William Burkitt's Expository Notes

Acts 9:20

Here we have an account of St. Paul's entrance upon his ministerial office in preaching the gospel; Straightaway he preached Christ in the synagogues.

Where note, 1. The time of his preaching, Straightaway: he fell presently to his Master's work, not consulting flesh and blood about the difficulties and dangers that might attend it; but performs his duty with such zeal and immediate application, as became. person of his holy character and profession.

Note, 2. The place where he preached, In the Jewish synagogues: He was afterwards indeed the apostle of the Gentiles, but according to Christ's command, he first preached the word of life to the Jews, to convert some, and to leave others without excuse: After which he turned from them unto the Gentiles according to It was necessary that the word of God should first be spoken to you; but because you put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles Acts 13:46.

Note, 3. The doctrine he preached; That Jesus was the Son of God, the true, promised, and expected Messioas; and that all the prophecies and predictions of the prophets concerning the Messias, were exactly fulfilled in his person.

Note, 4. The effect of his preaching:

1. Some of his auditors were amazed, admiring that so pestilent. persecutor was become. powerful preacher, These glorified God in him.

2. Others were confuted, yea, confounded, being unable to withstand the force and dint of his argument, by which he proved, that this is the very Christ.

Note, 5. The hazard which tha apostle ran in preaching the gospel at Damascus; his enemies, who were not able to resist the wisdom and spirit by which he spake, took council day and night, there being in their apprehensions no possibility of his escaping.

Note, 6. The manner and means of his deliverance: some Christians who dwelt at Damascus let him down in. basket by the wall, and so he escaped the hands of his bloody enemies. The wisdom of God is never at. loss to find out ways and means, either ordinary or extraordinary, for the deliverance of his servants, when their deliverance makes most for hsi own glory, and the gospel's advantage. God had much work for Paul to do; and till he had finished his work, his enemies could not take him off with all their combined power and malice.

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William Burkitt's Expository Notes

Acts 9:20

Old Testament

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