Acts 9:3-19 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:… I. THE CONVERSION ITSELF. 1. It was an improbable event. 2. It was miraculous in its circumstances, and as such is a proof of the gospel. Because (1) No rational solution other than that he gives can be given for it. It was not a delusion, nor a deception. (2) It proves Christ's resurrection, and therewith the whole gospel. (3) It authenticates Paul's doctrine as a supernatural revelation from Christ. 3. Though miraculous in its circumstances it was normal in its essentials. (1) As to the nature of the change. (2) As to the means by which it is effected. (3) As to the evidences of its sincerity. II. THE STATE OF MIND EXPRESSED. It included — 1. Entire abnegation of self. He sought not his own (1) Advancement; (2) Enjoyment; (3) Improvement. 2. Absolute submission to Christ's authority. (1) Not his own will. (2) Not that of friends, rulers, or the world. (3) But Christ alone had authority to determine and direct his course. 3. Entire consecration to the service of Christ. (1) Readiness to do His will. (2) Willingness that He should determine not only the service, but the field and the circumstances. III. THE MEANS BY WHICH IT WAS PRODUCED. 1. The revelation of Christ. This was — (1) External; but this was not all, for He was thus revealed to thousands. (2) To the reason. A rational conviction was produced. (3) Spiritual, effected by Christ's Spirit, and consisting in spiritual manifestation. 2. The truth revealed was the Divinity of Christ. Because — (1) He is called Lord. (2) Because in Galatians 1:16 he says, "It pleased God to reveal His Son in me." (3) Because of the analogy between this revelation and that on the Mount of Transfiguration. (4) Because Paul makes conversion consist in knowing Christ. (5) From its effects. (C. Hodge, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: |
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