he was revealing his Divine kingdom in the earth. III. TllE onA0E MANIFESTED, 1. The gentleness and compassion. The same stroke might h11.ve slain. 'l'he enemy was loved, not hated; the shame of bis defeat partly hidden from onlookers. 2. 'l'he wonderful change wrought by the Spirit: the per- secutor turned into the foremost apostle. 3. The gift of such a man to the Church and to the world. Think of what Paul has been to those who came after him. The treasures of knowledge, the marvels of personal history. Especially the fact of his conversion itself as an evidence of the truth of Christianity. Lord Lyttelton and many others convinced by it. Standing miracle which no one can resist except by subterfuge. The effect on the Church at the time and on the Jewish world. A great conversion is always a great converting power. .APPLICATION. 1. There is a gate of grace close by the gate of sin. Paul was gain"' to Damascus to do evil. Jesus met him to turn him on the path of life. 2. The ne; world may be entered blindfold, yet if we do what the Lord tells llli to do our eyes will be opened at last.-R. Vera. 10-19.-Baptism of St. Paul. While the conversion was independently of human agency, the new life awakened was immediately called up by Divine appoint- ment into fellowship with the life of the Church. The baptism is here plainly a Divine seal upon the individual, an invitation to the privileges of the Church, a consecration to higher life and service. I. THE CHOSEN VESSEL MARKED OUT BY THE LORD. 1. By the supernatural signs- the vision; the communication of .Ananias and its results; the opened eyes of the new convert. 2. The introduction of Saul among the circle of believers at Damascus. They would receive him as not only a converted man, but one of whom the Lord predicted such things. II. THE TWO BRETHREN UNITED IN PRAISE. 1. The joy of .Ananias over Saul ; the joy of Saul in the salutation of brotherly love. 2. An answer to prayer. Darkness turned to light. 3. .A release from the captivity of an anxious solitude. Such a. mind needed quickly to be delivered from the danger of too great a reaction. The sympathy of an experienced Christian with a young convert is unspeakably precious. The introduction to .Ananias was an introduction to the Church at Damascus, which, while no doubt wholly Jewish, was yet prepared by its training in that city for th(3 reception of such a man. They would be less startled then at the announcement that he would go to the Gentiles. Thus God works all things according to the good pleasure of his will. The converted Saul opens his eyes in Damascus. III. SPECIAL CONSEOBATION of the newly won soul to higher service by the gifts of the Holy Ghost. 1. The baptism was an acceptance on Saul's part of the Lord's commission. He knew that he would have much to do for Christ. He remembered the past and desired to make up for it by entire devotedness to him whom he had persecuted. 2. Extraordinary conversion is a preparation for extraordinary service. The days of darkness are days of wrestling prayer. The foundations of the new life were laid deep. Augustine; Luther; Bunyan; Chalmers. Grace abounding to one who has felt himself the chief of sinners becomes abounding strength to do the Lord's work. Preachers who have no deep experience to fall bsck upon cannot speak to the hearts of others. 3. The special gifts of the Holy Ghost bestowed through the ministration of .Ananias. .A miraculous power at once descended on Saul, and he felt himself lifted out of the ordinary current of his life and set in a higher level of experience and faoulty.-R. Ver. 12.-A spiritual wonder. "Behold, he pmyethl" "Behold!" The Church, the world, invited to look on the sight. The enemy, the Pharisee, the warrior, behold his hands clasped in prayer, countenance bathed in tears, voice uttering petitions. Look into that house of Judas; it might have been filled with mourning; it is the 1108118 of a spiritual victory. We can look back and look forward; what he was. what 302 THE AOTS OF 'l'HE APOSTLES,