Read Verse Keyword Strong's
Prev

Acts 9:8

Next

And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought [him] into Damascus.

And {G1161} Saul {G4569} arose {G1453} from {G575} the earth {G1093}; and {G1161} when his {G846} eyes {G3788} were opened {G455}, he saw {G991} no man {G3762}: but {G1161} they led {G5496} him {G846} by the hand {G5496}, and brought {G1521} him into {G1519} Damascus {G1154}.

They helped Sha’ul get up off the ground; but when he opened his eyes, he could see nothing. So, leading him by the hand, they brought him into Dammesek.

Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could not see a thing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus.

And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw nothing; and they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus.

Commentary

Acts 9:8 describes the immediate aftermath of Saul's dramatic encounter with the risen Jesus on the road to Damascus, a pivotal moment in Christian history. Having been struck blind by a heavenly light, the once-fierce persecutor of believers found himself utterly helpless and dependent.

Context of Acts 9:8

Prior to this verse, Saul of Tarsus was on a mission sanctioned by the high priest to arrest Christians in Damascus (Acts 9:1-2). While on his way, a brilliant light from heaven suddenly shone around him, and he heard the voice of Jesus asking, "Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?" (Acts 9:4). This divine intervention left him prostrate and physically blind. Verse 8 marks his attempt to rise, now profoundly changed and unable to see, requiring others to lead him by the hand into the very city he intended to invade as an adversary.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Humiliation and Dependence: The powerful and zealous Saul, who had been breathing out threats (Acts 9:1), is rendered completely dependent. This physical blindness symbolizes his prior spiritual blindness and serves as a profound humbling experience, preparing him for a life of submission to Christ.
  • The Sovereignty of God: This verse underscores God's absolute power to intervene in human lives and redirect even the most determined opposition for His purposes. Saul's transformation from persecutor to apostle is one of the Bible's most compelling examples of divine grace.
  • Physical Blindness, Spiritual Sight: While Saul's physical eyes "saw no man," this temporary blindness was a prelude to his spiritual enlightenment. It set the stage for him to receive his true calling and gain a profound understanding of Christ, as described later in his epistles (e.g., 2 Corinthians 4:6).

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "he saw no man" in the Greek is ouden blepon (οὐδὲν βλέπων), which literally means "seeing nothing." This emphasizes the totality of his blindness, not just that he couldn't distinguish people, but that his vision was completely gone. This complete sensory deprivation would have heightened his other senses and forced him into deep introspection during his three days of fasting and prayer in Damascus.

Practical Application

Acts 9:8 reminds us that God can use unexpected circumstances, even moments of weakness or disability, to bring about profound transformation. It highlights the principle that true strength often emerges from acknowledging our dependence on God. For those who feel spiritually blind or lost, this verse offers hope that a divine encounter can lead to a new path and purpose. It also challenges us to consider how we might be unknowingly opposing God's will, and to be open to His humbling and redirecting hand in our lives, just as Saul was led by the hand into Damascus.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Acts 22:11 (12 votes)

    And when I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of them that were with me, I came into Damascus.

  • Acts 9:18 (7 votes)

    And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.

  • 2 Kings 6:17 (7 votes)

    And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain [was] full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.

  • 2 Kings 6:20 (7 votes)

    And it came to pass, when they were come into Samaria, that Elisha said, LORD, open the eyes of these [men], that they may see. And the LORD opened their eyes, and they saw; and, behold, [they were] in the midst of Samaria.

  • Acts 13:11 (3 votes)

    And now, behold, the hand of the Lord [is] upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand.

  • Genesis 19:11 (2 votes)

    And they smote the men that [were] at the door of the house with blindness, both small and great: so that they wearied themselves to find the door.

  • Exodus 4:11 (1 votes)

    And the LORD said unto him, Who hath made man's mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the LORD?