Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, New Living Translation Instantly something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he got up and was baptized. English Standard Version And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized; Berean Standard Bible At that instant, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and his sight was restored. He got up and was baptized, Berean Literal Bible And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he saw again. And having risen up, he was baptized, King James Bible And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized. New King James Version Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized. New American Standard Bible And immediately something like fish scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight, and he got up and was baptized; NASB 1995 And immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he regained his sight, and he got up and was baptized; NASB 1977 And immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he regained his sight, and he arose and was baptized; Legacy Standard Bible And immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he regained his sight, and he rose up and was baptized; Amplified Bible Immediately something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he got up and was baptized; Berean Annotated Bible At that instant, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and his sight was restored. He got up and was baptized (submerged), Christian Standard Bible At once something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he got up and was baptized. Holman Christian Standard Bible At once something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he got up and was baptized. American Standard Version And straightway there fell from his eyes as it were scales, and he received his sight; and he arose and was baptized; Contemporary English Version Suddenly something like fish scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he could see. He got up and was baptized. English Revised Version And straightway there fell from his eyes as it were scales, and he received his sight; and he arose and was baptized; GOD'S WORD® Translation Immediately, something like fish scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he could see again. Then Saul stood up and was baptized. Good News Translation At once something like fish scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he was able to see again. He stood up and was baptized; International Standard Version All at once something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, NET Bible Immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, New Heart English Bible Immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he received his sight. He arose and was baptized. Webster's Bible Translation And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized. Weymouth New Testament Instantly there dropped from his eyes what seemed to be scales, and he could see once more. Upon this he rose and received baptism; Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAt that instant, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and his sight was restored. He got up and was baptized, World English Bible Immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he received his sight. He arose and was baptized. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd immediately there fell from his eyes as it were scales, he also saw again instantly, and having risen, was immersed, Berean Literal Bible And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he saw again. And having risen up, he was baptized, Young's Literal Translation And immediately there fell from his eyes as it were scales, he saw again also presently, and having risen, was baptized, Smith's Literal Translation And quickly there fell from his eyes as scales: and he immediately looked up, and having risen, he was immersed. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd immediately there fell from his eyes as it were scales, and he received his sight; and rising up, he was baptized. Catholic Public Domain Version And immediately, it was as if scales had fallen from his eyes, and he received his sight. And rising up, he was baptized. New American Bible Immediately things like scales fell from his eyes and he regained his sight. He got up and was baptized, New Revised Standard Version And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and his sight was restored. Then he got up and was baptized, Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd in that hour, there fell from his eyes something like scales; and his eyesight was restored; and he arose and was baptized. Aramaic Bible in Plain English And immediately, some things that were like scales fell from his eyes and his eyes were opened, and he arose and he was baptized. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentAnd immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he instantly received his sight; and he arose, and was immersed. Godbey New Testament And immediately there fell from his eyes as scales: and he looked up; and having stood up, was baptized, Haweis New Testament And directly there fell from his eyes as it were scales: and he recovered sight instantly, and arose, and was baptised. Mace New Testament immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he recover'd his sight; upon which he instantly arose, and was baptized. Weymouth New Testament Instantly there dropped from his eyes what seemed to be scales, and he could see once more. Upon this he rose and received baptism; Worrell New Testament and straightway there fell from his eyes as it were scales, and he received sight; and, arising, he was immersed; and, having taken food, he was strengthened. Worsley New Testament And immediately there fell from his eyes as it were scales; and he instantly recovered his sight, and arose and was baptized. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Ananias Baptizes Saul…17So Ananias went to the house, and when he arrived, he placed his hands on Saul. “Brother Saul,” he said, “the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here, has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 At that instant, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and his sight was restored. He got up and was baptized, 19and after taking some food, he regained his strength. And he spent several days with the disciples in Damascus.