There is now no way to know by which road Saul and his companions went, but they had the choice of at least two roads. One of these was the main caravan route from Egypt to Damascus, which ran parallel with the Palestinian coast line until it struck east to cross the Jordan River above the Lake of Galilee. The other way led through Samaria and crossed the Jordan south of the Lake of Galilee, and after passing through Gadara, went northeastward to Damascus. The 150 mi. might be covered in one week.

 The site of Saul’s vision is unknown. Conflicting and unfounded traditions point out four different places. It must have been relatively close to the city, however, for his companions “led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus” (v. 8; cf. AA 117).

The book of Acts records three accounts of what now took place near Damascus.

 Concerning minor variations in parallel Bible accounts, see Additional Note on Matt. 3. The table below compares the chief points in the three accounts.

 Better, “flashed.” Chapters 22:6; 26:13 identify the time of day as noon. Bright as is the midday glare of the Eastern sun, Paul later says the light he saw from heaven was “above the brightness of the sun” (ch. 26:13). In the midst of this effulgence he so clearly saw the glorified Christ that he includes himself among those who were privileged to behold the Lord after His resurrection (Acts 9:17; 1 Cor. 9:1; 15:8; AA 115). As to the manner of the appearance, it is natural to think of it as being such as had met the gaze of Stephen (see on Acts 7:55, 56). The martyr’s words, “I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God,” had then seemed like blasphemy to the fiery zeal of Saul, the Pharisee. Now Saul himself sees the Son of man in the glory of the Father. Saul’s companions heard a voice but did not distinguish the words (see ch. 22:9; cf. on ch. 9:7). They saw the light (ch. 22:9), but did not perceive the form of Him that spoke (cf. on John 12:29). These details prove the reality of the experience.

 

 

Luke’s Historical Account Acts 9:1-9	Paul’s Speech Before the People Acts 22:4-11	Paul’s Speech Before Agrippa Acts 26:9-18
v. 1. Saul persecuted the disciples.	v. 4. Persecuted this way.	vs. 26:9-11. Persecuted the saints.
v. 2. Desired letters from the high priest to the synagogues in Damascus. To bring Christians, both men and women, to Jerusalem.	v. 5. Received letters from the high priest and elders. To bring Christians to Jerusalem to be punished.	v. 12. Rece ived commission from the chief priests.
v. 3. Near Damascus a light from heaven suddenly shone about him.	v. 6. Near Damascus, about noon, a great light from heaven suddenly shone about him.	v. 13. At midday he saw a light from heaven above the brightness of the sun, which shone about the group.
v. 4. He fell to the earth. He heard a voice: “Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?”	v. 7. He fell to the ground. He heard a voice: “Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?”	v. 14. All fell to the ground. He heard a voice, in the Hebrew tongue: “Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?”

v. 5. He said, “Who art thou, Lord?”The Lord said, “I am Jesus whom thou persecutest.”	v. 8. He answered, “Who art thou, Lord?”The Lord said, “I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom thou persecutest.”	v. 15. He said, “Who art thou, Lord?”The Lord said, “I am Jesus whom thou persecutest.”
v. 6. He said, “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?” The Lord said, “Arise, and go into the city”— for instructions.	v. 10. Saul said, “What shall I do Lord?” The Lord said, “Arise, and go into Damascus”— for instructions.	----------------
v. 7. His companions stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man.	v. 9. His companions saw the light, but heard not the voice.	----------------
v. 8. He arose, but saw no man. Companions led him by the hand into Damascus.	v. 11. He could not see for the glory of that light. Was led by the hand of companions into Damascus.	vs. 16-18. The Lord b ade him rise.