| Date | Version | Reading Plan |
|---|---|---|
| October 18, 2026 | ESV (2016) | ESV Life Journal Plan – 2026 |
Acts 9
Observation & Interpretation
3 Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. 4 And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” 5 And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. 6 But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.” 7 The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one. 8 Saul rose from the ground, and although his eyes were opened, he saw nothing. So they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. 9 And for three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank. (Acts 9:3-9 – ESV)
Saul’s withholding of food and drink in response to his dramatic encounter with the risen Christ on the road to Damascus is a compelling detail included in Luke’s account. It does not say whether this was an intended fast. Saul possessed a strong Jewish heritage of which fasting was a regular practice to express self-denial, worship and devotion to the Lord (ex. Exod. 34:28; Joel 2:12; Ezra 8:23; etc.), but we do not know for sure if that was the basis of his action in this instance. The NAC posits that it was perhaps and profound reaction to the circumstances:
That he neither ate nor drank for three days could be an expression of penitence on Paul’s part but is more likely the result of his shock, confusion, and utter brokenness of will. The raging persecutor had been reduced to a shambles. (NAC – Acts)
Application
The events surrounding Saul’s conversion showcase the kind of heart transformation of which the Lord is capable. Whether in radical form as with Paul or in a gradual, steady process of drawing a heart to Himself, God’s people should never dull in their amazement that our Lord acts in grace to grant salvation to the elect. May the reply of the saints to the gospel of Christ be one of faith and enduring gratitude for the bestowal of such a wondrous mercy.
Resources
- J. I. Packer et. al, The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016)
- Colin Hansen (Editor in Chief), TGC Bible Commentary (Columbia, MO: The Gospel Coalition, 2022)
- Iain M. Duguid (Series Editor), ESV Expository Commentary (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2018-2025)
- Faithlife Study Bible (Lexham Press, 2016)
- Believer’s Bible Commentary (Thomas Nelson, 2016)
- CSB Study Bible Notes (Holman Bible Publishers, 2017)
- The New American Commentary (Brentwood, TN: Holman Reference)
- Lane T. Dennis and Wayne Grudem (Editors), ESV Study Bible, Crossway, 2008.