… Cross References At that instant, Mark 1:42 And immediately the leprosy left him, and the man was cleansed. Luke 8:44 She came up behind Jesus and touched the fringe of His cloak, and immediately her bleeding stopped. Luke 13:13 Then He placed His hands on her, and immediately she straightened up and began to glorify God. something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, Acts 22:13 came and stood beside me. ‘Brother Saul,’ he said, ‘receive your sight.’ And at that moment I could see him. Luke 24:31 Then their eyes were opened and they recognized Jesus—and He disappeared from their sight. 2 Kings 6:17 Then Elisha prayed, “O LORD, please open his eyes that he may see.” And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw that the hills were full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. and his sight was restored. Mark 8:25 Once again Jesus placed His hands on the man’s eyes, and when he opened them his sight was restored, and he could see everything clearly. Matthew 20:34 Moved with compassion, Jesus touched their eyes, and at once they received their sight and followed Him. John 9:7 Then He told him, “Go, wash in the Pool of Siloam” (which means “Sent”). So the man went and washed, and came back seeing. He got up Mark 2:12 And immediately the man got up, picked up his mat, and walked out in front of them all. As a result, they were all astounded and glorified God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!” Luke 5:25 And immediately the man stood up before them, took what he had been lying on, and went home glorifying God. Acts 3:8 He sprang to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and leaping and praising God. and was baptized, Acts 8:36-38 As they traveled along the road and came to some water, the eunuch said, “Look, here is water! What is there to prevent me from being baptized?” / And Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” And he answered and said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” / And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and Philip baptized him. Matthew 28:19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Romans 6:3-4 Or aren’t you aware that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? / We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may walk in newness of life. Acts 26:12-18 In this pursuit I was on my way to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests. / About noon, O king, as I was on the road, I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining around me and my companions. / We all fell to the ground, and I heard a voice say to me in Hebrew, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ … Treasury of Scripture And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight immediately, and arose, and was baptized. immediately. 2 Corinthians 3:14 But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. and was. Acts 2:38,41 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost… Acts 13:12,13,37,38 Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord… Acts 22:16 And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord. Jump to Previous Able Baptism Baptized Dropped Eyes Fell Forthwith Immediately Instantly Once Presently Received Regained Rising Rose Saul's Scales Seemed Sight Something Straight VeilJump to Next Able Baptism Baptized Dropped Eyes Fell Forthwith Immediately Instantly Once Presently Received Regained Rising Rose Saul's Scales Seemed Sight Something Straight VeilActs 9 1. Saul, going toward Damascus, is stricken down to the earth, 8. and led blind to Damascus; 10. is called to the apostleship; 18. and is baptized by Ananias. 20. He preaches Christ boldly. 23. The Jews lay wait to kill him; 29. so do the Grecians, but he escapes both. 31. The church having rest, Peter heals Aeneas; 36. and restores Tabitha to life. At that instant This phrase indicates the immediacy of the event, emphasizing the sudden and divine nature of Saul's healing. It underscores the power of God to act swiftly and decisively in the lives of individuals. This moment marks a pivotal transformation in Saul's life, aligning with the biblical theme of God's intervention at critical moments. something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes and his sight was restored He got up and was baptized Persons / Places / Events 1. Saul (Paul)A Pharisee and persecutor of Christians who experiences a dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus, becoming a devoted follower of Christ. 2. Ananias A disciple in Damascus who, despite initial fear, obeys God's command to visit Saul and lay hands on him, facilitating Saul's healing and baptism. 3. Damascus The city where Saul was headed to persecute Christians, but instead becomes the place of his conversion and baptism. 4. The Road to Damascus The location of Saul's encounter with Jesus, leading to his temporary blindness and subsequent spiritual awakening. 5. Baptism The act of Saul's public declaration of faith and obedience to Christ following his conversion and healing. Teaching Points Spiritual Blindness and SightSaul's physical blindness symbolizes spiritual blindness. His healing represents the opening of spiritual eyes to the truth of Christ. Obedience to God's Call Ananias' obedience, despite fear, shows the importance of trusting God's plan and being willing to serve others in their journey to faith. Transformation and New Life Saul's conversion is a powerful example of how God can transform even the most unlikely individuals for His purposes. The Importance of Baptism Baptism is a significant step of obedience and public declaration of faith, marking the beginning of a new life in Christ. God's Sovereignty and Grace Saul's conversion highlights God's sovereign choice and grace, demonstrating that no one is beyond the reach of His love and redemption. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Acts 9:18?2. How does Acts 9:18 demonstrate the power of faith in Jesus Christ? 3. What role does Ananias play in Saul's transformation in Acts 9:18? 4. How can we apply Saul's immediate baptism to our own faith journey? 5. What does the phrase "something like scales fell" symbolize in Acts 9:18? 6. How does Saul's conversion in Acts 9:18 connect to 2 Corinthians 5:17? 7. How does Acts 9:18 illustrate the transformative power of faith in one's life? 8. What is the significance of the scales falling from Saul's eyes in Acts 9:18? 9. How does Acts 9:18 relate to the concept of spiritual blindness and sight? