One night, however,
This phrase sets the scene for a specific event occurring under the cover of darkness. Nighttime often symbolizes danger or urgency in biblical narratives, as seen in other instances like Nicodemus visiting Jesus at night (John 3:2). The use of "however" indicates a contrast to previous events, suggesting a turning point or a critical moment in the narrative.

his disciples took him
The mention of "his disciples" indicates that Saul, later known as Paul, had already gathered followers who were committed to his teachings and mission. This early formation of a supportive community highlights the rapid spread of the Gospel and the establishment of early Christian fellowship. It also reflects the trust and loyalty Saul had earned despite his recent conversion.

and lowered him in a basket
The act of lowering Saul in a basket is a practical solution to a life-threatening situation. This method of escape is reminiscent of the story of Rahab, who helped the Israelite spies escape from Jericho by lowering them from her window (Joshua 2:15). The use of a basket, a humble and everyday object, underscores the theme of God's provision and protection through ordinary means.

through a window in the wall.
The window in the wall suggests a city with fortified structures, typical of ancient cities like Damascus. Archaeological evidence supports the existence of such walls, which were often part of the city's defense system. This escape route signifies a divine intervention, as walls in Scripture often symbolize barriers or protection, and here, God provides a way of escape for Saul. This event foreshadows Paul's later teachings on God's deliverance and protection (2 Corinthians 11:32-33).

1. Saul (Paul)
The central figure in this passage, Saul, later known as Paul, was a zealous Pharisee who converted to Christianity after encountering Jesus on the road to Damascus. His transformation is a pivotal moment in the New Testament.

2. Disciples of Saul
These were followers of Saul who assisted him in escaping from Damascus. Their actions demonstrate loyalty and courage in the face of danger.

3. Damascus
A significant city in early Christian history, Damascus is where Saul was headed to persecute Christians before his conversion. It becomes a place of refuge and transformation for him.

4. The Basket
The means by which Saul was lowered through the wall, symbolizing both a literal and metaphorical escape from his old life into his new mission.

5. The Wall
Represents the boundary between Saul's past and his future mission. The wall is both a physical barrier and a symbol of the challenges Saul would face in his ministry.God's Protection and Providence
Just as God provided a way of escape for Saul, He provides for us in times of danger and uncertainty. Trust in His providence and protection.

The Role of Community in God's Plan
Saul's disciples played a crucial role in his escape. This highlights the importance of community and fellowship in the Christian life. We are called to support and protect one another.

Courage in the Face of Persecution
Saul's escape from Damascus is a reminder that following Christ may lead to persecution, but we are called to be courageous and faithful, trusting in God's deliverance.

Transformation and New Beginnings
Saul's escape marks a turning point in his life, symbolizing his transformation from persecutor to apostle. Embrace the new beginnings God offers through His grace.(25) Let him down by the wall in a basket.--The basket is the spuris of Matthew 15:37, where see Note. In 2Corinthians 11:33 St. Paul describes it by another word (sargane), which gives the idea of a wicker or rope-work hamper. It seems to follow, from the tone in which the Apostle there speaks of this adventure, that it had been made matter of ridicule. It is connected in his thoughts with the "infirmities" (probably with his smallness of stature) of which he was content to boast. The escape was effected, like that of the spies from the house of Rahab (Joshua 2:15) and of David from his own house (1Samuel 19:11), through an opening or "window" in the town wall. Such a window is still shown in the wall of Damascus as the traditional scene of the escape.

Verse 25. - But for then, A.V.; his disciples for the disciples, A.V. and T.R.; through for by, A.V; lowering him in for in, A.V. Lowering him, etc. The A.V. gives the sense freely; and combining the verb καθῆκαν with the participle χαλάσαντες, translates both by the one word "let him down." The by of the A.V. seems preferable to the through of the R.V., as through suggests the idea, which cannot be intended, of making a hole in the wall. The escape of the spies from Jericho, as described in Joshua 2:15, was exactly in the same way, except that they had only a rope to descend by, whereas St. Paul had a rope-basket. In the description of his escape given by St. Paul to the Corinthians (2 Corinthians 11:33), he uses the same word for "let down" (ἐχαλάσθην), tells us he was let down "by the wall," R.V. διὰ τοῦ τείχους, with the additional particular that he got out through the window, διὰ θυρίδος, and that it was a σαργάνη, a basket made of ropes (which describes the kind of basket somewhat more accurately than the σπυρίς here used) in which he was let down (see note on ver. 20). The passage in 2 Corinthians gives us a further interesting account of how the Jews went about to accomplish their purpose of killing Paul. It seems that at this time, either in revolt against the Romans or by permission of Caligula (it is not known certainly which), a certain Aretas, or Hareth, King of Arabia Petrea, included Damascus in his dominions for a time, i.e. through the reigns of Caligula and Claudius. He appointed an ethnarch, who was doubtless a Jew, to rule the large Jewish population according to their Law, and who was the ready tool of the unbelieving Jews, using his power as governor to have the gates kept day and night so as to prevent Saul's escape. But he that keepeth Israel neither slumbered nor slept, and by his watchful providence Saul escaped from their hands. As regards the R.Y., his disciples for the disciples, Alford adopts the reading λαβόντες δὲ οἱ μαθηταὶ αὐτόν, and holds αὐτοῦ of the R.T. to be simply a mistake for αὐτόν, caused by the situation of αὐτόν after λαβόντες. The R.T. cannot be right. "The disciples" is St. Luke's regular expression for "Christians" (Acts 6:1, 2, 7; Acts 9:10, 19, 26; Acts 14:22; Acts 21:16), and is our Lord's name for his followers, but is never used by an apostle of his own followers (see 1 Corinthians 1:12, 13; 1 Corinthians 3:4-7).

Parallel Commentaries ...


One night,
νυκτὸς (nyktos)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3571: The night, night-time. A primary word; 'night'.

however,
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

his
αὐτοῦ (autou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

disciples
μαθηταὶ (mathētai)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3101: A learner, disciple, pupil. From manthano; a learner, i.e. Pupil.

took [him]
λαβόντες (labontes)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 2983: (a) I receive, get, (b) I take, lay hold of.

[and] lowered [him]
χαλάσαντες (chalasantes)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 5465: To let down, lower, slacken, loosen. From the base of chasma; to lower.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

a basket
σπυρίδι (spyridi)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4711: A plaited basket. From speiro; a hamper or lunch-receptacle.

through [ a window ]
διὰ (dia)
Preposition
Strong's 1223: A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.

in the
τοῦ (tou)
Article - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

wall.
τείχους (teichous)
Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 5038: A wall, especially of a city. Akin to the base of tikto; a wall.


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NT Apostles: Acts 9:25 But his disciples took him by night (Acts of the Apostles Ac)