23 When many days had elapsed , the Jews plotted together to do away with him, 24 but their plot became known to Saul . They were also watching the gates day and night so that they might put him to death ; 25 but his disciples took him by night and let him down through an opening in the wall , lowering e him in a large basket .
26 When he came to Jerusalem , he was trying to associate with the disciples ; but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple . 27 But Barnabas took hold of him and brought him to the apostles and described to them how he had seen the Lord on the road , and that He had talked to him, and how at Damascus he had spoken out boldly in the name of Jesus . 28 And he was with them, moving e e about e e freely e e in Jerusalem , speaking out boldly in the name of the Lord . 29 And he was talking and arguing with the Hellenistic Jews; but they were attempting to put him to death . 30 But when the brethren learned of it, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him away to Tarsus . 31 So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria enjoyed peace , being built up; and going on in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit , it continued to increase .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Acts 9:23-31
Commentary on Acts 9:23-31
(Read Acts 9:23-31)
When we enter into the way of God, we must look for trials; but the Lord knows how to deliver the godly, and will, with the temptation, also make a way to escape. Though Saul's conversion was and is a proof of the truth of Christianity, yet it could not, of itself, convert one soul at enmity with the truth; for nothing can produce true faith, but that power which new-creates the heart. Believers are apt to be too suspicious of those against whom they have prejudices. The world is full of deceit, and it is necessary to be cautious, but we must exercise charity, 21. Christ's witnesses cannot be slain till they have finished their testimony. The persecutions were stayed. The professors of the gospel walked uprightly, and enjoyed much comfort from the Holy Ghost, in the hope and peace of the gospel, and others were won over to them. They lived upon the comfort of the Holy Ghost, not only in the days of trouble and affliction, but in days of rest and prosperity. Those are most likely to walk cheerfully, who walk circumspectly.