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Acts 9? 11. What happened during Saul's Damascus Road conversion? 12. What does being red-pilled mean? 13. What is the timeline of Paul's life events? 14. What is the timeline of Paul's life events? What Does Acts 9:18 Mean At that instant• The moment Ananias laid his hands on Saul (Acts 9:17), God acted immediately—no delay, no probation period. • Scripture often highlights God’s sudden interventions: “Immediately he could see” (Luke 18:43); “At once the man was healed” (John 5:9). • The text underscores the Lord’s sovereignty; He controls both timing and outcome. something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes • Luke describes a literal, physical phenomenon—“something like scales.” There is no hint of metaphor only; God removed a real obstruction. • Yet the physical mirrors the spiritual: Saul’s inner blindness lifts just as the outer obstruction falls (Acts 26:18; 2 Corinthians 4:4). • Similar imagery appears when Jesus heals the man born blind (John 9:6-7). The Creator who formed eyes (Psalm 94:9) restores them. his sight was restored • Restoration is total and immediate, reflecting messianic promises: “to open blind eyes” (Isaiah 42:7). • The same Jesus who healed Bartimaeus (“Immediately he received his sight,” Mark 10:52) now heals Saul, proving His risen power. • Saul sees both physically and spiritually, enabling him to recognize Jesus as Lord (Acts 9:20). He got up • Saul’s first act with new sight is action, not hesitation. Rising echoes other resurrection-like moments (Mark 5:41-42). • Luke later recounts the detail again: “I stood up” (Acts 22:13). Bodily response follows inner change, illustrating faith that moves. and was baptized • Baptism follows faith without delay (Acts 2:38; 16:33). For Saul, it publicly seals allegiance to the very Jesus he opposed. • Ananias had urged, “Get up, be baptized, and wash away your sins” (Acts 22:16). Saul obeys, acknowledging cleansing through Christ alone. • The sequence—sight, rise, baptism—models conversion: God acts, the believer responds, the church recognizes. summary Acts 9:18 records a literal miracle that also pictures spiritual rebirth. God instantly removes Saul’s blindness, restores sight, and leads him to be baptized. The passage showcases Christ’s sovereign power to transform enemies into servants, emphasizing that salvation is God-initiated, visibly confirmed, and immediately expressed in obedient faith. (18) There fell from his eyes as it had been scales.--The description suggests the thought that the blindness was caused by an incrustation, caused by acute inflammation, covering the pupil of the eye, or closing up the eye-lids, analogous to the "whiteness," that peeled (or scaled) off from the eyes of Tobit (Tobit 11:13). Like phenomena are mentioned by Hippocrates, and the care with which St. Luke records the fact in this instance, may be noted, with Acts 3:7; Acts 28:8, as one of the examples of the technical precision of his calling as a physician.Arose, and was baptised.--It is clear that both Saul and Ananias looked on this as the indispensable condition for admission into the visible society of the kingdom of God. No visions and revelations of the Lord, no intensity of personal conversion, exempted him from it. For him, too, that was the "washing of regeneration" (Titus 3:5), the moment of the new birth, of being buried with Christ (Romans 6:3-4). It may be inferred almost as a matter of certainty that it was at the hands of Ananias that he received baptism. The baptism would probably be administered in one or other of the rivers which the history of Naaman had made famous, and so the waters of "Abana and Pharpar, rivers of Damascus" (2Kings 5:12), were now sanctified no less than those of Jordan for the "mystical washing away of sin." . . . Verse 18. - Straightway for immediately, A.V.; as it were for as it had been, A.V.; received his sight for received sight forthwith, A.V. and T.R.; he arose for arose, A.V. As it were scales (λεπίδες); scales, or flakes; any thin substance which peals off; a frequent term in Greek medical writers. And was baptized. It is a curious difference between St. Paul and the other apostles that, if they were baptized at all, which is doubtful, they must have been baptized by Christ himself; whereas St. Paul received his baptism at the hands of Ananias. This is one mark of his being "born out of due time." And yet he was not behind the very chiefest apostles.Parallel Commentaries ... Greek At that instant,εὐθέως (eutheōs) Adverb Strong's 2112: Immediately, soon, at once. Adverb from euthus; directly, i.e. At once or soon. [something] like ὡς (hōs) Adverb Strong's 5613: Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner. scales λεπίδες (lepides) Noun - Nominative Feminine Plural Strong's 3013: A scale, a scaly substance thrown off from the body. From lepo; a flake. fell ἀπέπεσαν (apepesan) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural Strong's 634: To fall away (from), fall off. From apo and pipto; to fall off. from ἀπὸ (apo) Preposition Strong's 575: From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses. [Saul’s] αὐτοῦ (autou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. eyes, ὀφθαλμῶν (ophthalmōn) Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural Strong's 3788: The eye; fig: the mind's eye. From optanomai; the eye; by implication, vision; figuratively, envy. and τε (te) Conjunction Strong's 5037: And, both. A primary particle of connection or addition; both or also. his sight was restored. ἀνέβλεψέν (aneblepsen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 308: To look up, recover my sight. From ana and blepo; to look up; by implication, to recover sight. He got up ἀναστὰς (anastas) Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 450: To raise up, set up; I rise from among (the) dead; I arise, appear. From ana and histemi; to stand up. [and] was baptized, ἐβαπτίσθη (ebaptisthē) Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 907: Lit: I dip, submerge, but specifically of ceremonial dipping; I baptize. Links Acts 9:18 NIVActs 9:18 NLT Acts 9:18 ESV Acts 9:18 NASB Acts 9:18 KJV Acts 9:18 BibleApps.com Acts 9:18 Biblia Paralela Acts 9:18 Chinese Bible Acts 9:18 French Bible Acts 9:18 Catholic Bible NT Apostles: Acts 9:18 Immediately something like scales fell from his (Acts of the Apostles Ac) |
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