Bible Strands
Acts 9:3
As Saul drew near to Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The narrator describes Saul traveling toward Damascus with synagogal letters to arrest followers of the Way, immediately before the divine interruption.
The words — ἐγγίζειν (engizein) means drawing near, and ἐγένετο (egeneto) translates literally to it came to pass.
The thread — The journey to Damascus appears in Acts 26:12 and Acts 22:6, while the post-resurrection appearance is noted in 1 Corinthians 15:8.
Why it lands — The text records a sudden heavenly light surrounding Saul to halt his mission before the subsequent dialogue. It requires the reader to acknowledge the event as a historical interruption rather than a metaphor.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:
Cross-references
- Acts 26:12 In this pursuit I was on my way to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests.
- 1 Corinthians 15:8 And last of all He appeared to me also, as to one of untimely birth.
- Acts 22:6 About noon as I was approaching Damascus, suddenly a bright light from heaven flashed around me.
- Revelation 21:23 And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, because the glory of God illuminates the city, and the Lamb is its lamp.
- 1 Timothy 6:16 He alone is immortal and dwells in unapproachable light. No one has ever seen Him, nor can anyone see Him. To Him be honor and eternal dominion! Amen.
- Psalms 104:2 He wraps Himself in light as with a garment; He stretches out the heavens like a tent,
- Revelation 22:5 There will be no more night in the city, and they will have no need for the light of a lamp or of the sun. For the Lord God will shine on them, and they will reign forever and ever.
- Acts 9:17 So 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.”